While we all have different opinions on the current state of affairs, there’s one thing we can all agree on: the drive-in theatre is making a comeback nationwide, and that’s fantastic. Not only is enjoying a good old-fashioned drive-in movie experience an absolute blast and fun for the whole family, but it’s the ultimate social distancing activity. And if you live on the east side of the state, we hope you’re considering taking a trip to Auto Vue Drive-In this summer.

The Auto-Vue Drive-In Theatre is located in Colville, a small city located about 70 miles north of Spokane.
Auto-Vue Drive-In Theatre / Facebook
This little town really comes alive when the theatre opens for the season.
The Auto-Vue Drive-In first opened in 1953, and it still maintains its vintage charms.
Auto-Vue Drive-In Theatre / Facebook
For 60 years and several generations, people would come from all over Eastern Washington to catch a movie here. But in 2013, the theatre's owner announced that the business would be closing. Because everything was digital, they would need to upgrade all the equipment, and that just wasn't possible financially.
Needless to say, the locals were devastated, and the community rallied to save the theatre.
Jason Reeves / Google
Fortunately, it worked. Fans organized a group known as Save the Auto-Vue Drive-In and raised some of the necessary funds. The owner, Steve Wisner, was so touched by the efforts that he found a way to keep the theatre open.

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Each night the theatre is open, patrons wait in their cars until dusk.
Jason Reeves / Google
The showings, which are typically double features, start around 9:30 p.m. -- but that time can change throughout the season, depending on the time of the sunset. The schedule is often listed on the Facebook page.
Part of the fun of the drive-in experience is concessions, and Auto Vue has found a way to deliver those safely as well.
Auto-Vue Drive-In Theatre / Facebook
A menu is handed out at the box office upon your arrival. When you decide on your snacks of choice, you can order by phone or at the snack window. They offer pizza, nachos, burgers, and of course, lots of candy.
The Auto-Vue Drive-In has survived the test of time, despite the odds being stacked against it.
Amanda Elser / Google
That alone is worth celebrating, so go show them some support this summer.

Ready to enjoy an old-fashioned drive-in experience? Check out the upcoming line-up here.

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Featured Addresses
444 Auto View Rd, Colville, WA 99114, USA