Top 10 Drive-In Movie Theaters in or near Portland

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…

Top 3 Drive-In Movie Theaters in or near Portland
1.
99W Drive in Theater Oregon l Global Grasshopper – travel inspiration for the road less travelled
Best For Old-School Atmosphere
99W Drive-in Theatre
2.
PDX Drive in Movie Spectacular Oregon l Global Grasshopper – travel inspiration for the road less travelled
Best For Affordable
PDX Drive-in Movie Spectacular
3.
Cinema Under The Stars with Rose City Rollers Oregon l Global Grasshopper – travel inspiration for the road less travelled
Best For Romantic Date Night
Cinema Under The Stars with Rose City Rollers
Best For Old-School Atmosphere

99W Drive-in Theatre

99W Drive-in Theater - Oregon

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

Cons

The operating season is limited

Location may require a drive

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

Best For Affordable

PDX Drive-in Movie Spectacular

PDX Drive-in Movie Spectacular - Oregon

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

Best For Romantic Date Night

Cinema Under The Stars with Rose City Rollers

Cinema Under The Stars with Rose City Rollers - Oregon

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

Best For Classic Movies

Sunshine Mill Winery

Sunshine Mill Winery - Oregon

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

Best For Vintage Experience

La Grande Drive-In

La Grande Drive-In - Oregon

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

Best For Families

M-F Drive-In Theater

M-F Drive-In Theater - Oregon

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

Best For Unexpected Films

Cinema Unbound (The Zidell Yards)

Best drive in movie theaters in Portland

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

Best For Nature Lovers

Oregon Garden

Oregon Garden - Oregon

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

Best For Large Screens

Cornelius Cinemas – Act V Theaters

Cornelius Cinemas - Act V Theaters - Oregon

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

Best For Art Lovers

Lincoln City Cultural Center

Lincoln City Cultural Center - Oregon

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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