Reviving the Past. Lighting the Future.
A Classic Drive-In Experience Under the Stars
Easter Egg Collection
Join us for our first vendor event, Hop & Shop, hosted by Bloom Events, on Saturday, April 4 from 10 AM–4 PM at the Moonlite! With 40+ vendors featuring boutiques, artisans, toys, permanent jewelry, treats, and more, there’s something for everyone. Enjoy a flower bar, face painting, dirty sodas, giveaways, a kids’ play area, concessions, and photos with the Easter Bunny from 10am–2pm. Moonlite’s very first Easter egg hunt kicks off at 1:00 PM for kids ages 0–12!
We are asking for donations of prefilled eggs to help us reach our goal of 4,000 eggs—if you’d like to help, check out our registry. As of March 25, we have about 2,000 prefilled eggs and have 10 days to reach our goal. If you would rather shop local, we can arrange drop off at the Moonlite. All donors will receive FREE movie passes and be recognized on our website and social media as a thank-you for helping us make this event extra special for area families!
Here's the link to our wish list on Amazon:
Huge thank you to those who have already donated eggs -
Casie Hess
Dustin @ Majestic Lawn Care
Emily Harless
April Mink
Destiny Ely
The Tavern
Celia Fuller
Kathy Elkins
Willie Ellis
Janet Torbett
Honaker Varsity Softball
Katie Harlow
Sarah Campbell
Bloom Events
Vendors participating in Hop & Shop
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Tickets available online and at the gate.
The Moonlite is now
OPEN for 2026 Season!
Looking Ahead to 2026
In January, we attended the United Drive-In Theatre Owners Association (UDITOA) convention for the second time, connecting with drive-in owners from across the country. At its peak, the U.S. had more than 4,000 drive-ins. Today, fewer than 300 remain—but there is renewed interest and momentum.
Several drive-ins that were scheduled to close at the end of 2025 have been saved, previously closed theatres like the Moonlite and Fork Union Drive-In in Virginia have reopened, and new drive-ins are currently under construction nationwide. That’s exciting news—and we’re proud to be part of this revival.
Our Vision for the Moonlite
We are focused on making the Moonlite a place that offers more than a movie—a full experience for families, friends, and the community.
Planned and upcoming additions include:
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Vendor & Community Events
Our first event, Hop & Shop, takes place Saturday, April 4 from 10:00 AM–4:00 PM and includes an Easter Egg Hunt.
Interested vendors may contact Kinzy at bloommeventss@gmail.com. -
Expanded Viewing Options
Deck seating, lawn seating, traditional vehicle viewing, and private clear dome rentals with seating. -
Expanded Concession Menu
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Private & Full-Venue Rentals
Perfect for birthdays, corporate events, reunions, and celebrations. -
More Kids & Family Activities
Added to our recreation area before family-friendly films. -
Community Partnerships
Working with nonprofits and schools to raise funds and awareness. -
Monthly Themed Events
Including Trunk or Treat, Christmas at the Moonlite, Luau Weekend, Halloween Fright Nights, and Decade Nights (50s Sock Hop, 80s Prom, and more). -
Pre-Movie Music & Entertainment
An increased number of live performances before select screenings. -
Exploring Year-Round Operations
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New On-Screen Preshow
A professionally produced 10-minute preshow featuring local advertisers. -
Expanded Operating Schedule
Open five nights a week while local schools are not in session. -
Special Events & Concerts
Including a Christian Concert on Saturday, June 13, presented by local churches.
For participation, contact Evan Hurd with For His Glory Ministries at 276-608-6341. -
Car Shows
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Seasonal Movie Series
Spring/Summer Retro Weekends and Fall Throwback Thursdays—and yes, you loved our 2025 retro movies!
Get Involved
We are now accepting reservations and inquiries for:
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Private events
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Birthday parties
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Corporate rentals
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Advertising opportunities
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Vendor or community events
Visit moonliteabingdon.com
Email moonliteabingdon@gmail.com
Info Line: 276-628-7881
Our Story
The Moonlite Drive-In Theatre, located at 17555 Lee Highway in Abingdon, Virginia, first opened its gates on June 9, 1949, becoming a beloved gathering place for generations of moviegoers. Recognized for its cultural and historical significance, the Moonlite was added to both the National Register of Historic Places and the Virginia Landmarks Register in 2007.
After closing in 2013 and a brief reopening in 2016, the theatre once again went dark—but the story didn’t end there.
In 2024, the Moonlite found new life when it was purchased by the Blevins and Crusenberry families, who committed to restoring and reimagining the property while honoring its mid-century charm and deep community roots. Their vision extends beyond film, creating a space where the community can gather for movies, live concerts, special events, and private rentals.
The Moonlite’s revival was met with overwhelming community support, highlighted by a special concert featuring country music star Clint Black during the 2024 Virginia Highlands Festival, which also celebrated the theatre’s 75th anniversary. In July of 2025, the Moonlite officially reopened for its first season following extensive renovations, welcoming guests back with a state-of-the-art 4K, 35,000-lumen laser projector, immersive sound system, and giant screen.
Today, the Moonlite is once again a destination for all ages—offering first-run and classic films, live entertainment, and community events. Guests can enjoy our expanded concession offerings and a dedicated play area featuring games, rides, basketball, and inflatables, adding to the fun before showtime.
As restoration continues season by season, the Moonlite Drive-In Theatre is proud to shine again as a vibrant cultural hub in Southwest Virginia, blending nostalgia, innovation, and community to create new memories under the stars.
Visit our "History" tab for photos and more information.
