Why outdoor screens are back on event planners’ radar
For decades, drive-in theaters were fading Americana — relics of mid-century family outings that struggled to compete with multiplexes and streaming. Then the pandemic hit. Practically overnight, these open-air venues became one of the few safe ways to gather, offering a sense of nostalgia with a side of social distancing.
That resurgence hasn’t completely faded. Across the country, creative owners have modernized their fields of flickering screens into flexible venues for more than just movies. For meeting and event planners, the rebirth of the drive-in is more than a cultural curiosity — it’s a ready-made blueprint for unconventional gatherings.
A Nostalgic Venue With a Modern Twist
CNN reports that while many drive-ins closed in the decades before COVID, the pandemic created a surge of new interest, breathing life into some 300 remaining theaters. Today, those operators are doubling down on upgrades: digital projectors, gourmet concessions, and expanded outdoor seating options. The retro vibe remains intact, but the amenities are better suited to groups expecting high-quality production values.
For planners, the appeal is clear. Outdoor, car-friendly spaces check boxes for attendee comfort and safety while creating a built-in spectacle. Imagine a product launch projected across a towering outdoor screen, or a leadership keynote reimagined as a “feature presentation.” Food trucks, lawn seating, and themed décor can transform a lot into a festival-style reception.
From Movies to Meetings
What started as pandemic-era survival has evolved into diversification. Some drive-in operators now market their venues for corporate rentals, live concerts, and even esports watch parties. That flexibility aligns neatly with planners’ increasing demand for “Instagrammable” experiences that break away from the ballroom mold.
Drive-ins are also geographically diverse. They exist in suburban fringes, coastal resort towns, and mountain valleys — giving planners unusual destination options that complement more traditional hotels and convention centers. A group could spend the day in meetings, then roll into a private drive-in experience at night, popcorn in hand.
Attendee Appeal
As hybrid work and travel habits shift attendee expectations, planners are under pressure to deliver meetings that feel like more than meetings. The drive-in’s revival is proof that audiences value settings that mix novelty with comfort. What was once kitsch now reads as innovative — and deeply American.
In other words, the drive-in theater has moved from a fading pastime to a flexible canvas for events. For planners willing to embrace the retro-chic vibe, these outdoor screens offer a fresh way to bring people together under the stars.
Top 5 Drive-In Venues for Group Events
1. Coyote Drive-In (Fort Worth, TX)
A sprawling 20-acre venue with a full restaurant, bar, pet-friendly seating, and a kids’ playground. Perfect for branded corporate outings or family-style mixers.
2. Circle Drive-In (Dickson City, PA)
Offers flexible rentals—day, night, weekend, or weekday—for businesses, nonprofits, schools, and private groups. A solid all-season option.
3. Hull’s Drive-In (Lexington, VA)
Hosts private group rentals, from section reservations to full-theater takeovers on weeknights when closed to the public. Great for unique team-building or celebratory gatherings.
4. Tibbs Drive-In Theatre (Indianapolis, IN)
Offers group rates and private-screen rentals tailored for corporate events or private screenings—price varies based on scheduling and content.
5. The South Drive-In Theatre (Columbus, OH)
Capable of accommodating over 500 cars, this venue enables custom showings—from Blu-ray screenings to live concerts or comedy shows—making it ideal for film fandom or themed corporate nights.
Any thoughts, opinions, or news? Please share them with me at vince@meetingsevents.com.
Photo by Mika Baumeister on Unsplash
