Drive-In Theatres in the Georgia Mountains
Looking for a fun and nostalgic way to enjoy a movie night? πΏποΈ The North Georgia mountains have several historic theaters, including two of the five remaining drive-ins in Georgia. Enjoy a first-run film or a campy classic from the comfort of your own car or outside on the lawn.
North Georgia Drive-In Movies
These outdoor theaters provide a fun and affordable way to enjoy a date or family night. Arrive early to get a great spot and enjoy concessions and outdoor games while waiting for the movie to start. Additionally, these drive-ins often show a double feature, offering you 2 movies for the price of one!
Make sure to arrive early, as drive-ins around the country are making headlines for their recent comebacks and surge in popularity (see articles from AJC, CNBC, CNN, and NY Post). Make sure you get a ticket and a great viewing location!
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Drive-In Theaters in the North Georgia Mountains
The Georgia mountains are full of great ways to relax, including the old tradition of visiting a drive-in movie theater. While there used to be over 5,000 drive-in theaters worldwide, today, only around 300 remain (less than 250 drive-in theaters with digital projection remain in the USA). Fortunately, two drive-ins are located in the Northeast Georgia mountains and make for a great night out!
With the number of drive-in theaters declining, visiting one now is a great idea!
Swan Drive-In Theatre in Blue Ridge, GA
A Blue Ridge landmark since 1955, the Swan Drive-In Theatre has a rich history, from its early beginnings through its notable 2014 appearance in the Hollywood thriller Need for Speed starring Aaron Paul (look for the “Mt. Kisco Drive-In” at the beginning).
Swan Drive-In Theatre in Blue Ridge, GA
Today, the Swan Drive-In offers a nostalgic experience with first-run movies and fan favorites from the past. Whether you enjoy a film under the stars or from the comfort of your car, the Swan guarantees a memorable movie nightβrain or shine. Pets are welcome if theyβre well-behaved and remain on a leash.
The On-site Diner and Carhop menus include a variety of classic concession stand snacks, such as hamburgers, corn dogs, fries, funnel cakes, nachos, fried Oreos, popcorn, and candy! Please note that outside food and drink are prohibited, as are grills or food deliveries. Re-entry is also not permitted.
The Swan Drive-In is open Thursday through SundayΒ and offersΒ one low admission price for a double feature. Tickets are discounted for children under 12, and kids 2 and under get in for free! The theaterΒ accepts cash, credit cards, the Cash App, Apple Pay, and Google Pay.
For more details or inquiries, contact the Swan Drive-In using the information below.
- Phone: +1 (706) 632-5235
- Address: 651 Summit Street, Blue Ridge, GA
- Email: info@swandrivein.com
- Website: swandrivein.com
See why the Swan Drive-In is a favorite among locals and visitors with social media updates and online reviews.
- Facebook: Swan Drive-In Theatre has 31,000+ followers
- TripAdvisor: Swan Drive-In is rated 4.5 with 275+ reviews
- Ranked #1 for “Fun & Games” in Blue Ridge
Tiger Drive-In Theater in Tiger, GA
Originally opened in 1954, the Tiger Drive-In closed in the mid-1980s before making a comeback in 2004. Today, it hosts regular movie showings and special events like concerts, Hot Rod Nights, weekend farmerβs markets, flea markets, and family reunions.
As one of the remaining drive-ins worldwide, Tiger Drive-In blends vintage charm with modern updates. First-run movies are shown with high-quality digital projection, and guests can relax on grass terraces while enjoying Pandora pre-show music, free WiFi, and food from the TDI Grill. Whether you prefer stretching out on a picnic blanket or watching from the comfort of your car, the atmosphere is always welcoming. Families will love that thereβs a playground on-site for kids, and pets are welcome tooβjust be sure to keep them on a leash.
Tiger Drive-In Movie Theater in Tiger, GA
Tiger Drive-In is open from early spring through mid-fall, with movies playing rain or shine on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday nights. Since spots are first come, first served, arrive early for the best selection of parking spots. Admission is $10 for adults and half price for kids (kids under three are FREE). The drive-in theater accepts debit and credit cards, and gift certificates are also available.
