FAQS

FAQs & information

FAQs for 2024 Season

Do you still show movies in the rain, storms and snow? Yes. Sometimes the theaters get a little muddy or sloppy, but we show in ALL weather conditions. The only weather reason we will cancel an event or show is due to heavy snow(we can't plow the lot with ramps), dangerous icy roads, severe weather that would imperil our patrons, or if we experience a power outage.

When are you open? We are now open weekends only(mainly Friday and Saturday nights) and have special events on many weekends to celebrate our 70th anniversary. We have many special events throughout the year including live concerts, on screen concerts, Pickle Fest, Jeep Nights, our kid's carnival, car shows, 80's Flashback, our huge Frightfest celebration, Hot Chocolate & Holiday Movies events and more. 2024 marks the 70th anniversary of the Harvest Moon and we are celebrating all year long with huge events nearly every weekend!!!

Should I bring my own battery-operated radio or just use the one in the car? If you are concerned that your car battery will run down, please bring a battery powered, portable FM radio. Apps on phones do not work unless your device has a built in FM antenna. We also sell and rent radios from our snack bar each night. Rentals are $3 for standard radios, $10 for premium boomboxes(very loud!) and we sell rechargeable radios for $30 each.
What time does the gate open? Typically, the gate opens 1 hour prior to show time on most nights. We also open early on some special features/holidays when large crowds are anticipated. We try to open by 6:30 pm depending on the time of year.
Can we sit on top of the car or do I need to bring chairs? Please do not sit on top of your car. It's dangerous and blocks other's view of the screen. You are allowed to sit outside your vehicle in chairs or on blankets, as long as you are directly in front of or behind your car depending on how you park facing the screen.

Do you offer discounts for large groups? We do offer group discounts for larger groups(50+), and are happy to accommodate you. The theater is also available for private rental during the nights we are not open for regular business or special events.(Call for special events or pricing specials for large groups-815-383-7509)
Can I barbeque while we watch the movie? Yes you can grill, but grills must be extinguished BEFORE the movie is onscreen.
How many movies do I get to watch with my admission? All admissions are for 1 movie per night per ticket, unless we are hosting a special 'Double Feature' event. For 'Double Features' you get to enjoy 2 movies on a single screen for your admission price.
How much is it to get in? Admission: $10 for adults(12 and older) - $8 for children 4 through 11- and children under 4 are free. There are tickets available for all shows at the box office(cash, credit, debit) or we do recommend booking in advance for ease of mind and quicker entry. Advance tickets have service fees on both ends with our provider.
Are the movie times night shows only or daytime? We show the movies under the great big sky! So, we have to wait until after the sun goes down to see the features. During the spring, showtime is near 7:30-8:30 and closer to 9 pm during the summer. Showtime in the fall is 6:30-7pm depending on the event. We are currently starting around 8:30pm during the main part of Summer.
How do we get sound to hear the movies? We have HD digital FM transmitters so you can hear the audio through your car stereo!
Do I have to stay for the entire movie? No, you may leave as you please. However, If you leave the grounds and then plan to come back in, you will be required to pay for another admission due to our insurance policy restrictions.
Can I bring my own food? Yes, bringing in your own food, drinks and snacks is allowed as long as you purchase a $5 food permit. Please realize the drive-in only survives on our food and snack sales, so we appreciate it if you purchase items from the Snack Bar or Burger Barn during your visit. $1.00 from each Food Permit sale this season is going to benefit St. Jude's and Will Rodgers charities. For groups sharing food between vehicles, EVERY VEHICLE must have a valid food permit displayed in the dash!
What kind of chairs can I bring? Lawn chairs or folding lawn chairs are the best option. We do also rent chairs on a limited basis, however they will not be available for the special Holiday events.
Can I bring a camper to the drive in? Not on busy weekends or busy events, but we can accommodate smaller ones on Weeknight shows when we are open 7 nights a week. We have partnered with Harvest Hosts to accept and book parking in advance. See more info here: https://www.harvesthosts.com/hosts/illinois/lSsZWKkhqfuNed1FXsZ7?source=drawer
My car does not have FM radio stations, what can I use to hear the movie? You can bring a portable stereo and get sound that way. All movie audio is fed through a digital high definition FM transmitter. We have radio rentals available on a limited basis. An ID and $3 is required to rent our regular radios or you can get a premium radio for $10. Those are better for larger groups. We also sell portable radios for just $30-$35 in the Snack Bar so you can have one for each drive-in visit.

Can I bring out my dog? Yes, however they must be friendly, on a leash and cleaned up after. We have 3 dog walk areas at the theater: 1 on the south side by the grain bins, one along the creek on the north side and a path behind screen 2. We also feature special nights with free pup cups and are ranked as one of the most pet friendly theaters in the US!
Can I leave the theater to get food/etc? No. Once you enter the theater, you will have to pay admission to re-enter the theater if you leave and come back in. We do offer Pizza in our Snack Bar(slices or entire 12" pizzas) along with dozens of other great items at reasonable prices... You CANNOT have food delivered to the theater either! The drivers will be turned away and you'll lose your order.

Can I leave and come back in without being charged again? NO, see above.

What is there to do before the movie? Sit around or in your vehicle and socialize with those that you arrived with, tailgate before the movie, and utilize our playground areas under the screens.

Do you have gift cards? Yes, you must ask to speak to a manager or call our office at 815-383-7509 or visit or 'shop' page.

Can I purchase tickets before the movie? Yes, as long as you purchase them on our website through the presale ticket app. Be advised that pre-purchased tickets are the only way to guarantee a parking spot. Please follow all ticket guidelines exactly for quick and contactless service.

Is alcohol allowed? No, but we do not search vehicles.

If I have van or suv, am I allowed to back in and open my hatch? Yes, just make sure you stay in your designated parking area and have your hatch level with the roof of the vehicle so it does not block anyone's view of the screen.

Can I smoke? NO, smoking is not permitted on the property unless in your vehicle, and only if it does not bother your neighbors. We also have a designated smoking area by our dumpster. Also no butts are to be thrown on the ground due to being a safety hazard to our staff. If you are observed doing this, you will be asked to leave without a refund.

How early should I arrive? On busy nights such as Friday, Saturday, or special occasions/events, we suggest arriving when the gates open or sooner. We fill up fast once we open our gates on busy nights, and arriving early is the only way to get a good viewing spot. All parking is first come first served even with online sales. Only Reserved Front Row parking spaces are assigned and those are assigned as they are purchased.

If the lot is full, can I still come in? Yes, we have limited parking outside the theater where you can walk in to sit and watch the movie on lawn chairs.

Is it Cash Only or do you accept credit cards? We take cash, credit and debit cards in our box office, snack bar and burger barn. Cash is preferred due to occasional provider outages on the CC networks and ease of sales.

When is show time? The movies start at dusk, once it is dark enough to see them on the screen. It will range from 7:30 in the spring and fall to 9 pm in the middle of the summer.

FAQs & information

FAQs for 2024 Season

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