West Wind Glendale 9 Drive-In
Arizona's classic drive-in cinema and daytime public market, offering movies under the stars and local treasures.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Pleasant temperatures for outdoor viewing.
West Wind Glendale 9 Drive-In
Best Time
Pleasant temperatures for outdoor viewing.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Arizona's classic drive-in cinema and daytime public market, offering movies under the stars and local treasures.
"A gem that nails the fun, laid-back, and nostalgic experience of a drive-in."
Bring Cash for Simplicity
While some concessions take cards, cash is often faster for tickets and snacks. :moneybag:
Arrive Early for Best Spots
Secure a prime viewing location, especially for popular movies or special events. :car:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Classic Drive-In Experience
Relive nostalgia under the stars with a double feature from the comfort of your car. A true slice of Americana.
Glendale Public Market
Daytime (Sat & Sun)
Browse fresh produce, handmade goods, and enjoy live music before the movies begin.
Car Show X Movie Nights
Combine your love for cars and cinema with hundreds of custom builds and a feature film.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Heat & the Crowds
Cash is King (Mostly)
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Bring Cash for Simplicity
While some concessions take cards, cash is often faster for tickets and snacks. :moneybag:
Arrive Early for Best Spots
Secure a prime viewing location, especially for popular movies or special events. :car:
Check the Radio Station
Sound is broadcast via FM radio; ensure your car stereo is working. :radio:
Pack Comfort Essentials
Bring blankets or chairs for extra comfort outside your vehicle. :blanket:
Tips
from all over the internet
Bring Cash for Simplicity
While some concessions take cards, cash is often faster for tickets and snacks. :moneybag:
Arrive Early for Best Spots
Secure a prime viewing location, especially for popular movies or special events. :car:
Check the Radio Station
Sound is broadcast via FM radio; ensure your car stereo is working. :radio:
Pack Comfort Essentials
Bring blankets or chairs for extra comfort outside your vehicle. :blanket:
Concessions Galore!
From popcorn to pizza and amazing slushies, the snack bar has you covered. :ice_cream:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the West Wind Glendale 9 Drive-In for its nostalgic charm, clear sound, and affordable fun. While some note minor issues like light pollution and the need for cash, the overall experience is consistently praised as a great value and a beloved local gem. The market adds daytime appeal, making it a versatile destination.
"There are barely any drive-ins left, so the fact that this one is still kicking already makes it a gem. Tons of parking, snacks to keep you fat and happy, movies worth watching, and the FM station comes in crystal clear. No static, no fiddling, just straight-up good sound in the comfort of your own car.
Only gripe, which is not even the drive-in’s fault, is the building across the street keeping their lights blazing like they are signaling Batman. If you are watching a darker movie, it can mess with the screen a little, but honestly it just becomes part of the drive-in charm. You still get that classic, nostalgic experience that makes you remember why drive-ins are special.
If you want a night out that is fun, laid back, and a slice of nostalgia, this place nails it."
Mike Moore
"Finally made it out to the drive-in and it did not disappoint! The place has a great vibe, the food is priced reasonably, and the slushies are absolutely amazing. I didn’t even know they had a full snack bar and drinks until I showed up definitely a nice surprise.
Now, I did try their margarita slushy… and let’s just say I went in looking for the buzz but came out with the strongest brain freeze of my life. I was digging through that icy like it was a treasure hunt for tequila — never found it, but hey, my forehead definitely felt it. 😂 A little more kick in that drink would’ve been perfect.
Still, it didn’t ruin the experience at all. The atmosphere was awesome, the screen and sound were great, and I’m already planning my next visit (Leonardo DiCaprio movie, here I come!). Love this place and really hope it’s around for years to come."
Jorge Castillo
"Yes the place is a little old and the lights from the surrounding buildings is annoying, but it's cheap, and the popcorn is good. If you want to enjoy you time with friends or family just having fun it a good time. If you really are looking for great sound and video then this is it. That said we always have fun here"
Wesley Williams
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The West Wind Glendale 9 Drive-In is located at 5650 N 55th Ave, Glendale, AZ. It's easily accessible by car, with ample parking available.
Information on public transportation options can vary. It's best to check local transit schedules for routes serving the Glendale area. :bus:
The drive-in offers tons of parking spaces, allowing for a good view from most spots.
