The lone drive-in movie theater in the Denver area reopens for its 50th season with a new food permit policy for the 2026 season.
ADAMS COUNTY, Colo. — The only drive-in movie theater in the Denver metro area is back.
The 88 Drive In Theatre said it will reopen on Friday to kick off another summer season.
The Adams County drive-in theater said its 50th summer season will begin with a double feature billing of “The Super Mario Galaxy Movie” and “Reminders of Him” on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
“It’s drive-in season! We’re celebrating 50 years!” the theatre posted. “Join us this weekend to kick off our 50th anniversary season.”
Tickets are $10 per person, whether you stay for one or both movies. Children under 12 are free. Tickets are sold only at the box office starting at 7 p.m. for that evening’s program.
New food permits
New this year, the theatre said it will allow outside food and beverage with the purchase of a food permit. Food deliveries are not allowed.
“Because film studios take a large percentage of our profits at the box office and snack bar sales are how we survive, we have decided to allow outside food to the theatre with the purchase of a food permit,” 88 Drive In Theatre said in a statement. “The permit is $10 at the box office, and it is $20 if you purchase it once you park.”
“Don’t get busted, and please pay for your permit at the box office so that we can continue to bring you two new movies for less than the price of one at any indoor theatre. If you do not bring in outside food, please support us by purchasing food and drinks from the snack bar.”
In 2023, the 88 Drive In Theatre announced it was closing after a decades-long run. The family who owned the 88 Drive In Theatre said they had put the property up for sale and it was under contract to a new owner. However, it’s unclear what the future of the theatre is.
The new owners of the property, First Industrial Realty Trust, submitted a proposal to rezone it to “light-intensity industrial” in order to accommodate an 80,500-square-foot, multi-tenant warehouse building. The Commerce City Council had been considering a request to rezone the property to accommodate a warehouse.
“We feel the land is at its highest and best use for the community in the re-development plan the buyer has created,” the 88 Drive In owners said in a statement in 2023. “We have enjoyed serving Commerce City and the entire Denver metro area.”
“While the family has made some of their best memories here, and has raised four generations on the property, we feel it is best to allow the family to retire,” the statement said in 2023. “While we understand we have raised our children and children’s children alongside you at this establishment where cherished memories are housed, we feel it is best to close the chapter on the 88 Drive In. This is because we want your last memories of us to be happy.”