76-Year-Old Drive-In Theatre Revives Nostalgia with Wine-and-Film Festival

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  Published in Food and Wine on Monday, November 17th 2025 at 18:49 GMT by Lehigh Valley Live

A 76‑Year‑Old Drive‑In Theater Turns Back the Clock with a Wine‑and‑Film Festival

For six decades the rust‑tinged marquee of the Lehigh Valley’s oldest drive‑in has been a beloved fixture on the outskirts of Bethlehem, a place where the hiss of a projector and the soft thud of a silver screen have greeted generations of moviegoers. This year, the historic theater, which opened its doors in 1949, is adding a new chapter to its storied legacy: a wine festival that couples the nostalgic glamour of outdoor cinema with the contemporary buzz of local vintners.

From Classic Films to a “Mystery” Screening

The centerpiece of the festival is the so‑called “5‑Ticket Mystery Film Screening.” In a tongue‑in‑cheek nod to the era of drive‑ins where ticket holders never quite knew what they were getting, the film will remain a secret until the last possible moment. Patrons will receive a ticket bundle of five, each ticket costing $12, which guarantees admission to a 1‑hour screening of an undisclosed movie. The theater’s manager, Linda Martinez, explained the idea: “We’re playing with the classic mystery of drive‑in cinema—people line up, they’re excited, but they don’t know the exact plot until the lights come on. It adds a layer of anticipation that fits perfectly with the vintage vibe.”

When the curtain lifts, the film will be a throwback that’s “classic enough to bring people together but fresh enough to keep them guessing,” Martinez said. Early hints suggest the film may belong to the thriller or mystery genres—two staples of the mid‑century drive‑in catalog—but the title itself will be revealed only in the final minutes of the reel. The theater will even provide a short trivia challenge before the credits roll, with prizes for those who can correctly guess the film’s name.

Wine That Transports the Palate

The drive‑in’s first wine festival will run over two nights, from Friday, November 15 to Saturday, November 16, at 7:00 p.m. Each evening will feature 12 hand‑picked wines from wineries across the Lehigh Valley and nearby Pennsylvania. The selection includes crisp whites from the Poconos, robust reds from the Delaware Water Gap, and even a signature sparkling from a boutique vineyard in Bethlehem itself. In total, there will be 40 wines on offer, each accompanied by a brief tasting note and a suggested food pairing.

Local winery owner, Tom “Tanner” Greene of Raven’s Roost Vineyards, expressed his enthusiasm about the collaboration. “The drive‑in offers a unique setting—open air, nostalgic soundtrack, and a community that loves a good movie. Pairing that with our wines feels like a natural fit,” Greene told Lehigh Valley Live. He also noted that the festival will provide a platform for lesser‑known producers to showcase their craftsmanship to a broader audience.

In addition to the wine tastings, the event will feature live acoustic music from the Lehigh Valley Music Collective, who will perform between screenings. There will also be a small “soul‑food” pop‑up run by the local culinary collective, offering bite‑size delights that complement the wine selections.

A Venue Steeped in History

The drive‑in itself is a living museum. Its original 1949 construction—complete with a towering neon “OPEN” sign—has survived the test of time, though it has undergone several renovations over the years to maintain its operational integrity. The theater has survived the rise of multiplexes, the decline of the drive‑in craze, and even a pandemic‑induced shutdown in 2020. When the lease was renewed in 2023, a group of community volunteers—many of whom are local high‑school film enthusiasts—helped restore the theater’s projector, sound system, and concession stands.

“We want to preserve the past while also moving forward,” said Martinez. “This festival is a celebration of both. It’s about bringing people together over great films, great wine, and great conversation.”

Community Involvement and Future Plans

The drive‑in’s partnership with local wineries has sparked a broader conversation about community‑driven events. Several nearby wineries will use the festival as a launchpad for upcoming releases. Meanwhile, the theater’s board plans to host a “Wine & Film” club later this year, allowing patrons to choose a new mystery film each month and pair it with a new wine selection.

Moreover, the drive‑in is in the process of installing a new solar‑powered screen that will reduce its carbon footprint and ensure a reliable viewing experience for the coming decade. The theater is also looking to expand its parking lot to accommodate a growing crowd, a move that is expected to bring in additional local business for nearby restaurants and boutique shops.

How to Get In

Tickets for the mystery film screening and the wine festival can be purchased through the drive‑in’s official website or at the box office. The theater offers a limited “VIP” package for $40, which includes the five-ticket mystery bundle, a complimentary bottle of wine, and a reserved seating spot. Regular tickets cost $12 each, and the festival’s wine tasting passes start at $20 for a two‑hour experience. A discount is available for seniors, students, and groups of ten or more.

As the leaves begin to turn in the Lehigh Valley, the 76‑year‑old drive‑in is proving that nostalgia can be refreshed and that community spirit can be savored, one film and one glass at a time. Whether you’re a film buff, a wine connoisseur, or simply looking for a unique way to spend an evening, the drive‑in’s inaugural wine festival offers a cinematic experience that’s as much a toast to the past as it is a promise of the future.