It is definitely one of the best movie deals in town (not to mention a great family fun event). The Starlite Drive In in Wichita, KS is gives you the experience of going to an old-fashioned drive-in movie – something that many cities don’t offer anymore – but with upgraded sound and video.
Movie goers can bring lawn chairs to sit outside in nice weather (as long as you aren’t taking up a second parking spot). And well-behaved pets on leashes are welcome.
Starlite Drive-In Movie Theater is Open for the 2025 Season
There is nothing like a night at a drive-in movie under the stars. Everyone loves the vintage atmosphere of drive-in movie theaters, and you can’t beat the price. Starlite outdoor movie theater in Wichita is a must for Date Nights, Family Nights, or really any occasion.
Going to the drive-in movies is a fantastic and frugal night out because you get the double delight of a cinematic experience, 3 movies for one price and you can enjoy the films from the comfort of your own vehicle. Enjoy a cozy movie night under the stars without breaking the bank!
Starlite Drive In Prices
The Starlite’s per-person pricing is affordable- especially considering you usually get two movies for one ticket.
Ticket prices for adults (ages 12+) with the per-person price is now $10.75; kids are just $5 each.
The Starlite occasionally offers carload pricing, which is always fun because you get to play “clown car” with all your family and friends! Check back or follow Wichita on the Cheap on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter to see when they have carload pricing.
Starlite Concessions
The snack shop offers very reasonably priced refreshments. Do consider purchasing food from the snack shop during your visit. The Starlite’s owner told me that film studios can take up to 80% of box office proceeds, so strong support of the snack bar is how they stay open.
Starlite Drive In Wichita KS Showings
The Starlite shows first-run movies; in other words, the same movies that are playing at regular theaters.
To see what’s playing every weekend, visit the Starlite Drive In website, or call. You know the number to call for more information, right? Sing it with me! 🙂 The Starlite drive-in gives you more, call 524-2424.
Each of the two screens at the Starlite will be showing double- or triple-features, depending on which night you go: triple features on Friday and Saturday nights; double features on Thursday and Sunday nights.
When Is Starlite Drive In Open?
The Starlite opens in the spring each year and runs through summer and fall. It is closed during the winter.
Starlite Drive In Hours
The box office opens approximately 1 hour before the first showtime of the day, which may change seasonally.
The first movies on each screen generally start around dusk. The last movies end in the wee hours of the morning.
Because the Starlite Drive-In’s hours can change from week to week, it’s best to check the website for movie times and to find out when the box office will open.
The Starlite shows first-run movies, has two screens to choose from, and each screen features either double or triple features. Even at regular prices, that’s a whole lot of movies for a little bit of money!
Starlite Drive-In is at 3900 S. Hydraulic in Wichita, KS (near Hydraulic and MacArthur).
Want more? See Movies on the Cheap in Wichita!
Starlite Drive In Tips
- The box office opens approximately one hour before the earliest movie.
- Starlite does NOT offer speakers. All sound is through FM. They encourage you to use your car stereo or bring an FM-capable radio, wireless speaker, or boombox with you. They do not have a radio app for phone use.
- You can borrow a car heater if you bring your driver’s license.
- You can bring your pet!
- Parking spaces are first-come-first-serve.
- Pack your pillows, and blankets and make it cozy for 3 movies for the price of 1.
- If you go in the summer don’t forget the bug spray. If you are like me and mosquitos love you not having bug spray could ruin your experience.
- Bring folding chairs if you want to sit outside.
How to Make the Drive In Extra Special
- Make it a pajama night! Get comfy!
- Dress in costume for the movie you are going to see.
- Stop by the Dollar Store and get some glow sticks. They always have glow sticks in the party section.
- You can pack your own snacks to help you save money! If you forget to bring your own, you can also check out their concessions: hamburgers, cheeseburgers, hot dogs, corn dogs, fries, popcorn, nachos, pretzels, candy, funnel cakes, cotton candy, and frozen treats.
- Make a trail mix of some of your favorite snacks. When you have just a little bit left in a bag, dump them all into one bag to make a fun mix.
- Bring lawn games like a football to throw around before the movie starts.
Starlite Drive In Season Passes
Get ready for an entire season of movies under the stars at Starlite Drive-In! LIMITED SUPPLY! Only 250 season passes will be sold, and they always sell out at the beginning of the year.
Pro Tips for Saeson Passes:
- Purchase your season pass in December or early in the year to receive a discount.
- The Season Passes are typically on sale for $125 before the drive-in movie season opens. The typical price for the season pass is $150.
- If the season passes are sold out online, visit Starlite to see if more are in stock.
What Does the Season Pass Include?
- Admission for 4 to the showing of your choice each day.
- 10% discount in the Refreshment Center on Food and beverage items, excludes merchandise.
Where is Starlite Dive In in Wichita?
3900 S Hydraulic Ave
Wichita, KS 67216
6 Responses
Sad to see the prices go up although I understand. With all our kids, the carload times are the only times we could afford to go. The new prices are still great for one or two people but are not family friendly.
Yes, the carload pricing was always a really, really great deal. But in my opinion, $3 for a kid’s ticket to see first-run movies is still very family-friendly. There’s no other theater in town with prices that low!
However, if it puts too much of a crimp in the family budget, other options are available for family movie nights, like borrowing movies from the library or using streaming services like Vudu. I have a whole list of various movie deals in our area if you’d like to take a look: Movies on the Cheap.
I really like the carload nights, its the only time we can afford to go with all the kids.
We accept credit and debit cards at the box office now too.
Hey, Chuck, that’s great to know! I’ll revise this immediately. Thanks!