Step back in time to the golden days of yesteryear with a family outing to an old-fashioned drive-in movie theater. This year couldn’t be more fitting of a drive-in experience – especially since indoor theaters will remain closed for at least several more weeks due to the pandemic. Recently, the website MentalFloss took on the challenge of ranking the best drive-in theater in every state in America – and we couldn’t agree more with their assessment of the Raleigh Road Outdoor Theater as the best in North Carolina.
Load up the car and hit the road for a drive-in experience that’ll take you back decades to an era when drive-ins were all the rage in North Carolina.
Facebook/Raleigh Road Outdoor Theater
Today, there are fewer than ten drive-ins remaining in the Tar Heel State and this one — the Raleigh Road Drive-In — happens to be the oldest one still in operation. It first opened in 1949.
Google Maps/Danny Williford
The drive-in is open Wednesday through Sunday with two shows each night for the price of one admission ticket per person. During the summer, Wednesday nights include a live concert at 7 p.m. and then a movie.
Google Maps/Brian C Newman
Tickets are $8 for those 12 and over, $5 for kids age 3-11, and free for kids under the age of three. During the pandemic, masks must be worn by all guests when you’re outside of your own vehicle. This is a state mandate, of course, but is strictly enforced.
Google Maps/Ashley Visitors should also be aware that outside food and drink aren’t permitted, so you’ll need to leave your cooler at home.
Fortunately, a menu loaded with many affordably-priced food options (burgers, hot dogs, grilled chicken, and more), is available so you can enjoy dinner with the show. Popcorn, of course, is also served up in a variety of portions from small (46 ounces) to the Super Tub (170 ounces).
Google Maps/Rebekah Reinhold
The gates open at 7 p.m. Arrive early, get a great space, order some dinner and wait for the shows to start.
Google Maps/Brian C Newman
Google Maps/Rosario Sagastume
The movies begin at dusk, as do the concerts on Wednesdsay nights.
Facebook/Raleigh Road Outdoor Theater
Raleigh Road Outdoor Theater is open year-round with two movies or events every night (even in winter).
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Raleigh Road Outdoor Theater is located three miles south of Henderson, North Carolina. Learn more, purchase tickets online, and see the list of upcoming movies and events by visiting the official website. You can also give it a follow on Facebook!
Facebook/Raleigh Road Outdoor Theater
Google Maps/Danny Williford
Google Maps/Brian C Newman
Google Maps/Ashley
Visitors should also be aware that outside food and drink aren’t permitted, so you’ll need to leave your cooler at home.
Google Maps/Rebekah Reinhold
Google Maps/Rosario Sagastume
Google Maps
Congrats to the oldest theater in the state for making the MentalFloss list of Best in America! What’s your favorite drive-in theater in North Carolina – and why? Weigh in with your thoughts in our discussion on Facebook!
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Address: 3336 Raleigh Rd, Henderson, NC 27537, USA
