10 Drive-In Movie Theaters Where You and Your Pup Can Do Movie Night

Alas, it’s still pretty difficult to find a movie theater in the U.S. that will allow you to come with your (non-service animal) dog. But what if you are desperate to experience the wonder of cinema with your pup? What if you just really want your favorite pooch to see Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour with you? Well, there are some great options at the drive-in.

Many drive-ins across the country will allow you to bring pets, with a few caveats. Most require leashing when not inside a vehicle, and many restrict access to areas where food is available for purchase. But that’s a small sacrifice to make when it means you can cuddle up to your baby and have a charmingly retro experience, watching a new release or a classic on the big screen from the comfort of your car. 

Here’s a list of some of the coolest spots across the country. And, yes, if you’re taking your dog to the Eras tour, you better be making a friendship bracelet themed collar, or, really, what’s the point? And what better time to celebrate Taylor at the movies than now, with 1989 (Taylor’s Version) out in the world?

Related article

Visit Dog-Friendly Austin with Your Pup

Ten reasons why you should visit this pet-friendly southern city.

Blue Starlite

Austin, Texas

The Blue Starlite — with two locations in Austin, Texas — aims to keep its home city “funky,” and that includes allowing dogs who are “leashed, not barking, and friendly.” Smack dab in the middle of downtown Austin, the drive-in, which shows films on the roof of a parking garage.

Coyote Drive-in

Fort Worth, Texas

With a name like Coyote Drive-In, we would hope that animals are welcome — and that they are. The website even features a prominent picture of two Pomeranians having a great time. (Though, hopefully, actual coyotes stay away when dogs are on the property.) “Here at Coyote Drive-In we always welcome the furry members of your family,” their FAQ section reads. “We do ask that they are kept on a leash while outside your vehicle.”

Related article

Catch a Cable Car and Hang at These Pup-Friendly San Francisco Spots

The home of the very fun, very queer Castro District, the Golden Gate Bridge, and...your happy pup.

Electric Dusk Drive-In 

Glendale, California

Electric Dusk Drive-In, which bills itself as “LA’s Longest Running Pop Up Drive-In,” features a graphic of a terrier in 3D glasses eating popcorn next to its logo. And indeed dogs are allowed at the venue, which largely screens classics and fan favorites. You can also rent it out for a private event if so inclined.  

Skyline Drive-In

Brooklyn, New York

I speak from experience when I say that Brooklyn’s Skyline Drive is a great place to watch a film with your dog. (We saw Prince’s Purple Rain with our pup.) Their offerings include a range of options — from the latest blockbuster to old faves. The selling point here, though, in addition to the great line-up and dog friendliness, is the view of the Manhattan skyline behind the screen. 

Tibbs Drive-In 

Indianapolis, Indiana

I appreciate the way the Tibbs Drive-In in Indianapolis frames their pet policy: “We love puppies. They will need to bring their responsible humans, a leash, and supplies for any cleanup needs. Only medically necessary service dogs are allowed in the concession stand.” It’s the humans that have to be responsible, not the pups.

Related article

The Dog-Friendly Chicago Guide For Windy City Pooches

From lounging at pup-friendly breweries to chowing down at pet bakeries, there are countless ways to enjoy this Midwest playground with your dog.

Ford Drive-In 

Dearborn, Michigan

The Ford Drive-In still bills itself as the largest drive-in in the world, so if size matters to you, it’s got that going for it. It has five screens, and doggies are allowed, as long as you clean up any poop. 

Blue Fox Drive-In

Oak Harbor, Washington

The Blue Fox Drive-In in northern Washington state is open all year in any weather, which means you can catch a flick with your dog at any time. (The catch is: You can’t bring your four-legged buddy into the snack bar or the arcade.) 

They do require dog leashes to be under six feet long and not retractable, and ask that your pet stays at home if they are a “barker or aggressive.”

Hull’s Drive-In 

Lexington, Virginia

Hull’s Drive-In has been around since 1950 and now operates as a nonprofit run by a group of volunteers that calls themselves “Hull’s Angels.” Dogs are welcome at the theater.

Related article

The “Big D” Stands For Dog in This Dog-Friendly Dallas Guide

Pups and their parents can giddy up for a good time.

Joy-Lan and Silver Moon Drive-Ins

Multiple locations, Florida

Both Joy-Lan and Silver Moon Drive-Ins convert into swap shops on Sundays, which is fun, but they are also pro-pets. They even both advertise “grassy areas around the theater for pet walking.” They play first run features, for example, this fall, they played both Taylor Swift and the new PAW Patrol, the latter seems even more thematically appropriate.

Four Brothers Drive-In

Amenia, New York

Four Brothers Drive-In is a funky one. It’s a drive-in, but also a camping site and a hotel, with activities including a mastodon exhibit and a mini golf course. And, yeah, it's also pet friendly. According to their website: “All are welcome to take walks with their pets, sit and enjoy our music, and relax on the green lawn. Please always have your pet on a leash for the safety of them and others, and please remember to clean up after them!” The movies include first-run fare you’d find at any multiplex.