11 Virginia Drive-In Theaters From The ’80s That Disappeared Forever
Remember those magical summer nights at Virginia drive-in theaters? Families would pile into the station wagon, arms loaded with pillows, blankets, and snacks, eager to claim the perfect parking spot.
As the sun dipped below the horizon, the giant screen lit up against a canopy of stars, and the smell of popcorn drifted across the lot. These outdoor cinemas weren’t just about the movies—they were community gatherings, first-date destinations, and memory-making backdrops for generations.
Sadly, many of Virginia’s beloved drive-ins from the 1980s have disappeared, leaving behind only stories, nostalgia, and a longing for simpler nights under the open sky.
1. Broadmoor Drive-In – Norfolk
The sprawling Broadmoor lit up Norfolk’s nightlife for decades before closing its gates in 1986. I still remember my dad backing our Chevy into the perfect spot, angling just right so my little brother and I could see over the dashboard from the back seat.
Families flocked to its famous double features that ran late into the summer nights. The concession stand sold those impossibly delicious fries that somehow tasted better under the stars than anywhere else on earth.
What made Broadmoor special was the community feel—teenagers on first dates, families with kids in pajamas, all sharing the same movie experience together rather than isolated in separate theater rows.
2. Twin Pines Drive-In – Bristol
Nestled between actual twin pine trees stood Bristol’s beloved outdoor cinema, a weekend staple until its 1989 closure. My first PG-13 movie experience happened right here—I convinced my mom I was mature enough for “Back to the Future” while secretly terrified of the lightning strike scene.
Twin Pines boasted an impressive playground where kids burned energy before showtime. The owners, an elderly couple named the Wilsons, knew regular customers by name and car model.
During intermission, local bands sometimes performed on a small stage near the concession building, creating a festival atmosphere unique to this southwestern Virginia gem that no indoor theater could replicate.
3. Midway Drive-In – Salem
Positioned perfectly between Roanoke and Salem, Midway Drive-In earned its name honestly. Saturday nights transformed this gravel lot into the coolest place in the Roanoke Valley until it shuttered in 1987.
The sound quality at Midway outshined competitors thanks to actual working speakers—a rarity when many theaters had switched to radio transmission. Their buttered popcorn achieved legendary status among locals, with a secret recipe rumored to include a dash of Old Bay seasoning.
Rain rarely stopped the show—the dedicated projectionist would wait out summer storms, and patient moviegoers were rewarded with crystal-clear films against dramatic post-storm skies that no CGI effect could match.
4. Jefferson Drive-In – Charlottesville
Presidential in name and atmosphere, the Jefferson welcomed Charlottesville families from 1952 until its heartbreaking 1984 farewell. My college roommate’s parents had their first kiss here during a showing of “Grease”—a story she told with embarrassed pride.
The Jefferson’s claim to fame? A rotating snack menu that changed monthly, featuring local specialties. August brought peach milkshakes from nearby orchards that people lined up for even if they weren’t staying for the movie.
During UVA graduation weekends, the theater would project congratulatory messages between films, sometimes listing graduates’ names who had worked there through school—a touching community tradition that disappeared along with the theater.
5. Lee Highway Drive-In – Arlington
Urban sprawl claimed Arlington’s premier outdoor theater in 1988, leaving only faded photos of its distinctive art deco marquee. Located just minutes from DC, Lee Highway Drive-In attracted an eclectic mix of government workers, military families, and suburban teens.
Unlike rural drive-ins, this metropolitan outdoor cinema specialized in indie films and foreign features you couldn’t find elsewhere. The owners installed a playground with a direct view of the screen so parents could actually enjoy adult films while keeping an eye on their kids.
Fourth of July screenings became legendary events where the scheduled movie paused at 9:30 sharp so everyone could watch DC’s fireworks display from the perfect vantage point before resuming the film.
6. Colonial Drive-In – Williamsburg
History buffs rejoiced at Colonial Drive-In’s themed experience, where staff dressed in period-appropriate attire served concessions until its 1985 closing. My aunt swears she once sat two cars away from Steven Spielberg, who reportedly visited while researching for a film.
