You’re driving north on Highway 395, the sun is finally dipping behind the Colville Mountain range, and the air starts to get that crisp, pine-scented chill that only Northeast Washington really nails. Then you see it. That massive, looming white screen standing like a sentinel in the middle of a field. If you grew up around here, that sight means one thing: the Auto View Drive-In is open for business. Honestly, in a world where we’re all glued to tiny glowing rectangles in our pockets, there is something deeply grounding about sitting in a lawn chair and watching a movie on a screen the size of a small apartment building.
The Colville drive in theater isn’t just a relic. It’s a survivor.
Most people don't realize how rare these places have become. Back in the 1950s, there were over 4,000 drive-ins scattered across the United States. Today? You’re looking at maybe 300, and that number shrinks almost every year as land prices skyrocket and digital projectors become impossibly expensive to maintain. But the Auto View keeps humming along. It’s one of those rare spots where the Stevens County community actually converges—farmers, teenagers, families with three toddlers in pajamas, and tourists who wandered off the beaten path.
The Reality of Running a Screen in the Digital Age
Let's talk about the tech for a second because it’s actually kind of wild. Back in the day, the projectionist had to wrestle with massive reels of 35mm film. If the film snapped, the crowd honked their horns until you fixed it. Pressure? Huge. Nowadays, the Auto View uses a high-end digital cinema projector. It’s basically a massive computer that costs as much as a nice house in some parts of the country. This transition killed off dozens of small-town theaters that couldn't afford the $75,000+ upgrade required by major studios.
The fact that Colville still has a functioning drive-in is a bit of a miracle of local grit.
Sound has changed, too. Forget those clunky metal speakers that used to hang on your window and scratch your paint. Now, you just tune your car’s FM radio to the station they tell you at the gate. If you’re worried about your car battery dying—which happens more often than you’d think—you can usually borrow or rent a portable radio from the snack bar. Pro tip: bring a portable boombox anyway. It saves your battery and lets you sit outside in the bed of a truck without blasting your car speakers at the neighbors.
Why the Snack Bar is Actually the Star
Look, the movie is great, but everyone knows the real reason you go to the Auto View is the food. It’s classic. It’s greasy. It’s perfect.
🔗 Read more: Shamea Morton and the Real Housewives of Atlanta: What Really Happened to Her Peach
The concession stand is the heart of the operation. While many corporate cinemas charge $15 for a bucket of popcorn that tastes like salted cardboard, the prices here feel like they’re from a different decade. We’re talking about cheeseburgers, hot dogs, and fries that actually taste like they came off a grill, not out of a microwave.
And the popcorn? It’s the real deal.
Most drive-ins actually make their survival money from the snack bar, not the ticket sales. A huge chunk of your ticket price goes straight back to the Hollywood studios. If you want to keep the Colville drive in theater alive for another twenty years, buy the extra large soda. Buy the nachos. It’s the "support local" tax that actually tastes good.
Navigating the Drive-In Etiquette (Don't Be That Person)
If you haven't been to a drive-in lately, there are some unwritten rules you need to know. First, if you have a massive SUV or a truck with a camper shell, don't park in the front row. You’ll get glares. There are designated spots for larger vehicles so you don’t block the view for the person in the low-slung sedan behind you.
Lights are the enemy.
Modern cars are a nightmare for drive-ins because they’re designed to be bright. Daytime running lights, interior dome lights, and those fancy LED screens on the dashboard can ruin the vibe for everyone around you.
💡 You might also like: Who is Really in the Enola Holmes 2 Cast? A Look at the Faces Behind the Mystery
- Bring a few old blankets or towels to drape over your dashboard.
- Learn how to turn off your "automatic" lights before you get there.
- If you’re sitting in the back of your SUV with the hatch open, tie it down with a bungee cord so it doesn't stick up too high.
It’s about being a good neighbor. You're sharing a field with a couple hundred people, and everyone just wants to see the movie in peace.
The Seasonal Struggle: When to Go
The Auto View is a seasonal beast. You aren't catching a flick here in the middle of a Stevens County blizzard. Usually, the season kicks off in late spring—think late April or May—and runs through September or early October, depending on how grumpy the weather gets.
Early season is for the die-hards. You’ll need a heavy sleeping bag and maybe a thermos of hot cocoa. By July, it’s peak season. The sun doesn't set until late, so the first movie often doesn't start until 9:00 PM or later. It’s a late night. If you’re doing the double feature, expect to be driving home at 1:00 AM while the deer are out in full force on the highway.
Be careful on that drive home.
The Economic Impact on Stevens County
It's easy to view the drive-in as just a fun night out, but it’s a legitimate business anchor for Colville. It brings in people from Kettle Falls, Chewelah, and even over the hill from Northport. When people come for the movie, they’re buying gas, maybe hitting a restaurant in town beforehand, or grabbing supplies at the grocery store.
The Colville drive in theater represents a brand of "destination entertainment" that is becoming increasingly rare. In an era where "Main Street" is struggling against online retail, the Auto View is a reason for people to actually show up in person. It creates summer jobs for local kids and maintains a piece of historical Americana that once it's gone, it's gone forever. You can't just "rebuild" a drive-in once the land has been subdivided into a housing development.
📖 Related: Priyanka Chopra Latest Movies: Why Her 2026 Slate Is Riskier Than You Think
Making the Most of Your Trip: A Checklist
If you’re planning a trip to the Auto View, don't just wing it. A little preparation goes a long way in making sure you aren't miserable halfway through the first act.
- The Comfort Kit: Bring more blankets than you think you need. Even in August, the temperature drops fast once the sun goes down.
- The Seating Situation: Lawn chairs are great, but if you have a truck, toss a twin mattress in the back. It sounds extra, but your back will thank you by hour four of a double feature.
- Bug Spray: You’re in a field. In Washington. The mosquitoes will find you.
- Cash: While most places take cards now, it’s always faster (and sometimes preferred) to have cash at the concession stand when the line gets long during intermission.
The Future of the Auto View
What happens next? The industry is at a crossroads. With streaming services releasing movies simultaneously with theaters, the "exclusive" window is shrinking. But you can't stream the experience of a warm summer breeze and the smell of popcorn wafting across a parking lot.
The longevity of the Auto View depends entirely on local turnout. It’s a "use it or lose it" scenario. If the community stops showing up, the screen eventually goes dark. But for now, the lights are on, the projector is humming, and the burgers are on the grill.
Actionable Next Steps for Your Visit
- Check the Schedule Early: The Auto View typically updates their lineup on their official website or Facebook page mid-week. Don't assume they’re playing what the big megaplex in Spokane is playing.
- Arrive at Least 45 Minutes Prior: On big release weekends or holiday stretches, the line can back up onto the highway. Getting there early secures you a central spot and gives you time to hit the snack bar before the lights go down.
- Kill the Electronics: Put the phone away. The screen is 60 feet wide; your phone is 6 inches. Trust me, the movie looks better on the big one.
- Support the Concessions: Again, this is the lifeblood of the theater. If you brought your own snacks, consider buying a large popcorn anyway just to keep the lights on for next season.
- Watch the Weather: A light drizzle won't stop the show, but a heavy windstorm might. If the clouds look threatening, check their social media for cancellation updates before you make the drive.
Enjoy the show. There aren't many places like this left, and having one right here in Colville is a gift.
---