Drive 'n Theatre

Drive 'n Theatre, commonly known as the Fairview Drive-In, is a seasonal drive-in movie theater located at 16045 E. Hwy 33 in Newton, Illinois, United States. It is one of the oldest continuously operating drive-in theaters in southern Illinois, having first opened in 1953. The theater was originally built in a rural cornfield and was considered one of the most remote drive-in theaters in the state. It features a single screen and a capacity of approximately 250 cars. The Fairview Drive-in Theatre debuted in 1953 with a single 72-foot by 36-foot screen. In the early 1990s, the theater briefly closed after its screen was damaged by a storm. It soon reopened under new management and was eventually remodeled in 2002, adding a new concession area and screen. In the fall of 2014, the Fairview Drive-in closed for the season and was sold. In June 2015, new owners reopened it with updated enhancements, including a digital cinema projector and a new concession building offering a variety of quality dining options and exceptional service. Today, Drive 'n Theatre operates as a seasonal entertainment venue, showing films and hosting seasonal events. Tickets are purchased upon arrival at the ticket booth. The theater maintains an active presence on social media platforms including Facebook, X, Instagram, and Snapchat. It is a private, independent business and a local landmark in Newton, Illinois.

The Fairview Drive-in Theatre debuted in 1953, featuring a single 72” x 36” screen with a capacity of 250 cars. Situated in a rural cornfield in southern Illinois, the Fairview was one of the most remote drive-in theatres in the state. In the early 1990’s, the Fairview briefly closed after the screen was damaged by a storm. It soon reopened under new management and was eventually remodeled in 2002 boasting a new concession area and screen. In the fall of 2014, the Fairview Drive-in closed for the season and was sold. In June 2015 the new owners are excited to bring updated enhancements including a digital cinema projector and a new concession building with a variety of quality dining options and exceptional service.

• 2015

  New owners reopen the theater in June with a digital cinema projector and a new concession building.

• 2014

  The Fairview Drive-in closes for the season and is sold.

• 2002

  The theater is remodeled with a new concession area and screen.

• 1990

  The theater briefly closes after the screen is damaged by a storm.

• 1953

  Fairview Drive-in Theatre debuts with a single 72” x 36” screen and capacity for 250 cars.

Historic, family-friendly seasonal drive-in theater offering a nostalgic outdoor movie experience in rural southern Illinois.

• Drive-in movie screenings

• Seasonal events

• Concession food and beverages

1. 1Historic Drive-In Movie Theater in Newton, IL | Fairview Drive-Indriventheatre.com
2. 2Fairview Drive-in Theatre: A History | Drive 'N Theatredriventheatre.com
3. 3Drive 'n Theatre - Wikidatawikidata.org