Black River Drive-in
Watertown, NY
Opens: April-October
What Visitors Say
Black River Drive In offers a quintessential family-friendly movie experience with affordable pricing and nostalgic charm. Located in Watertown, NY, this drive-in provides a double feature at budget-friendly rates, with a reputation for good food, especially their homemade pizza. While occasional service quirks exist, the overall experience remains overwhelmingly positive for families and movie enthusiasts seeking an outdoor cinema adventure.
Based on 56 reviews
What People Love
Exceptional Family Entertainment
- • Nostalgic drive-in experience
- • Affordable ticket and food prices
- • Current movie selections
High-Quality Concessions
- • Diverse menu with homemade options
- • Reasonably priced food
- • Signature pizzas and funnel cakes
Things to Know
Minor Service Inconsistencies
- • Occasional staff strictness about parking
- • Long food preparation times
- • Some inconsistent food quality
💡 Insider Tips
- Arrive early for best parking spots
- Bring bug spray and blankets
- Consider purchasing an outside food permit
- Check movie start times to avoid missing the beginning
- Bring a portable radio for optimal sound
The Experience
🍿 Concessions
Large snack bar with diverse menu including homemade pizza, funnel cakes, and classic theater foods. Prices considered reasonable by most visitors.
👨👩👧👦 Family Friendly
Highly family-friendly venue with nostalgic atmosphere and activities suitable for all ages.
💵 Value
Double feature tickets at extremely affordable prices, with significant savings compared to traditional movie theaters.
🎬 Picture & Sound
Crystal clear image and sound quality, with a well-maintained screen and modern projection.
🏢 Facilities
Clean bathrooms, RV-friendly, with outdoor space for pre-movie activities and walking.
👥 Service
Generally friendly staff, with owners actively involved in guest experience and problem-solving.
🚗 Parking
Organized parking with staff assistance, though some guests note strict positioning rules
About This Drive-In
The theater features one screen and has a car capacity of 500, allowing ample space for moviegoers to enjoy their favorite films. The projection technology used is Barco Digital, ensuring a high-quality viewing experience. For sound, the drive-in utilizes an FM radio system, broadcasting at 87.9 FM, which allows guests to listen to the movie audio through their car radios.
Black River Drive-In Theatre offers a variety of admission prices: Regular Admission is $8.00, Active Military tickets are priced at $6.00, and tickets for children ages 7-11 are $3.00. Children aged 6 and under can enjoy movies for free, provided they are in a New York State-required child restraint safety seat. The drive-in also has a concession stand, providing snacks and refreshments to enhance the movie-going experience.
Visitors should note that outside food is allowed with a permit, which costs $15.00, and pets are not permitted on the premises. The drive-in has restrooms available for guests' convenience. For those interested in catching the latest films, tickets can be purchased online or at the gate. For more information on current movies and schedules, visit their website at http://www.blackriverdrivein.com/movies/index.php?season=2025. Don't forget to check out their Facebook page for updates and special offers!
Established in 1950
Features & Amenities
Audio & Video
- Sound
- FM Radio
- FM Frequency
- 87.9 FM
Policies
- Outside Food:
- limited
- Alcohol:
- not allowed
Videos
Official Website
Quick Info
- Screens
- 1
- Capacity
- 500 cars
- FM Radio
- 87.9 FM
- Admission
- Regular Admission $8.00, Active Military $6.00, Children ages 7-11 $3.00, Children 6 and under FREE
- Tickets
- online, at gate
- Payment
- CASH, CREDIT
Contact & Directions
28035 State Route 3Watertown, NY 13601
Location & Directions
Watertown, NY 13601
GPS: 44.00294, -75.81067