If you’ve been spinning your wheels on what to do for your next date night or get together with friends — park it at Stardust Drive-In Theatre.
The staple at 310 Purple Tiger Dr. opened just over two decades ago in Watertown, TN (about 45 minutes southeast of Nashville) promising “affordable family entertainment” via new movie double features all for less than $10 a person.
We caught a showing of “Speak No Evil” over the weekend, so we’ll rewind a bit and help you navigate the need-to-knows.
Tickets and screenings
Hours | The two-screen drive-in operates from the first weekend of March through the end of November. Expect daily hours from Memorial Day weekend until mid-August when operations switch to Friday, Saturday, and Sundays only.
Admission | To guarantee there’s an available parking space, it’s recommended you buy tickets in advance online. Adults cost $9.50, kids (ages 6-11) are $7.50, and children ages five and under get in free. Your ticket gets you access to whichever two movies are playing on the purchased screen that evening.
What’s playing | New movies start on Friday, but ticket booking typically opens on Monday or Tuesday. Find updated schedules on Stardust’s website or social media channels. When it comes to hearing what you’re seeing, you’ll need to set your car’s ignition to accessory only and turn on the FM radio.
Concessions
Come ready to eat. In addition to typical movie favorites like popcorn, boxed candy, and soda, Stardust offers a full range of hot foods. From hamburgers, sandwiches, and pizza to fries, tater tots, and funnel cakes, you’re getting dinner and a show.
If you want to munch on your own snacks, purchase the additional food and beverage permit ($8) with your tickets.
Pro tips
- Parking is first come, first served and concession lines can get long — so arrive early. The box office usually opens an hour and a half to two hours before scheduled films. If there is a line and the movie is beginning, ask the attendants to add a phone number to your kitchen order for a convenient text message.
- The theater has a limited number of portable FM radios available. Inquire at the concessions stand.
- It’s a pet-friendly biz, but they are not allowed inside the concessions building or restrooms + you’re responsible for their waste.
