Mitchell’s Starlite Drive-In Theatre will not open this Summer

Mitchell’s Starlite Drive-In Theatre will not open this summer according to its Facebook page.

The Starlite first opened in 1949 before closing in 2013 for seven years. The Drive-In was then brought back to life during the COVID pandemic in 2020.

“It’s been a great run but all good things must come to an end. Three years ago, during the depths of the pandemic when almost everything was closed, we re-opened the Starlite. It provided a safe way for people to get out of the house and enjoy entertainment. Attendance that year came close to attendance levels in the 1970’s when drive-ins were at their peak. But attendance fell back in 2021 and 2022. We had some good weekends on some of the big movies, but there were also many slow weekends. Despite our best efforts, for each of the last two years, the Starlite didn’t meet expenses.

Although some wonderful movies are being released this coming summer, studio requirements prevent us from being able to work many of them into the drive-in schedule. For all these reasons, we are saddened to announce that the Starlite will not open for the 2023 season.
We thank everyone who attended the Starlite the past three years. We appreciate your support. We look forward to serving you at the Luxury 5 Cinemas downtown.”