Near Athens, a small community located in Mercer County, West Virginia, the stars align every weekend at the Pipestem Drive-In Theater. Cars line the lot, families pull out lawn chairs and blankets and settle down for their favorite big-screen flicks. The atmosphere – that combination of nostalgia and family time – is almost magical and hard to find.
Pipestem, located near Athens, is home to one of the last remaining drive-in theaters in the state. Of the 318 drive-in movie theaters remaining in the United States, West Virginia has only five still in operation. The youngest of West Virginia’s remaining drive-ins, the Pipestem Drive-In opened in 1972.
Here’s What You Need to Know
Open May through September on Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights, there is room for 285 cars with sound through speakers or through your car radio. The movies are double features too!
- Cash only at the ticket booth and the concession stand.
- Gates open at 7 p.m.
- Movies begin at dusk.
- Admission: $8 for adults, $5 for children ages (5-10) and free for children under the age of 5.
- Sunday nights: $20 a carload.
Scenic Drives and Sunset Views in Mercer County
One of the best parts of going to the Pipestem Drive-In is the journey to get there. Home to Concord University, Athens is a trip through the countryside. The scenic two-lane roads pass through farmland and sleepy communities like Speedway. Visitors can also visit Pipestem Resort State Park, located four miles from the drive-in.
Call 304-384-7382 for showtimes or follow them on their Facebook page.