The Melody Drive-In Theatre east of Springfield on US 40 opened in 1947. It was closed in 2016 and was torn down in 2022 to make way for a housing development.

You can still load up the family in warmer weather and head for drive-in auto theatres, which boomed from the 1950s into the 1970s. There are still a few of these remaining, and most of them now boast digital projection and sound (via your car radio) and full concession stand menus. There has actually been a bit of a resurgence in drive-in theatres in recent years, with a couple of new businesses started.

Outdoor Dramas

Another way to enjoy theatrical events in the outdoors is to attend an outdoor drama, typically running from June to September. Ohio has three major outdoor dramas, all of them long-running and all high quality: “Tecumseh!” in Chillicothe, “The Living Word” in Mansfield, and “Trumpet in the Land” in New Philadelphia.

The Living Word Outdoor Drama is a nationally recognized drama about the life of Jesus Christ. Ohio’s only outdoor passion play has been running since 1975. 6010 College Hill Road, Cambridge (740) 439-2761.

Tecumseh!, the story of famed Shawnee leader Tecumseh as he struggled to defend his people and homeland, has been performed each summer since 1973. Since then, some 3 million people have viewed the production at Sugarloaf Mountain Amphitheater. 5968 Marietta Road, Chillicothe (866) 775-0700.

Trumpet in the Land is Ohio’s official state play and longest running outdoor theatre production (begun in 1969). It brings to life the tragic but inspiring story of David Zeisberger and his Christian Deleware followers as they struggled to preserve their peaceful settlement despite the growing violence of the Revolutionary War. 1600 Trumpet Drive NE, New Philadelphia (330) 339-1132.

Drive-In Theatres

Aut-O-Rama Twin Drive-In Theatre – The Aut-O-Rama Twin has been open since 1965 with two screens and full menu concession stand, shows mainstream movies. 33395 Lorain Road, North Ridgeville (440) 327-9595.

Auto Vue Drive-In Theatre – Built in 1956, Auto Vue Drive-In offers first-run double features; concession stand. 1409 Fourth Ave., Sidney (937) 492-5909.

Dixie Twin Drive-In – The Dixie Twin has twin screens, concession center and restrooms. Open April through October. 6201 N. Dixie Drive, Vandalia (Dayton) (937) 890-5513. Connect on Facebook.

Elm Road Triple Drive-In Theatre – In operation since 1950, the Elm Road Triple drive-in always has a double feature for one low price. 1895 Elm Road NE, Warren (330) 372-9732.

Field of Dreams Drive-In Theatre – The Field of Dreams is a recently built double-screen drive-in theater with concession stand. Free games like putt-putt golf, corn hole, hillbilly golf and sand volleyball available before movies start. V602 Twp. Rd. 6, Liberty Center.

Fleo’s Flicks Drive-In Theatre – Fleo’s Flicks is a new family owned and operated drive-in with 60-foot screen, digital FM sound, full concession menu. 233 E. Morrison St., Edgerton (419) 212-4891.

Hi-Road Drive-In – Hi-Road Drive-In has two screens showing first run movies; concession stand. 8059 US 68, Kenton (419) 675-0922.

Holiday Auto Theatre – Holiday Auto Theatre is a circa 1950s drive-in theater with snack bar and single screen showing popular movies. 1816 Old Oxford Rd., Hamilton (513) 929-2999.

Lynn Auto Drive-In Theatre – Lynn Auto Drive-In Theatre is Ohio’s oldest drive-in movie theater, open since 1937 with two screens, concession stand and classic video arcade. It’s also the second oldest continuously operated drive-in theatre in the world. 9735 US 250 (US 250 & SR 21), Strasburg (330) 878-5797.

Magic City Drive-In Theater – Magic City is a 1950s-era double screen drive-in theatre with concession stand. 5602 S. Cleveland-Massillon Road, Barberton (330) 825-4333.

Mayfield Road Drive-In Theatre – Originally built in 1945, Mayfield Road Drive-In shows major motion pictures in an old-school setting. 12100 SR 322, Chardon (440) 286-7173.

Melody 49 Drive-In Theatre – The Melody 49 Drive-In Brookville opened in 1966; a second screen was added in 1987. The theatre has a full concession stand. 7606 Pleasant Plains Road, Brookville (937) 833-5015, connect on Facebook.

Midway Twin Drive-In Theatre – Midway Twin offers two screens, concession stand. 2736 SR 59, Ravenna (330) 296-9829.

Skyview Cruise-In Theatre is located on E. Main Street (US 22) in Lancaster.

Skyview Cruise-In Theatre – In 1948, Skyview Cruise-In began screening movies at outdoor screen on US 22 in Lancaster. Theatre offers full concession stand menu. 2420 E. Main St., Lancaster (740) 653-5517.

Skyway Twin Drive-In Theatre – Skyway Twin is the oldest drive-in theatre in area. Family-owned vintage drive-in theatre with two screens. 1825 N. Leavitt Road NW, Warren (330) 898-3059.

South High Drive-In Theatre – The South High Drive-In opened in 1950 and added a second screen in 1987. Full concessions from popcorn to ice cream, burgers and pizza. 3050 S. High St., Columbus (614) 491-6771. (The history section of the website has information on Columbus-area drive-in theatres that are now gone.)

Springmill Drive-In Theatre – The Springmill Drive-In offers two screens, each showing first run double features. Established in 1950, full concessions. 1040 Springmill Road, Mansfield (419) 747-2156.

Starlight Drive-In – Drive-in movie theater in Mercer County, located between St. Henry and Maria Stein. 1889 US 127, Maria Stein (419) 925-4944. Connect on Facebook.

Starlite Drive-In – Starlite Drive-in was established in 1947. The theatre has a huge concession stand menu, from snow cones to corn dogs and more. 2255 SR 125, Amelia (513) 734-4001.

Star View Drive-In – Star View Drive-In was established in 1949, this longstanding seasonal drive-in theatre offers first-run features and concession stand. 2083 US 20, Norwalk (419) 668-1819.

Tiffin Drive-In Theater & Moonlite Diner – The Tiffin Drive-In is a classic outdoor movie theatre with advance purchase reserved parking spaces. The drive-in also offers casual American food. 4101 SR 53, Tiffin (419) 618-7321.

Van-Del Drive-In Theatre – Van-Del Drive-In is a double screen theatre established in 1948. Concessions offer wide variety from popcorn to nachos and burgers. 19986 Lincoln Hwy., Middle Point (877) 343-5334.

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