Midway Drive-In & Diner

91 Palmyra Road,
Stirling, IL 61021

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Midway Drive-In restored screen tower

Viewing: Photo | Street View

The Midway Drive-In opened in 1950, located on Palmyra Road in Dixon, IL. The theater has been under its current ownership since 2007 when it was restored. It shows first-run features on its single screen.

The Midway Drive-In also has a playground and a concession stand with everything from popcorn to pizza. The drive-in’s season runs from April to September, and in October a ‘Fall Festival’ featuring corn mazes, pumpkins, fall themed refreshments, fun & games for the whole family, amusement park rides, and in the evening Haunted Attractions. The Midway Drive-In also hosts live entertainmet and concerts.

Contributed by Bryan

Recent comments (view all 9 comments)

tmesser
tmesser on April 11, 2007 at 12:34 pm

Who owns this theater now? Sensible Cinemas no longer lists it. 21st Century Cinemas, owner of Dixon’s Plaza 4 (which was co-owned with the Midway Drive-In for a while) does not list it, either. The phone number has usually been disconnected during the off-season, but it remains disconnected now in mid-April. I hope it has not closed permanently.

lostmemory
lostmemory on April 11, 2007 at 2:25 pm

The BigScreen Cinema Guide lists this drive-in as:

Bowman Theatres – Midway Drive-In
Old Route 2 – Prairieville
Prairieville, IL 61021
Message: 815-625-4099

Is Bowman Theatres a new owner of this drive-in or a previous owner?

tmesser
tmesser on April 13, 2007 at 5:11 pm

To my knowledge, they are not a previous owner. Unfortunately, Bowman doesn’t seem to have a Web site to confirm that.

My sister tells me that the marquee currently indicates the theater opens for the season on May 5. I guess that answers my question.

lostmemory
lostmemory on September 25, 2009 at 9:47 am

The BigScreen Cinema Guide was incorrect. This drive-in should be listed as being in Sterling, Illinois. The Midway Drive-In opened in 1950 according to their website.

lostmemory
lostmemory on September 26, 2009 at 9:58 am

Here is a recent photo.

Midwaydrivein
Midwaydrivein on February 5, 2012 at 5:40 pm

Thank you lostmemory for posting that updated photo of the Midway Drive-In screen tower! My wife and I purchased the Midway in 2007 and have completely restored the Midway (including the screen tower).

Midwaydrivein
Midwaydrivein on February 5, 2012 at 5:44 pm

Below is the updated info for the Midway Drive-In

The Midway Drive-In opened in August 1950. The Midway currently plays double features of First-Run films.

 Midway Drive-In
                   91 Palmyra Road
                   Dixon, IL  61021
                
                   Phone (847) 647-3124
                
                   Car capacity – 500 cars

Operated by – Kerz Productions, Inc. since August 2007

 Website www.themidwaydrivein.net
Norman Plant
Norman Plant on February 5, 2012 at 8:12 pm

The Drive-In looks so much better than when I came through 8 years ago and photographed it. Best of luck with it.

Midwaydrivein
Midwaydrivein on February 5, 2012 at 8:49 pm

Thanks Norman! I’ve seen some of your other photos. You’ve done an amazing job documenting classic theaters!

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