This drive-in movie theater near Nashville brings all the nostalgia
Rain or shine, Stardust is open. | Photo by NASHtoday
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.
Anne Wilson | Wednesday, Sept. 25 | 7 p.m. | Ryman Auditorium | $96+ | The artist takes the stage on her “The Rebel” tour with support from Jordan Rowe.
Thursday, Sept. 26
“Movies & Mayhem by Madmen: Inspired Sin-arama” Opening Reception | Thursday, Sept. 26 | 5-8 p.m. | Haley Gallery | Free | The exhibition showcases the work of artists John Hancock and Carlos Hernandez, who blend their printmaking styles with textures and typography from Hatch Show Print.
Kings of Leon | Thursday, Sept. 26 | 8 p.m. | Bridgestone Arena | $50+ | The group hits the stage with special guest Phantogram on their “Can We Please Have Fun” tour.
Friday, Sept. 27
Science of Spirits | Friday, Sept. 27 | 7-10 p.m. | Adventure Science Center | $40+ | The 21+ after hours event features an array of drink samples as you learn about the science behind your favorite beverage.
Saturday, Sept. 28
Hispanic Heritage Festival | Saturday, Sept. 28 | 9:15 a.m.-4:15 p.m. | Nashville Zoo | Cost of purchase | The festival includes an entertainment lineup, a special concessions menu, cultural performances, and interactive booths.
Ashwood 12 South is gaining another tenant. Filed permits indicate Dallas-based La La Land Kind Cafe is expanding, bringing with it a coffee and matcha menu boasting signature favorites like the Upsidedown Latte and Strawberry Fields. Explore the menu. (Nashville Business Journal)
List
Nashville’s restaurant scene is cooking. Bad Idea and Edessa made it into The New York Times’ top 50 places the publication’s “most excited about right now.” Plus, Bourbon Steak and Etch were recognized on the Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice Awards for best fine dining restaurants in the US.
Edu
Vanderbilt University nabbed the 18th spot on US News and World Report’s “Best National University Rankings” based on metrics like classroom resources + graduates’ starting salaries. That’s not the only Nashville mention, see how Belmont, Lipscomb, Trevecca, and more stacked up.
Announced
The lineup is longer. More artists were added to the People’s Choice Country Awards show airing live on NBC and Peacock from the Grand Ole Opry House tomorrow, Sept. 26. We now know Brad Paisley and Machine Gun Kelly will perform. See the list of nominees.
Active
Tie those tennis shoes tight — Walk Bike Nashville’s 23rd annual Walk to School Day is back on Wednesday, Oct. 2. This year’s event pushing for safer streets highlights Wright Middle and Glencliff High Schools by temporarily closing a lane on Antioch Pike. See the route.
Fun Fact
Johnny Cash is the only musician included in the National Statuary Hall following a ceremony at the US Capitol yesterday. Elected officials unveiled artist Kevin Kresse’s 8-ft-tall bronze statue, which shows the Man in Black holding a Bible in his hand and a guitar around his back. (AP News)
Finance
Did you know some credit cards can actually help you get out of debt faster? (Yes, it sounds pumpkin-spice bananas. But it’s true.) The secret: Find a credit card with a “0% intro APR” period for balance transfers. Here are hands down some of the best.*
Beauty
You don’t have to break the bank to attain strong, silky-soft hair. Pantene’s Keratin Leave-In Conditioner can repair split ends + protect against future damage for less than $20.*
The property has been a fixture of the Nashville skyline since 1975, but following a multi-phase, multi-million dollar renovation, the hotel’s interior is boasting several new features. Of note: 494 redesigned guest rooms and suites, ~29,000 sqft of upgraded meeting and event venues, and all-new communal spaces.
For those planning corporate events and stays, find two new karaoke studios fit for breakouts and three flexible spaces on the hotel’s second level called The Studios, which can be booked on demand.
If you just happen to be a curious local like us and want to see the updates IRL, you can always pay the hotel’s 28th floor Skye Lounge a visit. Here, you’ll find 360-degree views and Sora Kitchen, a new sushi experience.
The Buy
Shop the best shoes to pair with your fall wedding guest look, from Nordstrom’s “Wedding Guest” selection:
Who will rise to the top? Weekly Bartender Battles take over Harriet’s, located 19 floors up at 1 Hotel, beginning Tuesday, Oct. 15. Nashville bartenders will craft sustainable sips using Grand Marnier or Courvoisier with Fever-Tree mixers for judges to vote on. RSVP to be a part of the action.
Content marked with an * is paid advertising. Content marked with an ^ is created by our content studio. The company may also generate commission from affiliate links in the newsletter.