Starlight Six Drive-In: movies under the stars
Published: Jun 30, 2009
You don't have to be a baby boomer to enjoy an outing at the Starlight Six Drive-In Theatres, Atlanta's last drive-in theatre.
Cars line up early to get into the gates of the theater on the city's south side. Enjoy a picnic dinner and watch the moon rise and the stars come out before the movies begin.
Admission is per person, not per auto, and includes a double feature of first-run movies, unless the first film is very long. On weekends, from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., the Starlight turns the pavement over to a giant flea market.
Bring cash; the Starlight does not accept debit or credit cards, although ATMs are available at the box office and graffiti-covered snack bars.
The Starlight encourages patrons to arrive early to avoid long lines that form on weekends, "so you can relax, have a picnic, toss a Frisbee and relax." Many patrons barbecue their supper before the movies begin. However, all grilling must cease once the movies start, and the Starlight asks patrons not to dump coals out on the theater grounds.
Set up your lawn chairs and coolers in front of your vehicle for your safety and to allow other cars to see the movie. On a recent outing, one couple put a blanket and pillows in the back of their pickup truck before climbing in to view the movie. Another teenager and her friends celebrated her 16th birthday with sushi and cupcakes.
During the summer, the gates open at 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturdays, 8:30 p.m. Sunday through Thursdays, with movies starting at 9:30 p.m. When dusk is earlier, movie times are earlier, so call or check the Starlight website for current times.
Movie sound is transmitted through FM radio, so bring a battery-operated boom box or radio to preserve your car battery. The Starlight encourages patrons to crank the car periodically to prevent a dead battery. Lawn chairs, blankets, bug spray, a flashlight and jumper cables will also enhance the experience.
No alcoholic beverages, glass bottles, pets or bare feet are allowed in the parking lot. The Starlight asks vehicles to shut off headlights and other lights once the films have started. You must watch the movie you bought the ticket for: The Starlight prohibits patrons from jumping to another screen. But if you park your car in the right place, and bring an extra radio, you can easily see two other screens from your car.
On Labor Day weekend, the Starlight hosts the Drive-Invasion, with campy films and camping, wild tailgate parties bands, a car show featuring hot rods and special guests.
- by Diane Loupe, Atlanta Reporter for HelloMetro
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