Starlight Drive-In Theatre: Atlanta’s Classic Outdoor Movie Experience

The Starlight Drive-In Theatre is one of Atlanta’s most nostalgic and uniquely local experiences. Tucked on the east side of the city, not far from East Atlanta and a short drive from Little Five Points, it’s a rare chance to see a movie under the stars without leaving the city.

Whether you’re an Atlanta local looking for a different kind of movie night or a visitor wanting something you can’t find in most cities, Starlight belongs on your list.

Where the Starlight Drive-In Fits in East Atlanta and Little Five Points

The Starlight Drive-In sits at:

Starlight Drive-In Theatre
2000 Moreland Ave SE
Atlanta, GA 30316
(Located south of I-20 on Moreland Avenue SE)

It’s technically in southeast Atlanta, but East Atlanta and Little Five Points are the closest recognizable neighborhoods and entertainment districts:

• From East Atlanta Village (EAV):
  It’s just a few minutes’ drive straight down Moreland Avenue SE.
• From Little Five Points:
  Head south on Moreland Avenue, crossing I-20 and continuing toward East Atlanta.

Because it’s so close, many people pair a show at Starlight with:

• Dinner or drinks in East Atlanta Village
• Record, vintage, or book shopping in Little Five Points
• A quick pre-movie stop at a nearby gas station or grocery store for snacks and drinks (within Starlight’s posted rules)

You’re still very much “in the city,” but once you turn into the gravel lots and see the giant screens, it feels like stepping into a different era.

What to Expect at the Starlight Drive-In Theatre

A Classic Drive-In with Modern Movies

Starlight isn’t a museum piece — it’s a fully operating multi-screen drive-in that typically shows current mainstream releases, family films, and popular genre movies.

Common features:

• Multiple screens showing different titles
• Double features (pay once, usually see two movies on the same screen)
• Digital projection (for picture quality that works even from the back rows)
• Movies that line up with what you’d normally see at indoor multiplexes

This makes it a strong option if you live in Atlanta and want to keep up with new releases but are looking for a more laid-back, open-air setting.

How Sound Works

At Starlight, there are no old-fashioned metal speakers hanging from poles. Audio is broadcast through FM radio:

• You tune your car radio to a posted station for your screen.
• Many people bring a portable FM radio so they can:
  • Turn off the car engine
  • Avoid draining the car battery
  • Sit in chairs outside the vehicle with the sound nearby

If you drive an electric car or a newer vehicle with an accessory mode, that can make the experience easier, but it’s still smart to know how to keep your radio on without the engine running.

Getting There, Parking, and Layout

Driving Directions (Local Context)

From popular in-town neighborhoods:

• From Little Five Points:
  Take Moreland Ave SE south past I-20. Continue several miles until you see the Starlight sign on the left.
• From East Atlanta Village:
  Head south or north to Moreland, then drive south; you’ll reach Starlight in a few minutes.
• From Downtown or Midtown:
  Use I-20 east, exit at Moreland Ave SE, and head south. It’s just a short drive beyond the East Atlanta/Ormewood Park area.

Public transit options are limited late at night, so most visitors drive.

Parking Spots and Angled Ramps

Starlight’s lots are set up in classic drive-in fashion:

• Slightly raised, angled rows so your car faces the screen
• Open gravel/packed dirt lots (not a paved parking deck)
• First-come, first-served spot selection

Locals who go regularly tend to arrive early, especially on weekends, to:

• Get a good viewing angle
• Secure a more central spot (better picture, less strain on your neck)
• Park near friends if multiple cars are meeting up

Tickets, Timing, and Typical Evening Flow

When to Arrive

Movie start times vary with the seasons because Starlight starts shows after sundown. The process usually feels like this:

1. You arrive well before the posted show time (plan on at least 30–45 minutes early on busy nights).
2. You drive through the ticket gate and are directed to the correct screen area.
3. You park, tune your radio, set up blankets or chairs, and hit the concessions before the previews.

Local tip:
If it’s an opening weekend for a major film, Atlanta moviegoers know to treat Starlight like any busy in-town event — expect a bit of a line at the entrance and some slowdown on Moreland Avenue around show time.

Buying Tickets

Starlight has traditionally sold tickets per person rather than per vehicle, with separate pricing for adults and children. It’s wise to check current prices and payment methods before you go, but some helpful patterns:

• Bring a physical card and some cash in case one option is temporarily unavailable.
• Keep your ID handy if you’re planning to see R-rated movies or buy age-restricted items.

Food, Drinks, and Concessions

On-Site Concession Stand

Starlight operates a concession area that typically offers:

• Popcorn, candy, and basic snacks
• Soft drinks and common beverages
• Hot foods like nachos or hot dogs (selections can vary)

Buying from the concession stand is a big part of what helps the drive-in operate, especially in a city like Atlanta where land and operating costs are high.

