- Gets dark7:24 pm
- Google rating4.8012345678901234567890123456789reviews
- Screens2
- Price$10per adult
- Outside foodNot allowed
- DogsWelcome
- Sit outsideYes
- Opened2018
Doc's Drive-In Theatre in Buda, Texas, just south of Austin, pairs classic drive-in movies with themed tiny-home rentals, an on-site restaurant and bar, and a private swimming hole.
Location
Where is Doc's Drive-In Theater?
Doc's Drive-In Theater is at 1540 Satterwhite Rd, Buda, TX 78610. The entrance is at FM 2001.
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Where to eat nearby
If you would rather eat before the movie than at the counter:
- Tejas Birria
- Sazon Latino
Start time
What time does the movie start at Doc's Drive-In Theater?
What Doc's Drive-In Theater says: The theater says to arrive at least 30 minutes before the movie starts to watch the pre-show and the sunset. It does not say how long the pre-show runs.
In October the sun sets around 7:00 pm and it gets dark around 7:24 pm.
Dark means full dark, about 25 minutes after sunset. It is not a time Doc's Drive-In Theater promises, and some drive-ins start the movie before it. Plan to be parked by sunset.
Here is when it gets dark in each month, from April to October, on the 15th.
| Month | Gets dark |
|---|---|
| April | 8:22 pm |
| May | 8:43 pm |
| June | 9:01 pm |
| July | 9:00 pm |
| August | 8:38 pm |
| September | 8:01 pm |
| October | 7:24 pm |
For more on what time it gets dark and when drive-ins really start their movies, read our start-time guide.
Prices
How much Doc's Drive-In Theater costs
- Adult$10Plus a fee for the car
- Child$6
Amenities
Food, restrooms and rules
- Full kitchen
- You cannot bring your own food
- You can bring your dog
- You can sit outside your car
- Tiny home rentals: themed tiny homes for overnight stays next to the screen
- On-site restaurant: Doc's Diner, full-service dining
- Bar on site
- Private beach with a swimming hole
- Venue rentals: private parties, corporate events, theatre rentals available
- Each car pays a $12 parking slot fee on top of the per-person tickets
Reviews
What visitors say about Doc's Drive-In Theater
From 524 visitor reviews, 4.8 stars.
Underground speakeasy bar is a standout addition
- The new Speakeasy is an amazing addition!
- I dont drink but the underground bar is very cool
- 28+ mentions of the speakeasy in reviews
Tiny home rentals draw repeat overnight guests
- Awesome vrbo there. They have tiny homes for short term rental, harry potter themed
- 6+ mentions of tiny homes
Concession stand service inconsistent
- Cold popcorn and fries, staff wasn't great, no offer to fix it (Apr 2026)
Before you go
Know before you go
- On a busy summer night, get there about 30 minutes early*
- You get a free pass if rain stops the movie
- An underground speakeasy-style bar opened on site and is frequently mentioned in reviews as of 2026
- One April 2026 review flags cold concession food and unresponsive staff on a chilly night; most other reviews call staff and food positive
History
The history of Doc's Drive-In Theater
Owners Chris and Sarah Denny opened Doc's Drive-In Theatre in 2018, inspired by the drive-in heyday of the 1950s and 1960s. The theater sits just outside Austin's city limits in Buda and expanded beyond movies to include themed tiny homes for overnight stays, an on-site restaurant called Doc's Diner, a bar, and a private beach with a swimming hole.
FAQ
Questions about Doc's Drive-In Theater, answered
How many screens does Doc's Drive-In have?
Doc's Drive-In has two screens. Each one shows a different film on the same night, so you choose which screen you want as you pull in and park facing it. Ask at the gate what is playing on each.
What time does the movie start at Doc's Drive-In?
What Doc's Drive-In says: The theater says to arrive at least 30 minutes before the movie starts to watch the pre-show and the sunset. It does not say how long the pre-show runs. In October it gets dark around 7:24 pm. Check with the theater on the day you go.
How much does Doc's Drive-In cost?
Admission to Doc's Drive-In is $10 per adult, $6 per child. Two adults and two children come to $32.
Can I bring my own food to Doc's Drive-In?
Doc's Drive-In does not allow outside food or drink. Everything you eat has to come from the counter, which is how a lot like this one keeps its gate price down. Eat before you go, or plan on buying dinner there.
Are dogs allowed at Doc's Drive-In?
Dogs are welcome at Doc's Drive-In, so there is no sitter to arrange. Keep yours with you at the car, bring water, and clean up afterwards. A nervous dog is worth leaving at home, because car horns and sound carry across a lot.
Nearby
Other drive-in theaters in Texas
- 24 miles awayBlue Starlite Mini UrbanSee this theater
- 28 miles awayStars & Stripes Drive-InSee this theater
- 94 miles awayThe Last Drive-In Picture ShowSee this theater
- 148 miles awayMoonStruck Drive-InSee this theater