I honestly think one of the best – and most nostalgic – ways to spend an evening or afternoon is a drive-in movie. If you want to watch a film from beneath the stars there are some in the city or located within driving distance. From cool vintage style to family-friendly here are my favorite drive-in movie theaters in or near Portland…



- (503) 784-1444
- 7805 SE Oaks Park Way
99W Drive-in Theatre
The 99W Drive-in Theatre first opened in August 1953 showing “Under the Sahara” and “Sea Devil” as the first movies shown. Now there are 3 screens at the theatre to show movies.
It’s worth a visit to 99W Drive-in Theatre because you get to view double features by purchasing just one ticket.
The 99W Drive-in Theatre is located about a half hour away from Portland via I-5 N. They open in late April or in the early parts of May and operate until the last week of October. I’d personally suggest opting for a retro-style movie for the full effect!
Pros
Offers double features for one ticket
Seasonal operation with good weather
Multiple screens for a variety of movies
Experience classic 1950s nostalgia
Nearby Attractions
La Sierra Mexican Restaurant & Cantina
Chehalem Glenn Golf Course
Azalea Gardens Mobile Manor
Must Do Things
Enjoy a nostalgic double-feature movie night under the stars
Bring your own snacks and cozy up in your car
Facilities
Offers various snacks on-site
Nearby restaurants for those wanting a full meal
PDX Drive-in Movie Spectacular
For the last 7 years, the PDX Drive-in Movie Spectacular has been an annual event that takes place in the Kenton neighborhood at the Portland Expo Center.
The annual event usually runs from late July to late August.
It will be a fun experience for you and your family or friends attending the upcoming PDX Drive-in Movie Spectacular because there are discounted tickets for carloads of people up to 5 people, which works out to about $8 per person if you order tickets in advance.
Check the Portland Expo Center website for when the year’s events will occur!
Pros
Enjoy movies for as low as $8 per person
A unique drive-in movie experience
Perfect for family and friends
Convenient location at Portland Expo Center
Cons
Only operates from late July to late August
The seating options are limited
Nearby Attractions
Voices of Remembrance Memorial
Historic Vanport
Portland International Raceway
Must Do Things
Savor affordable concessions from the comfort of your vehicle
Also attend the various other events at the Expo Center
Facilities
Also houses a variety of other events
Offers ample parking space for all
Cinema Under The Stars with Rose City Rollers
The Cinema Under the Stars event takes place annually during the summer months at Rose City Rollers in Portland
You will love Cinema Under the Stars because you can watch classic or even newer movies outside with family and friends during the warm summer months, which is a unique viewing experience versus visiting a normal movie theatre.
Rose City Rollers is located in the Oaks Amusement Park in the Sellwood-Moreland neighborhood.
The business has a 24-hour schedule so you can call with questions about the next Cinema Under the Stars event anytime.
Pros
It is a cherished annual summer tradition
Enjoy movies beneath the starlit sky
Exquisite outdoor cinematic experience
Cons
Potential noise disturbances nearby
Limited movie choices are available
Nearby Attractions
Oregon Yacht Club
Oaks Amusement Park
Oaks Bottom Wildlife Refuge
Must Do Things
Enjoy the amazing rides at the Oaks Amusement Park
Visit the ScareGrounds PDX for a haunted house experience
Facilities
Nearby restaurant and bar for a quick bite
Nearby dog park for your furry friends
Sunshine Mill Winery
You can view drive-in movies year-round at Sunshine Mill Winery in The Dalles, Oregon.
Classic movies are shown throughout the year. During the holiday season, they show popular movies such as Polar Express, A Christmas Story, and Elf.
If you want a different movie experience than the cinema or from watching movies at home, you will love how much you can frequent the Sunshine Mill Winery drive-in movie events.
Sunshine Mill is about an hour and a half away from Portland using I-84 W. Daily operating hours are 12 pm to 6 pm, except they close Fridays and Saturdays at 9 pm.
