Some of the best parts of summer are the long warm nights with beautiful starry skies, the summer blockbusters, and the wonderful smells of grilled foods roaming through the air. There’s something about summer that’s nostalgic, wondrous, and full of hope. So, when I heard that there was a drive-in movie theater called The Sundance less than 30 minutes from where I live, I knew that this was the place to experience the very best of summer.
First, a little history. Drive-in movie theaters were most popular in the United States from the late 1950s to the mid-1960s, when there were around 5,000 theaters across the country. They were a popular destination for families, couples, and teens, and were often a cheaper alternative to indoor theaters.
The first drive-in theater opened in 1933 in Pennsauken Township, New Jersey, by Richard Milton Hollingshead, Jr. However, the concept didn’t gain traction until the 1940s with the introduction of in-car speakers. Drive-ins became especially popular after World War II, and by the 1950s they were an American cultural icon. They were often located in rural areas and were popular with the Baby Boomer generation. Drive-ins were a cheaper option than indoor theaters because they saved on gas and were less expensive to build and maintain. They also offered privacy and comfort, and customers were encouraged to treat their cars like home.
However, drive-in popularity declined in the 1980s and 1990s with the rise of home video and streaming services, and many theaters closed. More recently, there has been a resurgence of interest in drive-ins, and some communities have begun restoring and reopening them. As of 2020, there were 549 drive-ins in the United States.
The Sundance Drive-In has had a home off Route 2 in Oregon, OH for 75 years. It was originally called The Parkside, but as new owners took over throughout the years, it was eventually changed to The Sundance.
Over the past few years, there was concern the lease would expire, and the landowners would sell the property to a developer. That’s what prompted the formation of a non-profit called “Save Our Screen.” The group ran a re-branded Parkside Drive-In for the past two seasons, at one point planning to create a community center, even a drive-in museum.
Those plans never came together. For the 2024 season, Todd Williams, who launched Memory Lane Drive-In in Monroe, MI, stepped in to take over.
When David and I went, and I saw the screens, I couldn’t help but feel nostalgic. Drive-Ins have gone virtually unchanged since their inception. They’re so simple, yet very impactful.
We bought our tickets and picked out our ideal spot to park. On this night, we were seeing Twisters and The Bikeriders. We of course had to get some concessions to further support the theater. The bathrooms and the concessions were just a short walk away from where we were. However, if we were watching our movies on the other screen, we would have had to trek a little ways to them. We bought a pepperoni pizza, a small popcorn, an ice cream bar, and a fountain pop. Everything came out to just over $20, which I thought was fair.
When the movie started, I was giddy with glee when the featurettes started. They are literally the same ones from back in the day. I only know this because of the drive-in scene from the movie Grease, and I saw the same featurettes on the screen that they were watching. I’m such a nerd.
Nothing compares to being with the one you love, cozied up in the back of a van with the hatch open, blankets sprawled out, snacks galore, stars twinkling above you and then getting immersed in the movie playing before you. The sound quality was excellent, though it’s hard not to be when it’s coming from your vehicle. It’s such a simple experience, but it’s the simple ones that can be the most special.
I personally want to see this drive-in succeed as much as it can. The only way that’s possible is if the public continues to support it. The owner has said the more the theater is supported, the more improvements they can make. As of right now, he wants to construct additional bathrooms in a new facility, add a playground, put up new fencing, build out an arcade and put in a permanent area to buy “fair food.” He also wants to install a third screen and continue making improvements to keep the long-running drive-in going.
We had gone on a Saturday night, but the drive-in is open 7 days a week, rain or shine.
On Tuesdays, they run Todd’s Tightwad Tuesdays which you get half off admission and fountain drinks, and discounts on some of the food.
Normal admission is $10 General, Children $5, and Senior/Military is $7.50.
If you decide that you want to give The Sundance Drive-In a try, there are a few dos and don’ts. It’s good to be aware of the rules so you have the best experience.
- Food and beverages from restaurants, fast food and carry out is prohibited. Concessions support keeps the Sundance around. However, you are allowed to bring snacks and such from home if there are specific dietary restrictions.
- When approaching the ticket booth, have all windows down and payment ready.
- Please be courteous and use the trash bins located throughout the theater.
- Headlights MUST remain off during the show.
- On busy nights, vehicles will be parked according to height.
- Speed limit is 5 mph. Drive carefully.
- No grilling or cooking allowed.
- Pets are allowed must be on short leash at all times. Pets are not allowed in concessions area or bathrooms. If the pet causes a disturbance, guests may be required to leave.
The Sundance Drive-In is a wonderful experience. I highly encourage for you to go and enjoy the atmosphere while you can catch 2 great movies, with the ones you love, and be together under the stars.
