Travel / Friday, 13-Feb-2026

The Last Picture Show

Back in the days when Marilyn Monroe and James Dean were steaming up the silver screen, a spot at the drive-in was hot property on a Saturday night. Commerce City’s nostalgic 88 Drive-In Theatre is keeping the pastime alive as one of fewer than 400 drive-ins left in the nation. Owner Susan Kochevar took over from her parents, who bought the single-screen, 500-car facility in 1976, rescuing it from a sordid start showing X-rated flicks and transforming it into a more family-friendly spot to while away a summer evening. From May to September, seven days a week, 88 Drive-In charges a mere $8 per person for three first-run features. Feel free to bring snacks, but keep in mind that the concession revenue keeps the projector light on and the film reels turning. Bring on the popcorn. 88drivein.com

This article was originally published in 5280 July 2013.
Jessica LaRusso
Jessica LaRusso
Jessica LaRusso is 5280's editor-in-chief.

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