Bringing Your Own Snacks

Policies about outside food and drinks can change, so check before you go. Atlanta locals often:

• Stop at a nearby grocery store, gas station, or takeout spot in East Atlanta or along Moreland
• Bring a small cooler with non-glass containers
• Keep everything simple and easy to eat in the car

🚩 Important: Many drive-ins strongly discourage or restrict glass bottles for safety, especially in gravel lots where broken glass is hard to manage in the dark.

What to Bring: Atlanta-Specific Comfort Tips

Atlanta’s weather and environment make a few items especially helpful at Starlight.

Year-Round Essentials

• FM radio (car or portable)
• Blankets or light jackets (even warm days can cool off at night)
• Comfortable clothes and maybe a small pillow if you recline seats
• Cash/card for tickets and concessions
• Phone charger (car or battery pack)

For Spring and Summer Nights

Atlanta’s heat and humidity are a factor:

• Bug spray: Mosquitoes can be active, especially after rain.
• Handheld fan or battery-powered fan: Useful if you want to keep the car off but still feel air movement.
• Plenty of water: It can still be hot and sticky after dark.

If you plan to sit outside your car:

• Lawn chairs or camping chairs
• A blanket or mat to put on the ground
• A small trash bag to keep your area clean

For Fall and Winter

Drive-in nights can still be great in cooler weather:

• Extra blankets, hoodies, and warm socks
• A thermos with hot (non-alcoholic) drinks
• Consider how you’ll keep warm if you don’t want to run the engine the whole time

Drive-In Etiquette: Being a Good Neighbor at Starlight

Because Starlight is one of Atlanta’s few remaining drive-ins, basic etiquette helps keep it pleasant for everyone.

Headlights and Interior Lights

• Turn headlights off once parked and the movie starts.
• Avoid opening doors that trigger bright interior lights repeatedly.
• If your car automatically turns lights on, look up how to disable or minimize them before you go.

Engine and Noise

• Keep engine noise down if you need to run the car for air conditioning or heat.
• Watch the volume on your radio so you’re not overpowering nearby cars.

Kids and Groups

• Many Atlantans bring kids to family showings:
  • Keep children close to your vehicle.
  • Watch for cars moving into or out of the lot.
• If you’re going in a large group of adults:
  • Keep conversations low during the movie.
  • Use the time before showtime or between features for catching up.

Trash and Clean-Up

• There are usually trash cans around the property, but having your own small bag in the car is very helpful.
• Leave your spot as clean as (or cleaner than) you found it. This is one thing that can really affect how long a drive-in can keep operating in an urban area.

Starlight as Part of an East Atlanta / Little Five Points Night Out

One reason the Starlight Drive-In is special in Atlanta is how easily it fits into a broader in-town evening.

Common Local Pairings

Many people:

• Grab dinner in East Atlanta Village, then drive a few minutes down Moreland to Starlight.
• Spend an afternoon wandering shops and street art in Little Five Points, head home to regroup, then meet friends at the drive-in later that night.
• Combine a beltline or park visit (like nearby spots along the Southside BeltLine Trail) with a movie.

Timing Around Traffic and Events

Moreland Avenue is a well-used corridor between Little Five Points, East Atlanta, and points south. To make your night smoother:

• Assume I-20 and Moreland might back up during rush hour.
• Plan for extra time if the Braves, Hawks, or a major show at State Farm Arena, the Fox Theatre, or other venues are likely to spill traffic into your route.
• Consider using neighborhood streets thoughtfully and safely if you know the area well, but be respectful of residential streets near East Atlanta and Ormewood Park.

Accessibility and Practical Considerations

Accessibility

Drive-ins can work well for some people who find traditional theaters uncomfortable, but there are still things to plan for:

• Restrooms are typically in a central building; the terrain is usually gravel or packed dirt.
• You’ll want to think about how easy it is to get in and out of your vehicle and how far you may need to walk.
• If someone in your group has mobility challenges, arriving earlier gives you more flexibility to park closer to key facilities.

Safety and Security

Starlight is in an urban environment, so standard Atlanta common sense applies:

• Keep valuables out of sight in your car.
• Lock doors if you walk to the restroom or concessions.
• Be aware of your surroundings when walking through the lot in the dark.
• Use your phone’s flashlight (pointed at the ground) instead of bright car headlights if you need extra visibility while walking.

Quick Reference: Planning Your Starlight Visit

If you live in Atlanta, the Starlight Drive-In Theatre is one of those “do it at least once” experiences that still feels very local and specific to the east side. And if you’re visiting from out of town and spending time around East Atlanta or Little Five Points, it’s one of the easiest ways to end your night under real Georgia stars instead of in a standard multiplex.