Valle Drive In — Local services in Newton

Welcomed getaway on a weekend (Fri.-Sun.) night, with a touch of nostalgia. Pricier than a traditional movieplex, but you're outside and distanced, which makes it a confident entertainment destination in the age of COVID. Two persons in one car cost us $21, comparable to a traditional theater.

Movies are hardly first-run -- think "Indiana Jones" and "Shrek." But they are favorites, always something for kids, and you get a double feature, which makes it a good value.

During peak season, cars line up early for admission (they open at 6:15). We recommend getting there at least a half hour early to get a good spot.

The screen is large, and viewable from 80% of vehicle spots. Picture is sharp and clear.

Tailgating is the preferred mode of seating. Be sure to take along chairs to view the movies from outside your vehicle. Dress for the season; it can cool off at night in spring and late summer.

The sound is beamed over 88.7 FM radio, so a portable battery-powered radio is a must, unless you want to run your car battery down. (They will give you a jump if you need it.) There are speakers on poles that ostensibly hook up to the vehicle exterior, but we've never seen anyone using them.

Concession stand is adequate and not overly theater-pricey. Also, they make pizza that's preferable to the convenience-store variety.

Oh, no need to leave Bella home; dogs (on leashes) are welcomed and...

This is one of the last great American drive-ins around and the closest one to DSM, just wished it was a little closer.

We love this place and try to get out here at least a few times a year. It really just depends on what they are playing, we usually come out when they are playing 2 family friendly movies. We prefer coming out either early or late in the season, even if it a little chillier, because the movie starts earlier and we still have a 45 minute drive home. But coming out in the middle of summer on a great night is still pretty awesome.

This place brings back so much nostalgia from my childhood. They have the field out front where kids play before the movie, concession stand, and the window speakers. Although, a lot of the speakers do not work, we usually bring a little transistor radio.

You need to sign up for their emails or check out their Facebook page to find out...

I have lived within 1 hour of here for the last 10 years and for some reason this was the first time visiting. Me and my family has a wonderful experience. It is very affordable, the staff was always nice and friendly even to someone who likes to chit chat too much 😁.

It was a nice surprise that they have radios to loan out to customers at no extra charge so we have multiple ways of enjoying the shows.

The one downside is when I heard the girls talking about how the popcorn 🍿 can at times be multiple days old if they end up making too much for one night. They said they maybe throw away all the popcorn only once per week so it means not all the popcorn is fresh. I never ordered any even before I knew that, but still.

Everything else was great!! Highly recommend this for families or date night (just be prepared not to leave until 0230 am if staying for...