4 drive-in theaters in Iowa when you want a retro experience this summer

Paris Barraza, Des Moines Register
·2 min read

It’s starting to feel like summer as Iowa’s few drive-in theaters welcome moviegoers for the season.

The closest to Des Moines is the Valle Drive-In in Newton. But, it isn’t the option for those wanting to see a movie under the stars. Here’s where else you can visit for a drive-in experience in Iowa.

Plus, be on the lookout for pop-up theaters at places like Valley West Mall in West Des Moines or at special events.

Valle Drive-In, Newton

The state’s oldest, Valle Drive-In in Newton, reopened the first weekend of May, according to its social media.

The theater will be showing a double feature of “If,” starring Ryan Reynolds, and “Godzilla x Kong" for the weekend of May 17-19.

  • Hours: Open Fridays-Sundays, gates open at 6:30 p.m., with the main feature starting at dusk

  • Location: 4074 Highway F48, Newton

  • Website: valledrive-in.com

Voy 61 Drive In Theater, Delmar

The Eras Tour movie shown at Voy 61 in Delmar.
The Eras Tour movie shown at Voy 61 in Delmar.

This historic drive-in opened in 1950. It’s been owned by Dennis Voy since 1972, according to the drive-in, serving moviegoers as other drive-ins in the region faded away over time. Last October, the drive-in hosted one of the nation’s biggest cinematic experiences: a screening of "Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour."

The theater has already been showing movies for 2024, so visit the drive-in’s social media and website to stay up to date on what movies are being shown, and when.

  • Hours: Open Fridays-Sundays, gates open at 6:30 p.m., with movies starting at 8:30 p.m.

  • Location: 1228 U.S. Highway 61, Delmar

  • Website: 61-driveintheatre.com

Superior 71 Drive-In Theater

The Spirit Lake drive-in opened for the season in early May, according to its social media accounts. Superior 71 offers simultaneous screenings of two different movies, and no screen hopping is allowed, so choose carefully which movie you want to see.

This year, the drive-in has eliminated a second feature and will show retro cartoons after the movie, Superior 71 announced on social media in April. That’s because many visitors won’t stay for the second feature if the movie is already streaming, the post said.

Hours: Open Fridays and Saturdays, check website for times

Location: 1482 300th Avenue, Spirit Lake

Website: superior71drivein.com

Blue Grass Drive-In

The newest on this list, Blue Grass Drive-In filled an over 25-year drive-in theater void in the Quad Cities-area when it opened a decade ago with a four-sided screen that shows two doubleheaders each night. The theater kicked off its 2024 season in April.

  • Hours: Open Friday-Sundays, gates open at 6 p.m. (The drive-in opens daily from late May to early August)

  • Location: 774 W. Mayne St., Blue Grass

  • Website: bgdrive.in

Paris Barraza is a trending and general assignment reporter at the Des Moines Register. Reach her at pbarraza@registermedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @ParisBarraza.

This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Iowa drive-in theaters in Spirit Lake, Newton reopen for 2024