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.
This will be Starlite’s 73rd year. 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 Movie Theater will open for the 2026 on March 6th
Starlite Drive-In on a Budget:
- 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.
- Most of the money from ticket sales goes to the film studio, so the main way for the theater to stay in business is by profits from food sales. Keep this in mind! This website is about saving money, but we must support the local dive-in, so consider purchasing hot popcorn or a treat.
- They offer carload pricing only on special occasions, so check back or follow Wichita on the Cheap on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter to see when they have it.
Starlight Tips to have the best Experience:
- 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 to bring an FM-capable radio, wireless speaker, or boombox. 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-served.
- Pack your pillows, 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 mosquitoes 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.
- Make your own snacks to bring ahead of time.
- 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 Movie Pricing:
12 & older – $10
3 yrs – 11yrs – $5
2 yrs & younger – Free
*excludes concerts and special events.
Starlite Season Pass
The Starlite Drive-In is getting ready for another season of movies under the stars, and a limited number of 2026 Carload Season Passes are now available. The pass gives movie fans access to all the blockbuster films showing during the 2026 season.
Each Carload Season Pass allows up to four admissions per vehicle on every visit, making it a great value for families or friends who want to enjoy multiple movie nights throughout the season.
Season pass holders also receive an added perk — 10% off purchases at the concession stand, which makes grabbing classic drive-in snacks like popcorn, candy, and drinks a little more affordable.
For those who love the drive-in and want to help support it even more, the Starlite has added a flexible option this year. While the base price for the pass is $125, supporters can choose to contribute more by selecting the “Change Amount” option when purchasing their pass.
Supplies are limited, so anyone planning to enjoy plenty of movie nights this year may want to grab a pass before they sell out.
Pro Tip: Purchase the season pass in December or early in the year to receive a discount.
Starlite Drive-In Location:
3900 S Hydraulic Ave
Wichita, KS 67216
