- Gets dark6:32 pmGates open 6:00 PM
- Google rating4.7012345678901234567890123456789reviews
- Screens1
- Price$10per adult
- DogsOn a leash*
- Sit outsideYes*
- Car spots635
The Sparta Drive-In sits on Roberts-Matthews Highway less than ten miles from Exit 288 off I-40, with one screen and a long list of house rules that tell you exactly how the night runs. Cars take the first three rows and anything taller parks from the fourth row back, so a truck or SUV never blocks the view.
The concession stand runs a full grill, burgers, chili dogs, loaded nachos and taco fries alongside popcorn, ice cream and snow cones, and it takes cash or Visa, MasterCard and Discover, but no checks. Radios rent for $5, leashed pets are welcome on the lot, and the grass area under the screen is open for kids to play until the lights go down.
Location
Where is Sparta Drive-In Theater?
Sparta Drive-In Theater is at 220 Roberts Matthews Hwy, Sparta, TN 38583. The entrance is at North Spring Street. The closest highway is TN-111. Landmarks: The TN-111 and US-70 (West Bockman Way) interchange, just south of the theater.
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Where to eat nearby
If you would rather eat before the movie than at the counter:
- Rise and Shine Cafe
- Frank's Bar and Grill
Start time
What time does the movie start at Sparta Drive-In Theater?
What Sparta Drive-In Theater says: The theater says the show starts at dusk.
In October the sun sets around 6:06 pm and it gets dark around 6:32 pm.
Dark means full dark, about 25 minutes after sunset. It is not a time Sparta 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 |
|---|---|
| March | 7:14 pm |
| April | 7:41 pm |
| May | 8:08 pm |
| June | 8:30 pm |
| July | 8:28 pm |
| August | 7:59 pm |
| September | 7:15 pm |
| October | 6:32 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 Sparta Drive-In Theater costs
- Adult$10
- Child$5Ages 4-11
- Under 4FreeKids 3 and under
Amenities
Food, restrooms and rules
- Radios to rent: $5.00
- Full kitchen
- Restrooms in a building
- Playground
- You can bring your dog, on a leash
- You can sit outside your car
- Pets are not allowed on the playground or around the concession area, and are walked to the back of the lot to potty
- No bicycles, skateboards, laser pointers or fireworks
- No pop-up tents or canopies, because they block other guests' view of the screen
- No headlights, parking lights, interior lights or neon lighting while the movie is showing
- The speed limit on the lot is 5 MPH
- The grass area in front of the screen is open for play, and kids' play pauses while the movie runs
- Nobody may watch from a rooftop or hood
- Also here: playground
Reviews
What visitors say about Sparta Drive-In Theater
From 513 visitor reviews, 4.7 stars.
The play area under the screen
- Google's topic tags pick out the play area in 5 of the venue's 516 reviews, the most-mentioned feature after the movie itself.
- It matches the rules page, which keeps the grass under the screen open for kids until the lights go down.
An old-time drive-in feel
- Google's topic tags pick out an older-days feel in 4 of 516 reviews.
- The five newest reviews, from July to September 2026, include three five-star and one four-star rating that call it a good place for families and for movies.
Before you go
Know before you go
- The box office opens 6:00 PM
- No re-admission on the same ticket. Patrons who leave and return are charged full admission again, except in an emergency, when you stop by the ticket booth or see management.
- Walk to the concession stand and restrooms. Driving there is allowed only for handicapped guests.
- Leave by the exit to the right of the screen when the movie ends.
- Keep your ticket stub with you all night. Staff can ask for it, and without it you are asked to leave with no refund.
- Bring cash or a Visa, MasterCard or Discover card for tickets and the stand. Checks are not accepted.
History
The history of Sparta Drive-In Theater
Believed to have been part of the Blue Moon Drive-In chain, now operated independently though its website still links to the remaining Blue Moon Drive-Ins. Opened prior to 1956.
FAQ
Questions about Sparta Drive-In Theater, answered
How many screens does Sparta Drive-In have?
Sparta 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.
Can I rent a radio at Sparta Drive-In?
Sparta Drive-In rents radios at the counter: $5.00. It is worth one if you plan to sit outside the car, or if running your stereo for four hours would flatten your battery. They go quickly on a busy night, so ask when you arrive rather than at the interval.
What time does the movie start at Sparta Drive-In?
What Sparta Drive-In says: The theater says the show starts at dusk. In October it gets dark around 6:32 pm. Check with the theater on the day you go.
How much does Sparta Drive-In cost?
Admission to Sparta Drive-In is $10 per adult, $5 per child 4-11. Two adults and two children come to $30. Children 3 and under get in free.
Are dogs allowed at Sparta Drive-In?
Dogs are welcome at Sparta 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 Tennessee
- 39 miles awayStardust Drive-InSee this theater
- 52 miles awayMacon Drive-InSee this theater
- 59 miles awayMontana Drive-InSee this theater
- 66 miles awaySwingin' Midway Drive-InSee this theater