The Story of the Twin Drive-In Theater

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After nearly 60 years of entertaining visitors, the Twin Drive-In Theater in Independence has permanently closed.

The closure is reportedly due to the property’s landlord increasing rent by 350%, per a report from KCUR.

Originally opened in 1965, the Twin Drive-In entertained countless visitors under the stars for six decades. The iconic theatre featured two outdoor screens with a capacity of 1,400 cars. Audio was provided via FM radio broadcast.

During COVID, drive-ins were among the few entertainment venues that could remain open and experienced a surge in popularity.

Movies scheduled for the theater's final weekend on November 15-17 included Goonies, Jurassic Park, Elf, and National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation. Over 1,600 cars packed the drive-in for the final weekend.

The closure leaves Kansas City with only one remaining drive-in theater: the Boulevard Drive-In, located between I-35 and Merriam Lane in KCK, which plans to open in 2025 for it's 75th season.

KSHB video: B&B Twin Drive-In prepares to close

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Read more: KCUR // KMBC // KCTV // Cinema Treasures​

Did you know - you can buy these vintage posters from KC Yesterday and give them as gifts this holiday season? Don't buy them yet, though... they'll be on sale next week for Black Friday 😉

What other historic locations would you like to see in a vintage poster? Reply and let me know!

This Week in the KC Yesterday Scavenger Hunt

Mainstreet Theater

With a French-inspired design and a 3,200-seat capacity, the Mainstreet Theater held the title of Kansas City’s largest theater until the nearby Midland Theatre opened in 1927.

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Gem Theater

Built over 112 years ago as a silent movie house in 1912, the Gem Theater has persevered and witnessed over a century of change in the historic 18th & Vine District.

This Week's Featured Home

116 E 46th St, Kansas City, MO 64111​
Built in 1910 · $3,500,000
Listing/Photos Courtesy - Zach Fowle // Clemons Real Estate

Southmoreland, a 14-room boutique hotel in a historic mansion, offers self-service accommodations near Kansas City's top attractions. Perfect for business travelers, getaways, or corporate retreats, guests can rent individual suites or book the entire house. Renovated in 2020, the property has seen steady growth as Kansas City's hotel industry rebounds.

Located within walking distance of the Country Club Plaza, Westport, Nelson-Atkins Museum, and more.

Thanks for reading, Reader!

Did you see any movies at the Twin Drive-In? What are your favorite memories? Reply and let me know!

-Joe

ps: In the early 1960s, this stretch of 12th Street was buzzing with activity in downtown KC. Today? Not so much...

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