Peak drive-in movie season is starting in South Carolina. Here’s where you can go see one
Even in a world that seems ever-changing, there are those who find comfort in things that stay the same.
In three spots in South Carolina, film lovers find that comfort at drive-in theaters, where an evening under the stars as a movie unspools on the silver screen mirrors summer nights from generations gone by.
And as major Hollywood studios are set to unleash their 2022 summer blockbuster offerings — Marvel’s hotly anticipated “Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness” opens nationwide this weekend — residents will have the opportunity to experience the subtle Americana of the drive-in, a still-unique experience that is part night at the movies, part tailgate party.
Currently there are about 320 drive-in theaters remaining in the U.S. — down from a peak of about 4,000 back in the 1950s. In South Carolina, there are three dedicated drive-ins, including one in the Midlands. There’s the Monetta Drive-In, affectionately known as The Big Mo, in Monetta; the 25 Drive-In, commonly known as the Auto, in Greenwood; and the Highway 21 Drive-In in Beaufort.
There are a few clear departures in the drive-in movie experience, as compared to going to a standard, indoor cinema. Perhaps the most demonstrative is the fact that drive-ins offer double features. That’s right: You get to see two movies for the price of one.
You’ll also find deeper concessions menus at South Carolina’s drive-ins than the ones at indoor cinemas. While you can get the typical movie theater snacks — popcorn, candy, sodas — at the drive-ins, you’ll also find they have burgers, fries, chicken sandwiches, corn dogs and more.
Here’s a bit about each of South Carolina’s drive-ins, all three of which are showing “Dr. Strange in the Multiverse of Madness” on its opening weekend, among other features.
Monetta Drive-in aka The Big Mo: Originally opened in 1951, The Big Mo has been owned and operated by Richard Boaz and his family since 1999. The Big Mo has three screens and is known for, among other things, the giant peach that sits atop its projection booth on the main field. Tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for kids 4-11, and kids 3 and under get in free. For movie listings and showtimes, visit thebigmo.com. The Big Mo is located at 5822 Columbia Highway North in Monetta.
25 Drive-In aka The Auto: Owners Tommy and Carolyn McCutcheon brought the Auto in Greenwood back to life in 2009 after it had been closed for a number of years. Since then, they have added two additional screens (it now has a total of three) and have made significant improvements to the drive-in’s restaurant area. The 25 Drive-In has a large food menu, and the bacon cheeseburger is a favorite. Tickets are $10 for those 12 and older and $5 for kids. Check showtimes and movie listings at 25drivein.com. The 25 Drive-In is located at 3109 Highway 25 South in Greenwood.
Highway 21 Drive-In: This Lowcountry favorite is located in the shadow of the Merritt Field Marine Corps Air Station in Beaufort. It has two screens, and the main field at Highway 21 is simply massive, perfect for packing in the cars on a hot summer night. Give the pulled pork sandwich a try. Tickets are $7 for adults, $3 for kids 5-12, and those 4 and under get in free. You can find showtimes and movie listings at hwy21drivein.com. The Highway 21 Drive-In is at 55 Parker Dr. in Beaufort.
This story was originally published May 4, 2022 at 9:14 AM.
