Blue Starlite Mini Urban Drive In

"Scary Movies at the Drive-In You might associate the old-fashioned drive-in movie theater with warm summer nights, but this is Texas, where the summer heat wilts you even after the sun goes down. The Blue Starlite doesn't even start the season until after Labor Day, and it really gets going come October, when they host a month's worth of scary movies. The rest of the season (which runs until late spring or so) they have a range of indie, cult, and classic films, with occasional special events with actors and directors. Without wheels? You can walk in with your own seating and listen to the movie on your own radio or borrow a pair of vintage speakers (first come, first serve), but isn't that missing the point of the drive-in? This is your excuse to rent the biggest car you can afford, pick up a s'mores kit at the concession stand, and snuggle up in the backseat with your honey (keep it clean, folks) for a night at the movies. This is a "mini" drive-in with limited spots, so be sure to book tickets in advance and arrive early. ."

"Wedged inside a residential neighborhood in the East Austin area, the original Blue Starlite theater might seem more like a short-term installation than a year-round theater option. However, don’t let the unconventional screening space fool you: This theater is celebrating its 10th anniversary and continues to have the market cornered on independent science-fiction and horror. Unlike the other places on this guide, those comfortable with social distancing also have the option of buying tickets for a sit-in outdoor space, adding a little variety to your drive-in life. Because of COVID-19, Blue Starlite has streamlined its concessions, offering only prepackaged items like bagged popcorn and king-sized candy. That means snagging a to-go order from an East Austin favorite is probably your best bet for dining. Potential neighboring options offering takeout orders include Contigo, Oddwood Ales, and Nixta Taqueria. And more than any other theater on this guide, your arrival time can dictate whether you have a perfect view of the screen or whether you’ll be craning your neck to look around cars. Show up when the gates open for your screening (listed next to the showtimes on the website), and be prepared to wait a few extra minutes at the end of the film as the rows of cars behind you untangle themselves." - Matthew Monagle

"Order snacks and treats from the concession trailer and take them to your car. Blue Starlite describes themselves as 'sort of like BOB FM.'" - Britt Hayes