While streaming platforms have made watching movies at home more convenient than ever, the sense of scale, wonder, and community you can feel while watching a film on the big screen remains unmatched. Going to the movie theater enhances the viewing experience due to the immersive sound and visuals provided, as well as the emotional reactions of others in the theater.  

Traditional theaters are great, but anyone interested in taking in the latest summer blockbuster in a novel format should get in their car and make their way to their local drive-in theater in Wichita, Kansas. Starlite Drive-In recently opened for the 2026 season, and here's why you should plan a trip there over the summer.  

The History of Wichita's Last Drive-In Theater 

Drive-in theaters will never be as plentiful as they were during their heyday in the 50s and 60s, but there are still a few out there that allow you to watch movies from your car. For those in the Wichita area, Starlite Drive-In is not only the standout option; it is also the only operating drive-in theater. The only other drive-ins currently operating in Kansas are the South Drive-In Theatre in Dodge City, the Kanapolis Drive-In Theatre, and Boulevard Drive-In Theatre located on the Kansas side of Kansas City. 

The history of Starlite Drive-In is a story built on persistence and adaptation. It was originally opened for business as the Rainbow Drive-In in 1953, was demolished and reopened as the Landmark Twin Drive-In in 1974, before receiving its current title in 1998. The site briefly closed in 2018 before reopening the next year.  

What to Expect When You Visit Starlite Drive-In 

Screenings at Starlite typically include a double feature of movies with a brief intermission providing a break in between. Tickets are per person, not per vehicle. The movie lineup is primarily made up of first-run films, but repertory runs of iconic retro flicks are also showcased on occasion.  

Starlite presents its movies on two theater screens. One is big enough to accommodate 750 cars, and the other is fit to hold 550. Customers are not allowed to switch between screens once the film starts, so make sure to arrive early to secure a prime spot. It is recommended that visitors to the Starlite Drive-In get there at least an hour before showtime to avoid getting stuck in lines.  

For those who haven't been to Starlite Drive-In before, you may ask yourself, "How does a drive-in theater work?" once you've pulled up to the location. There is no centralized sound system. Instead, each vehicle has control over its own audio. As you watch the movie on the large screen, you listen to the audio through an FM radio station in your car, phone app, or radio. Planning ahead by bringing a battery-powered radio is a smart move that helps you avoid draining your car battery during a double feature show.  

You can bring your own snacks, but there is also a fine menu of food options available at the concession stand, such as burgers, funnel cakes, and frozen desserts. You can further memorialize your visit with the purchase of a souvenir cup and T-shirt, the design of which changes each year.  

Starlite Drive-In has a varied schedule that includes only Friday and Saturday shows in the early season before opening all week long from mid-May to mid-August. From then on, the drive-in will return to operating exclusively on the weekends until Starlite ends its season in the late fall. You can view Starlite's upcoming screening schedule on their website.  

The Magic of the Drive-In Theater Experience 

The content of a movie doesn't change based on the way it's presented, but watching a movie at a drive-in can heighten the experience in meaningful ways.  

The novelty of viewing a film in a distinct setting can make the viewing experience feel like more of a special occasion than it would be in a regular cineplex or on your couch at home. Watching any of the big Hollywood movies slated to release this year or a classic from the past under a golden Wichita sunset is the perfect recipe for unforgettable memories.  

Watching a movie at Starlite also gives you more freedom to get comfortable while watching the movie. Just because it's a drive-in doesn't mean you have to stay in the car for the entire runtime. Bring your favorite chair or blanket and feel the breeze on your skin as you enjoy each scene.  You can get up and stretch without worrying about bothering other viewers, as you might when exiting your seat in a packed theater.  

Starlite Drive-In is also more affordable than many standard theaters. Tickets are $10.75 for people 12 years old and older and $5.38 for children. You can purchase tickets online in advance, but there is an additional $1 fee. Kids under the age of 2 can attend with their parents or caregivers for free. If you want to commit to watching more movies at Starlite Drive-in this year, season passes for vehicles with up to 4 people are available for $125.  

Berkshire Apartments is the Gateway to the Best of Wichita 

Whether you're an older person looking to relive your youthful adventures or a younger person curious to experience filmgoing in the way previous generations did, drive-in theaters are a great way to bring the past into the present. One of the great things about Starlite Drive-In is that it's a short drive away from Berkshire Apartments. With reasonable traffic, you can get to the drive-in from your home in less than 20 minutes.  

Starlite Drive-In theater is one of many interesting sights to see in Wichita, Kansas, this summer, and Berkshire Apartments represents the perfect home base to rest and relax while exploring everything this area has to offer.  

Our one and two bedroom apartments and two and three bedroom townhomes feature ample floor space and terrific amenities, such as a basketball court, two dog parks, a picnic area, and much more. If you're interested in moving to west Wichita, Kansas, or upgrading your current rental home, contact us today to schedule a tour of our welcoming community.