Stars and Stripes Drive-In Theater: How to Plan Your Visit
Drive-in theaters once numbered in the thousands across America during the 1950s, providing outdoor entertainment that combined movies with social experience and automobile culture during an era when cars defined American freedom and prosperity.
Stars and Stripes Drive-In Theater in New Braunfels represents this surviving tradition while operating as a thoroughly modern family-owned business that updates the drive-in concept with digital projection, online ticketing, and quality food service.
In this guide, you’ll get an overview of what makes Stars and Stripes one of the most beloved local attractions and museums in New Braunfels, from its nostalgic charm to its family-friendly amenities.
Keep reading to learn what to expect during your visit and why this drive-in continues to be a favorite for both locals and travelers.
Location, Hours, and Contact Information
Stars and Stripes Drive-In Theater operates at 1178 Kroesche Lane. New Braunfels, Texas. Their 50s Cafe, serving classic American fast food favorites, also shares this location. For concerns, guests may reach them at 830-620-SHOW (7469).
The drive-in theatre is also open all year round, except for Christmas Eve. The staff also has to celebrate with their families, you know?
Showing typically starts at 6 PM and lasts until midnight. For detailed information about the movies and screening times, visit their website.
Don’t worry, you won’t be seeing 50s movies here. Most of the films they feature are recent ones, such as Wicked For Good and Zootopia 2.
Admission and Viewing Guidelines
Ticket Fees
Adult tickets for visitors age 12 and up are $9.75 plus tax, while military personnel and first responders with valid ID (including dependents) pay $7.75 plus tax.
Children ages 4–11 are admitted for $6.75 plus tax, and kids 3 and under enjoy free entry. The drive-in operates nightly, rain or shine, providing a consistently fun outdoor movie experience regardless of weather.
Drive-In Theatre Rules
To ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all, basic rules emphasize courtesy and supervision.
Children must not be left unattended, and visitors are asked to be considerate of neighbors by keeping vehicles properly parked, chairs close to cars, and speakers at levels that do not interfere with other screens.
Back hatches should not block the view of other patrons, and those needing to idle their cars are encouraged to park away from others sitting outside.
Certain activities and items are restricted to maintain safety and comfort. Alcohol, glass containers, and gas, wood, or charcoal grills are prohibited, and pets must remain inside vehicles.
Smoking is restricted near the 50’s Cafe, playground, patio, and when parked near others. Costumes that cover the face, such as masks or helmets, are also not allowed.
These rules help maintain a family-friendly environment while reducing potential hazards.
The theater’s guidelines also address property and noise concerns. Loud music, shining lights on the screen, and littering are prohibited, and guests are reminded that the theater is not responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged items.
Large portable speakers must be kept at appropriate volumes, and each vehicle is expected to occupy only one parking space. Chairs or seating outside vehicles should remain close to the car to avoid obstructing neighbors’ views.
Finally, ticket and emergency policies help the drive-in manage operations smoothly. Tickets must be purchased to switch screens, and there is no re-admittance without a ticket.
Refunds or rainchecks are only issued at the manager’s discretion and require presentation of a ticket.
Patrons leaving for emergencies should notify the box office, and a strict 10 mph speed limit is enforced within the theater grounds to protect everyone.
50s Cafe – Dining at Stars and Stripes
Their 50s café, “Rockin’ Eats & Tasty Treats,” serves a menu that perfectly complements a night at the movies, allowing patrons to enjoy a full meal without leaving their car.
With an emphasis on hearty portions and indulgent treats, this retro-inspired spot captures the essence of classic Americana, making it a favorite for families, couples, and groups looking for a fun, casual dining experience.
The menu features a wide selection of sandwiches and box dinners that cater to all appetites.
Signature offerings include the Quarter Burger ($6.09) and Double Quarter Burger ($9.49), both made with 1/4 lb pure Angus beef and topped with pickles, lettuce, tomato, and mustard, with cheese available for those who crave extra richness.
For lighter fare or a vegetarian option, the Grilled Cheese Sandwich ($4.39) served on Texas toast is a timeless choice, while grilled chicken sandwiches provide a satisfying alternative.
Box dinners, including the Chicken Strip Meal ($9.69) and Steak Finger Meal ($9.29), come complete with fries, corn fritters, and gravy, embodying the classic comfort-food experience of a traditional 50s drive-in.
Snacks and sides are equally enticing, ranging from fries and chili cheese fries to corn dogs, hot dogs, and specialty items like nachos with jalapeños and frito pie.
The menu also includes cheese sticks, fried pickles, and corn fritters, offering a perfect complement to the main dishes. For those who love a little spice, spicy chicken wings and hot dogs with chili provide a flavorful kick.
Each dish is designed to be enjoyed either in the car or at picnic-style seating, capturing the informal and playful vibe of a classic drive-in theatre.
No 50s café experience would be complete without indulgent treats and beverages. Guests can sip on fresh brewed coffee, ICEE, milkshakes, softdrinks, and iced tea.
Sweet options include popcorn, funnel cakes with chocolate or strawberry sauce, pretzels, dill pickles, and candy, offering nostalgic flavors that appeal to all ages.
Combined with the fun, retro ambiance of Stars & Stripes Drive-In Theatre, this café delivers a memorable dining experience that perfectly complements a night of classic movies under the stars.
Private Event Rentals
Stars and Stripes Drive-In Theater also offers a variety of rental options for private events, making it a unique venue for birthdays, parties, recitals, graduations, and other special occasions.
Patrons can book the theater for full or partial venue use, with customizable packages designed to meet different group sizes and needs.
The drive-in staff works with guests to ensure that each event runs smoothly, from reserved seating to food service and parking arrangements.
The theater provides specialized packages for children and young adults.
The Kids Package includes 10 kids’ tickets, with additional children admitted for $20 if they are eating, plus 10 classic car meals and drinks, prime parking, two reserved tables, and assistance from a party attendant.
Similarly, the Young Adults Package offers 10 tickets, with additional attendees at $25 if eating, 10 burgers, fries, and drinks, reserved prime parking, two tables, and a party attendant to assist with event logistics.
Beyond these packages, the drive-in accommodates private screenings for movies, recitals, or graduations, as well as full venue rentals for daytime, evening, or weekend events.
Guests can contact the theater directly to tailor rental options to their specific needs, ensuring a memorable and personalized experience in this nostalgic, family-friendly setting.
Change Up Your Weekend Movie Nights
Stars and Stripes Drive-In Theater succeeds by resurrecting entertainment formats that modern America has largely abandoned while adapting them through contemporary technology and service quality that creates genuine value beyond just nostalgia.
The drive-in delivers affordable family entertainment, creates unique date night experiences, provides movie viewing flexibility that accommodates children and pets that conventional theaters exclude, and offers features that movie lovers appreciate.
So, what are you waiting for? It’s time to splurge a little on movie nights and stop streaming in the laptop screen of yours. I mean, what better way to spend your long-awaited weekend than watching a great movie on a huge screen under the stars, right?
