While at one time there were more than 4,000 drive-in movie theaters across the US, there are only 177 still in operation as of 2023 — four of which are in Florida. Of those four, the Silver Moon Drive-In is the last one remaining not just in Lakeland, but all of Polk County.
Silver Moon Drive-In first opened its screens on April 14, 1948. Sporting individual RCA speakers, a snack bar, circulating vendors, and a whopping 35-cent admission charge, it was considered the most modern outdoor theater in the state at the time.
This issue of The Exhibitor from Jan. 12, 1949 shows what Silver Moon looked like less than one year after it opened.
Photo via Cinema Treasures
Just two years later in May 1950, tragedy struck beyond the silver screen. A tornado severely damaged the theater’s cinder block screen, causing it to close for nearly two months.
Today, Silver Moon features two screens, both of which were equipped with laser projection in 2022. While admission may no longer be 35 cents, prices are still lower than the cost of traditional theaters — tickets cost just $8 for adults and $3 for children.
In addition to showing movies, Silver Moon Drive-In has also served as a filming location for various movies like “The One and Only Ivan” starring Bryan Cranston.
Photo via @silver_moon_drive_in
Ready for an adventure to this slice of cinema history? Here are our best pro tips.
- Snag your parking spot early — before the first film starts, the theater plays the national anthem over the speakers.
- While there is a snack bar on-site, guests are allowed to bring in their own food. We’ve seen folks bring in everything from candy to a full-on dinner from Saigon Bistro.
- Don’t leave before the second movie — your ticket covers the cost of both movies shown on the screen that evening.
- Make things cozy by bringing your own lawn chairs to set up outside your car, or throw an air mattress in the back.
- Don’t want a late night? The theater also hosts a flea market each weekend that opens as early as 5 — yes, 5 — a.m.
