Bourbon Drive-In

The Bourbon Drive-In is a drive-in movie theater in Paris, Kentucky, United States. According to the theater's own history, it was established in July 1956 and has been managed or owned by the Earlywine family from the beginning. Everett and Helen Earlywine purchased the drive-in in 1974, and Lanny and Patricia Earlywine purchased it in 1994. The business has maintained a family-friendly atmosphere, offering two first-run movies on weekends from spring to late summer or early fall. The drive-in operates as a seasonal, weekend-oriented entertainment venue. Its official website states that it is open for the 2026 season, with weekend screenings and occasional midnight showings for certain movies. Ticket prices listed on the site are $11.00 for adults (11 and older), $5.00 for kids (6-10), and free for children 5 and under. The box office is cash only, while the concession stand accepts cash and credit cards. Guests are asked to bring a working radio and tune in to 88.3 FM for the movie audio. The Bourbon Drive-In positions itself as a nostalgic, community-focused, family-owned business. Its employment page describes working there as a hands-on, team-oriented role that combines classic entertainment with a strong sense of local tradition. The theater also maintains a phone line (859-987-2935) for updates and encourages guests to check the website or call by Tuesday prior to the weekend for showtimes. It stays open in the rain unless conditions become too severe or a power outage occurs. As a small, privately held local business, the Bourbon Drive-In does not have publicly traded stock or a large corporate parent. Its identity is tied to its long history, its family ownership, and its role as a local entertainment landmark in Paris, Kentucky.

The Bourbon Drive-In was established in July 1956 in Paris, Kentucky, United States. From its beginning, the theater has been managed or owned by the Earlywine family. Everett and Helen Earlywine purchased the drive-in in 1974, continuing the family's involvement. In 1994, Lanny and Patricia Earlywine purchased the drive-in, and the business has remained family-owned and operated. Throughout its history, the Bourbon Drive-In has maintained a family-friendly atmosphere, offering two first-run movies on weekends from spring to late summer or early fall. This seasonal, weekend-focused model is typical of many surviving drive-in theaters in the United States. The theater has become a local landmark in Paris, Kentucky, and its official website emphasizes its nostalgic, community-focused character and its long tradition of operation since 1956. As of the 2026 season, the drive-in remains active. Its website provides current information on showings, ticket prices, and policies. The theater continues to operate with a cash-only box office and a concession stand that accepts cash and credit cards. Guests tune in to 88.3 FM for movie audio, a common practice at drive-ins that use FM radio sound transmission. The business also hires seasonal concessions and kitchen help, describing the work as a fun, hands-on role that combines classic entertainment with local tradition.

• 2026

  The drive-in is open for the 2026 season.

• 1994

  Lanny and Patricia Earlywine purchased the drive-in.

• 1974

  Everett and Helen Earlywine purchased the drive-in.

• 1956

  The Bourbon Drive-In was established in July 1956 in Paris, Kentucky.

Nostalgic, community-focused, family-owned drive-in theater offering a classic outdoor movie experience.

• Weekend first-run movie double features

  Two first-run movies shown on weekends from spring to late summer or early fall.

• Midnight showings

  Occasional midnight showings for certain movies.

• Concession stand

  Food and drinks available; accepts cash and credit cards.

1. 1The Bourbon Drive In - Paris, Kentuckythebourbondrivein.com
2. 2Bourbon Drive-In - Wikidatawikidata.org