Drive-In Theatres in the Georgia Mountains
Looking for a fun and nostalgic way to enjoy a movie night? 🍿🎞️ 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 Theatre North Georgia Drive In Blue Ridge
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 night—rain or shine. 🐕 Pets are welcome if they’re 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 Sunday and offers 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 theater accepts cash, credit cards, the Cash App, Apple Pay, and Google Pay.
See why the Swan Drive-In is a favorite among locals and visitors with social media updates and online reviews. 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
- 👍Facebook: Swan Drive-In Theatre has 38,000+ followers
- 🧭TripAdvisor: Swan Drive-In is rated 4.7 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 farmer’s markets, flea markets, and family reunions.
Tiger Drive-In Theatre in North Georgia
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 there’s a playground on-site for kids, and 🐕🦺 pets are welcome too—just 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 opt to pitch a tent for just $20 ⛺ or park an RV for $40 and sleep under the stars after the show. For a full nostalgic experience, the drive-in’s Vintage Campers provide a cozy retreat, complete with a personal movie-viewing platform!
Tiger Drive-In Vintage RV Rentals
Learn more about recent Tiger Drive-In experiences from social media updates and online reviews. For more details or event inquiries, contact the Tiger Drive-In directly.
- 📞 Phone: +1 (706) 782-1611
- 📍 Address: 2956 Old US Highway 441 S, Tiger, GA
- 📩 Email: tom@tigerdrivein.com
- 🌐 Website: tigerdrivein.com
- 👍 Facebook: Tiger Drive In Theater has 27,000+ followers
- 🧭 TripAdvisor: Tiger Drive In is rated 4.4 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. 💫 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
🎥 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
🚗 Your car is a part of the experience, so make sure it’s 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 car’s 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
- 🔥Warm weather essentials include cooling towels, personal fans, and insect repellent
- ❄️Cool-weather essentials include jackets and blankets
- Movie Audio: Bring a portable FM radio to tune in to the movie audio broadcast 🎶(very helpful when not sitting inside your car)
- Lighting: 🔦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 concessions 🍿🌭 🍔 🍕 🥤from the theatres
- Games: Arrive early and bring classic games like cornhole or card games ♠️ ♥️ ♦️ ♣️to 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! 🌠
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. 🚦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 Don’ts
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 minimum—loud conversations or running car engines can distract others. If bringing pets, keep them on a leash and ensure they don’t disturb other guests.
Safety at the Drive-In: Must-Know Tips
⚠️ 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 you’re 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 ⚾ 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 make it easier to find in the dark. 🌟
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
Ready to grab your popcorn and enjoy a movie under the stars? 🌙🍿 North Georgia’s drive-in theaters offer a nostalgic yet timeless experience you won’t forget. Whether it’s a date night, a family outing, or a fun weekend with friends, these outdoor screens are the perfect way to mix mountain charm with movie magic.
👉 Keep exploring more unique North Georgia experiences:
- Panning for Gold and Gems in North Georgia 💎
- Bowling in the Georgia Mountains 🎳
- North Georgia Mini Golf ⛳
A drive-in theater is more than just a movie night—it’s 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!
Hello there thanks for sharing this information about how to get out during social distancing restrictions. Really cool going through the whole information about drive-in movie theaters in the Northeast Georgia mountains. The Tiger drive in policy seems super cool, I really do want to visit this place and check out the neat vintage camper setups!
The vintage camper rentals at Tiger Drive-in certainly add a bit of retro cool to the vibe!!
Hi Alyce, I didn’t know drive-in theaters still existed, so this is great to see. I grew up in South Africa and we used to go to a drive-in to watch movies, but as suburbia spread and development into the coutryside grew, it died away and houses were built on the land. So this brings back great memories.
We used to have to park in a specific alotted spot next to a metal pole and there would be a speaker attached to the pole. You had to open the window and hang the speaker over the window, facing it inwards so that you could pick up the sound. It was invariably full of static, but as kids we loved it. Now you just tune into your car radio!
Great to see that these two in Georgia are still operational and you can even camp overnight at Tiger Drive-in. A drive-in theater is something you should sure give a try.
It’s amazing to think of how few drive-in theaters are still open when compared to their peak!
Hi Alyce,
I enjoyed reading all the practical information you provide in this article. This covid-19 pandemic gives us a perfect reason to go to a drive-in theater. More than ever, planning the experience is important to if we want to get the most out of it. All the details you mention are particularly helpful.
I am from Chicago and had a few opportunities to fly to Atlanta for business before, but never took the time to take a vacation trip to Georgia. A friend of mine recently moved not far from your beautiful region. When time allows, I will definitely plan a visit. I have bookmarked your great site as a resource.
Vincent
Thanks Vincent! The Georgia mountains are only a short drive from Atlanta — it’s fun to pick a couple of favorite things to see / do on a day trip, or also easy to find a place to stay for a weekend getaway.
Treehouses (luxury or rustic) and lakefront cabins with a boat are both popular choices for this time of year!
Hello there, thanks for sharing this great idea here with us. I really enjoy going through this information about the drive in theatres in Georgia mountains. The extra info about what to take is very helpful. I really do fancy this place and i think it would be a great idea to go for a visit when this whole pandemic is over. Thanks for sharing.
It’s certainly been a challenge for so many of us to adjust our Spring and Summer plans due to the COVID-19 pandemic. We are definitely hoping that the restrictions can be safely lifted soon.
Hi there, thanks for sharing these great article here with us it has been a a great experience for me and I hope that other will want to visit the Georgia mountains. One of the cool spot to have fun at its maximum. You have some beautiful pictures to take when you visit. I can wait for the world to get back to normal
The Georgia mountains are full of naturally beautiful outdoor spaces and are indeed quite photogenic! Getting back to normal sounds great. Until then, we’ll do the best we can with socially distanced options like drive-in movies!
question number one; who is the author of this movie.can i download this movie without paying or going on through stress.
question number 2 this movie look’s insteresting can it be of a lesson to the word.
question number 3 in which group of movie does this movie belong to. my opinion is to the promoter to keep on pushing.
Hi loveremma,
1. The theaters show different movies with different authors, some of which are considered “first run” and only available in theaters
2. Inspiration and lessons are often found in unexpected places — including movies and blog comments
3. This group of movies falls into the category of “movies you can watch on a big screen outside in the Georgia mountains”
Enjoy!
Great article! So interesting your article on Drive-In Theaters in the North Georgia Mountains. I learned something new today. I would love to go to the Drive-In theaters on a visit to North Georgia as there isn’t a drive in near my home. It’s also really awesome that pets are allowed! Thank you for sharing!
These drive-in theaters are definitely one of the best ways to spend a fun night with the whole family — including the pets!
sighting a talented blogger post is quite very easy, after reading through this post of yours on theatres in Georgia mountains I could tell you that you are indeed a talented blogger who has a lot of what takes in putting out quality content post just like this very one and I look forward to the next post from you..
thanks a lot for sharing…
Thanks so much – it’s great to hear that you enjoy the blog content about the amazing ways to have fun in the North Georgia mountains!!
What a great article and perfect timing that might be able to revive outside theatres. This article reminded me of films such as Grease which is my only experience of outside drive ins. We have outside Cinemas in the UK but none where you can drive in so I hope they bring in over here.
I like the link with all the equipment which is something I would use for our outside Cinemas and concerts. Nothing better than an organised picnic with chairs and blankets etc I know full well if I was able to bring the car I would get the back inflatable seat if we had them here.
Thank you for sharing
Hi Imelda, it’s definitely a great time to consider drive-in movie theaters as a way to support local businesses while still maintaining recommended safe distances from others.