🌙 Frequently Asked Questions

 

🎟️ Tickets & Admission

How do I purchase tickets?
Tickets are available online at moonliteabingdon.com and at the gate. We recommend online purchases for quicker entry and guarantee a spot.

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How much are tickets?
Movie prices are per person, not per car.

• Adults (12 and up): $8

• Children (5–11): $5

• Kids under 5: Free!

Pricing for special events may vary.

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What are your hours?

The Moonlite Drive-In operates (weather permitting) from the beginning of March through mid to late December. Beginning September 24, our normal nights of operation are Thursday through Saturday.  We hope to run 6 days a week from Memorial Day Weekend (when schools let out for the Summer) until mid-August (when school begins). During the summer and fall, we plan be open on select week nights for retro/classic movies. We also plan to have many special events throughout the year including concerts, Flashback weekends, special themed movie nights, luaus, jeep nights,  Frightfest celebration, Hot Chocolate & Holiday Movies, craft/vendor fairs, car cruise-in events, and much more. 

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We show the movies under the great big sky, so we have to wait until after the sun goes down to see the features. Even with bright digital pictures, you can't see the movie will the sun is still in the sky. During the spring, showtime is near 7:30-8:30 and closer to 9 pm during the summer months. Showtime in the fall is 7:30 pm.

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Gate and concession stand opens approximately 1 1/2 to 2 hours before the first movie is scheduled to begin.

 

Do I need to buy tickets in advance?

Advance tickets are strongly recommended and available on our website. There are tickets available for all shows at the ticket booth (cash, credit, debit, google/apple pay accepted), however we do recommend booking in advance for ease of mind and quicker entry. We allocate up to 75% of our parking to advance ticket sales and may sell out fast on high demand nights. Advance tickets have service fees on both ends with our provider and are shown on the purchase before you check out. Please read the terms and conditions on the online system or ask us any questions in advance.

 

How many movies do I get to watch with my admission?

Most admissions are for ‘Double Features' - you get to enjoy 2 movies on a single screen for your admission price and a triple is the same. You are not required to stay for all features and can leave when you choose, but readmission may not be available and if it is, you must pay for a new admission to re-enter the theater once you've left. (This applies to driving or walking out of the theatre grounds for ANY reason, unless you have an emergency and discuss it with our management at that time)

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If the lot is full, can I still come in?

Yes, we have plenty of parking outside the theatre near the entrance where you can walk in to sit and watch the movie on lawn chairs. We have plenty of room to sit under the screen or by the concession stand for this option. Early arrival is key for the best drive-in experience.

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Can I leave and come back?
No re-entry is allowed once you leave the theatre grounds. Please plan ahead.

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🚗 Parking & Vehicle Guidelines

When should I arrive?
We always urge our guests to get to the theatre as early as possible.  The ticket booth typically opens 2 or more hours prior to the scheduled start time of the movie, and on weekend nights with nice weather and either "family "movies" or "blockbuster-type" movies, it is highly suggested to get to the theatre as soon as the ticket booth opens.  Getting here "early" does NOT mean 15-30 minutes before the movie starts.  By getting here as soon as you can, you'll typically find the best choice of parking spaces and shorter concessions lines.  The later you arrive (closer to show time), there will usually be longer lines at both the ticket booth and concessions building.  We at the Moonlite want your experience here to be a great night out "under the stars", so please plan your arrival time accordingly.

 

Where should I park?
Each vehicle is entitled to one space. Please park CLOSE enough to a post to allow for another vehicle.  There are two (2) parking spaces between each set of white posts.

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Can I sit outside my car?
Absolutely! Bring chairs or a blanket and enjoy the evening under the stars. Just stay within your parking space and keep walkways clear. We also have a viewing area between the concession stand and screen that is reserved for chairs.  This allows a feeling of community and helps those parked in the back get a closer look. No tents or canopies are allowed.

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Can I run my engine during the movie?
We ask that you only run your engine briefly to prevent battery drain or use heat/AC. No idling—interior and exterior lights must remain off during the film.

• You must be in control of your lights, and they must be off while you're parked.

• If you cannot extinguish a light, you must cover it. We recommend that you bring some brown paper or dark plastic and masking tape and carefully covering your lights before entering - please remember to remove the covering before you exit the theatre making sure that you are facing away from the screen when you are doing so. There may also be instructions on turning off your daytime running lights in your car's operating manual. We have a limited number of blankets available to cover lights if needed.

• Other distracting lights on and inside your vehicle, including strobes, neon, video displays and TV sets should also be turned off.

 

Can I bring a camper to the drive in?

Yes, we do allow oversized vehicles on weeknights or weekends with slow attendance.  Typically, we do not allow them on busy weekends or busy events. We have partnered with Harvest Hosts to accept and book overnight parking in advance. See more info here: https://www.harvesthosts.com.  If you are not a Harvest Host member but want to bring your camper, please arrange this beforehand because there is a limit of 3 at any given time.  You can send an email to moonliteabingdon@gmail.com to see if there is availability. Do NOT drive an oversized vehicle under the ticket booth canopy as the clearance is only 9’8”.  Campers will have to pay at the ticket booth and enter the field via the exit lane.

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        Outside Food and Beverage Policy   

 

🍔 Can I Bring My Own Food or Drinks?

Outside food and beverages are not allowed.  We understand that bringing your own snacks and drinks is convenient—but we kindly ask that you support the Moonlite by purchasing from our concession stand.  We’re proud to feature our full-service concession stand.  You’ll find all the usual theatre fare, PLUS incredible burgers & fries, grilled and fried chicken sandwiches, corn dog nuggets, chicken tenders, 14” freshly cooked pizzas, and so much more!

