Colorado Drive In & Outdoor Movie Theaters

This indoor s’mores making kit can be used indoors (or in your vehicle)

Movies under the stars are a fun summer activity in Colorado. While there aren’t many outdoor movie theaters around, luckily a drive in movie theater or outdoor movie experience isn’t too far away regardless of where you are in the state. Outdoor movies are best enjoyed in the summer months at night, as storms have (hopefully) passed and weather will cooperate, and the starry sky is a beautiful backdrop. A common question on every single website for these venues is ‘can I bring my grill and grill out?’ so we’ll save you the time and say - No. That said, a cute and creative workaround might be bringing an indoor electric smores maker like this one, which is safe for indoor use. Keep in mind that concession stands likely are the best way to support the theaters beyond ticket sales, so be sure to check the rules for bringing in your own food and drink and help keep these unique venues open for years to come.

The 88 - Commerce City

The 88 has been around since the 70s and plays first run and family friendly films. The box office opens at 7pm every night. Cars are arranged by height, so groups in more than one car may not be able to park together if in two different size vehicles. Dogs are allowed on leasg.

Comanche - Buena Vista

The Comanche Drive in Theater is about 2 hours from Denver and 3 hours from Pagosa Springs in Central Colorado. The Rocky Mountain drive in movie theater claims to be the highest elevation drive in theater in the U.S. at 8000 ft.

Film on the Rocks at Red Rocks Ampitheater in Morrison, CO courtesy of Red Rocks Ampitheater

Red Rocks Ampitheater - Morrison

While you don’t stay in your car as you might at a traditional drive in movie theater, Red Rocks Ampitheater hosts “Film on the Rocks” nights each summer. Films tend to be popular already-released films and usually begin with live entertainment. Red Rocks wins for best scenery for movie under the stars.

Holiday Twin Drive In Theatre - - Fort Collins

The Holiday Twin drive-in movie theater is your best bet if you’re in Northern Colorado, Fort Collins, Loveland, and Greeley. This outdoor movie theater gets crowded on Friday and Saturday nights, but has policies in place to help manage traffic. It’s a kid friendly theater showing movies such as Lilo & Stitch, and dogs are also welcome.

Frontier Drive Inn & Glampground - Center

Frontier Drive Inn opened in the San Luis Valley in 1955 and closed about 30 years later, but in 2016, new owners had ideas on how to bring the theater back to life. Now the drive inn is a drive inn and stay. Guests can enjoy a movie under the stars in addition to their yurt or other glamp site accommodations.

Mesa Drive In - Pueblo

Pueblo’s Mesa Drive In movie theater plays first run/new films each season and is a popular spot for families to catch a flick.