Still showing: Six places near Somerset to watch a double feature at the drive-in
Editor's Note: This story was updated June 2, 2023.
The drive-in movie theater is one of America’s best summertime inventions, and for Somerset County residents, there are six of these outdoor theaters showing movies this weekend in under an hour's drive.
The Daily American is reposting this article from 2022 in recognition of National Drive-In Movie Day, on June 6. This date recognizes the opening of the nation’s first drive-in movie theater, the Camden Drive-In, on June 6, 1933, near Camden, New Jersey.
Shankweiler’s Drive-In, Pennsylvania’s first drive-in theater and the second in the nation, opened almost a year later in the eastern part of the state. Shankweiler’s has been in business since April 1934, making it America's oldest existing drive-in theater.
Pennsylvania has 28 drive-in movie theaters, including these six closest to Somerset County:
Evergreen Drive-In Theatre, Mount Pleasant
The Evergreen Drive-In is open for its 76th season; the theater is located at 309 Drive-In Lane in Mount Pleasant and its phone number is 724-547-4747. It shows two movies on each of three separate screens, seven days a week. Ticket booth opens at 7:30 p.m. and first show starts at dusk. Cash is required to purchase movie tickets; no checks or credit cards are accepted. Guests must stay at the screen they paid admission for; switching screens is not permitted at any time due to movie industry regulations and safety concerns. There are two concession areas to purchase food and beverages; no outside food or alcoholic beverages are permitted. Pets are allowed in certain areas and they must be on a leash. Show schedule and other information can be found at Evergreendrivein.com or Facebook.com/Evergreen-Drive-In-Theatre-312292046509.
Erwin’s Comet Drive-In Theatre, Dunbar
This drive-in's address is 151 Morrell Road, Dunbar (near Connellsville), and the phone number is 724-628-6160. It has two screens showing two movies per week on Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights. Box office opens at 7:30 p.m., first movie starts at 8:50 p.m. Cash only for admission and concessions. No pets, alcoholic beverages or drugs allowed on theater property. Movie showings and other information are posted online at cometdrivein.com or Facebook.com/cometdrivein.
Brownsville Drive-In, Grindstone
This theater is located at 6229 National Pike, Grindstone, and its phone number is 724-785-7190. It offers two movies on each of three separate screens on Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights. Box office opens at 7 p.m., first movie begins at dusk. Cash only, no credit or debit cards accepted. Concession stand available. Movie schedule and other information is posted at Facebook.com/brownsvilledrivein.
Silver Drive-In, Johnstown
The Silver Drive-In is at 1664 Scalp Ave. in Johnstown and the phone number is 814-266-9177. It shows two movies each week on Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights. Gates open at 7:30 p.m. and close at 10 p.m. First movie starts at dusk or about 8:40 p.m. Concession stand with food and drinks for purchase. All sales are cash only; the drive-in does not accept checks, debit cards or credit cards. Follow their Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/The.Silver.Drive.In/ or call the drive-in for showtimes and weather updates. More information is available at johnstownpa.com/silver.
Bar-Ann Drive-In, Portage
This theater's address is 1815 Springhill Road in Portage and the phone number is 814-736-9450. Two movies are shown on Friday and Saturday nights, rain or shine. Ticket booth is cash only. First movie starts about 8:50 p.m. Snack bar accepts credit and debit cards for food purchases only – no movie tickets can be purchased. Updated information available at Baranndrivein.com. or Facebook.com/baranndrivein.
Hi-Way 219 Drive-In, Carrolltown
This drive-in is located at 425 Theatre Road in Carrolltown and the phone number is 814-344-8684. Two movies are shown on Friday and Saturday nights, rain or shine. Ticket booth is cash only. First movie starts about 8:50 p.m. Snack bar accepts credit and debit cards for food purchases only – no movie tickets can be purchased. Look for updates on movie schedules and ticket information at hiway219drive-in.com or Facebook.com/hiwaydrivein.
This article originally appeared on The Daily American: Drive-in theaters near Somerset show double features outdoors
