What to know about the only 2 drive-in movie theaters left in Nevada

Grab the family and head out for a night of movies and popcorn at one of two drive-in movie theaters left in Nevada: the West Wind Las Vegas Drive-In or El Rancho Drive-In in Reno/Sparks.

Drive-in movie theaters are as all-American as baseball, hot dogs, and apple pie. 

Originating in New Jersey in 1933, this historic slice of Americana (the theaters, not the pie) was all the rage in the ‘50s and ‘60s, with thousands of drive-in theaters in the country at its peak. 

There were only 299 drive-ins left in the entire United States as of 2023, according to the United Drive-In Theater Owners Association.

The Silver State has two drive-in movie theaters still standing: one in Las Vegas and one in Reno/Sparks. Both are owned and operated by West Wind, the largest drive-in theater chain in the world — though by largest, we should clarify there are only six in total (including three in California and one in Arizona).

West Wind Las Vegas and West Wind El Rancho have long histories in their communities and an old-school vibe, plus modern digital projectors and screens. Movie audio is delivered through your car stereo or portable FM player, so sound quality depends on your device.

The environment is family-friendly, date-friendly, and dog-friendly offering plenty of concessions, a playground, and an arcade, as well as family-friendly events throughout the year. 

As for the films, audiences of all ages enjoy the same first-run movies as indoor theatres like Twisters, Despicable Me 4, InsideOut 2, Longlegs, Fly Me To The Moon, A Quiet Place Day One, and more. The theaters also have midnight screenings of major releases and early openings for big premieres. 

For more information on current and upcoming movies and movie times or to buy tickets and concessions, use the West Wind app. 

West Wind Las Vegas

4150 W. Carey Avenue, North Las Vegas

The Las Vegas Drive-In location in North Las Vegas has been home to a drive-in theater since 1966, according to Cinema Treasures. It opened with a single screen, but by 1992 there were six.

Despite its old-school vibe, the theater has state-of-the-art digital projectors and screens. For an even better visual experience, try Screen 2 for more advanced and sustainable LX laser projection technology (small upcharge). 

According to one 5-star Google review from June, the paved parking area at the Las Vegas Drive-In offers a good vantage point for watching films, though there may be some noise from helicopters. While the location is considered slightly sketchy, the reviewer writes: “The crowd was very respectful and nice … there was no riff raff and it was safe and comfortable.”

Yelpers have good things to say about the picture quality on the LX screen, also noting that the “popcorn and fountain drink sizes are more than generous.” 

The theater offers a free jumpstart if your car battery dies but another Yelper recommends being proactive by bringing a battery-operated radio.

West Wind El Rancho

555 El Rancho Drive, Sparks

Close to downtown Reno, the classic El Rancho location in Sparks has been home to a drive-in since 1950. Though it now has four screens, it opened with only a single screen. The audience can enjoy movies from the comfort of their cars or set up lounge chairs outside their cars.

According to a 5-star review on Google, customer service at West Wind El Rancho is “amazing.” The reviewer recommends that viewers park their cars at an angle “to avoid seeing the lines on the screen.”

The viewing experience may also be interrupted by the sound of street traffic and airplane landings, according to one Yelper, who adds that the sacrifice is worth it since “being in your own car it was perfectly fine to heckle the actors or make other commentary to your date.” Another Yelper recommends going in the winter and cuddling up under a comfy blanket. 

Tuesday is family fun night; adults receive reduced admission. On Saturdays and Sundays from 8 a.m.-3 p.m., the drive-in property is transformed into the West Wind El Rancho Swap Meets.

This article first appeared on Good Info News Wire and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.