Pros
Classic and holiday movie selections
The drive-in theatre is open all year
Convenient location from Portland
Cons
Has no showings on Fridays and Saturdays
Opens for limited hours in the evening
Nearby Attractions
Riverfront Park
The Dalles Marina
Rivertap Restaurant and Pub
Must Do Things
Stop by the Riverfront Park and take a stroll
Explore the Sunshine Mill Winery and take a wine tour
Facilities
The location is wheelchair accessible
Accepts all kinds of payment methods
La Grande Drive-In
La Grande Drive-In operates mainly in the spring through fall, but sometimes they feature shows in the winter.
It’s worth a visit to La Grande Drive-in Theatre because you can sometimes catch free showings for a special season event such as their free showing of a Christmas movie during the holidays.
This drive-in is located about 4.5 hours away from Portland using the I-84 W route. Check their website for showtimes, so that you know when to purchase tickets.
Saturday and Sunday showtimes usually start a little after noon and other showtimes throughout the week start mid to late afternoon.
Pros
Unique vintage atmosphere offers nostalgic charm
Offers free movie screenings on holidays
Ideal for families and large groups
Cons
Distance from Portland requires planning
Variable showtime schedules may require flexibility
Nearby Attractions
Highland Pond
Travelodge by Wyndham La Grande
Must Do Things
Attend a free holiday screening during special events
Enjoy the scenic ride from Portland
Facilities
A snack shack that offers various snacks
M-F Drive-In Theater
M-F Drive-In Theater usually operates in the spring through the fall. All of the movies start at dusk which times vary depending on the season you are going to view movies.
You will love visiting because not only do they offer popular movies playing in movie theaters every summer, but they also offer drive-in concert events. Check their events schedule when they open for the 2022 season for more information.
This drive-in theater is almost 4 hours away from Portland using the I-84 W route.
Pros
Ideal for a summer night out
Offers a classic family movie experience
Operates from Spring through Fall
Cons
Located about 4 hours away from Portland
Limited movie showtimes might not fit the schedule
Nearby Attractions
Milton Freewater Pioneer Posse
Noble Rock Vineyard
Kelly's Restaurant Lounge
Must Do Things
Experience live entertainment at a drive-in concert event
Visit during the spring to enjoy the scenic ride
Facilities
Also offers drive-in concerts for added entertainment
Snacks and beverages are available on-site
Cinema Unbound (The Zidell Yards)
Cinema Unbound is a summer drive-in movie event that takes place in the Zidell Yards lot in Portland.
While usually a four-day event in the summer, it’s an awesome experience as you view unexpected films. They are not your usual popular movie theatre films. Cinema Unbound features first-time features from local movie makers or other budget flicks.
Located in the South Portland neighborhood, you can enjoy Cinema Unbound annually in August. Browse the Zidell Yards website for more information on the upcoming drive-in event or give them a call for more information.
Pros
Unique movie selection with 10 movies and 6 short
Offers unexpected and unconventional film options
Showcases local filmmakers' creativity and talent
Cons
Limited to a seasonal event in August
Limited movie choices compared to traditional cinemas
Nearby Attractions
Elizabeth Caruthers Park
Min Zidell Healing Garden
Poulsen House
Must Do Things
Enjoy a film made by a local filmmaker
Stop by the nearby park to have fun with the kids
Facilities
The venue also hosts a variety of other events
Nearby restaurant for a delicious meal
Oregon Garden
The Oregon Garden measures 80 acres and is a well-known Oregon tourist attraction that comprises 20 different gardens such as the Silverton Market Garden, Children’s Garden, Pet-Friendly Garden, and the Rose Garden.
Whether you are attending the Cruise-in Cinema in the summer or visiting for another reason, it’s worth going to Oregon Garden just to see the different breathtaking gardens made of beautiful botanical plants. This is one of the beautiful sights of the Willamette Valley.
