by Hitting the open road is always awesome – but so is the time-honored tradition of watching movies at the drive-in. A staple of the 1950s into the 1970s, drive-in movie theaters have fallen on hard times over the last few decades, but these places continue to offer the experience, with updates. All provide a fun experience in the great Wisconsin outdoors… from your vehicle. Here’s where they are and what you can see!
Starlite 14 Drive-In, Richland Center
U.S. Highway 14 East
Richland Center, WI 53581
(608) 647-3669
Website
Starlite 14 Facebook Page
The Starlite is truly an original classic, having started in 1953. Like many “old school” drive-ins, it fell on hard times for quite a while and even shut down for quite a few years. But new owners bought it, refurbished it, modernized the sound system, did a deep clean, and it’s seen quite a resurrection since starting back up in 2020. The old metal stands holding the speakers are gone, and now a low power FM signal gives viewers in their cars the sound they need for the movies they watch on the 60′ x 38′ screen. Admission is $10 for adults, Kids 3-12 are $5. Tickets are sold at the gate. Carry-ins are not allowed!
You’ll find the Starlite 14 right along its namesake, U.S. 14, on the south side of Richland Center.
Starlite 14 is still open but only on select weekends, including this Saturday night. Here is their schedule for the rest of the season:
Saturday, October 12th: Inside Out 2 at 6:30. It’s Richland Hospital & Clinics FREE movie night, too!
Saturday, October 19th: Deadpool 3 followed by New Aliens|
Saturday, October 26th: Hocus Pocus followed by Nightmare Before Christmas
Saturday, November 9th: Wizard of Oz
Saturday, December 7th: Elf
Skyway Drive-In Theater, Fish Creek
3475 State Highway 42, Fish Creek
(920) 854-9938
doorcountydrivein.com
Skyway Drive-In Facebook Page
The Skyway, right along good ol’ Highway 42, is Door County’s classic drive-in. It opened back in 1950 and has hung on ever since, keeping up the quality and offering radio for audio reception (100.5 FM or 530 AM) as well as some remaining classic speakers for your car in the first four rows. Pets are welcome, as long as they behave – but I suspect that goes for humans, too. Tickets are $9.50 for people 12 and up, $5.50 for kids ages 5-11, kids 4 and younger are free. Bring cash (they don’t take cards, either) for the movies and the concession stand, where they offer all the basics along with some fun stuff like foot-long hot dogs and ice cream novelties.
Skyway Drive-In is still open! They’re showing Beetlejuice Beetlejuice around 6:40pm followed by Joker: Folie à Deux around 8:35pm Friday & Saturday, October 11th/12th. Gates open around 6:00.
The Milky Way Drive-In, Franklin
7035 S. Ballpark Drive., Franklin
(414) 529-7676
milkywaydrivein.com
Just off Highway 36 in the southern Milwaukee suburb of Franklin, The Milky Way is a “pop-up” drive-in, showing movies in the parking lot of the stadium where the relatively new Northwoods League baseball team, the Milwaukee Milkmen, play. This drive-in hotspot, which opened in 2020, costs $35 per vehicle per movie, bring however many people you want in the vehicle. Carhops can deliver food and beverages from the food trucks around, as well as the concession stands that would normally serve baseball fans. An app will allow you to order food and drinks, as well as listen to the movie’s audio (outdoor speakers and an FM station option also provide the sound.)
The Milky Way is open this weekend as part of their “Freight Nights”, including:
Thursday, October 10th: DOUBLE FEATURE with Ouija: Origin of Evil and Tarot starting at 6:30pm
Friday, October 11th: Beetlejuice at 6:30pm followed by Annabelle at 9:15pm
Saturday, October 12th: Ghostbusters at 5:00pm followed by Talk To Me at 7:30pm and A Quiet Place: Day One at 10pm
Sunday, October 13th: Casper at 5:00pm followed by Paranormal Activity at 7:30pm
Hit their website for more updates as they get posted!
Goetz’ Sky-Vu Drive-In, Monroe
N1936 Wisconsin Highway 69, Monroe
(608) 325-4545
goetzskyvu.com
Just south of Monroe on Highway 69, you’ll find the Sky-Vu, a sister theater for the Goetz in downtown Monroe. The Sky-Vu has weathered all kinds of conditions since 1954 and is now in its 67th season. They’ve been fully digital since 2012. They bill themselves as “where the stars come to play at night” and be sure to bring actual bills: they are cash only.
Goetz’ Sky-Vu looks to be open this weekend as well, showing Joker: Folie A Deux followed by Beetlejuice Beetlejuice both Friday & Saturday night. Gates open at 7pm, first show starts at 7:45pm.
Chilton Twilight Outdoor Theater, Chilton
1255 E. Chestnut Street (Highways 32/57), Chilton
(920) 849-9565
getreelcinemas.com/chilton-drive-in/
Chilton Twilight Outdoor Theater Facebook Page
A 2012 addition to the state’s drive-in lineup, the Chilton Twilight Outdoor Theater is usually open Wednesdays through Sundays (weather permitting, of course) for double features. They also offer a mini-golf course. They’re located right along Highways 32/57 on the south side of Chilton, not far from their junction with U.S. 151. Admission is normally $6 for adults, $4 for kids 11 and under. They have regular movie-style concessions as well as homemade pizzas; no carry-ins.
The Chilton Twilight is now CLOSED for the season.
