Kansas Drive-In Movie Theaters
There are five drive-in movie theaters in the state of Kansas.
Written by Rob Shapiro
Reviewed by Carrie Adkins
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Kansas residents can enjoy new releases or classic movies at any of the five drive-in theaters in the state, one of which is the world’s first 4K drive-in movie experience.
In the 1950s, Kansas was a booming drive-in movie mecca with more than 125 drive-in theaters. While times have definitely changed, Kansas residents can still enjoy the experience of watching a movie under the stars.
This helpful guide from
car insurance
comparison and broker app Jerry
will introduce you to a few of the drive-in movie theaters that are still operating. Boulevard Drive-In
Address: 1051 Merriam Ln, Kansas City, KS 66103
Schedule: Open April-October
Ticket prices: $10 for adults, kids free
Number of screens: 1
Pet-friendly? Yes, but they must be kept on a leash and owners must pick up after them
Boulevard Drive-In
might only have one screen but it is a 4K experience that is unlike anything else available in Kansas. 4K refers to the resolution and provides crystal clear images similar to the top theater chains in the country.You can also enjoy double features, movie marathons, live concerts, and more.
Movies
Every week during their drive-in season, Boulevard Drive-In Theater typically plays new releases. Their lineup tends to change weekly.
There are a few rules that customers must obey. For starters, the speed limit is 5 mph. All drivers are asked to pay close attention and not go fast at any time as children and adults are often walking around. There are also some play areas for children.
Other rules prohibit patrons from bringing alcoholic beverages onto theater property. You can watch a movie while sitting on a lawn chair in front—not beside—your vehicle. You may even choose to sit in your pickup truck bed or the rear hatch of your SUV with the hatch open.
Patrons are still asked to respect social distancing. Any patron who does not follow the rules with be asked to leave without a refund.
How to hear the movie
Tune your car radio to 89.7 FM as soon as you park and you will be able to listen to the movie in stereo sound. You can also use a portable radio or the speakers installed on poles provided by Boulevard.
If your car battery dies, visit concessions to get some help with jumpstarting your vehicle.
Snacks
Boulevard offers only classic movie snacks like popcorn, candy, and drinks. Since the concession area is indoors, customers must maintain six feet distance from other each other.
Outside food of any kind is prohibited.
Pro tip If your kids get bored of the movie, there is a playground for them to enjoy. Please supervise your children at all times.
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Kanopolis Drive-In
Address: 804 N Kansas Ave, Kanopolis, KS 67454
Schedule: Opened seasonally, spring through fall.
Ticket prices: $8 for 13 and up, $5 for ages 5-12, children under 4 are always free
Number of screens: 1
Pet-friendly? No
Kanopolis
is a drive-in movie theater that plays everything from new releases to classics. It also curates fun film events like Monsterama, where patrons can enjoy horror movies from dusk until dawn. Movies
Kanopolis plays both single and double features (with an intermission) of new releases and also provides film programming for genre movie fans.
You can also turn any moviegoing experience into a fun camping trip. Camping is allowed all night long in tents on any grass area (this excludes the parking lot). You can bring lawn chairs and sit in front of your vehicle if you want, just don’t forget a portable radio and a blanket.
Pro tip You can smoke inside your vehicle or in designated areas. Otherwise, smoking is banned throughout the property.
How to hear the movie
Use your car radio tuned to radio frequency 101.1 FM. This should provide richer sound quality.
Snacks
Customers are asked not to bring their own food or snacks onto theater property. That said, you are not prohibited from doing so. There is a concession stand that offers Nathan’s all-beef hot dogs, hamburgers, cheeseburgers, chili cheese dogs, nachos, popcorn, fountain drinks, and candy.
Starlite Drive-In
Address: 13900 S Hydraulic Ave, Wichita, KS 67216
Schedule: Open Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays
Ticket prices: $8 for 12 and up, $4 for 3-11 years, 2 years old and under are free. This is only for movies, not concerts or special events.
Number of screens: 1
Pet-friendly? Yes, but they must be leashed and you must clean up after them
The Starlite opened in 1953 as the Rainbow Drive-In with one screen and a capacity of 600 cars. It became the Landmark Twin Drive-In in 1979 after the addition of a second screen.
In 1998, it was renamed the Starlite Drive-In and currently accommodates 1,300 cars.
Movies
The Starlite Drive-In
has two screens and normally plays a double feature per screen. Their weekly lineup is all new releases. The box office opens about one hour before the earliest showtime that day. To enhance your viewing experience, the Starlite has car heaters for you to borrow—all you need is your driver’s license.
More avid customers can buy a season pass and enjoy additional discounts, special events, and more. This is a great option for frequent visitors.
Lastly, carload pricing with be offered on special occasions. Check their website and social media accounts (@StarliteWichita) as the information will be posted there.
Pro tip Buy your tickets online to skip the line and make sure you don’t miss out on popular new releases.
How to hear the movie
The Starlite does not offer speakers. You need to listen through FM radio frequency, which is best done through your car radio, wireless speakers, or a boombox. There is currently no radio app.
Snacks
The concession area offers a selection of hamburgers, cheeseburgers, corn dogs, hot dogs, fries, nachos, popcorn, funnel cakes, candy, cotton candy, and frozen snacks. There are Pepsi fountain drinks, Gatorade, water, Red Bull, and regular brewed coffee.
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After enjoying the outdoor movie experience, it’s a good idea to make sure your car insurance rate is the most affordable and that your policy is right for you.
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FAQs
How many drive-ins are left in Illinois?
There are 5 operating drive-in movie theaters in the state of Kansas.
Do you have to leave your car on during a drive-in movie?
No, you don’t. You just need to make sure that your car battery has enough power to last for the entire movie. If your battery dies, another patron or the theater staff can
help you jumpstart your car
.
Do drive-ins still play if it rains?
Many drive-in theaters stay open and play movies even if it rains unless the weather is too severe. If it’s raining, call or check the theater’s website ahead of leaving to confirm that they are open.
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