Entertainment Under the Stars
The Starlite Drive-In, located in Christiansburg, VA, is a summertime gem for movies and memories with devoted patrons.
A drive-in movie theatre is uncommon in most towns nowadays, but Christiansburg is home to one of the few. Starlite Drive-In opened in 1953 and is run by Peggy Beasley, who took over operations from her parents, Richard and Dorothy Beasley, in the 1980s. When Richard Beasley first purchased the spot it was nothing but cornfields. Richard Beasley, a World War II veteran, had owned an indoor theatre for some time but was looking to bring some good to the Christiansburg community with an outdoor-theatre. Just as it has been for years, the drive-in continues to be a unique, fun atmosphere for enjoying a movie on a warm summer night.
“I hope people have a blast, there's nothing like watching a movie under the stars”, says owner Peggy Beasely.
Tucked away in Christiansburg, you wouldn’t know the Starlite was there unless you turned onto Starlite Drive where your eyes would catch sight of the iconic red star on the side of one of the establishment's buildings. There is a snack bar that offers a variety of fair style foods; you can’t leave without trying their staple: a hot dog topped with chili and onions. With red, white, and blue paint on the buildings and open-air, Starlite offers a unique movie watching experience. The institution has been a positive influence on the local community for years.
“This is a wonderful business, this is a wonderful place to be. It helps keep kids out of trouble being here, instead of running around,” said an employee of four years, Maximillian Anderson. “It’s kept me out of trouble for the most part. Just being here, you have something to do.”
Spending an evening at Starlite is appealing to both college students and locals. The space of a drive-in is perfect for kids and adults alike to socialize and be outdoors. With the first movie of the night starting at dusk, many families head to Starlite as a treat to celebrate the end of the week. College students are hooked at the idea of watching a movie outside and being able to have a break from campus life. Some customers have even come from out of state to experience the excitement of watching a movie outside on a summer night. The most frequent patrons are locals who have been coming all their lives.
“I’ve come to the Starlite ever since I can remember. It’s always been a really family-oriented place,” said Samantha, Christiansburg local. “Back when I was little, there used to be a whole group of kids and we’d always play football and stuff. It’s a really good environment to be in.”
The drive-in has never encountered any difficulties with the surrounding community until recently. Surrounding neighborhoods and the Christiansburg Town Council have voiced complaints with the noise coming from the theatre late at night. This has drawn attention to the business and the effects of this are still unknown.
“There’s a little short film made about this place where they are talking about the sound issues,” said Kelly Fleming, customer. “I really wanted to come out and support this institution, hoping that it stays around for a while because it is pretty cool that we have a drive-in movie theatre here in Christiansburg.”
Tickets are $6 for adults and $4 for children under 12.
The Starlite Drive-In is open Friday to Sunday throughout the summer. Movies start at dusk with gates opening at 7 p.m., playing rain or shine.
A sound system plays the audio for the first film, as does the station 90.3 FM; audio for the second showing of the night is provided only through the radio station.
Pets are allowed on a leash.
Starlite Drive-In is located at 275 Starlite Drive, Christiansburg, VA 24073. More information can be found on their website, www.starlitedrivein.info, or their Facebook page.