Are There Any Operating Drive-In Theaters Left in Louisiana?

Temps are warming up, so a lot of people want to do stuff outdoors. Especially in Louisiana, where now is the time of year where you can be outside without burning in the sweltering heat. Back in the day, one favorite spring/summer activity was loading up the car and heading down to the drive-in to see a movie with your friends. It was a staple of American culture.

However, over the last 20 years or so, Drive-Ins have become scarce. In fact, most communities don't even have one within driving distance any more. In Shreveport, there hasn't be a local drive-in for decades. And, the closest drive-in to the area, is in Texas and only shows "adult oriented" films...so no chance to the next blockbuster film.

However, all that's about to change.

New Drive-In Coming to North Louisiana

John Schneider of Dukes of Hazard fame opened up a drive-in theater in Holden, Louisiana. That was the last functional drive-in in the state. Unfortunately, it doesn't appear that the Stars N' Cars Drive-in lasted very long. According to Google, they are permanently closed and they haven't made any posts on their social media page since 2022.

So currently, there's no open Drive-ins in Louisiana.  But, a new one is set to open this year. According to Macaroni Kid, a new drive-in is coming to West Monroe this summer.

According to the post, the new drive-in is a passion project of a local businessman. Bayou Cove Drive-In will feature two screens, one to show kids movies the other to show more adult oriented films - PG-13 & R-rated movies films like you would have caught at the drive-in in the 70s.

Tickets will start around $12 bucks...so, not too shabby and makes for a relatively affordable night out. And from the sounds of it, it'll be a state-of-the-art facility...not an old school drive-in with the tin audio-box speaker and all that.

Bayou Cove is expected to open in either May or June this year, just in time for Blockbuster movie season. So, may be very well worth the trip to get a little taste of nostalgia under the stars.