This policy wasn’t made lightly. A common misconception is that ticket sales alone keep a theatre running—but in reality, a large portion of our operating budget depends on concession sales, just like indoor cinemas.  Because the number of drive-ins across the country are diminishing, a lot of drive-ins have started charging food permits for bringing in outside food and drinks.  At this time we are not planning to do this.

Operating a historic, seasonal drive-in is especially challenging:

• We maintain over 15 acres of property—mowing, cleaning, lighting, painting, and repairing—all year long.

• Unlike multiplexes, we run just one screen and operate only during fair-weather seasons.

• Indoor theatres benefit from year-round traffic, climate control, and multiple revenue streams—we don't.

By choosing to buy your snacks at our concession stand, you’re directly helping preserve the Moonlite Theatre for future generations. We truly appreciate your understanding and continued support.

 

🎬 Movies & Sound

What movies do you show?
We feature a mix of first-run films, classics, and themed double features. Check our schedule for weekly lineups.

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How do I hear the movie?
Sound is broadcast through FM transmitter.  Tune to 87.9 FM. Bring a working car stereo or portable radio. (We do not stream audio over apps or Bluetooth.)

* Some newer or high end vehicles have a delay in the audio due to the sound processors in their vehicles audio systems (Toyota, Lexus, BMW, Mercedes etc.) This will cause your sound to be slightly out of sync with the image on screen and can cause an echo effect with others listening near you.

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Should I bring my own battery-operated radio or just use the one in the car?

If you are concerned that your car battery will run down, please bring a battery powered, portable FM radio. Apps on phones do not work unless your device has a built in FM antenna. We also rent radios from our concession stand each night. An ID and $5 is required to rent our radios. 

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Do you guys "stream" the movie sound so we can listen with our smart phones?

We are not able to do this because the audio and picture of the movie are synchronized together and played simultaneously. by the time we could upload the sound via the internet and then stream it back to you, it would introduce about a 7-10 second delay in the audio where the sound didn't match the mouths moving on the screen.

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What happens if it rains?
We show movies rain or stars, unless severe weather makes it unsafe. If we must cancel due to extreme conditions, we’ll post updates on our website and social media and issue rain checks for another night.  If it looks like rain, we recommend that you pre treat your windshield with RainX.  We plan to have some for sale in the concession stand soon.

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🐾 Pets at the Moonlite

Can I bring my dog or pet?
Yes! We love welcoming furry friends.  To keep everyone safe and happy, please follow these important rules:

🐶 General Pet Guidelines

• All pets must be friendly, quiet during the show, and leashed at all times.

• Only short, non-retractable leashes (6' or less) are allowed.

• Clean up after your pet and dispose of waste in designated trash bins.

• Service animals are welcome in the concession stand and restrooms; other pets must remain outside these areas.

• Do not walk dogs in unused parking spaces—please ask a field crew member to direct you to our designated pet relief area near the fence by the exit. *note that our neighbor’s horses are adjacent to that area and are on a strict diet.  Please do not feed them.

• Bring a water bowl—water is available in both restrooms, or ask staff for assistance.

🎁 Extras for Your Pet

• We usually have free treats at the ticket booth or with our parking attendants!

• Pet-themed merchandise may be available in our gift shop at times.

• Look out for special dog-friendly nights featuring free pup cups, and events supporting local animal shelters.

⚠️ Pet Owner Responsibility

• You are fully responsible for your pet’s actions and behavior.

• Aggressive pets must wear a muzzle, and you will be held financially liable for any injuries or issues caused.

• If a pet or owner’s behavior disrupts the enjoyment or safety of others, you may be asked to leave without a refund.

We aim to keep the Moonlite a welcoming and safe space for everyone—two-legged and four-legged guests alike. 🐕🌙

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🐾 Other Questions

Can I smoke or vape?
No and yes.  You may smoke inside your vehicle (with the windows up) if it does not bother your neighbors or those parked near you. If you are asked to stop, please follow our rules and put it out during the show. We also have a designated smoking area near the exit. You may smoke there and we ask that you throw your butts in the receptacle provided. Do not throw cigarette butts on the ground anywhere on the property.  *note that our neighbor’s horses are adjacent to that area and are on a strict diet.  Please do not feed them or throw butts in the field.

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Can I rent the theatre for a private event?

Absolutely! We offer rentals for birthday parties, corporate events, weddings, and more. Email us at moonliteabingdon@gmail.com for availability and pricing.

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What is there to do before the movie?

Sit outside or inside your vehicle and socialize with those that you arrived with, hang out on the deck, visit the concession stand and tailgate before the movie, and utilize our  game areas under the screen. We have a great activity area beneath the screen with bounce houses, basketball, corn hole, carousel, and much more. On some nights we will have live music or other performances before the show, interactive fun on screen or around the grounds for extra entertainment and options to keep you busy before the show. Some folks walk the grounds, play yard games, bring cards, and make social media posts. The drive-in is planning to add additional fun photo spots and areas that are great for creating unique content to highlight your trip to the theatre.

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Don’t be Bugged by Bugs

There’s no way around it - drive-in theatres attract mosquitoes. We’re an outdoor venue projecting movies with a massive beam of light in the dark. Mosquitoes are most active at dusk and dawn when the temperatures are above 80°. So, in the summer months, you’ll want to make sure you bring repellant or purchase some from us in the concession stand. In the spring and fall when temps are cooler, we have little to no trouble with those little buggers.

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Do you accept credit cards?

Yes, we accept cash, credit, debit, google/apple pay at both the box office and the concession stand.

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Are there restrooms?

Yes, we have clean, modern restrooms located in the concession building