Located about an hour away via the OR-214 and I-5 route, the usual daily operating hours are 10 am to 3 pm, but check their special events for upcoming drive-in theater experiences.
Pros
Diverse themed gardens for all interests
Ideal for nature and plant enthusiasts
Also offers beautiful botanical displays
A unique cruise-in cinema experience
Cons
Requires a somewhat distant drive
The garden location may not suit all
Nearby Attractions
The Gordon House by Frank Lloyd Wright
Oregon Garden Resort
Must Do Things
Visit The Gordon House for a history lesson
Pack some food and have a picnic amid the greenery
Facilities
Also offers hiking trails of varying difficulties
Arranged picnic tables to have a meal with your family
Cornelius Cinemas – Act V Theaters
Cornelius Cinemas operates year-round showing popular movies that are usually shown in movie theaters in the form of a drive-in theater. If it is the holiday season, they may show popular movies with limited showings.
The screen for the drive-in theater is large at 48’ high, which makes for a high-quality viewing experience and a great reason to visit Cornelius Cinemas. Tune into 87.9 to hear your chosen video’s audio when you drive up.
This cinema is about a half hour from Portland utilizing the US-26 E route. Check showtimes to see when your movie starts. Weekend movies usually begin early to mid-afternoon.
Pros
Exclusive THX screens in Portland
Large 48' high screen for exceptional viewing
Audio tuning at 87.9 enhances the experience
Cons
Limited showings during holidays
Requires a radio system
Nearby Attractions
Cornelius Woods
Mojitos Bar & Grill
Must Do Things
Enjoy holiday movies with limited showings during the season
Watch popular films on a 48' high screen in your car
Facilities
A diverse variety of movies including family-friendly
On-site snacks and beverages
Lincoln City Cultural Center
Lincoln City Cultural Center features drive-in movies on Saturdays from late July to late August.
Besides the classic movies that they show at drive-in theatre events, you will also enjoy your visit to this cultural center because of visual arts activities, fitness activities, and the popular Fiber Artisan’s Market event.
Located about 2 hours away from Portland using the OR-18 route, you can visit the Lincoln City Cultural Center on Thursdays through Sundays from 10 am to 4 pm, but check the drive-in movie schedule because these will be shown after operating hours.
Pros
Offers a wide range of cultural activities
Visit the popular Fiber Artisan’s Market
Conveniently open on weekends
Enjoy summer drive-in movies with family and friends
Cons
Drive-in movie schedules may be limited
Located approximately 2 hours away from Portland
Nearby Attractions
Pacific Artists' Co-op Gallery
Devil's Lake State Recreation Area
Read's Homemade Candies
Must Do Things
Experience visual arts
fitness activities
and the Fiber Artisan's Market event
Watch classic movies at the Lincoln City Cultural Center's drive-in theater
Facilities
Hosts various cultural and arts events
Nearby lake and camping area
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Becky Moore – Owner, writer and photographer
My first true adventure began as a six month voyage around South East Asia as a fresh faced backpacker and ever since I’ve lived a semi nomadic existence, clocking up visits to over 40 countries. I’m a lover of US Road Trips, deserted beaches bathed in warm glow of a sunset, Cuban mojitos, travel destinations far away from the tourist crowds and all things Scandinavian – from cloudberry liquors to Nordic noirs. When not wandering the world and running Global Grasshopper, you’ll find me walking my ex Athens street dog in leafy South West London, strolling around the Brighton Lanes on random day trips, hunting for photogenic landscapes or daydreaming about my favourite places; Havana, Copenhagen, Italy, Borneo, Finland, Greece, Berlin, Laos, California and the surreal and beautiful landscapes of a wintry Iceland.
I’ve been quoted in Forbes, National Geographic, The Times, Yahoo Travel, Huffington Post, Business Insider, Thrillist, British Airways Magazine, Entrepreneur, express.co.uk, Wanderlust, Telegraph Travel, Daily Mail and metro.co.uk. Find me on Linkedin or Facebook.
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