You Can Still See A Drive In Movie In Utah, Just Not Around Here

When I first moved to Cedar City there was still a drive in movie theater on property to the east of what is now Cedar City Motor Company, and if my memory isn't faulty, I think it was still in operation the first summer we were here, but closed not long after.

When I was a kid, when my family went to the movies, it was, more often than not, to the indoor theaters. But occasionally, we would pile in to the car and head to the drive in. It was fun, but now for the most part, relegated to our memories.

Drive in movie theaters do still operate throughout the country. This website is dedicated to giving out information drive ins still working. And drive in theaters saw a bit of resurgence during the pandemic as people were seeking entertainment, but were worried about being in large groups.

And yes, there are still drive-in movies in Utah, just not in our area of the state. Utah is home to several drive-in movie theaters that are still in operation. These drive-ins provide a unique and nostalgic movie-watching experience that many people still enjoy.

The closest drive-in movie theater to Southern Utah is the Basin Drive-In Theater in Mount Pleasant. This theater has been in operation since 1958 and features two outdoor screens, a snack bar, and a playground for children. It is a great place to enjoy a double feature with family and friends. Interestingly, the Basin Drive-In did actually start in the Uintah basin but was moved to Sanpete County.

One of the most popular drive-in movie theaters in Utah is the Redwood Drive-In Theater in West Valley City. This theater has been in operation since 1948 and features a large outdoor screen, a snack bar, and a playground for children. It is a great place for families and groups of friends to gather for an evening of fun and entertainment. Along with movies during the spring and summer seasons, the Redwood Drive-In Theater is also home to a weekly swap meet.

The Echo Drive-In is located in Roosevelt and is operated by the Roosevelt Theater Company, which also operates indoor theaters in the basin. The echo opened in 1956. It has one screen and can accommodate 250 cars.

The Motor Vu Drive-In, now the Erda Drive In, in Erda is another popular drive-in movie theater in Utah. This theater has been in operation since 1948 and features a large outdoor screen, a snack bar, and a playground for children.

There was also a Motor Vu Drive In theater in Riverdale, but that land was recently sold to a developer.

As a bonus, most of the snack bars have menus that go beyond the typical popcorn, candy and drinks at most theaters. Many have hamburgers and other dinner options. It is a great place to watch movies under the stars and enjoy a unique movie-watching experience.

Instead of hanging speakers in your windows, these theaters now send the movie soundtrack to your car sound system through low power FM broadcasts. All the drive in theaters in Utah have switched to digital projection systems.

Drive-in movies are still alive and well in Utah, but not at the moment. None of the theaters operate all year round, but are seasonal from generally mid spring through summer. These theaters provide a unique and enjoyable movie-watching experience that many people still enjoy. So if you're in Utah and looking for a fun and nostalgic way to watch a movie, be sure to check out one of the state's many drive-in movie theaters.