- Gets dark7:34 pmGates open 6:30 PM*
- Google rating4.801234567890123456789reviews
- Screens1
- Price$8per adult
- Outside foodNot allowed
- DogsOn a leash
- Sit outsideYes*
- FM88.7 FM
- Car spots300
- This week's moviesOn own websiteWeekly, one event post per weekend lineup linking to the site's now-showing page
- Opened1955
The Sandell Drive In sits at the northwest edge of Clarendon on Highway 70, in the Texas panhandle, and has been showing movies from the same spot since 1955. One screen, Friday and Saturday nights plus special events through the summer of 2026, with the gate and the grill both opening at 6:30 PM and the movie starting at dusk.
Admission is $8 a person, children 2 and under get in free, and the venue takes cash or card. Sound comes over 88.7 FM or the theater's own outdoor speakers. The concession stand is a real part of the night here: burgers, brisket sandwiches, Frito pies and homemade chili, and reviewers mention the food about as often as they mention the movies.
Location
Where is Sandell Drive-In Theater?
Sandell Drive-In Theater is at 12 Medical Drive, Clarendon, TX 79226. The entrance is at US-287. The closest highway is Highway 70.
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Where to eat nearby
If you would rather eat before the movie than at the counter:
- Sonic Drive-In
Start time
What time does the movie start at Sandell Drive-In Theater?
What Sandell Drive-In Theater says: The theater posted a first movie around 9:30 pm on July 25, 2026. Full dark that night was 9:20 pm, so the movie started about 10 minutes after dark.
In October the sun sets around 7:09 pm and it gets dark around 7:34 pm.
Dark means full dark, about 25 minutes after sunset. It is not a time Sandell 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 May to August, on the 15th.
| Month | Gets dark |
|---|---|
| May | 9:07 pm |
| June | 9:28 pm |
| July | 9:26 pm |
| August | 8:59 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 Sandell Drive-In Theater costs
- Adult$8
- Under 3FreeKids 2 and under
Amenities
Food, restrooms and rules
- Snack bar
- You cannot bring your own food
- Restrooms in a building
- You can bring your dog, on a leash
- You can sit outside your car
- Regular movie nights ban outside food/drink, but special events (concerts, faith nights) explicitly allow outside coolers, lawn chairs and picnics
- 88.7 FM broadcast or the venue's own outdoor speaker system, either can be used
- Pets: leashed pets welcome, owners asked to clean up after them
Showtimes
What's playing at Sandell Drive-In Theater this week
Sandell Drive-In posts this week's movies and start times on its own website, usually weekly, one event post per weekend lineup linking to the site's now-showing page. Check there for tonight's show.
Reviews
What visitors say about Sandell Drive-In Theater
From 78 visitor reviews, 4.8 stars.
Friendly, welcoming staff
- Eight or more reviewers describe the staff as friendly and welcoming.
Burgers and the snack bar get praised
- Nine or more reviewers single out the burgers and the concession food.
Before you go
Know before you go
- The box office opens 6:30 PM*
- The gate and the grill both open at 6:30 PM, and the venue asks people to come early to get a good spot and eat before the show.
- Turn your headlights off during the movie, which the venue asks for by name in its event listings.
History
The history of Sandell Drive-In Theater
Built by Gary Barnhill and named after his daughters Sandra and Adele, the Sandell opened September 8, 1955 with "Elephant Walk," holding its formal grand opening September 11, 1955 with "Shane." It closed in 1984.
Clarendon resident John Earl Morrow, who had visited the drive-in as a boy, bought the property and reopened it in August 2002. It is run by Morrow and community volunteers.
FAQ
Questions about Sandell Drive-In Theater, answered
How many screens does Sandell Drive-In have?
Sandell Drive-In has one screen. Everybody on the lot watches the same film, so there is nothing to choose when you arrive. Park where you like, tune your radio and wait for the light to go.
What FM frequency does Sandell Drive-In use?
Sandell Drive-In broadcasts its soundtrack on 88.7 FM. The audio comes through your own car stereo rather than a speaker on a post. If your car cannot run its radio with the engine off, bring a portable one.
What time does the movie start at Sandell Drive-In?
What Sandell Drive-In says: The theater posted a first movie around 9:30 pm on July 25, 2026. Full dark that night was 9:20 pm, so the movie started about 10 minutes after dark. In October it gets dark around 7:34 pm. Check with the theater on the day you go.
When is Sandell Drive-In open?
For the 2026 season, Sandell Drive-In is open from May to August, on Friday and Saturday nights. It closes for the winter and reopens in the spring, so a trip outside those months is not possible.
How much does Sandell Drive-In cost?
Admission to Sandell Drive-In is $8 per adult. Two of you come to $16. Children 2 and under get in free.
Can I bring my own food to Sandell Drive-In?
Sandell 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 Sandell Drive-In?
Dogs are welcome at Sandell Drive-In as long as the leash stays on. Keep it short near other cars, bring water, and clean up afterwards. A nervous dog is worth leaving at home, because sound carries across a lot.
Nearby
Other drive-in theaters in Texas
- 56 miles awayTascosa Drive-InSee this theater
- 108 miles awayStars & Stripes Drive-InSee this theater