Big Sky Twin Drive-In, Wisconsin Dells
N9199 Winnebago Rd (corner of Highways 16 & 127), Wisconsin Dells
(608) 254-8025
bigskydrivein.com
Big Sky Facebook Page
The Big Sky is located just southeast of Wisconsin Dells, right where Highways 16 and 127 meet up. Two full-sized screens play 2-for-1 first-run feature films. Well-behaved pets are welcomed. Tickets are $8 for adults and $5 for kids under 11. Two other things of note: 1) Bring cash, because The Big Sky does not take credit or debit cards; and 2) Bring lots of cash, because you’ll probably want to try their famous Big Mamaburger, the featured culinary delight from their concession stand!
Big Sky is now CLOSED for the season.
Stardust Drive-In, Chetek
995 22nd St., Chetek
(715) 458-4587
stardustdriveinmovie.com
Stardust Drive-In Facebook Page
The Stardust two-screen drive-in in Chetek bills itself as the “last remaining Drive-In Theater in northern Wisconsin.” And depending on where you consider northern Wisconsin to begin, they may be right. One screen usually leans towards family-friendly fare and the more adult-oriented movies, like horror thrillers and the like, play on the other screen. Gates open at 6:30pm and movies typically start around sunset. Ticket prices are $8.50 for adults (13 and up) and $4.50 for children, ages 5-12. The Orbit is a playground and train ride area for kids. It’s a very cool layout and the snack bar is pretty sweet, too!
Stardust is now CLOSED for the season.
Field of Scenes Outdoor Theater, Freedom
N3712 Wisconsin Highway 55, Freedom
(920) 489-3600
fieldofscenes.biz
Field of Scenes Facebook Page
Big on puns but believing if they built it, they would come, Field of Scenes opened in 2003 right along Highway 55 in Freedom, just north of Kaukauna and I-41. Now celebrating its 20th year, Field of Scenes features two screens and double features; tickets are $8 for adults and $4 for kids 11 and under. Also, Field of Scenes offers two playgrounds, a basketball court and a volleyball court to keep kids occupied before the movies start. Tickets cannot be purchased in advance; they must be purchased at the gate. Adult admission is $8, Children 4-11 are $4, and Children 3 and under are free. Ticket prices include a double feature.
Field of Scenes is CLOSED for the season, they’ll be back open in May 2025
You can check here for the latest.
Moonlight Outdoor Theater, Shawano
1494 E. Green Bay St (Highway 22 & Business Highway 29)., Shawano
(715) 524-3636
shawanocinema.com
Shawano Cinema & Moonlight Outdoor Theater Facebook Page
“Moonlight” is the name for the retro-style outdoor movies shown at the Shawano Cinema, which offers indoor movies all year ’round and the drive-in option when weather permits, and right now most of the time, it permits. Tickets are a great deal for a double feature, $8 for adults and $3 for kids. The Moonlight Outdoor Theater sometimes offers double-features Thursday through Sunday, in season. Movies generally start a little after dusk.
The Shawano Moonlight Outdoor is CLOSED for the season and will re-open in May 2025
You can also get showtimes for the movies inside here.
Highway 18 Outdoor Theater, Jefferson
W6423 US Highway 18 (and Highway 89), Jefferson
(920) 674-6700
highway18.com
Billing itself as “Wisconsin’s First Digital Cinema Drive-In,” the Highway 18 Outdoor lets you in for $10 for adults, $6 for children ages 5-11 and children 4 and under are admitted free. Unlike several of these drive-ins, the Highway 18 Outdoor does accept credit cards. No checks… but who writes checks to get into the movies now?
For audio, you have the choice of the old-school speakers or listening on a low power FM station. The neon retro sign beckons you in, right along U.S. 18 and Highway 89, just west of Highway 26 bypass of Jefferson.
Highway 18 Outdoor is now CLOSED and for sale – hopefully somebody will buy them and open it up again in Spring!
Thanks for the info about Sky-Vu! It’s impressive that it’s been around since 1954 and fully digital since 2012. Love the “where the stars come to play at night” tagline! Just a heads-up for anyone going: remember to bring cash since they don’t take cards.
Love this guide to Wisconsin’s drive-in movie theaters! As a long-time fan of this classic movie-going experience, it’s great to see a comprehensive list of options in one place. Can’t wait to try out some new ones this summer!
Love this guide to Wisconsin drive-in movie theaters! As a recent transplant to the state, I’m excited to try out some of these hidden gems. The nostalgia alone is worth it
Love this guide to Wisconsin drive-in movie theaters! As a lifelong resident of the state, it’s great to see such a comprehensive list of options. Can’t wait to try out a few new ones this summer
“Wow, what a fantastic resource for drive-in movie lovers in Wisconsin! I absolutely love the nostalgic charm and unique experience of watching movies under the stars in the comfort of my own car. Your comprehensive list is a true gem, filled with useful information and recommendations. I can’t wait to load up the snacks, grab some friends, and hit the road to explore these drive-in theaters. Thank you for curating such a wonderful collection of nostalgic fun! Keep up the great work!
Best regards,
Gary Ford”
I love drive-in movie theaters! I’m so glad you wrote this post.
I love drive-in movie theaters! I’m so glad you wrote this post.
I love drive-in movie theaters! I’m so glad you wrote this post.
amazing post
I love drive-in movie theaters! I’m so glad you wrote this post.
Wow – what a comprehensive list of drive-ins in Wisconsin, thanks!
Big Sky is listed on our directory https://pop-upcinema.com/places/united-states/wisconsin/wisconsin-dells/drive-in/big-sky-drive-in-theatre/ – so for all their fans, #ShareTheLove and give them a review – it really helps businesses.
For all the other drive-ins get a FREE listing at https://www.pop-upcinema.com/getlisted It’s quick and easy!
Booyah!