About The Midway Drive-In
 

THE HISTORY OF THE HISTORIC MIDWAY DRIVE-IN

The Midway Drive-In opened in 1950 in Sterling, Illinois and has been in continuous operation ever since. This makes it one of the two oldest operating Drive-Ins in Illinois, and a genuine historical landmark.
We are dedicated to preserving this historical landmark, and paying tribute to the American tradition of the Drive-In Theatre.

The Midway is a beautiful Drive-In. From the classic retro “spaceship” ticket booth, to the Playground for the kiddies in front of the screen, to the full service concession stand, a trip to the Midway is like entering a time capsule to the 1950’s.

The spacious Midway Drive-In parking lot can hold up to 500 cars. The Midway screen is a GIANT 90 feet across, giving a massive film presentation. After dusk, the stars can clearly be seen, and depending on the weather, major star constellations (such as the Big Dipper) may be visible. There is nothing more beautiful than watching a film under the stars.

THE COMPLETE NOSTALGIC AMERICAN DRIVE-IN EXPERIENCE RECREATED AT THE MIDWAY

We strive to re-create the majesty and charm of the classic Drive-In era. Classic oldies tunes will play prior to the start of the film. Your children can play in our beautiful kiddies playground located in front of the screen.
The film presentation will start with the National Anthem, which will play on film. We ask that everyone who is able to please stand for the Anthem. Classic coming attractions, short subjects, cartoons, and nostalgic Drive-In announcements will play before the start of the first feature. At intermission, the classic animated “Dancing Hot Dog” short and other nostalgic vintage concession ads will play.

SOUND

One thing has changed at the Midway, and that is the sound format. Gone are the old “in car” speakers. Now the sound is transmitted to your car via FM stereo. Just tune your car or portable radio to 91.3 FM and you will receive the sound in dynamic FM stereo!

CONCESSION STAND

Our concession stand has been newly redecorated, and we will continue to remodel and upgrade the stand. Our concession stand is a classic self serve Drive-In design and offers a full service restaurant menu including Hamburgers, Cheeseburgers, Hot Dogs, Corn Dogs, Nachos, Candy, Ice Cream, French Fries, Onion Rings, Fried Cheese sticks and Mushrooms, Pizza, a wide variety of Soda, Lemonade, and Fruit Punch, and of course, Popcorn! Just grab a tray and serve yourself! Our friendly staff will be more than happy to assist you.

SUPPORT THE MIDWAY DRIVE-IN BY SUPPORTING OUR
CONCESSION STAND

The Midway Drive-In receives its main economic support from sales at the concession stand.

Fact: The film studios take a large percentage of the money you pay us for each admission ticket. Thus, a Drive-In is a restaurant which shows movies. Therefore, your food and drink purchases at the snack bar are the main support for this Drive-In.

We plan to continue operating and upgrading this Drive-In for many years to come. For that to happen, your strong support of our concession stand is of the utmost importance.

We thought you might like to know how much of a difference you can make.

Thank you for you understanding and support.

HOUSE RULES

In order to keep the Midway Drive-In a fun and safe place, please read and follow our House Rules.

FILMS WE PLAY AT THE MIDWAY

The Midway Drive-In will present popular First Run films. There will always be a double feature. In addition, we will also continue the American Drive-In tradition of Dusk to Dawn Shows of classic films. We will also present special events and film festivals. “Classic” nights of your favorite films of the past will also be featured. If you have any booking suggestions, please call or e-mail us. We love hearing from you!

HOLD YOUR OWN SPECIAL EVENT AT THE MIDWAY

The Midway Drive-In will be available for rentals, so please call us if you have an event coming up, and we will be more than happy to work with you.