Moonlite Theatre

location 17555 Lee Highway (US 11/19), Abingdon, Va.
telephone (276) 628-7881
** NOTE: NEW AREA CODE
year opened 1949
capacity 454 cars
booking policy

double features

sound FM (speakers under repair)
admission $7; children 5-11 $2; under 5 free
operating season  
website www.moonlitetheatre.com

This was the drive-in featured in USA Today's recent Life cover story. Quoting owner William Booker: "I'm going to be doing this for quite a long time. It's never crossed my mind to close this place down."

The Moonlite just became one of only three drive-ins in the United States to be added to the National Register of Historic Places. Read about it in this article.

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Rate/comment on this drive-in
If you've been to the Moonlite and would like to share your opinions, click here.

Average rating: 4.39 (18 votes)
  "We took our 6-year-old to watch Spy Kids. Laid a blanket under the stars and watched a double feature. My son loved it as did we! Definitely plan to return! :)"  5 -- Christie & Sam
  "Food was good. The old speaker post still in the ground hampers parking a bit. Go to the restrooms before going, need repairs in a bad way. The movie picture is decent and the sound is lacking. It's great on a budget but honestly needs to update the sound system and repair the bathrooms. It's worth a look, some may hate it but overall it's only OK!"  3 -- Ted
  "You guys are the best, don't worry what anyone else has to say, if they do, let them go pay somewhere else. You can't beat the price and food. To the complainer, you must not have nothing else to do, sounds like you need to go to a movie on the inside, you will have plenty of room to park your butt. That is what the Moonlite is about, setting outside to watch it, and also if your in that 'big' of a hurry to watch the movie, sounds like you would be better off at home:) GOD BLESS YOU MOONLITE :~)"  5 -- to the "complainer"
  "Yea it is all true... Family tradition that makes me and my family look forward to summer. Yes, we are one of those families that take outdoor seats, boombox that uses batteries, bucket of KFC or a pizza (but always visit snack bar, cherry smashes and popcorn) and best of all the prices are great, 7 bucks for 2 movies. We go at least 20 times a year. YES he starts movies late when there are crowds or when its not dark enough, YES it is sometimes crowded but WE WOULDN'T WANT IT ANY OTHER WAY!!!! THANKS BOOKER we hope you never change and stay healthy and keep it open FOREVER."  5 -- CD Johnson
  "I took my daughter to see Cars 2 and there was NOwhere to park because inconsiderate people were putting their CHAIRS across where people are supposed to PARK. Actually SPREADING THEM out across the grass where CARS are supposed to park... THIS SHOULD NOT BE ALLOWED. IF you are going to bring a chair it should be placed IN FRONT OF YOUR CAR!!!!!!!!"  3 -- susan a
  "At the Moonlite, movie never starts on time. During the Cars movie, Booker even held the start time an additional hour so all the late traffic could get in, then to top it off he let more in than he had parking spots for and continued to welcome them because as he said, with the audio coming over the car stereo, 'they don't need a parking spot.' However, my complaint is IF someone had an emergency no one could get out or emergency personnel could not get in!!!! The marquee does NOT look like the picture posted on this website and has not for many years, it is in bad need of repair yet Booker continues to ignore it. So sad because the Moonlite could be so much. I give places I eat or patronize in any way three times before I mark them off my list; I gave Moonlite the same consideration and all three times they failed miserably. Time him and see how long you have to sit there waiting for even the previews to start."  2 -- "won't go back"
  "I've been going to the Moonlite for years, and now I take my daughters there. It's a great place to go for some family entertainment and enjoy summer nights. Yes, the sign is damaged, but if people that have [been] coming over the years would chip in, then it could be restored and look great again. You can't beat hearing the Moonlite song just before the movie starts!"  5 -- Dave Vencill
  "Our family has enjoyed coming to the Moonlite for years. We enjoy the 'lost in the Fifties' kind of feeling that is experienced at this historical landmark. Listening to Elvis songs and hearing Mr. Booker's Unchained Melody story of working for Elvis before he plays the song is a highlight for my children. They love listening to the songs that mention 'The Moonlite' too. The kids always wear their pajamas and bring a ball to play with under the big screen before the movie begins. Then, it is Moonlite popcorn on a picnic blanket for the kids while the adults lounge in their beach chairs and everyone enjoys the movie! The Moonlite is a family tradition and an Experience we all treasure. Lots of great memories!"  5 -- Kriss
  "Great place! Fun atmosphere. One of my faves in the summer. Been going since I was a kid. Had my first date there with my now husband when I was 15 :) Hoping to take our 2 year old son this year for the first time:) Only suggestion is update the restrooms please :)"  4 -- Jessica
  "I love the Moonlite here now actually, the place is a little run down but I love the experience, the popcorn, and the cherry smash."  4 -- Dan
  "My husband and I went here for our first date 20 yrs ago...it was great!"  5 -- Michelle
  "We love this drive-in. We take our two little girls, 3 and 5 and spread a blanket on the ground and have a picnic while we watch the movie. We don't have to worry about them talking too loud and disturbing everyone. I have been going to this drive-in since I was a little girl. This is a wonderful family tradition that I hope to keep going for many years to come."  5 -- Carol Keen
  "I have been watching movies under the stars at Moonlite for years. I am now married with 2 kids that are adults now and I know when they have families of their own, they will all continue the tradition. There's nowhere else comparable to Moonlite. Bring the lawn chairs, or as we do, beach chairs, kick back, relax and enjoy the movie. Great people, great prices, family atmosphere, nothing else like it in the world."  5 -- Charlie
  "Go on your birthday and tell 'William', and he will get everybody to blow their car horns to wish you a Happy Birthday."  5 -- David Madison
  "Booker is so nice and sweet. I enjoy going there. I probably go to the Moonlite about twice a month and enjoy it a lot. I love his stories about Elvis. I also enjoy listening before the movies, he plays all Elvis songs. The people that sell food are nice too. Its all family friendly. Thanks for all your hard work."  5 -- tabitha
  "Run down but at least you can get the drive-in experience!"  3 -- Donna
  "I have been going to the Moonlite for as long as I can remember. I DO NOT go to regular theaters. Only the Moonlite! Now that I'm a mommy I take my kids! And when time comes I'll take their kids!"  5 -- MommyOf2Nurse
  "Me and my husband really look forward to this place opening every spring, it's a family friendly place with no one getting up in front of you or kicking your seat like in the cinema-malls. I've come to this drive-in for over 20 yrs. and I really hope to return for many more. God Bless You."  5 -- Lynn

Click here to see the 1991 USGS map depicting the drive-in and surrounding area.
Click
here to see an April 1998 aerial photograph of the drive-in.

Photos from June 1998:

Below photos are by Stu Megaw, taken May 2000.