Starlight Drive-In Summer Double Features in Atlanta: Your Complete Guide

Few things feel more like an Atlanta summer tradition than catching a double feature at the Starlight Drive-In Theatre. If you’re looking for outdoor movies, old-school nostalgia, and a budget-friendly night out, Starlight’s summer double features are one of the city’s standout experiences.

This guide walks you through how Starlight’s summer schedule works, what to expect on-site, how to plan your evening, and practical tips for locals and visitors.

Starlight Drive-In at a Glance

Location:
Starlight Drive-In Theatre
2000 Moreland Ave SE, Atlanta, GA 30316

Located in southeast Atlanta near the East Atlanta and Gresham Park areas, Starlight is one of the region’s last remaining drive-in theaters and a familiar landmark for many locals.

What is a “Summer Double Feature”?

In summer, Starlight typically operates on a double-feature format:

• One ticket per person = two movies on the same screen
• You park once, settle in, and watch back-to-back films
• The first movie starts around dusk, with the second immediately after a brief intermission

This setup is especially popular in June, July, and August, when evenings are warm and school is out.

When Do Summer Double Features Run?

Starlight shows double features most of the year, but in summer they become a go-to evening plan for many Atlanta families, date nights, and friend groups.

Typical Seasonal Patterns

While exact schedules can change year to year, Atlanta moviegoers often see patterns like:

• Late spring through summer:
  • Double features nightly or most nights of the week
  • More family-friendly titles on at least one screen early in the evening
• Peak summer (June–August):
  • Busiest nights: Friday, Saturday, and holiday weekends
  • Heavier traffic and longer lines at the entrance
• Fall and winter:
  • Still often double features, but earlier start times and occasionally reduced days

Because Starlight’s schedule changes regularly with new releases, always check the current listings the week you plan to go. Many Atlanta residents plan by:

• Looking up screen-specific lineups (Screen 1 vs Screen 2, etc.)
• Choosing the pairing that best fits their group (e.g., family movies vs action/horror)

How the Double Features Are Organized

Starlight usually operates multiple screens at once, each running its own double feature.

Typical Setup

Each screen generally offers:

• Movie 1: A newer or major-release film
• Movie 2: A second title, often related in genre or audience (for example, two superhero movies or two family animations)

You pay one admission price per person, then choose:

• Which screen to park at (each shows a different pair of movies)
• Whether you stay for just the first movie or both

You’re free to leave after the first film, but most people stay for the full double feature to get the most value.

Timing: When to Arrive and When Movies Start

Atlanta summers mean late sunsets, which shapes the whole drive-in experience.

Typical Evening Flow

While exact times vary with sunset and scheduling, here’s what many guests experience:

• Gates open: Often 1–2 hours before the first movie
• First movie starts: Around dusk (commonly somewhere between 8:30–9:30 p.m. in peak summer)
• Second movie starts: After a short break (about 10–15 minutes)
• End of night: It’s common to be there until after midnight if you stay for both movies

If you’re going on a Friday, Saturday, or a holiday weekend, many Atlantans recommend:

• Arriving at least 30–60 minutes before the first movie
• Earlier if you:
  • Want a prime parking spot
  • Have a large group or kids
  • Expect a blockbuster opening night crowd

Audio, Parking, and How It All Works

How You Hear the Movies

Starlight typically uses FM radio for sound:

• You tune your car radio to the posted frequency for your screen
• Some people bring a portable FM radio so they can:
  • Turn off their car
  • Sit outside in lawn chairs with clear audio

💡 Tip: Make sure your car stereo works and you know how to run accessory mode without draining the battery too quickly.

Parking Setup

• Cars park facing the screen in gentle rows on slightly raised ramps
• You choose any available spot on your screen’s lot
• Larger vehicles are usually asked to park toward the back so they don’t block views

Many locals:

• Back into their spot and sit in the trunk or bed of a truck
• Bring camp chairs or blankets and sit just outside the vehicle
• Use battery-powered fans for comfort on hot nights

Tickets, Pricing, and How to Pay

Specific prices can change, but the basic structure is usually:

• Admission is per person, not per vehicle
• That one ticket covers both movies on your chosen screen
• Children often have reduced pricing; very young kids may be free or discounted

Payment options at Starlight have typically included:

• Credit/debit cards
• Cash at the box office

Because it’s a longstanding Atlanta business, policies can evolve. For the latest:

• Check the most recent ticket info before you go
• Bring both card and some cash so you have flexibility at the entrance and concession stand

Food, Drinks, and Concessions

On-Site Concession Stand

Starlight generally offers classic movie snacks, such as:

• Popcorn, candy, and nachos
• Soft drinks and bottled water
• Hot dogs or other quick-serve items

Buying from the concession stand is not just convenient; it’s typically how drive-ins help cover operating costs and keep ticket prices reasonable.

Bringing Your Own Snacks

Policies can vary over time, but many guests in Atlanta:

• Bring their own snacks and drinks
• Pack a small cooler with water and non-alcoholic beverages
• Opt for picnic-style dinners (sandwiches, chips, fruit) for families

To avoid issues:

• Review any posted food and beverage policies ahead of your visit
• Keep things neat and contained; use trash bags to clean up your area

Most importantly, no outside alcohol is a common rule at drive-ins, and Starlight is no exception when it comes to safety and compliance with local laws.

What to Bring for a Comfortable Atlanta Summer Night

Atlanta summers are hot, humid, and sometimes buggy, especially after dark. Preparing properly can make a big difference.

Comfort Essentials

Consider packing:

• Chairs or blankets
• Portable fan (battery-operated)
• Bug spray or mosquito repellent
• Light layers (it can still get a bit cooler late at night)
• Pillows if you have kids who might fall asleep during the second movie

Car & Tech

Useful items include:

• Portable FM radio or confirm your car radio works well
• Phone charger and car USB adapter
• Flashlight or phone light for short walks without disturbing others
• Paper towels or wipes, especially with kids and snacks

Basic Rules and Etiquette

To keep the experience enjoyable for everyone:

• Headlights off: Once parked, turn off headlights and interior lights
• Limit engine idling: Only run your car as needed to prevent overheating or battery drain, especially since exhaust can bother neighbors
• Keep noise down: Avoid loud talking, car alarms, or blasting your own music
• Watch your lights: Opening doors and tailgates sometimes turns on interior lights; cover them if needed
• Mind your space: Stay within your parking area and avoid blocking others’ view
• Drive slowly: The lot is dark, and many people walk between cars, especially with children

Family-Friendly Tips for Atlanta Parents

For many Atlanta families, Starlight is an easy budget-friendly summer outing.

Making It Kid-Friendly

• Choose the right screen:
  Look for double features that include animated films, family comedies, or kid-friendly adventure movies.
• Arrive early:
  Kids can settle in, use the restroom, and adjust before the movie starts.
• Bring pajamas:
  Many parents change younger kids into PJs during or after the first movie so they can fall asleep in the car.
• Pack quiet activities:
  Coloring books, small toys, or books help pass the time before the first feature.

Because the second movie often runs late, consider whether your children:

• Can comfortably stay up past 11 p.m. or midnight
• Might be better off watching just the first movie and heading home

Summary: Planning Your Starlight Summer Double Feature

Use this quick overview to plan your night at the Starlight Drive-In in Atlanta:

For anyone living in or visiting Atlanta, a summer double feature at the Starlight Drive-In offers a mix of local history, moviegoing, and open-air fun that’s hard to duplicate in a traditional theater. With a bit of planning around timing, comfort, and parking, it can easily become one of your favorite seasonal traditions in the city.