Georgia Drive-In Movie Theaters
There are three choices for drive-in theaters across Georgia.
Written by Max Werner
Reviewed by Kathleen Flear
Table of Contents
- Jesup Drive-in Theater
- Starlight Drive-in Theater
- Swan Drive-in Theater
- How to find affordable car insurance
- FAQs
Load full table of contents
From a historic lot atop the Blue Ridge Mountains to an open field outside Savannah, three fantastic drive-in movie theaters are currently operating in Georgia. At each, you can expect tasty food, recent releases, and star-filled skies.
No matter what films you're most excited to see, find your drive-in of choice with this guide from
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Jesup Drive-in Theater
Address: 3686 Savannah Hwy, Jesup
Schedule: Thursday-Sunday, year-round
Ticket prices: $5 for adults, $3 for ages 4-11, free for ages 3 and under ($1 off for military, student, and senior discounts)
Number of screens: 2
Pet-friendly? Not specified
Since 1948,
Jesup drive-in
has served both new thrills and a healthy dose of nostalgia on its silver screens. Known locally as a “blast from the past,” this spot employs carhops—or staff dressed in full 50’s attire—adding some serious charm.Movies
Jesup drive-in plays a mixture of old classics and new releases. Shows are double features, and different movies play on each of the two screens.
Classics are shown on some weekdays—previous showings include Top Gun, The Blues Brothers, and American Graffiti. Carhops will direct you when parking your vehicle.
Film schedules are released 3-7 days before each showing. Tickets can be purchased online in advance of the show. Remember to add a “Car Ticket” to your online order; it’s free but lets staff know how many vehicles your party will take. Show confirmation of your purchase when you approach the gate.
How to hear the movie
You can access the movie’s sound through an FM radio. Use your car’s built-in radio or bring a portable one. Staff will direct you to the necessary channel.
Snacks
Jesup drive-in offers a variety of classic movie foods—from candy boxes to pizza pies. Combo meals are also available.
Order food online or in-person, then pick it up from the stand or have it delivered to you by a theater carhop for a classic 50’s experience.
Starlight Drive-in Theater
Address: 2000 Moreland Ave SE, Atlanta
Schedule: Seven nights a week, year-round
Ticket prices: $10 for adults, $1 for ages 5-9
Number of screens: 4
Pet-friendly? No
Originally opened in 1949 on the outskirts of Atlanta,
Starlight Drive-in
was created to be a local hotspot for young moviegoers. 60 years later, this venue boasts four screens, all-digital projection, and daily showings—making it a timelessly reliable option for under-the-stars viewership.Along with great films, the theater is also known for its variety of giveaways and events—with the most famous being the “drive-in invasion,” a showcase of local artists, vendors, family-friendly activities, and lots of off-beat classic films.
Starlight Drive-in even features its own swap shop—a weekend-only flea market accessible for a $0.50 entry fee.
Movies
Starlight Drive-in offers fans a variety of new releases and old classics across its four screens. Refer to their online schedule to learn about what’s playing now or check out upcoming releases.
Tickets can be purchased at the gate, and staff asks that larger vehicles and SUVs be respectful so as not to obscure the views of others.
How to hear the movie
Moviegoers can listen in by turning their FM or portable radio to the specified station. (The theater does not use apps to transmit a signal, as these pick up internet instead of local radio.)
Snacks
Starlight offers guests plenty of classic drive-in food—plus a large selection of Mexican entrees and appetizers. Patrons are encouraged to save a few bucks through
coupons
advertised on the drive-in's website.MORE: The best road trips in Georgia
Swan Drive-in Theater
Address: 651 Summit St, Blue Ridge
Schedule: Weekends only, year-round
Ticket prices: $8 for adults, $5 for ages 4-11, free for kids 3 and under
Number of screens: 1
Pet-friendly? Yes, if kept on a leash
In 1955, Jack Jones and W. H. Tilley decided to support themselves by opening the first drive-in theater in the Blue Ridge Mountains. After several years, many talks with the city, and a considerable amount of dynamite, the duo created the
Swan
.While much has changed in the past 60 years, saying that today’s Swan still feels classic would be appropriate. This theater offers one showing a night, is open only on weekends, and is named after the pond-dwelling birds Tilley watched while stationed in England—before storming the beaches of Normandy during WWII.
Movies
The Swan mainly shows new releases, with a few classic movie nights throughout the year. For all upcoming films, check out their online
schedule
.This is a cash-only venue with no ATMs, so prepare your wallet before driving to the box office. Note that movies will still show in the event of rain.
How to hear the movie
Viewers can hear the movie by tuning in to 105.5 FM via their car’s sound system or portable radio.
Snacks
Moviegoers will be thrilled by the Swans' concessions offering, ranging from fresh funnel cakes to pretzel bites to soft beverages. Like the tickets, food is cash-only.
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FAQs
How many drive-ins are left in Georgia?
Georgia is currently home to three drive-in theaters.
Do you have to leave your car on during a drive-in movie?
There’s no need to leave your car on during the movie—it’s actually frowned upon to do so. When you get to the theater, just run it for as long as it takes the battery to charge fully. If your battery runs out during the film, ask a fellow movie-goer to
help jumpstart it
.
Do drive-ins play in the rain?
Most drive-ins will operate during rain or snow. Inclement weather tends to have little effect on projected screens—and the use of radios for sound means you won’t have to roll the windows down to enjoy the film.
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