Enjoy movies with the stars at Parkway Drive-In, a premier summer pastime in Maryville

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2 days ago

You can watch movies from a recliner or on an IMAX screen in Knoxville, but you don't have to drive far to enjoy a blast from the past with movies under the stars at the Parkway Drive-In in Maryville.
The Parkway Drive-In theater calls back to a time many modern moviegoers have forgotten or never experienced before: sitting in your car or lawn chair watching a movie under the night sky. Basking in the warm summer nights while watching the latest blockbusters is a great way to watch movies with friends and family without breaking the bank on concessions.
Parkway is operating all summer long at 2909 E. Lamar Alexander Parkway. The drive-in also has been used as a venue for Knoxville Horror Film Festival. April began the new Parkway season, which lasts into the fall.
Tickets are cash-only with no refunds, and they cover admission to both halves of the scheduled double features:
Adults: $10 per person
Children 5 to 12: $5 person
Children 4 and under: Free
For special events, the theater may charge per car. Readmission is not allowed, so be prepared to stick around once inside. If you do leave, you'll need to buy another round of tickets for reentry.
Hold onto your ticket stub just in case a staff member asks to see it.
Audio from the films is broadcast on 100.9 FM. You can use the radio in your car or bring your own if you plan to sit outside. The theater has a limited number of radios that you can rent for $3. You just have to hand over your ID until the radio is returned.
Gates open at 7 p.m., and the movies start at dusk or dark, about 40 minutes after sunset.
For example, the theater is showing the new Disney live-action remake "Lilo & Stitch" at 9:15 p.m., followed by "Karate Kid Legends" at 11:20 p.m. May 30-31. Moviegoers who arrive when gates open at 7 p.m. should have time to grab concessions, chat with family and play with friends in the field before the first movie begins.
The theater shows newly released films every Friday and Saturday. The theater will show a major new release first, followed by a film that premiered a few weeks prior. Movies always play in the order on the marquee.
The drive-in usually sticks to family-friendly films but will have weekend showings that target an older crowd.
The theater releases a schedule each week on Facebook and on its website at parkwaydrivein.com.
The theater sells classic movie snacks like popcorn, candy and soda.
Additionally, the drive-in has a full menu that includes burgers, chicken sandwiches, hot dogs, fries, onion rings, chicken strips, nachos and ice cream. The best part? No concession item exceeds $10, so you can order a lot without feeling like you're breaking the bank.
The concession stand accepts cash and cards.
The theater does not allow food delivery, cooking, grilling or food preparation on the property. Concessions are the main revenue source for the drive-in.
The movies play "rain or stars," as the theater notes on its website.
The only exception is if there's a tornado warning, in which case, the theater will post about the closing on its website and social media accounts.
Each vehicle can park in a 10-foot-wide spot, and there are two spots between poles in the ground. Guests need to park within two feet of a pole to keep the grid organized. Parking attendants will guide vehicles. The speed limit is five miles per hour.
Guests can't have anything above their vehicle roof that would block someone else's view, though parking accommodations can be made for motor homes or larger vehicles.
Guests can bring chairs to sit outside their vehicle, but only within their spot. Tents, popups or anything else that obstructs someone else's view are not allowed.
The drive-in has a list of prohibited items and activities:
Illegal substances or activity
Laster pointers
Fireworks
Riding bicycles, skateboards, roller skates or scooters
Obscene language
Vehicle lighting including headlights and brake lights
Underage tobacco use
Talking loudly during the movie or using horns and radios playing loud music
Bass amps
Smoking is allowed for people are of legal age, but the drive-in does not sell tobacco products.
East Tennessee has four other drive-in theaters:
Sparta Drive-in - 220 Roberts Matthews Highway in Sparta
Swingin' Midway Drive-in - 2133 Highway 30 East in Athens
Stateline Drive-in - 3690 Highway 19 East in Elizabethton
Twin City Drive-In Theatre - 2512 Volunteer Parkway in Bristol
Keenan Thomas reports for the Knox News business growth and development team. You can reach him by email at [e-mail].
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This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: Parkway Drive-In shows new films at classic Maryville movie experience