Where to Watch Drive-In Movies in Scottsdale & Phoenix
There is nothing like a good ol’ fashioned drive-in movie night filled with a fun flick, delicious popcorn, and a refreshing beverage to spark nostalgia from your childhood, right?
If you enjoy a drive-in movie when the weather is nice — you are in luck! Greater Phoenix is filled with fabulous drive-in theaters that allow you to experience the magic of the big screen from the comfort of your vehicle with your friends and family.
Top Drive-In Movie Theaters in the Valley
If you are looking for a fun way to spend the evening in Scottsdale or Phoenix, grab tickets to a movie at a drive-in movie theater on this list.
1. West Wind Glendale 9
West Wind Glendale 9 is one of the most popular places to watch drive-in movies in Metro Phoenix. This theater is located on Bethany Home Road and 59th Avenue, but the company also owns and operates theaters across the West Coast in California and Nevada — in San Jose, Sacramento, Concord, Las Vegas, and Reno.
West Wind Glendale has nine screens and typically shows 6–7 different movies at a time. General admission is $8.50 per adult and $2.00 for kids ages 5–11. Children four and under are free. On Tuesday, this drive-in theater has “Family Fun Night,” so adult tickets are just $6.00 each (kids’ prices stay the same). Shows typically start around 7 PM, and the last showtimes are usually around 12:30 AM.
West Wind Glendale also has a snack bar with great prices, so before the movie, you can load up on movie-theater-style popcorn, drinks, candy, and hot meals. You can visit the website to view the upcoming screenings at this popular drive-in theater.
2. Celestial Nights Family Entertainment
Want to host your own drive-in movie night in your backyard, a parking lot, or a neighborhood park? If so, Celestial Nights Family Entertainment can help you do just that!
Celestial Nights is the biggest rental company for drive-in movie equipment in Phoenix, Scottsdale, and most of Arizona. They are based in Goodyear and provide state-of-the-art equipment, like inflatable screens, LED displays, sound systems, and more. You can even rent popcorn machines, lighting systems, tables, chairs, and staff to run your event. Prices vary depending on your needs, so reach out to the company for more information and a custom quote.
3. Digital Drive-In AZ
Though Digital Drive-In AZ had to close down its location in Lake Pleasant, you can still visit the other location in Mesa. They show one movie per night at 7:35 PM except on Monday — the one day of the week they are closed.
The theater charges $22 per vehicle — so pack your entire family into one car for the lowest price. You will have your own space to watch the movie to keep your distance from the other vehicles. Just make sure to arrive at least 30 minutes before the show when gates open since the theater will not allow cars to enter ten minutes after the movie begins.
You can bring snacks to the Digital Drive-In AZ. According to the FAQ on the company’s website, they are currently not selling food or drinks. You can view the theater’s full schedule on the website.
4. Summer at the Princess Dive-In Movies
During the summer, head out to the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess during “Summer at the Princess” for their twist on the drive-ins — the dive-in movies!
You can watch your favorite kid-friendly movies on a massive inflatable screen with the whole family while lounging around Sunset Beach — one of the resort’s swimming pools with a white-sand beach. You can also enjoy other events during Summer at the Princess, including Catch-and-Release Fishing Debries, a Volcano Glo Party, and more. It’s like an upscale summer camp for the whole family!
Summer at the Princess starts on Memorial Day weekend and lasts through Labor Day weekend, so if you visit Scottsdale during the summer, consider attending this fun seasonal event.
Buy Tickets to the Drive-In Movie Theater and Book a Luxury Stay with Stay With Style Scottsdale
Whether you’re a local or a visitor, loading up the car and heading to the drive-in movie theater is undoubtedly one of the best ways to spend a Friday or Saturday night in Phoenix or Scottsdale — especially when the weather is beautiful during the spring and fall months! If you’re looking for an indoor alternative, be sure to explore dine-in movie theaters in Scottsdale.
If you are planning a trip to Scottdale and are searching for a place to stay, look no further than our resort-style rentals. We offer luxury homes to accommodate groups of all shapes and sizes — from a family reunion to a couples’ getaway — so you can find the perfect home to accommodate your needs.
Browse our available properties, and if you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to give us a call.