The 88 Drive-In Theatre located in Denver, Colorado stands as a beacon of nostalgia and cinematic wonder. Celebrating its 48th year in operation by the same family, this beloved outdoor theater offers a timeless movie-watching experience under the stars. Whether you’re a local resident or a traveler passing through, the 88 Drive-In Theatre invites you to relive the magic of the mid-20th century, complete with double features, classic concession stand treats, and the comforting hum of FM radio audio. I love visiting classic Drive-In Theaters as they are a delightful journey back in time.
The first drive-in theater, built in 1933 in New Jersey, marked the beginning of a uniquely American pastime. At their pinnacle in the 1950s and 60s, the United States boasted around 5,000 drive-ins. Today, only about 300 remain operational. As I travel across the country in my 1987 VW Vanagon Westfalia, I make it a point to visit these nostalgic venues every chance I get. Even if the movie lineup doesn’t appeal to me, I stop in to support these treasures of yesteryear and do my part to help ensure they remain for future generations to enjoy.
Competing with modern theaters equipped with the latest technology is no small feat, yet drive-ins like the 88 continue to offer a unique experience. Doors open at 6 PM, with the first movie beginning around 8 PM. Admission is $10 for adults and children over 12, while kids under 12 get in FREE. Considering this price covers two current major movie releases, it’s an incredible bargain, though I admit I couldn’t stay awake for the second movie.
In the early days, audio for the movies was provided through speakers that you parked next to or mounted on your car window. Today, it’s all done via FM transmitters. Upon purchasing your ticket, you’re given a radio frequency to tune your car stereo to, allowing the movie’s audio to play through your car speakers. It’s a clever system, although dead car batteries at the end of the night are common. Thankfully, the staff is prepared with portable battery packs to jump-start vehicles as needed.
Parking is organized by vehicle size, with larger vehicles like mine directed to the back to avoid blocking the view for smaller cars. This thoughtful arrangement ensures everyone has a clear view of the screen.
One of the standout features of the 88 Drive-In Theatre is its well-maintained screen, which sets it apart from many other drive-ins I’ve visited across the country. The well-kept condition of the screen ensures a crisp viewing experience, making it one of the most impressive aspects of this theater.
Even though the theater does not allow patrons to bring in their own “outside food” I still saw many guests do just that. It’s important to remember that drive-ins rely heavily on concession stand sales to stay afloat. Most of the admission fee goes towards covering the cost of screening the movies, so purchasing snacks and drinks from the concession stand helps keep these beloved theaters in business.
I’ve traveled extensively across the country, always on the lookout for drive-in theaters in different regions. I enjoy the unique experience they offer and appreciate these historic landmarks, many of which are family-owned and operated. Sadly, drive-ins are always struggling to stay afloat, so every additional guest and bit of revenue makes a significant difference. This is why I make it a point to visit them—not only to enjoy a few hours of entertainment but also to support these treasured establishments and help them extend their life.
Despite the charm of this theater, my experience wasn’t without a couple of hiccups. The first issue was the concession stand, which had only one register open, resulting in long lines that often stretched outside the door. I made multiple visits to the stand and it seemed to always be an issue so I just returned to my van instead. Adding another register would not only significantly speed up service and improve the overall experience for their guests but it would increase sales overall. Many other guests returned to their vehicle as I did once they saw the long line.
The second issue was the late arrivals. The theater continued to allow entry well after the first movie started and even into the second. These latecomers, searching for parking spots with their headlights on, disrupted those already engrossed in the movie. A possible solution could be to stop admitting vehicles 30 minutes after the first movie begins and/or to direct latecomers to a designated section at the rear of the parking lot to minimize disturbances.
Despite these minor drawbacks, the 88 Drive-In Theatre remains a wonderful place to relive the golden era of cinema. By visiting and supporting these theaters, we help preserve a piece of Americana. So, the next time you’re on the road, seek out a drive-in theater, indulge in some concession stand treats, and enjoy the nostalgic charm of watching movies under the stars.
Orignal post June 5, 2016 – Updated June 12, 2024