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M.E.L.S. Back To The 50s Drive-In Tickets

Location
In – Thorntown, IN

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The venue

About M.E.L.S. Back To The 50s Drive-In

Welcome to M.E.L.S. Back To The 50s Drive-In, a seasonal outdoor drive-in cinema located at the historic Starlite Drive-In Theatre in Thorntown, Indiana. Established as a cornerstone of regional car-culture nights, this screen-based experience offers classic drive-in vibes with modern digital projection and FM radio sound. With seating and admission built around a carload model, it’s a straightforward, reliable option for family nights, date nights, or a friendly group outing. We’ve got you covered with parking details, transit options, and nearby lodging and dining to make your visit easy from start to finish.

Venue specifics: single-screen operation, capacity for roughly 300 cars, and a spacious 10-acre lot. The drive-in typically runs April through September, weather permitting, with first-come, first-served parking and no published seating chart beyond car-based allocation. For current showings and schedules, check the event listing and official pages as dates vary by week.

Whether you’re a local or visiting Indiana for a retro-night out, securing your seats is simple. We’ll guide you through parking, transit, and nearby hotel and restaurant options to keep your evening smooth and enjoyable.

Pro tip: arrive a bit early to claim preferred parking, tune into the FM broadcast for sound, and enjoy pre-show entertainment or classic car-show vibes in the lot. After the show, grab a bite nearby or plan a comfortable stay at a nearby hotel. And if you’re planning a trip around a special event like Freakier Friday or Barbie-themed nights, we’ll help you confirm date-specific details and ticketing basics. For more options, consider affiliate partners for hotels and dining in Lebanon, IN, to maximize convenience and value during your visit.

Affiliates and partners are listed to help you book with confidence. If you’re arranging travel from out of town, local transit options from Boone County’s Boone Area Transit System (BATS) can provide regional access to Lebanon and surrounding areas, supplementing your drive-in experience with easy, dependable transportation.

Good to know

Seating, Parking & Venue Information

  • Location: 8721 N State Road 39, Thorntown, IN 46071 (M.E.L.S. at the Starlite Drive-In Theatre).
  • Capacity: ~300 cars (single screen).
  • Venue type: Seasonal outdoor drive-in cinema; FM radio sound; generally open April–September.
  • Admission: About $25 per carload; digital projection in use per some sources.
  • Parking: Grass/lot parking on a large parcel (roughly 10 acres noted in promotional materials).
  • Seating chart: No published seating chart; parking is car-based with spaces allocated on a first-come basis.
  • Transit's note: Local Boone County transit options exist in Lebanon (BATS/Boone Area Transit System) for regional access.
  • Nearby hotels: Hampton Inn Lebanon (410 N Mt. Zion Rd), Quality Inn & Suites Lebanon I-65 (210 Sam Ralston Rd).
  • Notable events hosted: Regular screenings since 1946; documented events include M.E.L.S. shows (e.g., 2017), Freakier Friday and Barbie events (via Eventbrite), and other car‑culture themed nights.