5 Greater Columbus outdoor venues to get you in the spirit for National Drive-in Movie Day

Micah Walker, The Columbus Dispatch
·3 min read
Bryon Teagardner, owner of the South Drive-In, in 2021.
Bryon Teagardner, owner of the South Drive-In, in 2021.

Remember the days when you could watch a movie from the comfort of your car?

Actually you still can, whether it's a fun outing for the whole family to enjoy or a romantic setting for a date.

Which is why — whether you lived through the heyday of drive-ins or not — it's worth noting that Monday is National Drive-In Movie Day, marking the date the first such venue opened.

The first drive-in movie theater was opened by Richard M. Hollingshead, Jr. on June 6, 1933 in New Jersey, according to History.com.

The advertising slogan used for the drive-in was, “The whole family is welcome, regardless of how noisy the children are.” The first movie shown there was the 1932 British comedy, "Two White Arms, also known as "Wives Beware."

The idea for drive-in movie theaters quickly caught on across the country, and by the late-1950s, there were 4,000 drive-ins in the U.S.

But by the late 1970s, the popularity of VCRs, along with rising property values for drive-ins and many states moving to Daylight Saving Time, caused drive-in theaters to close, according to DriveInMovie.com.

As of 2020, there were fewer than 350 drive-in theaters left in the U.S.

The only theater in Columbus is South Drive-In on South High Street, while other ones across the state include Skyview Drive-In in Lancaster, Hi-Road Drive-In in Kenton and Dixie Twin Drive-In in Vandalia.

Here is a list of drive-in and outdoor movie venues in Greater Columbus to check out  — tonight, this weekend or later this summer — in honor of National Drive-In Day.

More: Columbus Summer Fun 2022: 'Top Gun' sequel kicks off blockbuster movie season

More: Easton Town Center to host Movies by Moonlight series, showing four free outdoor movies

South Drive-In

This image released by Paramount Pictures shows Tom Cruise portraying Capt. Pete "Maverick" Mitchell in a scene from "Top Gun: Maverick." The sequel to 1986's "Top Gun," starring Tom Cruise, is currently playing at the South Drive-In.
This image released by Paramount Pictures shows Tom Cruise portraying Capt. Pete "Maverick" Mitchell in a scene from "Top Gun: Maverick." The sequel to 1986's "Top Gun," starring Tom Cruise, is currently playing at the South Drive-In.

3050 S. High St., Columbus

The South Drive-in was built by Leo Yassenoff and opened in 1950. In 1971, Skip Yassenoff bought the drive-in from his cousin. The current owner is Bryon Teagardner.

Movies playing through June 9 include two double features: Tom Cruise films "Top Gun: Maverick" and "Mission Impossible," and "The Bob's Burgers Movie" and "Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness."

Contact: www.drive-inmovies.com

More: Grove City announces schedule for Community Outdoor Movie Night series

Skyview Drive-In

Moviegoers at Skyview Drive-In in Lancaster.
Moviegoers at Skyview Drive-In in Lancaster.

2420 E. Main St., Lancaster

The Skyview Drive-In was opened in 1948 by Carlos Crum. Then in 1994, longtime employee Walt Effinger took over the business. 

Vintage car speakers are still available for use at the theater, or customers can choose FM stereo sound from their car radio.

Movies playing Monday and Tuesday are: "Top Gun: Maverick" and "Mission Impossible."

Contact: www.skyviewdrivein.com

John F. Wolfe Columbus Commons

People attend a past Columbus Symphony Orchestra's Picnic with the Pops concert at the Columbus Commons, which also hosts outdoor movies.
People attend a past Columbus Symphony Orchestra's Picnic with the Pops concert at the Columbus Commons, which also hosts outdoor movies.

East Rich and South High streets

Free movie nights take place at the John F. Wolfe Columbus Commons throughout the summer on select days in May, June and July. The Commons will be the site of showings of the movies “Frozen 2” (June 11), “The Lion King” (June 24) and “Sing 2” (July 22).

Contact: columbuscommons.org

Columbus Zoo and Aquarium

Violet protects the family with a super force field in "The Incredibles 2," which will be showing at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium July 1.
Violet protects the family with a super force field in "The Incredibles 2," which will be showing at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium July 1.

4850 Powell Road, Powell

“Zoombezi Bay Summer Nights” are being held this summer when the water park keeps its gates open late to host live entertainment as well as movie screenings at 8 p.m. The family-friendly lineup of flicks includes “The Incredibles 2” (July 1), “Iron Man 2” (July 8), “Sing 2” (July 15), “The Santa Clause 2” (July 22) and “Frozen 2” (July 29).

Contact: www.columbuszoo.org

Genoa Park

303 W. Broad St., Downtown

21+ Outdoor Movie Series is taking place at sunset on select Thursdays from June through October: The park will host screenings for a mature crowd. Most films are rated R, and highlights include, “Forgetting Sarah Marshall” (July 28) and “Remember the Titans” (Aug. 25). Food trucks will be on-site, and wine will be for sale.

Contact: www.nightlight614.com

Micah Walker is the Dispatch trending reporter. Reach her at mwalker@dispatch.com or 740-251-7199. Follow her on Twitter @micah_walker701. 

This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: 5 Columbus outdoor venues to visit for National Drive-In Movie Day