THE ADVENTURE COLLECTIVE® · Independent discovery and booking for outdoor travel
Catch a family-friendly double feature under the stars at the drive-in on 228 Stafford Rd in Mansfield Center, CT. FM audio, concessions, and a playground make it an easy, classic night out for locals and visitors alike.
Catch a family-friendly double feature under the stars at the drive-in on 228 Stafford Rd in Mansfield Center, CT. FM audio, concessions, and a playground make it an easy, classic night out for locals and visitors alike.
Book with Mansfield Drive-In Theatre
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Mansfield Drive-In Theatre · Mansfield, Connecticut
The double feature 'Moana THEN Toy Story 5' plays under the open sky at the drive-in located at 228 Stafford Rd, Mansfield Center, CT 06250, a short drive from downtown Mansfield and the University of Connecticut in nearby Storrs. This is old-school cinema with a modern sensibility: two family-friendly films back-to-back, FM radio audio, a concession stand, restrooms, and a playground that keeps kids moving between showtimes. Bring your tickets on your phone or print them; box office staff will guide you to parking and show rules when you arrive. Arriving at dusk, headlights off and radios tuned, you’ll notice the familiar ritual of cars pulling into assigned spots marked by yellow poles for taller vehicles. The screen looms across a level field rimmed by mixed hardwoods—oak and maple—that frame the lot and soak up late-day light. Sound is broadcast via FM, so test your car radio or bring a small, battery-powered transmitter if you plan to sit outside your vehicle. Concessions sell classics: popcorn, candy, and drinks; cash and card are accepted. The double feature is ideal for families and groups who want a relaxed, retro night without sacrificing comfort. Tickets admit one person per purchase except on Carload Wednesdays, when a single ticket covers an entire car. Restrooms and a playground on property make it easy to keep younger guests happy between films. Rules are straightforward: headlights must be off during screenings, and vehicles over five feet must park at designated yellow poles. Beyond the movies, the drive-in sits in a slice of eastern Connecticut that blends small-town character with outdoor access. Stop in Storrs for a quick walk on campus trails before the show, or extend into Mansfield Hollow State Park for kayaking by day. The drive-in’s seasonal schedule and family-friendly programming mean it’s a summer staple and a mellow step into classic Americana for visitors to the region. Practical tips: buy tickets online to secure a spot, arrive early for preferred parking, and bring layered blankets—nights can cool quickly even after warm days. The experience is less about high-tech spectacle and more about stacking simple pleasures: a warm bag of popcorn, a clear night sky, and two beloved films shared with friends and family. For visitors staying in Mansfield or nearby Storrs, this double feature is a neighborhood evening with a cinematic skyline—an easy, memorable outing that pairs local charm with timeless entertainment. Check in at the box office when you arrive; attendants will scan tickets and direct you to parking, restrooms, and the playground. Plan a short intermission between films to stretch legs or grab concessions. The staff keeps the pace relaxed so the movies remain the night’s main event and memories last long afterward.
easy.
2–4 hours.
Minimal physical exertion; suitable for most ages and fitness levels
Check in at the box office at 228 Stafford Rd where attendants will scan tickets and direct you to parking.
Sound is broadcast via FM radio—tune your car radio to the station announced at check-in.
Tickets are per person except on Carload Wednesdays, when one ticket admits an entire car of people.
Yes—many guests sit outside with chairs, but you must still follow parking placement and FM audio requirements.
Yes, restrooms are available on the property.
All vehicles over five feet must park at the designated yellow poles; follow attendant directions for safety.
Drive-in theaters became a popular American pastime in the mid-20th century; this venue continues that local tradition of outdoor film nights.
Please pack out trash, choose reusable containers when possible, and avoid idling vehicles to minimize light and noise pollution.
Mansfield Drive-In Theatre is a drive-in movie theater located in Mansfield, Connecticut. It operates outdoor, ticketed double-feature film screenings on a large outdoor screen where attendees watch from their vehicles or nearby seating. The venue programs a rotating schedule of popular and classic films, including family-oriented holiday features and action-packed double bills. Current offerings include themed double features such as The Fantastic Four: First Steps THEN The Materialists; Superman THEN F1; Jaws (50th Anniversary!!) THEN Nobody 2; Freakier Friday THEN The Fantastic Four: First Steps; plus single-title events like The Polar Express and National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation. Each screening is presented as a curated pairing or standalone holiday presentation to suit diverse audiences. Mansfield Drive-In Theatre focuses on delivering an accessible outdoor cinema experience with clear ticketing information, scheduled showtimes, and on-site amenities appropriate for drive-in operations. The theater follows local regulations and community standards for public gatherings and film exhibition. Audience members are encouraged to purchase tickets in advance and consult showtime listings for film ratings, start times, and double-feature formats. The venue appeals to families, couples, and groups seeking nostalgic and socially distanced entertainment. Mansfield Drive-In Theatre maintains an active schedule of seasonal special events and holiday screenings, providing an outdoor alternative to indoor cinemas. For visitors planning a trip, the theater’s public listings and show descriptions offer concise details about each double-feature program and individual film content. Additional information on parking, concessions, and accessibility is available through the theater's official schedule and ticketing channels. Check showtimes online.
Book with Mansfield Drive-In Theatre