There was a time when a night at the movies meant piling into the family car, grabbing a big bucket of popcorn, and watching the silver screen light up under the stars. That time is coming back in a big way with the opening of Bayou Cove Drive-In—a passion project from local entertainment veteran Mike White and his family.
It all started with a simple conversation. Mike, always an entrepreneur at heart, asked his girlfriend, Melissa Sims, what kind of business they could start together. Her answer? A drive-in movie theater. And just like that, the spark was lit.
A Family Affair with a Nostalgic Twist
Set to open in May of 2025, Bayou Cove Drive-In isn’t just another theater—it’s a full-blown experience. With two massive screens (55 ft. by 30 ft.), the drive-in will cater to all kinds of movie lovers. One screen will feature family-friendly PG movies, while the other will show PG-13 and R-rated films for the older crowd. And forget tinny old speakers—each screen will have its own FM transmitter so you can hear the action from the comfort of your car. By the way, the movies you'll be watching at Bayou Cove Drive-In are First Run movies, meaning, top-tier and current.
Mike and his family are bringing back all the best parts of classic drive-ins. Arrive early to let the kids burn off energy on the playground, then settle in with some snacks from the fully stocked concession stand—we’re talking hamburgers, hot dogs, popcorn, and those must-have slushies. Oh, and here’s a treat for the true nostalgics: a classic cartoon will play 20 minutes before each movie starts.
Located 2.5 miles east of Milhaven Rd. On Hwy 80 East, Monroe, LA!
More Than Just Movies
Bayou Cove Drive-In isn’t just about watching films—it’s about creating memories. That’s why they’ll also be hosting special events like classic car nights and a July 5th music festival featuring 10 bands. With a car hop service option bringing snacks right to your window and security on-site to ensure a safe, family-friendly environment, this place is set to become a community favorite.
At this time, they plan on being open six days per week, and on weekends there will be 3 movies shown on each screen with the 3rd movie being a Midnight Madness special!
Tickets will be priced at around $10-12 per person, making it an affordable night out for families, couples, and movie buffs alike. And with staggered start times to keep traffic flowing smoothly, it’s clear that Mike and his crew have thought of everything.
So, mark your calendars, shine up the old car, and get ready for a summer of movie magic at Bayou Cove Drive-In—where the popcorn’s fresh, the stars are bright, and the good times never go out of style.
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