The Colonial didn’t just show movies—it created immersive experiences. For the premiere of “E.T.,” they constructed a bicycle ramp that appeared to fly across the moon when silhouetted against the screen before showtime.
Every summer brought “Colonial Nights” where historical documentaries about Williamsburg played before the main feature. School field trips often included an educational film here, making it perhaps the only drive-in that doubled as an educational venue.
7. Eastgate Drive-In – Roanoke
Thunder rolled across Eastgate’s massive lot when it opened for its final season in 1983. Perched on the eastern edge of Roanoke, this drive-in boasted the largest screen in southwestern Virginia, visible from the nearby interstate.
Car clubs made Eastgate their Saturday night headquarters, with classic vehicles arriving hours early to secure front-row spots. The owner, a former radio DJ, personally introduced each feature with trivia and jokes over the sound system.
Eastgate pioneered the “dusk till dawn” marathon in the region, showing up to five features on holiday weekends. Many viewers brought tents and sleeping bags, creating a festival atmosphere that felt more like a community campout than a typical movie night.
8. Park Drive-In – Portsmouth
Sailboats occasionally drifted into view behind Park Drive-In’s waterfront screen, creating unintentional silhouettes against 1980s blockbusters until its 1986 demolition. Located near the naval shipyard, this theater offered military discounts that made it a favorite among Navy families.
Summer humidity created a unique atmosphere here—sometimes the sea mist would catch the projection light, creating ethereal beams above cars. The concession stand specialized in seafood baskets, breaking from traditional drive-in fare with fresh local catches.
During fleet week, visiting sailors from around the world packed the lot, creating an international audience. The owner kept a map where visitors could pin their hometowns, eventually covering continents—a testament to Portsmouth’s naval connections.
9. Skyline Drive-In – Winchester
Aptly named for its breathtaking mountain backdrop, Winchester’s Skyline Drive-In closed in 1989 after entertaining Shenandoah Valley residents for three decades. I celebrated my 10th birthday watching “The Goonies” here, bundled in blankets as the mountain air cooled even on summer nights.
Skyline’s unique tiered parking ensured unobstructed views from every spot. Apple orchards surrounded the property, and in fall, the aroma of nearby cider processing blended with popcorn scents.
The owner’s collies roamed freely before showtime, greeting regulars and becoming unofficial mascots. During apple harvest season, local farmers would donate bushels for free distribution to moviegoers—a community tradition that embodied the Skyline’s country charm.
10. Southside Drive-In – Richmond
Richmond nights belonged to Southside, the capital city’s favorite outdoor theater until developers purchased the valuable land in 1987. The mayor frequently hosted community meetings here during daylight hours, utilizing the large space for town halls before movies began.
Southside distinguished itself with themed weekends—monster movie marathons, western roundups, and sci-fi spectaculars drew dedicated fans who decorated their vehicles to match the films. The theater’s FM transmitter was exceptionally powerful, allowing people in nearby neighborhoods to “eavesdrop” on movies from their porches.
During the 1980s energy crisis, they pioneered “bicycle nights” where pedal-powered patrons received half-price admission. Hundreds of bikes would fill a special section, creating an environmentally friendly viewing option decades ahead of its time.
11. Tidewater Drive-In – Virginia Beach
Ocean breezes cooled beachgoers-turned-moviegoers at Tidewater Drive-In until coastal development claimed it in 1988. Just three blocks from the boardwalk, this unique theater allowed sand-covered families to transition from beach day to movie night without missing a beat.
Summer tourists mixed with locals, creating a vibrant atmosphere unlike any other drive-in. The concession stand’s signature blue raspberry slushies stained tongues the exact color of the Atlantic on clear days—a coincidence the owner claimed was planned.
During hurricane warnings, the massive screen came down in sections—a fascinating engineering feat I witnessed twice as a kid. The theater’s final showing—appropriately “Beach Blanket Bingo”—attracted thousands of nostalgic viewers who signed a giant farewell poster now displayed in Virginia Beach’s historical society.