Open Drive-In Movie Theaters Are Starting To Pop Up All Over Florida
By Marisa Roman|Published May 15, 2020
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Marisa Roman
Author
A New Jersey native with over 15 years of writing experience, Marisa has studied at both New York University and Florida International University. She has lived all over the country, including a decade stint in South Florida. Marisa is well-versed in exploration as she travels a good majority of the year in her self-converted Sprinter van. Her articles have been featured in various notable publications over the years, she has a published collection of short stories, and three completed screenplays under her belt.
If you told us in 2020 that one of the biggest comebacks to ever happen would be drive-in movie theaters—we probably wouldn’t have believed it. Yet, here we are. Drive-in movie theaters in Florida were disappearing quickly for a time, with a select few remaining open for those looking for a dose of nostalgia. However, more recently, drive-in movie theaters are popping up all over the place, and we have a few you should consider visiting with the family this weekend.
At one point within the last few months, the Ocala Drive-In Theater was the only theater in the entire country showing new movies. Talk about crazy! While more drive-in theaters are popping up all over the U.S., Ocala still remains a favorite for many. Not only are they showing new movies, but they also have that added dose of old fashioned charm that makes drive-in theaters so special.
Click here for movie times & more information about this theater.
Address: 4850 S Pine Ave, Ocala, FL 34480
Add to the list of new drive-in movie theaters Epic Theaters in St. Augustine. Showing two movies every night in the theater parking lot, visitors are able to load up their car with friends or family and for $20 per car, see some classic movies and more recent box-office hits.
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Address: 112 Theatre Drive, St. Augustine, FL 32086
Silver Moon Drive-In in Lakeland, Florida might not be a new drive-in theater experience, but it sure is reliable. Featuring retro-film classics every week, you can see fan-favorites like "Labyrinth," "Matilda," "Stepbrothers," and more.
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Address: 4100 New Tampa Hwy, Lakeland, Florida
The Ruskin Family Drive-In Theater has over 50 years of continuous service under their belts. In fact, this drive-in theater has been the community place to be ever since they debuted "Singing in the Rain" in 1952! Nicknamed the "last family drive-in" in the country, check out this incredible cash-only theater experience.
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Address: 5011 US-41, Ruskin, FL 33572
Just because the fair didn’t stay open doesn’t mean that Collier Fairgrounds can’t improvise. Just last weekend, CollierFairgrounds opened up for drive-in movies and 400 trial tickets that were made available sold out within hours. However, you can always keep on top of future screenings and snag some tickets in advance.
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Address: 751 39th Ave NE, Naples, FL 34120
6. Joy-Lan Drive-In Theater & Swap Shop - Dade City
The Joy-Lan Drive-In Theater, established in 1950, is the sister theater to the Ruskin mentioned above. Screening old hits and cult classics, you can enjoy a night out on the town at this retro-theater. While you can always listen to the movies through your car FM radio, they even have a few retro speakers if you’re interested, too!
Click here for movie times & more information about this theater.
Address: 16414 US-301, Dade City, FL 33523
Have you ever been to drive-in movie theaters in Florida before? Share with us your favorite one in the comments section! Or if you have another favorite place in Florida that adds a welcomed dose of nostalgia to the world, make sure to let us know on our nomination page
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