Drive-in Theaters in Northeast Ohio

This post may contain affiliate links which means I earn a small commission if you purchase something through the links, at no cost to you. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

In their heyday, there were more than 4000 drive-in theaters across the US. While they’ve declined in popularity, seeing a movie at a drive-in theater is a special summertime event for a lot of families. And, the good news is that Ohio still has 24 drive-in theaters in operation, the 3rd most in the country. 8 those are located in northeast Ohio.

See the table below for a quick reference guide for each theater. Click on Sections 5 and 6 in the table of contents to see a longer description of each theater.

TheaterAdult AdmissionOutside Food FeePets Allowed
Magic City Drive-In$25 per vehicle$10Yes
Blue Sky Drive-In$25 per vehicle$10Yes
Midway Drive-In$25 per vehicle$10Yes
Mayfield Road Drive-In$25 per vehicle$10Yes
Aut-O-Rama$10.00No outside food permittedNo
Star View Drive-In$8.00$5.00Yes
Spring Mill$10.00$10.00Yes
Lynn Drive-In$7.00$0.00No

For more family fun in Northeast Ohio, check out our post, The Best Things to Do in Cleveland with Kids.

History of Drive-In Movies

Did you know they were initially known as Park Ins? The very first American drive-in opened in New Jersey in 1933. Given American’s love for their cars, it’s not surprising that people desired activities centered around them.

Drive-In movies reached the height of their popularity in the 1950’s. The largest drive-in was located outside of New York City and could hold 2500 cars.

Drive-In movies were cheaper compared to brick and movie theaters and were thus popular with families and teenagers. Families would pile into the car with kids in pajamas, blankets and lawnchairs and make an event of movie night. I remember an outing for a slumber party where we camped out behind the family station wagon, watching Grease and eating popcorn.

Drive-In Etiquette

  • All Trucks, Vans, SUV’s and large vehicles must park next in designated areas.
  • Pets permitted provided they are on a leash and cleaned up after- This is true at most drive-ins but not all. Check before you go.
  • Rainchecks are only issued for loss of power- this means if it starts raining so hard you can’t see the movie, too bad.
  • Take only one parking space. Place your chairs, blankets, etc. in front of your vehicle.
  • Keep rear hatches at a level so that they don’t obstruct the view of those behind you. We will provide string to tie them down.
  • Please use your parking lights while entering and exiting the drive-in.
  • Please remember to keep your foot off the brake pedal. Brake lights disturb the people behind you.
  • For children’s safety, please don’t let them run unattended especially as the movies let out and cars are exiting.
  • Be considerate of those around you – don’t be loud or disruptive.
  • Some drive-ins only accept cash.
  • Some theaters require you to turn your car off. If your radio doesn’t work unless the car is running, you’ll need to bring one with you.

Supporting Your Local Theater Means Buying Snacks

Most of the theaters on our list charge a fee if you wish to bring in your own food. That’s because they rely on sales of snacks at the concession stand for much of their revenue. Most of the admission fees go to pay for the cost of showing the films so the popcorn, pizza and candy you purchase helps them make a profit.

Drive-Ins in Northeast Ohio

With a third of the remaining drive-ins in the state, northeast Ohio has lots of options for your movie experience.

In Barberton, you can watch movies from the comfort of your car at the Magic City Drive-In. Magic City opened at the height of the drive-in craze in 1953.

It has 2 screens and shows first run movies. Admission is only $25 per car and the first show time is around 9:30.

To see what’s showing tonight, visit Magic City’s website or Facebook page or call 330-825-4333.

The theater is at 5602 South Cleveland-Massillon Rd, Barberton. It’s a quick drive from Portage Lakes, Norton and Doylestown.


Another drive-in in the Akron area is Blue Sky in Wadsworth. The original theater screen was made of wood and had two huge speakers on either side to play the movie’s sound. The speakers were so loud they could be heard all over town!

Today, they’ve upgraded to FM Stereo sound so don’t worry, you won’t go deaf watching movies here. To see what’s playing at this single screen theater, visit their website.

Admission is $25 per car and there is a $10 fee if you wish to bring in your own food.

The Blue Sky is located at 959 Broad St in Wadsworth, close to downtown.


The Midway Drive-In in Ravenna is also in the Akron area. This is a two screen theater showing first run movies on both screens. Admission is $25 per carload. You can order your tickets ahead of time and reserve a good spot in the process for an extra $10.00

The theater is just outside of Kent on Route 59. Check out their website to see what’s playing.

MidWay Drive In on 12100 Kent-Ravenna Rd, Ravenna, Oh


Chardon, Ohio is home to the Mayfield Road Twin Drive-In. This theater shows older movies on the weekdays and first run movies Thursday-Saturday. Admission is $25.00 per carload. You can purchase advanced tickets to reserve a spot on their website. This theater has a capacity of 350 cars.

Mayfield Road Drive-In is at 12100 US Rt 322 in Chardon, near the intersection of US 44 and 322.

Call 440-286-7173 for more info.

More Northeast Ohio Drive-In Theaters


Moving on to the far west suburbs of Cleveland, the Aut-O-Rama Theater in North Ridgeville is a third generation family owned twin screen drive-in.

It’s a little pricier than some other drive-ins: the cost is $10 per person for adults and $5.00 for kids 4-11. Kids 3 and under are free. The ticket price includes both shows though so it’s still a bargain over brick and mortar theaters.

The concession stand serves more than just candy and popcorn. They also have sandwiches, pizza, ice cream and other desserts.

The theater is located at 33395 Lorain Rd in North Ridgeville. It’s close to I-480 and the turnpike. You can even see the screen from the turnpike.

For showing times and advanced tickets, click here.


Star View Drive-In

A little further west in Norwalk, you’ll find the Starview Drive In. The Starview only has 1 screen and is opened Thursday-Sunday. Admission is $8.00 per adult but kids 5-10 are only $1.00 and kids younger than 5 are free. There is a $5.00 fee if you bring your own food.

The Starview Drive-in is located at 2083 US Highway 20 W, Norwalk. For movies and show times, visit their website here.


The Spring Mill Drive-in in Mansfield is a dual screen theater that first opened in 1950. It’s a larger theater and can hold almost 800 cars. They show first run movies on both screens.

Admission is $10 for adults 12 and older, $5 for Children 3 through 11. There is a $10 fee to bring your own food. For show times, click here.

Springmill Drive-In Theater
1040 Springmill Road,
Mansfield, OH 44906


If you live near Canton, the Lynn Auto Theater in Strasburg is a great option. It’s been open since 1937 and is the oldest drive-in in Ohio. They have dual screens and show first run movies 7 days a week.

Admission is only $7.00 for those 12 and older, $3.00 for kids 5-11 and kids younger than 5 get in free.

The Lynn Auto Theater is at 9735 State Route 250 NW in Strasburg. For showtimes, click here.

Make drive-in movies part of your summer traditions with your family by visiting one of these theaters this summer.

Share on Social Media