South Drive In Theatre features movies, concerts, and comedy shows

Catch a movie at the South Drive-in Theatre in Columbus this summer! Drive-in movies are a perfect option for safe, summertime entertainment. Make it a date or bring the family – they offer movies for everyone to enjoy.

photo via Facebook

The only remaining drive-in theatre in Columbus, the South has been going strong since 1950. This is a twin drive-in theatre, so there are 2 screens each showing 2 movies per night – with 3 movies on occasion. The concession stand is highly rated and very reasonably priced, so make sure you arrive hungry!

Typically open from March-October; they are open for weekends only (to start)! Changes for 2020 include reduced capacity so cars can park further away from each other. They will also implement increased space in concession and bathroom lines, and frequent cleaning. You’ll also be able to pay in advance online, or at the gate. Masks will be required when interacting with staff or other guests, at the gate, and to go to the concession stand and restrooms. Online concession ordering will be available. Note, online ticket and food ordering will be available soon. Hand sanitizer and disinfectant wipes will be provided.

Tickets for South Drive-in Theatre

Adults ages (12+) are admitted for $9.50 each on Friday and Saturday nights and holiday eves, and $7.50 on all other nights.
$2 per child ages 5-11. Free for 4 and under.

Upcoming movie schedule at South Drive-In

Note: this is typically a first-run theatre, but due to production company closures, movies won’t all be new releases this season.

See Facebook page or website for weekly schedule.

Gate opens at 7 pm on Friday and Saturday nights, and 730 pm on Sunday night. They suggest arrive at least 1.5 hours -2 hours ahead of show time on Friday and Saturday nights, and 1 hour ahead of time on Sunday night.

The admission price is $9.50 for ages 12 and older on Friday & Saturday nights, $7.50 on regular Sunday nights, $2 for ages 5 to 11 every night, and ages 4 and under are free every night..

Special events at South Drive-in

Blake Shelton, Gwen Stefani, and Trace Adkins: A Drive-in Concert Experience

Saturday, July 26, 2020 at dusk. This is a pre-recorded concert that will be shown at drive-in theatres across the US on the same night. The artists will not be in attendance, and it’s not a live show. The concert was recorded especially for this event, and won’t be shown otherwise. Tickets are $114.99 per vehicle, with up to 6 people permitted in each vehicle. Locally, this is being shown at South Drive-in, and Pickerington Cinema, though it’s at many other theatres across Ohio and the US. See full details here!

Bert Kreischer’s Hot Summer Nights Drive-In Tour presented by HOTBOX

Friday, August 14 for 2 shows at South Drive-in. This is a LIVE comedy show with Bert and special guests. See full details and rules here. Tickets are priced per number of people in the car, from $110 for 2, up to $190 for 4-5 people in a car (plus fees). Note: this pricing is in line with what a live comedy show would cost ($30-$60), but obviously you’ll pay less per ticket with 5 people in the car. Since this is a live show, despite being a different format, the pricing does seem fair if this is something you are interested in. See details, rules, and purchase tickets at this link.

See Facebook page for updates and upcoming movie offers.

South Drive-In Flea Market

The South Drive-In is also home to a huge flea market! You’ll find 200 yard sales in one location at the South Drive-in Flea Market. It’s the largest outdoor yard sale and garage sale in Columbus since the 1970s. You’ll find clothing, footwear, housewares and tools, electronics and computers, art and photography. Yard sale pricing on everything for adults and children. Columbus’ giant outdoor yard sale and garage sale dealers also frequently have fresh vegetables and produce.

Spots are open if you want to be a seller. You can set up occasionally, or sell regularly. The cost to be a seller is $10 per space per day on Saturday and Sunday, $6 per space on Wednesday. There is no assigned parking or reserved spaces. You set your merchandise up next to your vehicle.

The Flea Market starts Saturday, May 23, and runs every Sat, Sun, Wed, from 5 am to 1 pm and a special flea market on Memorial Day 5/25 from 5 am to 1 pm. Arrive early for the best finds.