The Midway Drive-In opened in 1950 in Sterling and has been in continuous operation ever since. The Midway Drive-In is a genuine historical landmark as it is home to the oldest standing drive-in screen in Illinois. The owners are dedicated to preserving this Dixon and Sterling historical landmark and paying tribute to the American tradition of the drive-in theatre.
The Midway is a beautiful drive-in. From the classic retro “spaceship” ticket booth, to the full-service concession stand, a trip to the Midway is like entering a time capsule to the 1950s.
The spacious Midway Drive-In parking lot can hold up to 500 cars. The Midway screen is a giant 90 feet across, giving a massive film presentation. After dusk, the stars can clearly be seen, and depending on the weather, major star constellations (such as the Big Dipper) may be visible. There is nothing more beautiful than watching a film under the stars.
THE COMPLETE NOSTALGIC AMERICAN DRIVE-IN EXPERIENCE RECREATED AT THE MIDWAY
The Midway Drive-In strives to re-create the majesty and charm of the classic Drive-In era. Classic oldies tunes will play prior to the start of the film. The film presentation will start with the National Anthem, which will play on film. We ask that everyone who is able to please stand for the Anthem. Classic coming attractions, short subjects, cartoons, and nostalgic drive-in announcements will play before the start of the first feature. At intermission, the classic animated “Dancing Hot Dog” short and other nostalgic vintage concession ads will play.
SOUND
One thing has changed at the Midway, and that is the sound format. Gone are the old “in car” speakers. Now the sound is transmitted to your car via FM stereo. Just tune your car or portable radio to 91.3 FM and you will receive the sound in dynamic FM stereo!
THE MIDWAY DINER
For all your dining and snacking pleasure!
The Midway Diner has a classic self serve drive-in design and offers a full restaurant menu including Hamburgers, Cheeseburgers, Hot Dogs, Corn Dogs, Nachos, Candy, Ice Cream, French Fries, Onion Rings, Fried Cheese Sticks, Pizza, Cotton Candy, a wide variety of Soda, and of course, Popcorn! Just grab a tray and serve yourself! The friendly staff will be more than happy to assist you.
You can have a seat in one of our classic restaurant booths or “carry out” your Midway Diner meals or snacks to our patio or back to your car.
SUPPORT THE MIDWAY DRIVE-IN BY VISITING THE MIDWAY DINER
The film studios take the majority of the money you pay for each admission ticket. Thus, a drive-in is a restaurant which shows movies. Your food purchases at the diner are the main support for this drive-in.
FILMS AT THE MIDWAY
The Midway Drive-In will present popular first-run films. There will always be a double feature. In addition, they continue the American drive-in tradition of dusk to dawn showings of classic films, and also presents special events and film festivals. “Classic” nights of your favorite films of the past will also be featured.