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!
The drive in movie is definitely a great way to enjoy a family evening. With eleven grandchildren by 3 daughters and the added benefit of one of their gramma’s being part owner of the drive in about 3 miles from our house we go often for bupus per carload.
I’m not even sure anymore what they charge. The young ones enjoy the playground up near the screen until the movie starts. I just looked to see what’s playing tonight.
I think this post is great. It speaks to the changes that have come in our world and might be a look to the future as the crive in is much more pandemic proof than the indoor theater. Somehow we always enjoy the drive in a lot more that indoors which we rarely do.
I have a cousin who owns an indoor theater in a small town out in the prairie. Probably been a hard couple of months for him in regard to business.
I like your regional worldview you share with us here. A very refreshing picture of culture. Thank you. Chris
It does make sense to me that drive-in theaters would be a great business to help people get out of the house, yet still maintain some distance in order to comply with social distancing recommendations. It’s an interesting business and it will be interesting to watch and see if this trend sticks around for a while or fades when regular theaters start to open back up again.
Thanks for sharing the details about hours for Tiger Drive-In and the Swan Drive-In. I’m looking forward to going out for a movie on a Saturday night again!
These drive-in theaters have been a part of their North Georgia communities for decades, so it’s great to see that they are getting such strong support as they reopen their doors for business.
I hope you have a great time at the movie.
Hello there! Georgia Drive in theaters are really fun although I’ve only been to the Swan drive in theater, It wasn’t a disappointing experience one bit. I would definitely recommend this place to anyone who is looking for a place to have fun with their family.
Thanks for always keeping us informed on amazing recreational places.
Excellent to hear that you had a great time when you went to the Swan Drive-In Theatre to see a movie. It’s been around for a long time and it’s really nice to know that so many people have fond memories there! Thanks for sharing.
I have only been hearing and reading about drive-in theatres, but haven’t had the opportunity to experience it. From reading your article I have the feeling that the drive-in theatres in the Georgia Mountains could be an amazing experience. The Tiger Drive-in Theatre is especially attractive with modest pricing and provision for camping which is also at a modest cost. I am going to make a plan with a group of friends.
Hi Debbie, This is the perfect activity to enjoy with a group of friends. I hope you all find a great movie to enjoy together at the drive-in!
Reminds me of when we were growing up in the south edge if the “Plains” farming area. We had a drive-in movie theatre. 2 movie theatres in downtown as well. Many little farm towns had a drive-in theatre. How ever, changing times involving lifestyle changes and declining population helped the doors close on first on, then many years later, the other. With the availability of TV with all the movies at our fingertips, it is now too much trouble for most of us to go to the movies in a theatre as we once did.
The addition of the overnight facility for camping was an interesting addition as well. The vintage RV Camp trailers were fun to see. The movies were a serious business when we were young and everyone planned the weekend around what was showing at the theatres. Such a carefree time for me. The food was never the main attraction of my memory. A cold Dr Pepper or Coca-Cola were our choices. A small box of popcorn. Maybe there was coffee? Not important to a teenager. Different times. Thank you for the walk back in time. I am sure there will be more fun memories where the area residents have access to a drive-in movie theatre.
Hi Sami, Those sound like wonderful memories.
I’m happy that the Georgia mountains are still able provide a variety of different options for all-ages entertainment. The economy has had it’s ups and downs over the decades, but new agricultural industries (vineyards, orchards, etc) have helped to bring some life into these great small towns and beautiful natural spaces.
Don’t know what to say as I felt a sudden sweep of freshness and serenity. I live in the Middle East and was hoping to visit the US as I’ve been all around to Europe, before spread of covid-19 and the whole world kind of stopped!
I’ve even searched top states to visit in the US, and now I’m impressed with what you’re providing in here. Such a beautiful place and idea. I feel much better now than before reading your blog. I’ve checked some ads of interest as well!
It is a definite challenge to put travel plans on hold for the coronavirus pandemic, but worth it to help flatten the curve and save lives.
I’m so glad that you found your way to Ga Mountains Guide and have found some things of interest to add to your trip itinerary! Let me know if you come up with any questions as you plan your trip to the US. Georgia is a wonderful state to visit and includes cities, rural areas, oceans, and my favorite… the mountains!
I’ve always loved the idea of drive-in movies, even though they have never been as popular in the UK are in the US. I imagine that’s due to our very changeable and often not very pleasant weather! However, with the easing of lockdown initiatives here, I can see a rise in popularity of drive-in cinemas, as people starved for outside entertainment can still get their fix, and at the same time remain at safe social distances.
Hi Shell, These drive-in theaters in the Georgia mountains are fortunate to have weather that is cooperative / good for movies for 3 seasons out of the year. Business has definitely picked up for these theaters as coronavirus concerns are keeping people out of traditional theaters.
Holy cow! we just moved here and we did not know about all these drive-ins and wineries. We are in Lula and can you recommend to us a drive-in around us? We haven’t been to one since we were teenagers and would really love to go to one. We plan on hitting Sweet Acre Farms this weekend do they have wine and cheese tasting? Thanks for a very informational website, we will bookmark yours for our weekend relaxation time.
Hi Zach, Welcome to the area! I hope you’re getting settled in nicely and will enjoy exploring the mountains that are just to the North of you!!
The Tiger Drive-In is located 42 miles from Lula, so it will be the closer of these two drive-ins.
The Swan Drive-In (in Blue Ridge) is located 74 miles from Lula, which would be about an hour and forty minute scenic drive.
I have not been to Sweet Acre Farms in Alto, but their website states that they will be open with regular hours beginning 5/30/2020 with outdoor seating and flights, glasses, bottles, or wine slushies for purchase / tasting.
How many drive in theaters are left in Georgia?
Georgia Drive-in Theaters
Back in the middle of the 1950’s, Georgia hosted about 130 drive-ins at its peak as a drive-in state. But the state was not spared the downward trend and has only 5 drive-ins that remain operational.
What state has the most drive in theaters?
New York (49), Pennsylvania (45), Ohio (44) and California (44) offer the most drive-ins, according to the association. Alaska, Delaware, Hawaii, Louisiana and North Dakota didn’t have any drive-in theaters as of 2019
Thanks for sharing a little more history about these nostalgic relics still scattered about the US.
Drive-in theaters are a wonderful thing to experience and it’s great to know that they can be found in the Georgia mountains and all around the country!