Love the Malco Summer Drive-In? Now’s the Time to Show It

April 2, 2025

The Malco Summer Drive-In: What You Need To Know

There are roughly only 300~ drive-in movie theaters left in the U.S., and Summer Avenue in Memphis, Tennessee has one of them–for now.

It's no secret that drive-ins have been slowly dwindling in the U.S. A national pastime that many long ago traded in for cushy recliners and Doby Digital surround sound.

Like I assume many of you were, I was sad and guilt-ridden about the news that the Malco Summer Drive-In is on the chopping blocks to be sold. Sad because I grew up going to the drive in and it's memories I deeply cherish. Guilt because I have not made it out to the drive in near as much as I would have liked.

An old adage goes something like "you can’t complain about a store closing if you never shopped there."

With the future of the Malco Summer Drive-In up in the air, now is the time to support it or risk losing a community gem.

The Drive-In is scheduled to reopen nightly for the Summer season starting April 18. One of my favorite times to go to Malco is for the Time Warp Drive-In series, a monthly movie series curated around themes of nostalgia and eccentricity featuring multiple films. The series will resume on April 19 with the schedule announcement coming soon.

The Summer Drive-In is open daily for movie double features, You can see the schedule closer to the season start on the Malco website. Tickets are $25 a carload. Pack in as many as you can!

A Memphis tradition since 1966.. until it's not.

GO THERE:

Malco Summer Drive-In
5310 Summer Ave, Memphis, TN 38122

snack bar at Malco summer drive in at night

About the Author

Hello! I'm Jalyn Souchek, the Director of Content for I Love Memphis Blog! I love calling the 901 home. When I'm not running the blog you can find me cheering on the Grizzlies, at a concert, exploring a new restaurant or kicking back at one of our breweries. I hope you'll love experiencing Memphis with me.

Build your perfect Memphis meal:

I love to eat so if I were to have only one meal left.. I’m going all out. I’d start with an app of Gumbo Fries from Blue City Cafe or Bayou Fries from Chef Tam, wings from Good Fortune or Central’s (honey gold and Jamaican Jerk), potato salad from Fat Larry’s, side of bbq spaghetti from Bar-B-Q Shop, and fried okra from Soul Fish. All paired with a Beale Street Brewing Space Age Sippin’.

Your most memorable Memphis moment:

College GameDay on Beale Street. That was an electric and perfect morning. I was still working in news then and was able to take it in up close and on the stage at some points. The fun and joy of everyone down there that morning is unbeatable.

Comments Make Us Happy

Ned Canty

Just bought my tickets!

May 14, 2020 4:10pm

Mike Brown

I always go to the drive-in with just one of my dogs. I have to pay $20 for just me and my dog? Smh. I guess I'll just have to wait until things are back to normal. If that ever happens

May 16, 2020 5:07pm

Jason hughes

A real shame was going to go tonight but I’m not paying prepurchase prices I’ll just go to a indoor theatre

April 24, 2021 5:47pm

Lisa Justice

Can I get a list and times an price for adults and children 8-1yrs of age

July 23, 2021 12:24am

Connie Simpson

One of my favorite places. My husband and I were there every weekend back in the 70’s when we were dating. So many fond memories!

September 24, 2022 11:03am

Virginia A Jordan

I totally agree with Mike ! I too go with my dog for the $25 flat rate. A best rate is a Double Feature for $12.50 each ! It is quite expensive of an evening, but I am able to sit comfortably outside amongst the stars, with Doris next to me in her doggie bed, and watch top 10 movies ! To keep from turning on and off my 1998 Cadillac, I invested into a special radio so I can listen to the movie on the specific radio station! Matter of fact, this has talked me into stopping for a pizza and see Fall Guy tonight! Thank you!

May 10, 2024 5:09pm

DAVID LOHREY

GOOD STUFF, KEEP IT UP.

April 3, 2025 12:53am