Entry No. 65 — the Fort Collins file — filed under: after-dark
Holiday Twin Drive-In
A two-screen drive-in showing double features under the open Colorado sky since 1979, family-owned and still running seven nights a week through the summer. Sound comes through your car's FM radio, and the snack bar grills burgers and pours from a full bar rather than just slinging popcorn. The season stretches into late October, so the back half of the year tips toward sweater-weather double bills.
The story
Out on South Overland Trail, right where Fort Collins breaks against the foothills, the Holiday Twin has been throwing light across two massive screens since 1979. While drive-ins across the country were demolished for strip malls and apartment complexes, this family-owned lot held its ground, preserving one of the Front Range's few remaining outdoor two-screen layouts.
The setup holds fast to simple, working-class mechanics: audio streams directly through your car's FM receiver, and admission buys you both halves of a proper double feature. Instead of relying solely on stale popcorn and boxed candy, the central concession building operates a full kitchen grilling hot burgers alongside a full bar pouring drinks for adults staying through the late show. The season stretches deep into October, shifting the experience from balmy summer nights into crisp, sweater-weather screenings under open Colorado skies.
What it's like
Arrive early before sunset to stake out a spot, back your tailgate toward the screen, and pile the back with blankets. You'll tune your car radio to the frequency posted for your screen, though bringing a portable FM radio is the smart move if you want to avoid draining your vehicle battery during a four-hour double feature. Grab your food and drinks from the snack bar before the lights down, then settle in for the long haul.
The move: Back the car in, pile the seats with blankets, tune the radio to the broadcast frequency, and stay for both halves of the double feature.
📍 Before you go Seasonal: open nightly in summer, weekends in shoulder season, through late October; closed in deep winter.
- 📍 Fort Collins (Overland Trail / west side)
- 💸 $
- ⚡ Low-key
- 🌗 Outdoors
Where: 2206 S Overland Trail, Fort Collins, CO 80526
Hours: Added 2026-06-23 — confirm current hours before you go.
⚠ Seasonal or scheduled — always check before you go.
Pair it with
- Flingin Pots — Get your hands dirty at an adult wheel-throwing pottery session before driving west to Overland Trail for the night show.
- The Haunted Game Cafe — Kill an afternoon playing board games on South College Avenue before heading out west to park before dusk.
- Sunlight Peak Observatory (FRCC Larimer Campus) — Trade projected film light for telescope views of the stars at the nearby community college observatory on public viewing nights.
Good to know
How do you hear the movie audio?
Sound is broadcast directly over a low-power FM radio frequency. You tune your car stereo or a portable FM radio to the station assigned to your specific screen.
When is the drive-in open during the year?
The season runs nightly through peak summer, then scales back to weekend-only operations during the spring and autumn shoulder seasons before closing for winter in late October.
Can you buy food and alcohol on-site?
Yes, the snack bar serves standard movie snacks along with grilled burgers and drinks from an on-site full bar.
Does admission include both movies?
Yes, your ticket covers the full double feature playing on your designated screen for the night.
Plan a visit & invite your people →
Further reading: Official site · aol.com · uncovercolorado.com · visitftcollins.com · Reddit
last checked: 2026-06-23