Relive the Magic of the Silver Screen at the Butte-Silver Bow Drive-In

We kicked off our adventure in Bozeman, Montana, making the short drive over to Butte, America, for an evening steeped in nostalgia. If you didn’t know, Butte is home to the only authentic Drive-In theatre remaining in Montana. In hopes of having the full drive-in movie experience, we loaded up the pickup truck ready for the perfect evening under a big Montana sky.

A Stop at Bonanza Freeze: A Butte Staple

Before heading to the drive-in, we stopped by the Bonanza Freeze, a beloved Butte institution since 1947. This classic walk-up diner offers everything from burgers and hot dogs to fish and chips, alongside a variety of sides, and ice cream treats. We couldn’t resist wrapping up our meal with a delicious banana split to share—a perfect prelude to our evening.

The Butte-Silver Bow Drive-In Experience

After the delicious meal, we headed out to the drive-in theatre, located less than 15 minutes from the center of town. We settled into the back of the pickup, equipped with camp chairs and blankets, ready for the magical night ahead. A quick trip to the concession stand for soda and popcorn completed our setup.

To our delight, the drive-in rents out retrofitted speakers for just $5, a nod to the classic speakers that used to hang from posts at each parking space. These little touches add to the sentimental charm of the theater.

The Butte Silver Bow Drive-In features twin theaters with two showings nightly, running Friday through Tuesday throughout the summer. We watched “Deadpool & Wolverine,” a hit at the box office, and well worth the trip!

History of the Butte-Silver Bow Drive-In

There’s something magical about watching a movie under the stars. The Butte-Silver Bow Drive-In offers a unique experience that blends modern technology with nostalgic charm. The theater is the only authentic drive-in left in Montana, excluding pop-ups, and has a rich history dating back to its opening in 1977 by Mark and Holly Hansen. The concessions building, moved from a drive-in near Deer Lodge, adds a neat regional touch that reminds us that Montana truly is just one big small town.

The Hansen family has an incredible tie to the theatre industry in Montana. It’s one that I hope to explore further on the blog, but for now a quick taste:

• Mark’s grandfather opened the Rialto Theatre in Deer Lodge in May of 1921.
• Keeping the tradition alive, Mark’s father ran the Fox Theatre in Butte (today that’s the Mother Lode Theatre located in Uptown).
• Mark and Holly met working at the Plaza Theatre in the 70s.
• The couple opened the Silver Bow Drive-In in 1977 with a single screen after moving the concession building and tower from the old Deer Lodge drive-in.
• Finding success at the drive-in, the family was able to add a second tower and screen around 1980. It’s been a family affair ever since with the kids growing up in the business.
• Today the theatre can handle about 175 cars on one side and 160 on the other.

Tips for First-Time Visitors

• Bring Lawn Chairs and Blankets: Comfort is key, especially if you plan to watch from the back of a truck or behind your vehicle.
• Food Options: You can bring your own food for a $5 fee, but the concessions stand offers plenty of great options with popcorn, soda, candy and pizza!
• Radio: Essential if you’re not sitting directly in your car. Renting a speaker from the theatre is an option.
• Arrive Early: Even on a Monday night, the drive-in can be busy. Early arrival ensures you get a good spot and have plenty of time to get comfortable.
• Plan for Late Start Times: Montana summers mean it doesn’t get dark until later in the evening. Movies usually start around 9:30 PM, so consider spending the night in Butte or nearby Anaconda if you aren’t a night-owl.

Our evening at the Butte-Silver Bow Drive-In was a delightful trip down memory lane. The combination of the drive-in movie, the delicious food from Bonanza Freeze, and the warm,welcoming atmosphere made for an unforgettable experience. If you’re looking for a unique night out, the Butte-Silver Bow Drive-In is the place to be.

Frequently Asked Question of the Silver Bow Drive-In

What do I need to bring? Comfortable seating, blankets, and a radio if you’re not staying in your car.

Can I bring my own food? Yes, but there’s a $5 fee. The concessions stand also offers a variety of tasty options – popcorn, soda, candy and pizza.

Do I need to have a radio? Yes, if you’re not planning to sit directly in your car. It is an option to rent retro-fitted speakers at the drive-in.

How much do tickets cost? For the 2024 season movie tickets run $7 each. The theatre is CASH ONLY make sure to plan accordingly! Check the Butte-Silver Bow Drive-In Website for current pricing.

Are concessions expensive? Concessions are reasonably priced, with classic options like popcorn, candy, and soda.

Where is the Silver Bow Twin Drive-In located? The theatre is about a 10 minute drive from Butte. Follow 1-90 west, splitting off toward Dillon and Idaho Falls at exit 121 to I-15. From there, you’ll take exit 119.

For more on what to do in Butte, check out our blog post “A Weekend in Butte, Montana”, the Visit Butte website, and don’t forget to stop by Bonanza Freeze for a true taste of local flavor!