Now selling

Upcoming Events at Holiday Auto Theatre

Welcome to Holiday Auto Theatre, Hamilton's cherished drive-in cinema that opened in 1948 as Hamilton Outdoor Theatre and was renamed in 1951. Nestled at 1816 Old Oxford Road, this one-screen venue creates a classic movie-going experience for families and friends who love the nostalgia of a night under the stars. The 2025 season has wrapped, with plans to reopen in late spring 2026. Here’s what to know before you go, plus nearby lodging and dining options to make your visit easy and enjoyable.

At Holiday Auto Theatre, cars fill designated parking rows with poles marking spaces—two cars between poles—while a portion of outside seating is available in front of cars. Sound is delivered via car radios on 87.9 FM, so bring a working radio or a portable speaker for best audio. Parking is first-come, first-served, with no reservations. The venue accommodates roughly 850 cars per show, delivering a classic drive-in atmosphere that’s perfect for date nights, family outings, and community events like Terror at the Drive-In Halloween weekends.

To plan your visit, consider nearby hotel options and dining spots that align with a convenient drive-in experience. Whether you’re staying overnight or just popping in for a movie, we’ve got you covered with practical tips and trusted local recommendations.

Venue Details

Address: 1816 Old Oxford Road, Hamilton, OH 45013
Seating & Parking: Parking in designated rows with poles; two cars between poles. Primarily car-based seating with some outside seating in front of cars. First-come, first-served parking policy.
Audio: Sound transmitted via car radio at 87.9 FM.
Season: Open seasonally. 2025 season concluded; reopening planned for late spring 2026.
Capacity: Approximately 850 cars per show.
History: Opened as Hamilton Outdoor Theatre in 1948; renamed Holiday Auto Theatre in 1951.
Popular events: Terror at the Drive-In Halloween weekends; 75th anniversary celebrated in 2024.

Getting Here and Parking

Holiday Auto Theatre is best accessed by car. Parking is in designated rows with poles to mark spaces. Remember, spaces are first-come, first-served, and there are two cars between poles. If you’re planning a late arrival, factor in possible lines and space availability. There’s no published public transit information for the venue, so car travel is the most reliable option.

Nearby Hotels

Nearby Dining Options

Affiliate Partners

We’ve teamed up with trusted local hotels and dining partners to help you plan a smooth trip to Holiday Auto Theatre. Check the links above for official pages and current offers. If you’re staying overnight, booking through our affiliate partners supports the site while keeping your planning simple.

Tips for a Great Night Out

Secure your seats early, especially for popular show nights and Halloween events like Terror at the Drive-In.
Bring a working car radio for optimal sound through 87.9 FM.
Arrive with a full tank and a charged phone for a seamless experience.
Check for any seasonal closures or changes in schedule as the venue plans its late-spring 2026 reopening.

Good to know

Seating, Parking & Venue Information

Address: 1816 Old Oxford Road, Hamilton, OH 45013.
Venue type: Historic drive-in theatre (one screen).
Capacity: Approximately 850 cars.
Seating/parking: Parking is in designated rows with poles; two cars between poles; seating is primarily in cars, with some outside seating allowed in front of cars.
Parking rules: Parking spaces are first-come, first-served; no space reservations.
Audio: Sound via car radio at 87.9 FM.
Season status: Open seasonally; 2025 season concluded with reopening planned for late spring 2026.
History: Opened as Hamilton Outdoor Theatre in 1948; renamed Holiday Auto Theatre in 1951.
Notable events: Terror at the Drive-In Halloween weekends; 75th anniversary celebrated in 2024.
Nearby hotels: Courtyard by Marriott Hamilton (1 Riverfront Plaza) and The Warehouse Hotel at Champion Mill (600 N B Street).
Transit/access: No dedicated public transit information published; venue is primarily accessed by car.

Holiday Auto Theatre Tickets