The Movies Aren’t Dead: Drive-In Theater

By Andrea Mau
Web Content Contributor

With the coronavirus increasing in cases every day, going to the movies seems like a long-forgotten event. However, there is still a way to go out for a night and see a movie within the safety of your car.

Tuesday, August 11th, I visited the Stars and Stripes Drive-In Theater located in New Braunfels. A short twenty-minute drive away from San Marcos, the theater teleports you to the classic 1950s for a night with an outdoor movie experience. 

A drive-through ticket stand awaits you at the entrance, where 8 dollars can buy either a ticket to see Inside Out, Pulp Fiction, or Gremlins during the time I attended. The theater provides a variety of three films a night which changes monthly.

Park in the spot of your choosing, and using the number on your ticket tune into the radio frequency of your chosen film. Or, simply roll down the windows to hear the big speakers located outside and enjoy your movie selection on the big screen.

This event can be experienced in multiple ways. Outside foods and drinks are allowed, so with a bigger party and some coolers, you can step up your picnic on the green grass outside. At the front, staff instructs you to only park on the red dots, so each vehicle and participant is given ample space to lounge.

If you’re craving the old-style concession stand, one is still available with all the essentials. Foods on their menu include burgers, hotdogs, nachos, fountain drinks, slushies, milkshakes, and of course popcorn.

Rest assured, the theater also takes every precaution in terms of safety, requiring social distancing and a mask inside every building. The staff wears masks and gloves at all times.

If being able to get out of the house isn’t reason enough for you to visit yet, the unique retro style might. With outings nowadays limited to an absolute minimum, the drive-through movie experience is a special treat for any movie-goer.  

Featured image by Andrea Mau and Alex Owens.