There is something nostalgic about pulling into the Ocala Drive-In Theatre that only folks that have experienced it can tell you. For me, it was an Elvis double feature one weekend and a James Bond double feature the following weekend in Gainesville as a teenager growing up and trying to find things to do on a Saturday night. No money, no problem. The only way to see an R-rated movie if you were underage was to stow away in the trunk of a car. It was humorous to see kids sneaking out when it got dark. You lifted the metal speaker from the pole that you parked next to and hooked it to your window so you could hear the movie.

Experience the Drive-In Theatre

The Drive-In Movie Theatre has been around for over ninety years since the first one opened in Camden New Jersey in 1933. Twenty years later there were 4000 theaters in the United States. Now there are just over 300 left in the country. Florida is down to a handful. John Watzke, owner of the Ocala Drive-In Theatre has a passion for the drive-in and shared stories about the drive-in movie heyday peaking in the late fifties and his love for the Drive-In. He says that going to the drive-in is not just about going to the movies but an experience.

More Flexibility

The Drive-In gives you more flexibility when watching a movie. People can sit in their cars and talk without disturbing others. They can bring the kids in their pajamas and don’t have to hire a babysitter. Pack some blankets and pillows and you are set for the double feature. The Drive-In has always been a popular spot to take a date. It is not uncommon to see car windows steaming up late into the second feature. Gone are the metal speakers. You get sound on any device that can receive a regular FM station. Watzke says it really is the best deal anywhere. Where else can see a first-run movie for about $3?

A Community Movie Theatre

It is not only the older folks that are looking for nostalgia that brings folks to the ticket booth he says but a whole new generation that is making memories.

Watzke says the drive-in is more than just showing movies. He has hosted Prom-Proposals and arranged a wedding proposal where he went way above a simple slide asking for the young lady’s hand but set up cameras and put the suspense on the big screen. He says he wants the drive-in thought of as a community movie theatre. That term seems to be working if you look at the crowds on a Friday or Saturday night. By the way, there was an eruption of horns and cheers when she said yes.

And now, A brief Intermission. Time to Visit the Concession Area – Ten Minutes until Showtime…….

It is not the price of admission where the theatre makes money. It is the sales of the concession that supports the drive-in. The folks at Ocala Drive-In Theatre offer a pretty extensive menu for a movie concession stand. Yep, they have the traditional popcorn, drinks, candy, and pizza, but they are especially proud of offering a special “Taste of New Orleans” menu. The bread used for the Muffuletta is shipped from New Orleans. The prices are very reasonable compared to many theaters that charge an astronomical amount just for popcorn. You can get a Cajun Catfish Platter or a PoBoy for less than $9. I don’t think you could do that well in a restaurant and this is every bit as good. Don’t want the hassle of walking to the concession stand? You can order your food online, and they will bring it to you.

Drive-In Concerts

One of the latest trends at the Drive-In is concerts that showcase top-name entertainers with performances filmed exclusively for theatres. Because of the pandemic, live shows gave way to virtual tours and drive-in shows. Garth Brooks, Florida Georgia Line, and rocker Bon Jovi are a few of the latest concerts here at the Ocala Drive-In. You can enjoy first-run never-before-seen concerts on the big screen. The Drive-In has also staged live music from local bands.

Re-live the past, and make new memories in the present with a visit to the Ocala Drive-In. Whether it is a special date, a fun night with friends, or a family night at the movies, a trip to the drive-in is a fun, affordable experience. Most of today’s generation will never know or enjoy the simple pleasures of going to a drive-in, sitting in the bed of a pick-up with blankets and pillows, and watching a good movie under the stars. Today there are only a few drive-ins that remain in Florida.

The Ocala Drive-In is located at 4850 S. Pine Street in Ocala and is open 7 nights a week, rain or shine.

Remember to replace the speaker in its rack and make sure the speaker cord is clear of your car door handle before starting your car… Oh, wait. We don’t have to do that anymore. Drive safe.

This was a great addition to add to my trip to Ocala. I spent the day visiting Juniper Springs in the morning and Silver Springs later in the day.