While the drive-in has a full concession stand, bringing some personal snacks is generally allowed, but check their specific policy. :apple:
The drive-in aims to be accessible. It's recommended to contact them directly for specific accessibility needs or parking arrangements. :wheelchair:
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ticket prices are generally affordable, with a common rate mentioned around $8.50 per person. Special events may have different pricing.
For regular movie nights, you can often purchase tickets upon arrival. However, for special events like car shows or free movie nights, booking in advance is highly recommended as they can sell out.
Showtimes typically start around 5:30 PM and can run until midnight, with multiple movies playing across nine screens.
Yes, the drive-in occasionally hosts free movie nights, often on Thursdays, which can include additional entertainment like live music and bounce houses. +1
It's advisable to bring cash as some transactions, particularly for tickets, might be cash-only. Concessions may have varied payment options.
🎫 🎬 Onsite Experience
They show the latest releases across their nine screens, offering a variety of genres to choose from.
Sound is broadcast via a dedicated FM radio station, which is often reported to be crystal clear with no static, providing a great audio experience.
While most spots offer a good view, arriving early can help you secure a prime location. Some visitors note that mounds for parking can improve visibility.
Yes, bringing your own chairs or blankets is a great way to enhance your comfort, especially if you plan to sit outside your vehicle. :chair:
The atmosphere is described as fun, laid-back, and nostalgic, offering a classic drive-in charm. +1
🍽️ 🍔 Food & Dining
The concession stand offers a wide variety, including popcorn, candy, chicken strips, tacos, pizza, and refreshing slushies.
Prices are generally considered reasonable, offering good value for the variety and quality of food available.
The slushies are frequently mentioned as a must-try, with one reviewer humorously noting their potent effect!
While the drive-in has a full concession, bringing some personal snacks is usually permitted. It's always a good idea to confirm their policy. :pizza:
Some reviews mention alcoholic slushies, suggesting they may offer adult beverages. It's best to check their current offerings. :beer:
📸 📸 Photography
Golden hour before sunset can offer beautiful lighting for capturing the drive-in's ambiance. Evening shots with the screens lit up are also iconic. :camerawithflash:
Generally, personal photography is allowed. However, professional filming or commercial use may require prior permission. :movie_camera:
The iconic drive-in screens, vintage car displays during car shows, and the bustling market area on weekend mornings are great subjects.
Use a tripod for stability and experiment with low-light settings. Be mindful of ambient light from other cars or nearby buildings.
The combination of classic cars, movie posters, and the retro drive-in setting provides many unique and nostalgic photo opportunities.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
To make the most of it, consider bringing extra blankets for cozy seating and arriving early to get a good spot where kids have some room to move around a bit. The drive-in's laid-back atmosphere means you don't have to worry as much about typical cinema etiquette.
🚗 Car Enthusiasts
Even on regular nights, the drive-in offers a classic setting for appreciating vehicles. The ample parking and open-air environment provide a unique backdrop. It's a chance to experience a piece of automotive history while enjoying modern entertainment.
💰 Budget Travelers
While the concessions offer a full menu, bringing some of your own snacks can help keep costs down further.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Drive-In Experience: More Than Just a Movie
Beyond the movies, the drive-in is a hub of activity. On weekend mornings, it transforms into the Glendale Public Market, offering a vibrant space to browse fresh produce, unique crafts, and enjoy live music.
This dual nature makes West Wind Glendale a versatile destination, catering to both cinephiles and market enthusiasts. Special events, like the 'Car Show X Movie Night,' further enhance its appeal, merging automotive culture with film. While the drive-in provides a classic experience, some practicalities are worth noting. Bringing cash can streamline transactions, and arriving early helps secure a good viewing spot.
Navigating the Arizona Heat
The key is to leverage your car's air conditioning and to visit during the cooler parts of the day or year. As one Reddit user noted, 'In a couple of weeks the late evenings will be cool enough. I’d be comfortable in the mid 80’s if there was a little air circulation.'
For those attending during hotter months, ensuring your car's AC is in top condition is paramount. Some visitors might even consider running their car's engine periodically to maintain the cool air, though this is not explicitly stated as a common practice.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit