Drive-in movie season is about to come to a close. The closest drive-in theater to Northern Virginia, The Family Drive-In in Stephens City, is closing for good on November 30.
The Family Drive-in announced on Facebook that it will host its final two weekends at the drive-in theater. Movies will run November 21 to 23 and November 28 to 30. While the drive-in has not yet announced the movie lineup, it will include the upcoming blockbuster Wicked: For Good.
Even Santa Claus is getting in one final movie at the drive-in. Families will be able to take pictures and share wish lists for Santa during all of the remaining showtimes. Those that give him a letter might even receive a special message in the mail from St. Nick.
The closure comes after the theater shared that the property it leases has been put on the market for $1.5 million by its landlord earlier this summer.
“Unfortunately, at $1.5 million, the drive-in simply could not continue to exist as the monthly expense on the mortgage would be 3X the current rent and the business would immediately begin to lose thousands of dollars a month,” management posted.
As word spread, the surrounding community and generations of movie-goers helped fundraise in an effort to keep the nearly 70-year-old business open. Since the fundraiser started in September, The Family Drive-in has raised more than $28,000 from direct donations and merchandise sales.
According to the property’s listing, the drive-in’s lease expires on December 31, 2025. The page also states, “Once a contract to purchase is received, the current tenant has thirty (30) days to match the pending offer.”
The Family Drive-In is one of only six drive-in theaters in Virginia, according to The Winchester Star.
5890 Valley Pk., Stephens City
Feature image courtesy The Family Drive-In