To extend the magic of movie night, Tiger Drive-In offers unique, pet-friendly overnight stays. Guests can pitch a tent for just $20 or park an RV for $40 and sleep under the stars after the show. For a more nostalgic experience, the drive-inβs Vintage Campers provide a cozy retreat, complete with a personal movie-viewing platform!
Tiger Drive-In Vintage RV Rentals
For more details or event inquiries, contact the Tiger Drive-In directly.
- Call: +1 (706) 782-1611
- Address: 2956 Old US Highway 441 S, Tiger, GA
- Email: tom@tigerdrivein.com
- Website: tigerdrivein.com
Learn more about recent Tiger Drive-In experiences from social media updates and online reviews.
- Facebook: Tiger Drive In Theater has 26,000+ followers
- TripAdvisor: Tiger Drive In is rated 4.5 with 25+ reviews
Tips for the Best Drive-In Movie Experience
A drive-in theater brings a nostalgic yet unique way to enjoy a film under the stars. π« Whether you’re visiting for the first time or a regular, these tips will help make your night as enjoyable as possible.
North Georgia Drive-In Theaters
Before The Show – Prep for a Memorable Night
π₯ A little preparation goes a long way in making your drive-in experience more comfortable. While you can watch the movie inside your car, many guests prefer to enjoy the show while sitting outside (especially if they’re in the back seat). Follow these tips to get the most out of your North GA Drive-In movie experience!
Who to Invite to a Drive-In Movie
Drive-in movies are great for a variety of group outings. Plan a romantic date night with cozy blankets and snacks, a fun evening with friends, or a family outing where kids can enjoy the playground before the show. If bringing young children, consider dressing them in pajamas so they can fall asleep comfortably before the ride home.
How to Prepare Your Car for a Drive-In Movie
π Your car is a part of the experience, so make sure itβs ready! Clean your windshield before arriving for a clear view, vacuum and dust the interior, and clear out unnecessary trunk items if you plan to set up in the back. If using your carβs radio for audio, ensure your car battery is strong enough to last through the movie. Run the engine at intermission if needed, but keep headlights off.
Essential Gear for an Epic Drive-In Movie
Being prepared makes all the difference at a drive-in. Pack these items to get the most out of your drive-in experience!
- Seating & Comfort: Bring your own folding lawn chairs, picnic blankets, or an air mattress for truck beds
- Seasonal Protection
- π₯Warm weather essentials include cooling towels, personal fans, and insect repellent
- βοΈCool-weather essentials include jackets and blankets
- Movie Audio: Bring a portable FM radio to tune in to the movie audio broadcast πΆ(very helpful when not sitting inside your car)
- Lighting: π¦Carry small flashlights to help navigate the grounds after dark, plus wearable glow sticks or light-up accessories to help locate your group
- Snacks & Drinks: Bring your favorite folding tailgate tables and chairs to enjoy concessionsΒ πΏπ π π π₯€from the theatres
- Games: Arrive early and bring classic games like cornhole or card games β οΈ β₯οΈ β¦οΈ β£οΈto enjoy before the movie starts
- Auto: Have jumper cables and a backup car battery starter to make sure your car starts after the show
- Cleanup: Bring items to clean up any messes in the car
At the Drive-In – Enjoy a Movie Under the Stars
Follow these steps after you arrive at the drive-in for a memorable movie night! π
Arriving at a Drive-In Movie
Plan to arrive at the theater early to secure a ticket and get the best parking spot. For a prime viewing location, park near the front for fewer distractions or by the exit for an easier departure. π¦Pull forward into your space if you will watch from the front seat of your car, but back into your space if you’re planning to watch from the bed of a truck or the back of a hatchback. You can bring a boombox-type FM radio and sit outside your car for the movie or stay inside your car and use the car’s FM radio for the movie soundtrack.
If you’re watching from a large vehicle or an open hatchback, you may be required to park toward the back to avoid blocking others.
Entertainment Before the Show
Since the North Georgia Drive-Ins open a couple of hours before showtime, plan on enjoying some fun activities before the movie starts. Classic outdoor tailgate games like cornhole or ladder toss are great and glow-in-the-dark games are easy to enjoy as it starts to get dark. Glow sticks, necklaces, and other light-up accessories can add to the fun and help you spot friends and family in the crowd.
