Some of my favorite childhood memories are at the drive-in. There’s something special about dialing the radio in just right and hearing audio for your major picture come through your car’s speakers. I would sit on top of my family’s two-tone, turquoise Dodge van and split my time between star gazing and movie watching. In my mind, drive-ins are synonymous with summer.
In a time when social distancing is necessary, drive-ins are the perfect outing, and the Indy-area is home to four.
#1 Tibbs Drive-In
The only remaining drive-in within Indy city limits, Tibbs has four screens and shows double features Thursday-Monday (hello, long weekends). They’re currently operating at 50 percent capacity so advance online ticket purchase is recommended. To keep everyone safe, Tibb’s management is asking patrons to stay in cars unless picking up concessions, which will now need to be pre-ordered via the FanFood App. To learn more about safety, check out their site here.
#2 Centerbrook Drive-In
Just 15 miles south of Indy, Centerbrook is open Thursday-Sunday and Tuesdays and has been continuously operated since 1950. They’re a cash-only, one-screen theatre, and ask patrons to maintain 6-feet social distancing and wear a mask to concession stand and/or restrooms.
#3 The Skyline Drive-In Theatre
About 40 miles southeast of Indy in Shelbyville, Ind., The Skyline is a single-screen drive-in screening classic movie. They’re open Friday-Sunday and are currently limiting capacity to 150 to practice social distancing. Advance purchase is available on their website here.
#4 M.E.L.S. at the Starlite Drive-In
About 35 miles northwest of Indy, M.E.L.S. at the Startlight shows classic movies like ET and Back to the Future. M.E.L.S. is $25 a carload and is first come, first serve basis. Check their Facebook page for most up-to-date screening information.