Drive-Ins Near Chicago
Chicago has two drive-in options: ChiTown Drive-In in the Pilsen neighborhood and McHenry Outdoor Theater about an hour northwest of the Loop.
View Drive-InsChiTown is one of the few urban drive-ins in the country, operating in the heart of Chicago's Pilsen neighborhood. It runs Thursday through Sunday with on-site food delivery from the ChiTown Grille, which sets it apart from most traditional drive-ins. Tickets are online only and shows can sell out on weekends, so book ahead. It's easily accessible from anywhere in the city via the expressways or CTA, making it the go-to option for Chicagoans who don't want to drive an hour out of the city.
McHenry Outdoor Theater is a more traditional seasonal drive-in operating April through October, about an hour northwest of downtown via I-90 and Route 31. It has carload discount nights during the week in summer, a playground for kids, and the concession stand serves beer and wine. It draws from the northwest suburbs and the McHenry County area.
Both theaters broadcast sound on FM radio. Chicago's drive-in season is limited by the weather. ChiTown sometimes extends into November, but McHenry follows the typical Midwest April-through-October schedule. Even in summer, lakefront winds can push cool air through the city after sunset, so bring a sweatshirt. Fall screenings in September and October are some of the best, with cooler temps, fewer mosquitoes, and earlier sunsets meaning earlier start times.
From the Loop, ChiTown is about 10 minutes south. McHenry is roughly 60-75 minutes depending on traffic. If you're in the western suburbs, the Cascade Drive-In in West Chicago is another option, about 40 minutes west of downtown.
Drive-In Theaters Near Chicago
ChiTown Drive-In
Chicago
Chicago's only permanent drive-in, located in the Pilsen neighborhood. The single screen...
View Drive-InMcHenry Outdoor Theater
McHenry
A seasonal single-screen drive-in north of Chicago, operated by Golden Age Cinemas....
View Drive-In