A guide to visiting Kentucky’s 7 remaining drive-in movie theaters

At their peak, Kentucky had more than 100 drive-in movie theaters — averaging almost one drive-in per county.

Now, only seven remain open. Some Kentucky theaters have been operating for over 70 years, bringing generations of movie-goers to one place.

When the sun sets, the movies begin.

Here’s a look at the drive-ins you can visit now in Kentucky.

Stanford Drive In Theater and Grill

The oldest remaining drive-in theater, Stanford Drive In Theater & Grill opened in May of 1952 in Lincoln County.

A 75-minute drive from Lexington, Stanford Drive is open Fridays and Saturdays, but may have “special showings” on Thursdays.

Food is available at concession stands and to order online.

Judy Drive In

Opening shortly after the Stanford Drive In Theater & Grill in 1952, Judy Drive In is located in Mount Sterling about an hour west of Lexington.

The Judy is Lexington’s only twin drive-in, meaning there are two screens to show movies, sometimes at the same time. The Judy shows a range of films such as “Obsession” and “Minions & Monsters.”

Calvert Drive-In Theater

Calvert Drive-In Theater originally opened in 1953. The drive-in closed following the 2021 season after the death of the theater’s owner, but was reopened in June 2023 under new ownership.

The theater shows movies Wednesday through Sunday and shows captioned movies every Sunday. The drive-in, three and a half hours from Lexington, also features an arcade open from 4 p.m. until intermission.

The Bourbon Drive-In

In Paris, about 40 minutes northwest of Lexington, the Bourbon Drive-In shows movies every weekend with occasional midnight showings.

Bourbon Drive-In has been operating since 1956 and has concessions including burgers, chicken rings, candy and kids’ meals.

Skyline Theater

Just off of KY-61 in Summersville about one hour and 45 minutes from Lexington, Skyline Theater opened in 1956 and runs every Friday and Saturday.

Skyline shows movies that are in theaters and older movies such as a "Top Gun” and “Top Gun Maverick” double feature.

Sauerbeck Family Drive In

Opened in 2018, Sauerbeck Family Drive In is the only drive-in theater open daily in Kentucky. Located off of exit 18 on I-71, the theater is about 15 minutes North of Louisville.

Concessions include nachos, wings, cotton candy, Ale 8 One, beer and alcoholic seltzers. Every week, the drive-in runs a “bargain Tuesday,” where adult tickets typically sold for $11 are only $6.

Knox Drive-In

Barbourville Mayor David Thompson had a vision for Knox Drive-In during the COVID-19 pandemic and the theater was opened a couple of years later in 2023. Knox Drive-In is about a two-hour drive Southeast of Lexington.

Knox Drive-In is open Thursday through Sunday, and shows throwback movies on Thursdays.