Swingin' Midway Drive-in
Athens, TN
Opens: Spring
What Visitors Say
Swingin' Midway Drive In is a beloved community drive-in theater that offers an authentic, nostalgic movie experience for families and movie enthusiasts. With three screens, an old-school playground, and a reputation for affordable entertainment, it provides a charming alternative to traditional movie theaters. The venue successfully bridges generations, allowing parents and grandparents to share their childhood memories with younger family members.
Based on 50 reviews
What People Love
Family Entertainment
- • Old-school playground with classic equipment
- • Multiple movie screens
- • Pet-friendly environment
Affordable Experience
- • Two movies for low price
- • Reasonable concession prices
- • Great value for families
Things to Know
Facility Limitations
- • Limited bathroom facilities
- • Potential screen brightness issues
💡 Insider Tips
- Arrive early to get the best parking spot
- Bring a portable radio for optimal sound
- Check movie schedules in advance
- Bring blankets for comfort
- Consider charging your car battery during the movie
The Experience
🍿 Concessions
Offers a wide variety of affordable food options with reasonable prices. Highlights include homemade chips, deep-fried Oreos, and pizza.
👨👩👧👦 Family Friendly
Highly family-friendly with an old-school playground, pet-friendly policy, and multiple kid-oriented activities before and during movies.
💵 Value
Provides exceptional value with double features at a low per-person price, typically around $9 for two movies.
🎬 Picture & Sound
Three screens with clear movie projection, though some suggestions for brighter screen quality have been noted.
🏢 Facilities
Clean bathrooms and restrooms, though some concerns about limited bathroom capacity during busy times.
👥 Service
Consistently praised for friendly, long-standing staff who are helpful and provide a welcoming atmosphere.
🚗 Parking
Well-designed three-screen layout allows good viewing from multiple car positions
About This Drive-In
The drive-in features a playground for children, ensuring that families can enjoy some fun before the movie starts. The snack bar offers more than just popcorn and candy, although the specific menu will be added to the website soon. Guests can enjoy stereo sound from their car radios, and there are radios available for rent at the snack bar for those who need them.
Swingin' Midway Drive-In has a clear policy regarding outside food, allowing it only with a $10 Food Pass, while also encouraging patrons to enjoy the concessions available on-site. Pets are welcome as long as they are leashed or kept inside vehicles, making it a family-friendly environment.
Admission prices are set at $10 for adults, $5 for kids aged 4-11, and free for children 3 and under. Tickets can be purchased online or at the gate, with a small booking fee for online purchases. The drive-in operates movies in any weather, ensuring that guests can enjoy their experience regardless of conditions. For more information or to buy tickets, visit their website.
Established in 1960
Features & Amenities
Also available: playground
Audio & Video
- Sound
- FM Radio
- Equipment
- radios for rent
Policies
- Outside Food:
- limited
- Alcohol:
- not allowed
- Rain Policy:
- Movies play in ANY WEATHER.
Snack Bar Menu
The menu will be added to the website soon!
Videos
Official Website
Quick Info
- Screens
- 1
- Capacity
- 450 cars
- Admission
- Adults $10, Kids (4-11) $5, Kids (3 and under) FREE
- Tickets
- online, at gate
- Payment
- credit cards accepted at the box office and the snack bar
Contact & Directions
2133 Highway 30 EastAthens, TN 37303
Location & Directions
Athens, TN 37303
GPS: 35.37344, -84.55623