Entertainment Under the Stars
CHRISTIANSBURG, VA — The Starlite Drive-In is a summertime gem for movies and memories with devoted patrons.
A drive-in movie theatre is a rarity in most towns nowadays, but Christiansburg is home to one of the few. Tucked away behind the trees, you don’t get a glimpse of the iconic red star painted on the roof of the establishment’s outbuilding until you’re at the ticket booth.
When Richard Beasely bought the property, cornfields covered the land. Beasely was a World War II veteran who owned an indoor theatre but wanted to bring some good to his community through a single screen drive-in. Richard and his wife, Dorothy, opened the Starlite Drive-In back in 1953. Their daughter, Peggy Beasley took over operations during the 1980s. This family-owned operation continues to be a unique way to take in a movie on warm summer nights.
“I hope people have a blast, there's nothing like watching a movie under the stars”, says owner Peggy Beasely.
Starlite has all of the charm of a beloved, hometown institution. Fading red, white and blue paint on the structures. Devoted patrons who have been seeing movies there since childhood. There is even a staple among the fair style foods offered at the snack bar: a hot dog topped with chili and onions.
“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.”
Locals aren’t the only ones parking on the Starlite’s grassy lawn on weekends. While families flock to the open-air theatre for an end of the week treat, college students come to second showings to escape campus life. Some patrons drive from surrounding states for a chance to step back in time. The heart of the Starlite continues to be the very community it was created to bring joy to.
“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.”
Recently though, noise complaints have put a strain on the drive-in’s relationship with the community. Surrounding neighborhoods and the Christiansburg Town Council have voiced complaints with the noise coming from the theatre late at night. This is the first fracture in goodwill over the theatre’s sixty-six year history. While these concerns have drawn attention to the space, the effects on business have yet to be known.
Some patrons have rallied around the establishment after the noise complaints.
“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,” said Kelly Fleming, customer.
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.