Some of the best nights out in Ohio start with a stretch of highway that looks like nothing special. You roll along, hungry for something fun, and then a glowing marquee and rows of cars under an open sky stop you cold.
I had no idea a place like this was still running, and it left me wanting to tell every Ohioan I know. Come along for a look at a classic movie spot that is much more than a parking lot with a screen.
A Twin-Screen Drive-In on Route 59
Along Route 59 in Ravenna, a drive-in theater keeps the old movie tradition rolling. Midway Drive-In Theater sits in Portage County, between Kent and the Black Horse area, just east of a Walmart.
Regulars also call it Midway Twin, a nod to its two screens.
Having two screens means two different films can play on the same night. Many visitors treat that as a bonus, since families and couples can pick the picture that suits them.
Double features are a common topic in what visitors say, so a full evening of movies is part of the draw.
For plenty of Northeast Ohio families, this spot is a childhood memory they now share with their own kids. One longtime fan described driving 55 minutes each way and calling it worth the trip.
That kind of loyalty says a lot about how much this place means in the region.
Nostalgia That Keeps the Projectors Running
Drive-ins used to be everywhere across America, and now only a handful remain in Ohio. Visitors are quick to say they are thankful this one is still around.
Some grew up going to other drive-ins in the region and found the same warm feeling here.
The moment a car pulls up, the classic charm kicks in. Guests describe it as a reminder of why they should go more often.
Parents bring their kids to share a throwback evening, and many teens come away amazed by the whole experience.
Recent comments also point to a place that has been refreshed and kept up. One returning guest noticed that an older, tired-looking property now seemed updated and well maintained.
That care helps old-fashioned fun feel fresh instead of faded.
Two Screens, Double Features, Big Picture
Screen choice matters at a twin theater, so here is the lowdown. Visitors praise the projection and the movie selection, with many saying the picture looks great from their car.
Kid favorites and blockbuster titles both show up on the marquee.
Double features are a favorite perk, giving you two films for one carload price. Screen visibility is another subject that comes up often, so parking with a clear line of sight helps.
Arriving early gives you your pick of spots.
Technology can be moody, of course. A projector problem on one screen once frustrated some guests, and the owner explained that the light engine failed and that readmit tickets were issued that never expire.
It is a good reminder to check the website for what is playing before you go.
Snack Bar Favorites and the Food Permit
Hungry guests have plenty to say about the snack bar, and concessions are the most mentioned topic by far. Visitors describe tasty burgers cooked to order, sloppy fries, corn dogs and pizza made hot and fresh.
Many call the concession area very clean, and the staff cheerful and helpful.
Prefer to eat your own food? A food permit of about $10 per car lets you bring outside snacks in.
Plenty of guests call that fee worth it, especially for a larger family.
The owner explains that concession sales are what keep the drive-in alive, so drinks and snacks from home need that permit. Lines can get long on busy nights, so arriving early is a smart move.
Grab your food first, then settle in.
Sound, Radios, and Courtesy Lights
Sound at a drive-in comes through your car, and that takes a little planning. Many guests tune their car accessory mode with the windows down and say it is plenty loud.
If you would rather not run your car, radios can be rented for about five dollars, and visitors say they get really loud.
Lights are the other big piece. Parking lights and courtesy lights can spoil the view for neighbors, and some drivers struggle to turn them off.
Attendants often help by showing how to stop the glow or offering paper to cover a light source.
Bringing your own battery-powered radio is a handy backup. A little prep keeps the screen bright and the neighbors happy.
It also lets you keep the engine off, which is the easiest way to avoid any glare.
Friendly Staff and a Tidy Grounds
Ask around and one theme shows up again and again: the people. Friendly staff is among the top topics, and visitors describe attendants who are polite, attentive and quick to help.
Some noticed workers patrolling in yellow vests to keep the lot safe.
Cleanliness earns plenty of praise too. Bathrooms are called clean and well lit, though some guests note it can be a long walk from certain parking spots.
Wearing comfy shoes helps.
A few guests have asked for more patrols to calm noisy neighbors, and the owner points out that staff cannot supervise every family. If something bothers you, flag down a lot attendant.
A little courtesy from everyone goes a long way when hundreds of cars share one field.
Families, Date Nights, and Summer Evenings
A warm summer night is the sweet spot for this kind of outing. Parents say it is a great way to give kids a taste of something nostalgic.
Teens who had never been to a drive-in came away loving it.
Couples find it an easy date, and one visitor pointed out that two tickets at a regular cinema can cost more than a whole carload here. You can stretch out, bring blankets, and keep the volume where you like it.
The mood is relaxed, but remember that you share the space. Kids should stay close to the car, and headlights should stay off during the show.
When everyone plays along, the evening feels like a small neighborhood party under the stars.
Planning Your Visit and a Final Verdict
Plan on about $30 per carload, as recent guests report, plus the $10 food permit if you pack your own snacks. Paying online can earn you a reserved spot sign.
The theater is at 2736 OH-59 in Ravenna, and the phone number is 330-296-9829.
Hours and showtimes are not listed here, so check funflick.com/midway before heading out. The owner says the box office opens an hour and a half before showtime on busy nights.
Lines can crawl on blockbuster Saturdays, so arrive when gates open.
Opinions are mixed on crowds and wait times, but plenty of guests leave happy. Go early, read the rules, and bring patience and a radio.
For a slice of old-school Ohio fun, Midway is well worth the drive.
Share this story
