Watch a movie under the stars

Published 3:00 am Wednesday, July 3, 2024

MILTON-FREEWATER — With only around 300 drive-in movie theaters left in the United States, and just four in Oregon, the Milton-Freewater outdoor big screen is open for the season.

The Spiess family has owned the M-F Drive-In Theater since 1961 and they encourage everyone to bring their family and come out and enjoy a show. Their goal is still to “provide affordable entertainment for the people in the valley.”

Located on the outskirts of town at 84322 Highway 11, the theater is open Friday through Wednesday. Gates open at 7:30 p.m. and the movie starts at dusk.

General admission is $8, and children (ages 11 and under) $2. Admission prices and snacks are cash only — an ATM is available inside the snack bar.

Wednesday admission is $15 per carload.

The full snack bar is very popular with homemade pizzas, popcorn, candy, hot dogs, pretzels, nachos, sodas, chili and sausage dogs.

Customers continually rave about their homemade pizzas — and some locals stop by just to grab one for dinner.

For movies currently playing, search Facebook via “M-F Drive IN Theater,” visit yourmfdrivein.com or call 541-938-4327.

For additional information, email Mspiess0013@charter.net

History

Mel Bennett opened the Starlite Drive-In Theatre in 1953; showing “Montana Belle” starring Jane Russell. Prices were 50 cents for adults and 16 cents for children.

In 1961, the Spiess family purchased the theatre, and in 1995 Dick and Loretta Spiess became the sole owners. The couple’s children and even their grandchildren have worked in the family business.

There is room for 300 vehicles. The speaker boxes that hooked on your car window were replaced in 1983 with AM radio; FM radio was added in 1999.

On Jan. 4, 2008, a windstorm with nearly 80 mph winds basically destroyed the outdoor theater. Dick heard from numerous people, both in and out of town, worried if their beloved landmark would be rebuilt. He took out a sizable loan to cover what the insurance didn’t and granted the community their wish.

The fence was rebuilt, a new screen went up piece by piece, and in May the drive-in reopened. Residents were very grateful, and the owner said he was “happy to do it.”

La Grande also has a drive-in movie theater, 404 20th St., that shows films Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights. This theater offers a mix of both new releases and older favorites. For updates, visit the Facebook page for La Grande Drive-In.