Authentic Montana Drive-In Theaters: Must Visit Before Summer Ends

There’s just something about a drive-in movie in Montana. The wide-open sky, the smell of popcorn drifting through the air, and that warm summer breeze rolling in right before the sun dips below the horizon. Lucky for us, Montana still has spots keeping this tradition alive and they’re doing it in a big way.

Montana’s Summer Movie Magic: Two Drive-Ins You’ve Gotta Check Out

First up, The Pasture Drive-In. This is more than a drive in theater. They throw the party of the summer. It’s once a year, right after the Potato Festival, and this year it’s going down Saturday, August 16th starting at 5:30 p.m. We’re talking dancing for all ages, lawnmower races (yes, actual lawnmowers), and plenty of food. You can look forward to good eats from their famous “cow patties” to burgers, popcorn, candy, and ice-cold drinks. At 9 p.m., it’s movie time: Lilo & Stitch. Bring $10 per person or $25 a carload. They do mention "cash is best… it is in a pasture, after all."

Then there’s The Silver Bow Drive-In, the ultimate two-for-one experience. This Butte favorite has two screens running at the same time, so you get a choice of movies. From August 15th–19th, you can catch Freakier Friday on Side 1 or Smurfs on Side 2. Gates open at 7:45 p.m., movies start at dusk, and admission won’t drain your wallet. Their snack bar? Legendary.

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Whether you’re in it for the lawnmower races or just want to kick back with a bucket of popcorn, these Montana drive-ins prove some summer traditions are too good to let fade away.