Season opening dates (Tentative)

Distance from geographic center of Chicago. Prices from last year to be updated. Dates are tentative of course. " " around entries are educated guesses.

(*Personally visited) NOW OPEN

*Cascade Drive In, W. Chicago, IL (30.0 miles) $9.00 March 23, 2012 (

*49er Drive In, Valparaiso, IN (54.1 Miles) $8.00 "Spring"

*McHenry Drive In, McHenry, IL (57.5 miles) $8.00 May 4, 2012

*Keno Drive In, Pleasant Prairie, WI (58.2 miles )$8.00 March 30, 2012

*RT 34 Drive In, Earlville, IL (75.7 miles) $8.00 "Spring"

*Melody Drive In, Knox, IN (95.9 miles ) $7.00 March 23, 2012

Triway Drive In, Plymouth, IN (98.7 miles) $8.00 March 23, 2012

Lakeshore Drive In, Monticello, IN (117.0 miles) $9.00 April 13, 2012

Sunset Drive In, Hartford, MI (117.0 miles) $? "May 2012" ???

Five Mile Drive In, Dowagiac, MI (120.0 miles) $14/car "May 2012"

Midway Drive In, Dixon, IL (120 miles) $8.00 March 23rd, 2012

Highway 18 Jefferson, WI (126 miles) $8.00 (Digital) April 27th, 2012

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Why do I include some that are over 100 miles away ? Because the Midway has had special guests (Bruce Campbell !) and dusk until dawn specials I made that the original 'maximum distance' until I discovered that the Highway 18 has made the switch to digital. In order to survive others will probably have to do the same or potentially go out of business. I include every theater within that radius of 120-130 miles or so.

I hope that more people attend the outdoor theater this season to help those business that are on the fence about investing the $$$ to make the switch. I am not saying digital is better just that 'the industry' would rather not make 35 MM prints anymore as it saves them money. The increased scarcity of available films is forcing small or seasonal theaters to commit to a specific number of showings (Which is tough when you're only open on weekends at the start and finish of a season) and/or wait until 35MM prints become available for a second run (way after opening weekend and 'everyone' has seen it already ?).

This pressure could force them to make the transition or potentially go out of business.

Sadly, in a few years there will probably be even fewer outdoor theaters in the u.s. than there are today so enjoy them while you can.

I've tended to hold off on opening weekend to see if the double feature improves later.