Popular NC Drive-In to reopen after devastating May storms

BELMONT, N.C. (WJZY) — The Belmont Drive-In is scheduled to reopen several weeks after their property was severely damaged in devastating storms earlier this month.

“Well, you’ve heard it here first folks. The stars aligned, prayers were answered, and with all the love and support along the way, the Belmont Drive-In Theatre will be reopened next weekend, June 7 and 8,” the popular location announced on social media this week.

Their first feature will include “The Lion King” and the second feature will be “The Mummy”. Gates will open at 6 p.m. The entire facility is cash only, organizers said. There is no ATM on site.

Admission is $25 per carload. Organizers said the screen turns on around 8:45 p.m.

“We are so blessed to see more nights under the stars with you and your families!” the venue shared this week. “Don’t forget to come hungry and support our concessions!”

After being closed, the local drive-in opened this year for a full season of film for the first time since 2014. Last month, severe weather had other plans for the popular venue.

Heavy rain and strong winds knocked out power for thousands across the Carolinas and moved in, fast and furious, to the Belmont Drive-In Theater’s backyard.

Video captured by Queen City News showed the devastating damage. Sections of the theater’s screen were torn and ripped off from the passing severe weather.

Parts of the movie screen could be seen scattered around their field.

History of Belmont Drive-In Theater

The Pentecost family’s history dates back to when their parents and grandparents Bill and Peggy Lawing worked at and eventually bought the theater in the 1980s.

Their kids had to close the theater down in 2014 due to the rising costs of operations and the industry-changing addition of digital projectors.

In 2023, however, nine years after its closure, the Pentecost family reopened the drive-in for a soft opener which lasted three months.

“It was our way to get our feet wet,” explained Casey Pentecost.

She runs the operations along with the rest of her family and said the three months was a validation they needed to make major movements to fully restore this family heirloom.