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 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.