Ruskin Drive-in Theatre Photo courtesy Andy Callahan
There are still a few drive-ins remaining in Florida. Check them out
here at Roadside Peek'sDrive-in
Theatres Florida.
There's still something special about pulling into the Ruskin Family Drive-In Theatre. The familiar marquee along U.S. 41 and the giant movie screen beyond it make this one of those roadside stops that's just as much fun today as it was decades ago. 04-06
The theater faced one of its biggest challenges in 2024 when Hurricane Milton toppled the massive screen tower. Fortunately, it didn't stay down for long.
UPDATE: The Ruskin Family Drive-In rebuilt its screen and reopened in March 2025. It remains one of Florida's last historic drive-ins still showing movies. 08-26
Buccaneer Drive-In
Theatre (Closed) Photo courtesy Barry Wells
If you're traveling old U.S. 25 near Richmond, keep an eye out for the Buccaneer Drive-In Theatre. The movies have been over for years, but it's still easy to imagine cars lined up beneath the evening sky waiting for the first feature to begin. 11-10
The Buccaneer opened in 1961 and could hold about 400 cars, making it a popular stop during the golden age of the drive-in. Unlike many old ozoners that disappeared almost overnight, this one lingered after closing. The concession building remained standing for years, giving the property the feeling that it had simply been waiting for the next show to start.
There's something about an old drive-in that makes you slow down. Even when the screen has gone dark, it's easy to picture the glow of the projector, kids in the back seat, and families settling in with popcorn before the previews rolled.
UPDATE: The Buccaneer Drive-in is now closed. Many thanks to Joe Collett for update. 05-06
UPDATE: The Buccaneer Drive-In has been closed for many years. While the theater is no longer operating, parts of the old property remained standing long after the final movie. 08-26
Twin Drive-in Theatre (Demolished)
Atlanta, GA Photo courtesy Tiger Jones
Check out the marquee for the Twin Drive-In Theatre just south of Atlanta. Shaped like a giant highway shield, it was one of those signs that couldn't help but catch your eye as you cruised down the South Expressway. Even before the movie started, the marquee was putting on a show.
The drive-in first opened in 1955 as the South Expressway Drive-In before expanding into a twin-screen theater as outdoor movies grew in popularity. With room for nearly a thousand cars, it became a familiar stop for Atlanta-area families looking for a double feature beneath the stars. The playground, concession stand, and glowing marquee made it feel like more than just a movie theater. It was a destination.
Like so many drive-ins, changing times eventually caught up with it. The movies stopped, the screens came down, and the land was redeveloped. Today, only photographs like this remind us of one of Atlanta's most recognizable roadside movie marquees.
UPDATE: The South Expressway Twin Drive-In was demolished years ago, and the property has since been redeveloped for commercial use. 08-26
Kenda Drive-in Theatre
Marshall, AR Photo courtesy Stewart Isbell
There's still a place in Arkansas where you can pull off the highway, park beneath the stars, and watch a movie the old-fashioned way. The Kenda Drive-In Theatre has been welcoming moviegoers to Marshall since 1966, and the familiar roadside marquee still stands at the entrance, inviting another generation of travelers to spend an evening outdoors. 06-06
The Kenda was built by Kenneth and Marilyn Sanders and named after their daughter, Kenda. What began as a hometown drive-in has remained just that, passing from one generation of the family to the next instead of becoming another forgotten piece of roadside history. That alone makes it a special stop, especially now that so many drive-ins have faded from the landscape.
Driving onto the lot feels like stepping back a few decades. The giant screen rises above the rows of parking spaces, and as the sun begins to set, families start finding their favorite spots for the evening. Some stay in the car, while others unfold lawn chairs or settle into the back of a pickup truck. Before long, kids are tossing footballs or running around the lot while parents make one more trip to the concession stand for popcorn and cold drinks.
Movie Trailer
AR Photo courtesy Stewart Isbell
The Kenda has certainly kept up with the times. Digital projection replaced the old film reels years ago, making it possible to continue showing first-run movies. Even so, the theater hasn't forgotten where it came from. One of the nicest surprises is seeing the original window speakers still standing throughout the lot. They no longer carry the movie soundtrack the way they once did, but they've been fitted with Bluetooth receivers so visitors can still appreciate a classic piece of drive-in history.
The Sanders family also operated Marshall's Ken Theatre until it was lost to fire in 1968, leaving the Kenda to carry on the family's movie tradition. More than fifty years later, it's still doing exactly that, proving that a drive-in can survive with a little hard work, loyal customers, and a community that appreciates keeping traditions alive.
Screen
Tower and Snack Bar
Marshall, AR Photo courtesy Stewart Isbell
As darkness settles over the Ozarks and the first images appear on the screen, it's easy to understand why drive-ins became such an important part of American summers. There's just something about watching a movie beneath an open sky that no indoor theater can quite match. If you're traveling through northern Arkansas, this is one roadside stop that's well worth making.
UPDATE: This drive-in is called the Kenda Drive-in in Marshall, AR. Many thanks to David Hughes for update. 11-10
UPDATE: The Kenda Drive-In remains open year-round and continues showing first-run movies beneath its historic marquee, making it one of Arkansas' last surviving drive-ins. 08-26
Close
up of the screen tower
Marshall, AR Photo courtesy Stewart Isbell
Projection
Booth
Marshall, AR Photo courtesy Stewart Isbell
Buccaneer Drive-In
Theatre (Closed)
Twin Drive-in Theatre (Demolished)
Kenda Drive-in Theatre
Movie Trailer
The Sanders family also operated Marshall's Ken Theatre until it was lost to fire in 1968, leaving the Kenda to carry on the family's movie tradition. More than fifty years later, it's still doing exactly that, proving that a drive-in can survive with a little hard work, loyal customers, and a community that appreciates keeping traditions alive.
