
Reviving the Past. Lighting the Future.
A Classic Drive-In Experience Under the Stars




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Christmas in July
Santa Pal Update
A heartfelt thank you to everyone who joined us Wednesday night for our Christmas in July showing of Elf benefiting Santa Pal, Inc. While attendance wasn't what we had hoped, it's never too late to make a difference. Every dollar donated helps Santa Pal provide Christmas gifts, clothing, and essentials to children and families in our community who need a little extra help during the holiday season. If you weren't able to attend—or would simply like to give a little more—you can still support this wonderful cause by scanning the QR code below or donating through the PayPal link. Together, we can help make Christmas morning brighter for local children. Thank you for your generosity and for supporting the families in our community.

Tickets available online and at the gate.
One Amazing Year at the New Moonlite
On July 18, 2026, we celebrated an incredible milestone—one year since reopening the Moonlite Drive-In Theatre after an extensive 15-month renovation. Before reopening, the Moonlite's screen had been dark for 11 seasons, making its return one of the most exciting preservation stories in our region.
Our 2026 season officially opened on March 20, and what a season it has been! Thanks to the overwhelming support of our guests, we've welcomed thousands of visitors through our gates and continue working every week to make the Moonlite more than just a place to watch a movie—it's become a destination where families create memories together.
A Season Filled with Memories
This season has been packed with unforgettable events and record-breaking weekends.
Our Hop & Shop Easter Celebration brought together dozens of local vendors, a huge community Easter Egg Hunt, and family activities that kicked off the spring season. That same weekend, Super Mario Galaxy drew record crowds as families enjoyed special appearances by Mario and Princess Peach, along with a goat petting zoo and themed activities.
Since opening, we've proudly hosted:
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Multiple private events and facility rentals
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Community fundraising nights benefiting local organizations
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Three successful classic car shows
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Our annual Christian Festival
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Triple-feature movie nights, with more planned throughout the season
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Family activities, character appearances, themed decorations, giveaways, and interactive experiences that make every visit unique
In June, Toy Story 5 made Moonlite history by giving us our largest crowds ever and our first completely sold-out night, proving once again that the drive-in experience is alive and thriving.
Most recently, our Moana Luau Weekends transformed the Moonlite into a tropical paradise. From island decorations and themed music to our special luau concession menu, tropical desserts, and immersive atmosphere, guests have enjoyed one of our most creative themed events yet.
Still to Come in 2026
The excitement isn't over yet!
We're preparing for another exciting stretch of the season, including:
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Throwback Thursdays beginning in August, bringing classic favorites back to the big screen.
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Our third consecutive year partnering with the Virginia Highlands Festival, featuring our popular Film Festival along with Music on the Porch.
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Additional special movie events and more triple-feature nights throughout the season.
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Trunk or Treat featuring family-friendly Halloween movies and activities.
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Fright Nights returning in October with spooky entertainment.
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The Pharaoh's Car Show on October 31.
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Holiday movies, Christmas celebrations, and even more special events as we close out another unforgettable season.
More Than a Movie
The Moonlite continues to offer multiple ways to enjoy your evening, including traditional drive-in parking, lawn seating, deck seating, private clear dome rentals, an expanded concession menu, recreation areas for children, themed weekends, and live entertainment on select nights.
We're also proud to partner with local nonprofits, schools, businesses, churches, and community organizations to host fundraising events, private rentals, celebrations, and special programs throughout the year.
Join the Moonlite Family
Whether you're visiting for a blockbuster movie, a classic car show, a themed weekend, a fundraiser, or one of our holiday celebrations, we invite you to experience everything that's making the Moonlite one of Southwest Virginia's favorite entertainment destinations.
We are currently accepting inquiries for:
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Private events
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Birthday parties
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Corporate rentals
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Fundraising events
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Advertising opportunities
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Community partnerships
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Vendor events
Visit moonliteabingdon.com for showtimes and tickets.
Email: moonliteabingdon@gmail.com
Info Line: 276-628-7881
Thank you for making our first year back even more successful than we ever imagined. We can't wait to continue creating memories with you for many years to come!
Our Story
The Moonlite Drive-In Theatre, located at 17555 Lee Highway in Abingdon, Virginia, first opened its gates on June 9, 1949, becoming a beloved gathering place for generations of moviegoers. Recognized for its cultural and historical significance, the Moonlite was added to both the National Register of Historic Places and the Virginia Landmarks Register in 2007.
After closing in 2013 and a brief reopening in 2016, the theatre once again went dark—but the story didn’t end there.
In 2024, the Moonlite found new life when it was purchased by the Blevins and Crusenberry families, who committed to restoring and reimagining the property while honoring its mid-century charm and deep community roots. Their vision extends beyond film, creating a space where the community can gather for movies, live concerts, special events, and private rentals.
The Moonlite’s revival was met with overwhelming community support, highlighted by a special concert featuring country music star Clint Black during the 2024 Virginia Highlands Festival, which also celebrated the theatre’s 75th anniversary. In July of 2025, the Moonlite officially reopened for its first season following extensive renovations, welcoming guests back with a state-of-the-art 4K, 35,000-lumen laser projector, immersive sound system, and giant screen.
Today, the Moonlite is once again a destination for all ages—offering first-run and classic films, live entertainment, and community events. Guests can enjoy our expanded concession offerings and a dedicated play area featuring games, rides, basketball, and inflatables, adding to the fun before showtime.
As restoration continues season by season, the Moonlite Drive-In Theatre is proud to shine again as a vibrant cultural hub in Southwest Virginia, blending nostalgia, innovation, and community to create new memories under the stars.
Visit our "History" tab for photos and more information.






