Outdoor Movies in and around Austin

I’m old enough to have distinct memories of going to the local drive-in movie theater when I was a kid. We’d fill a large paper grocery bag with popcorn we made on the stove at home, pile into the back of the big passenger van with the bench seats removed (since admission was charged per vehicle and child seat safety laws were nonexistent) and tune the FM radio to the drive-in frequency. Our drive-in was one of the last of its kind, and when it closed for good as a Cinema 4 moved into my town (hey, that was a big deal in a town of 2000 people), I thought it was the end of outdoor movies.

Then COVID happened, and everything changed, including the business model for film entertainment. Drive-in theaters saw a resurgence, and whether it’s from ongoing health concern or nostalgia like the kind I felt for the old Buffalo Drive-In that I’m not even sure had a proper name, outdoor movies have retained a foothold in the film market, even in cities like Austin. Here’s where the family can partake (or you and your spouse can make out) in outdoor cinema in the Austin area!

Doc’s Drive-In

Buda

Since it opened for business in 2018, Doc’s Drive-In in Buda has been a traditional drive-in with a large projection screen and rows of slots for large, medium, and small vehicles as well as a limited area for those without cars. Families can bring lawn chairs and blankets or sit inside the car with running AC. Guests can simply select a movie online, pick out a car slot dependent on vehicle size, and come enjoy the show.

Gates open 45-60 minutes prior to the show so guests can set up early. No outside food or drink is allowed, but the incredible concessions stand Doc’s Diner has made-to-order theater snacks and complete meals, including vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options. Adult beverages are available from underground speakeasy Mama Merlot’s.

Blue Starlite Drive-In

Downtown, North Austin

Blue Starlite calls itself a mini urban drive-in, and it is, in fact, “mini.” The downtown location at 300 San Antonio St is a rooftop parking garage with a single screen and a spectacular view of the city with 15-25 spaces.

The flagship drive-in has recently relocated from East Austin to Braker & I-35 where it offers multiple screens (the main and the “sideshow”, with 40 total spaces), RV hookups, and a full-service on-site bar.

Ticket options include car slot packs from 2-6 and the “lux” option includes unlimited popcorn, soft drinks, and up to 4 candies. Children under 5 are free. The downtown location is BYOB.

Community Cinema

Community First Village

Partnering with Alamo Drafthouse, the Community First Village offers sub-run movie screenings at its outdoor amphitheater throughout the year. Screenings are free to the public, who are also invited to tour the village and learn about Mobile Loaves & Fishes non-profit mission to serve and house Austin’s homeless population.

Because Community Cinema is free and concessions are staffed by Community First Village neighbors, Mobile Loaves and Fishes asks guests to support its concession efforts rather than bringing in outside food. Bring blankets, chairs, flashlights, and bug spray and reserve free tickets on Eventbrite.

Movies in the Park

Austin Parks Foundation

Movies in the Park is the Austin Parks Foundation’s outdoor film series in partnership with Rocket Cinema. Upcoming movies in the park include Barbie in September at Mueller Lake Park and The Grinch in December at Balcones District Park.

Movies start at dusk, but parkgoers are welcome to arrive early with blankets, lawn chairs, and well-behaved pets. Outside food is welcome, but local vendors are routinely available at events, and bags of Cornucopia popcorn are free to the first 100 patrons at each show. As in all Austin parks, styrofoam, alcohol, smoking, and glass are prohibited.