The Best Michigan Drive-In Movie Theaters
From Dearborn to Dowagiac, here are the best Michigan drive-in movie theaters to visit.
Written by Bonnie Stinson
Reviewed by Kathleen Flear
Table of Contents
- Ford Drive-In Theatre
- Capri Drive-In Theater
- 5 Mile Drive In Movie Theater
- Cheaper car insurance means you’re about to get richer
- FAQs
Load full table of contents
Michigan
drive-in movie theaters are the perfect way to enjoy a night out with friends and family, whether you live near Dearborn, Dowagiac, or Coldwater. And because Michiganians are hardcore, one of these venues is even open year-round!Whether you prefer the hottest new release or family-friendly flicks, there is a drive-in movie theater for you on this list. Seriously, is there anything more delightful than an evening spent under the stars, beside a silver screen?
No matter which theater you choose, make sure you arrive early to snag a good spot. In the high season, lines can get really long!
Here is a guide to the best Michigan drive-in movie theaters, compiled for you by the
car insurance
comparison and broker app Jerry
. Start your engines and let’s go!Ford Drive-In Theatre
Address: 10400 Ford Rd, Dearborn, MI 48126
Schedule: Open seven days a week from spring through fall and weekends in winter. Box office opens at 7 p.m. Friday & Saturday and at 7:15 p.m. from Sunday to Thursday.
Ticket prices: $26 per vehicle
Number of screens: 5
Pet-friendly? Yes, pets must be leashed at all times outside the vehicle
Catch one (or two!) movies per screening day at the
Ford Drive-In Theatre
in Dearborn. This scenic venue screens brand-new releases and old classics. You can even stream audio via WiFi here, so you don’t need to worry about draining your battery.Movies
The Ford offers single and double screening days with a mix of brand new releases and classic flicks. Check the
website
on Tuesdays to learn which films will be shown the following week. You can buy tickets online or in-person at the box office—cards and cash accepted. Note that the entrance fee is per vehicle, regardless of the number of occupants.
Here’s a special perk: To make it fair for solo moviegoers, single-occupant vehicles at the Ford receive a $10 voucher to use at the snack stand.
How to hear the movies
You can use an FM radio or WiFi streaming to hear the movies. Use your car’s built-in radio and tune to the appropriate station. A limited number of portable radios are available onsite for a $20 deposit if you prefer not to drain your battery.
Ford is unique among other theaters in that it offers WiFi audio streaming. If you are willing to use your data, simply access the proper link to play sound through your smartphone or tablet.
Snacks
The Ford allows guests to bring their own food and beverages to the theater.
Do you want someone else to prepare your snacks? The Ford’s concession stand is fully stocked and open through the last showtime. Enjoy popcorn, wings, pizza, candy, pop, and more.
Pro Tip Calling the Ford’s movie line is the quickest way to find out which movies are playing and when: 313-846-6910.
Let Jerry find your price in only 45 seconds
No spam · No long forms · No fees
Capri Drive-In Theater
Address: 119 W Chicago Rd, Coldwater, MI 49036
Schedule: Open Fridays and Saturdays, March through October. Box office opens at 5 p.m. and movies begin at sundown.
Ticket prices: $10 for adults, $5 for kids 5 to 11, and free for kids under 5
Number of screens: 2
The
Capri Drive-In Theater
has been going strong since 1964. In the summertime, vehicle line-ups at the entrance can be a half-mile long! The Capri is a regional attraction that draws visitors from nearby states—and the owners take serious pride in offering a great drive-in experience to all.Movies
This venue plays double features on a unique two-sided screen. Their lot can hold 900 cars, but it’s still recommended that you arrive early to snag a spot—it’s that popular! Call 517-278-5628 to find out which movies are playing.
The Capri is a cash-only venue and you can only buy tickets at the box office on the day of the screening. Note that the Capri closes for the winter season.
How to hear the movies
To hear the movies, you will need an FM radio. The radio frequency for screen one is 89.7 FM and the radio frequency for screen two is 89.3 FM.
If you prefer not to drain your car’s battery, simply bring a portable radio from home. You can also rent one onsite for $3.
Snacks
The vibe is vintage at the Capri Drive-In Theater’s
snack bar
, with nostalgic goodies like cotton candy, BBQ pork, hot dogs, and more.You can bring outside food, but there will be a $5 voucher fee.
5 Mile Drive In Movie Theater
Address: 28190 M-152, Dowagiac, MI 49057
Schedule: Open Fridays and Saturdays, with occasional Thursday midnight screenings for new releases. Otherwise, the gates open at 7 p.m., and the first movie starts at dusk. Closed between Labor Day and Memorial Day.
Ticket prices: $30 for a carload
Number of screens: 1
Pet-friendly? Yes
Just 20 miles from Lake Michigan lies the quaint
5 Mile Drive In
. This venue has real hometown pride, and they welcome private parties. For new-ish releases in a cozy rural setting, you can’t beat 5 Mile.Movies
The 5 Mile Drive In is a small but proud movie theater in Dowagiac that shows mostly new releases. This venue doesn’t complicate things. It offers good movies, classic snacks, and a streamlined viewing process.
For $30, you can bring a carload of friends to a back-to-back movie screening. Buy tickets online or at the gate.
How to hear the movies
You will need an FM radio to hear the movies—just use your car radio and tune into 100.3 FM.
If you prefer not to drain your battery (or don’t have a radio), you can borrow one onsite in exchange for your ID. There are only a few available, so we recommend using your car radio or bringing a portable battery-powered boombox from home.
Snacks
The concession stand offers classic treats like popcorn, candy, Coca-Cola products, and more.
You may bring your own snacks and drinks to 5 Mile Drive In, but there is absolutely no glass permitted onsite.
Cheaper car insurance means you’re about to get richer
You can find cheaper car insurance in less time than it takes to eat a bucket of popcorn—that’s a guarantee! Unless you’re some kind of terrifying popcorn monster, that is.
Get the
Jerry
app to see if you’re overpaying for car insurance. Jerry will quickly pull up quotes from other companies so you can compare your rate with others, side-by-side. The average Jerry user finds $879 in annual savings. If you discover that you could be paying less, Jerry makes it happen right then and there. No bad hold music, no paperwork, no phone calls. The app gets you switched over to the cheaper policy fast.
So while the previews are rolling, get the Jerry app and see how much you could save.
“This app is all about savings!
Jerry
just saved me $193/month on my car insurance. They literally found me the cheapest policies out there and with better coverage! Seriously, just sit back and watch Jerry work its magic.” —Rachel B.FAQs
How many drive-ins are left in Michigan?
As of 2021, nine drive-in movie theaters are left in Michigan.
Do you have to leave your car on during a drive-in movie?
No. However, you do need to leave your vehicle switched onto the accessory mode. This can drain your battery, so some people prefer to bring a portable radio instead. If your battery does run out, you can
jump-start your vehicle
after.
Do drive-ins play in the rain?
Yes. Most venues operate rain or shine, only canceling a screening in dangerous weather conditions. If you’re concerned, call the theater to confirm that the screening is still happening.
Are you overpaying for car insurance?
Compare quotes and find out in 45 seconds.
4.7You might also be interested
.jpg&w=64&q=75){kind=avatar}