Drive-In Theater Etiquette: Dos and Donβts
A drive-in is a shared space, so being considerate ensures a great experience for everyone. Turn off your headlights and interior lights once the movie begins. Keep noise to a minimumβloud conversations or running car engines can distract others. If bringing pets, keep them on a leash and ensure they donβt disturb other guests.
Safety at the Drive-In: Must-Know Tips
β οΈ Drive-ins are low-light environments, so wear comfortable shoes and be cautious when walking on uneven ground to restrooms or concession stands. Opt for non-breakable / non-glass items where possible, as it’s very challenging to clean broken glass items from a dark, grassy lawn. If youβre staying for a double feature, pace yourself with snacks and drinks to stay comfortable throughout the event.
Note that as there are generally a lot of cars and people nearby, it’s best to avoid throwing harder objects (like baseballs βΎ or softballs) that could get loose and break car windows/lights. Also, be aware of any cars driving through the area. Attach a fun glow-in-the-dark creation to your car to find it more easily in the dark. π
By planning ahead and bringing the right gear, you can make your drive-in movie night a relaxed and memorable experience!
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North Georgia Drive-In Movie Theaters
A drive-in theater is more than just a movie nightβitβs an experience! Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned pro, these tips will help you make the most of your visit. Enjoy this unique chance to combine outdoor activities with nostalgic entertainment at North Georgia’s drive-in theaters!
I seem to be getting to know Georgia better than I know my own state. You write so wonderfully that one feels like reading it all. This one for example wasn’t for me really, but I still read through the whole article.
Kudos to you. You should really use these skills further. Write a book or two perhaps.
Regards,
Aps
Hi Aps, Thanks for the sweet words about the website and the encouragement to write a book. I hope to get one published soon!
I heard that Drive In’s were coming back so I had to check it out and glad I did. It’s hard to believe drive in’s today are getting sold out when back in the 90’s any left open were struggling to stay afloat. In my area, they had all closed down by the late ’80s. The thing about the movie Need For Speed was cool.
And Tiger Drive-In sounds like they got it together for some time. And they even have campers you can rent out or a site for your own. What a great idea. Good to see them coming back, thanks for the info on Drive In’s.
Hi Rick, It has been nice to see the jump in popularity of drive-in theatres over the past year. I hope that the trend continues!
Well I would love to have a chance to visit drive-in theaters in Georgia Mountains. That sounds like a lifetime experience indeed. We don’t have drive-in theatres In my country and I believe that we can’t find them anywhere in Europe neither. It’s an American thing. And it’s the best!!! Hopefully, I will try it one day! Thanks π
Hi Sunny, Drive-in theatres certainly provide a unique way to see a movie. There aren’t as many of them around as there used to be, so it’s nice to get a chance to enjoy the ones that are still around!
Hello there, many times I have thought of going to the Georgia mountain because I have heard a lot of great stuff about this place and I feel really happy seeing more about it here. Also, it would be a pleasure to go with some of my friends when the lockdown is down and it would be all fun. I’ll bookmark this article and get back to it when it’s time
Thank you for giving information’s in here about the Georgia mountains. Though I never had the full intention to explore these much but definitely you are giving more information that will help in planning trip and decide a lot more of things for me while in there. Good one on the overall.
Oh well, there seems to be a good array of theatres in Georgia that I can take a travel to and honestly, it makes me really happy that you can tell me so much about it. It would be very nice for me to enjoy some nice movies there. I’m waiting for the perfect time to go to Georgia. Do you think the festive seasons are perfect?
hello dear,
This was a fun read. Thanks for sharing such an awesome post about drive-in theaters in the Georgia mountains…sincerely speaking I have never visited the theaters in Georgia mountain but after reading this I am convinced that I need to take of the next opportunity I can to pay visit to the Georgia mountains…
thanks for sharing
Hello there, I must say that this is a great information on the topic of drive in theaters in the Georgia mountains. This is indeed a great history in these places that combines nostalgia with modern entertainment options. Anyways I haven’t yet been to the drive in theaters in the Georgia mountains before, but I really think the swan drive in theater in Blue Ridge, Ga is the best option for me. The prices are fair and it’s policies work for me.