Highway 18 Outdoor Theatre

One of the few things left to do in Jefferson County. It’s loads of fun, especially when you have family. I absolutely love their funnel cake fries and also their Mac N Cheese bites. They also have lovely staff and an awesome owner!

I have been here twice this year once to see Minnions/​Jurrasic World and also Inside Out/​Ant Man. The movie part I would probably give 5 stars or close to it, the picture is digital and the sound is real good as well. I actually prefer going to the drive in with my two young kids here than a theater like Marcus because we don’t have to worry about them bothering others around them if they talk or walk/​jump around.
The problem is the concessions. My issue isn’t not being allowed to bring in stuff as that is the rule at any movie theater. My issue is the long lines and slow service and nobody really seeming to care that they are so slow. I understand that they make money on concession but if they were faster they would make even more money and please their customers in the process. Also, they don’t allow you to bring in water and after about ten minutes of the second movie starting they close concession so I can’t even get refills on my soda and water that I bought. Basically they need a complete overhaul of their concession area. The owner was forward thinking in going digital before others that went out of business now he needs to correct a common complain of his customers.

I love drive-​in theaters and really wanted to give this place 5 stars but the concession stand is horrible and the owner’s attitude about it is really poor.
First the good; the picture quality, for an outdoor movie is excellent and the sound is great. You can either tune in on your radio or they have a number of «old-​school» speaker systems if you want to go that route. The staff, that I met, were very nice, and helped us after the movie when my car battery had died. We had problems jumping it and they gave us a hand. The lot is huge but there just about all the spots have a good view. They also request that if you are keeping the back of your van open then you need to tie it so it stays level with the roof of your van. They provided string if you had forgotten to bring your own.
But, what really killed it was the concession stand. They have only 2 lines, 1 for fried food and things cooked to order, the other, called the «express» line was only for snacks such as popcorn, candy, soda, etc. Each line ends with only 1 cashier. Needless to say, the express line is not express. I waited almost 1 hour to make my way to the head of the line. Luckily we had arrived very early, and was hoping to play with my daughter before the movie, but I spent the entire time waiting in line. There were people that probably missed the entire first half of the movie. I spoke to one of their «security» staff members about this and he apologized but couldn’t do anything about it. I also asked him about the draconian rules about no outside food being brought in and he said that yes, they are super strict about it and will either confiscate your outside food or make you leave. He also said that the concession issue is an ongoing one but nothing has been done about it.
I did email the owner and expressed my disappoinment in how the concessions were run and that I’d much rather help support his business and buy food there but he makes it very difficult by not doing something about the slow lines. He responded and basically said «too bad.» it was his place, his rules and if I didn’t like it was my problem, but he would continue to strictly enforce his policy.
I understand that theaters really rely on concessions to make any money as the film distributors take such a huge chunk of the ticket sales, but the guy really needs to come up with a better way to run his concessions.
I’d love to say that I’ll be back as I loved the atmosphere and the quality of the movies, but if the owner doesn’t want to do anything about the poorly designed concession stand I can’t say that I’ll be back. It’s an hour drive for us to go there and there are at least 2 other outdoor theaters, that same driving distance, that we can go to.

I tried writing this earlier tonight but added an extra o in my e-​mail address so it didn’t accept it. We’ve been here at least 3 or 4 times a season. Up until this past Saturday night, I probably would have given it at least 3 stars. I do understand the no carry-​in policy although I do wish the lines at the concession stand moved quicker. I have been frustrated with the guys out in the lot running around with their flashlights — but I deal with it and still would have given them a decent rating.
This past Saturday we had our annual Nephews’ Weekend and my nephew’s kids had never been to a drive-​in. We included his daughter and my girls too so my sister and I took 8 kids to see Inside Out and Ant Man. While we were in the incredibly long line at the concession stand, one of my boys went to the bathroom. We were in line between the men and women’s bathrooms. I turned to tell my son to find us when he was done and as he opened the door, I saw a man peeing in the urinal. I was stunned.
I said something to 2 of the employees at the concession stand and was told «That’s just the way the bathroom was built». I repeated that I saw a man using the urinal and it could just as easily have been one of the girls that saw this. They said «The building is old and that’s just the way it is».
When I came back to pick up the pizzas, the doors to that hallway were gated and locked but I’ve seen them like that before. I think it’s something they do when the 2^nd feature starts. I don’t believe it was done because I complained.
I thought I would go back once the problem was resolved, but now that I think about it, I don’t want to give my money to someone who has no respect for his customers. The employees were too nonchalant to not know about this. They did not act surprised. I do not believe I’m the 1^st person to say something. This appalls me. I will not/​cannot support this business. I’m all for free enterprise and making money but to be so cheap that you would let this happen and not do anything to fix the problem should shame you.

Highway 18 has some great movies and you can sit in your car and relax. Come to Highway 18 for all of your movies, it is an experience like no other.

Clean, well-​run place that is a fun place to catch a double feature. The food options are substantial and on weekends the lounge building serves a tasty home-​brewed beer along with other adult beverages. It is a dog friendly venue and our dog watches the cartoon before curling up in the back seat. Worth the trip at least once a year.

My gosh, have most of these reviewers never been to a drive-​in theatre besides this one?! It’s like all these people were in awe because it was their first time seeing a screen outside. Yeah, that’s what a drive-​in theater has… That shouldn’t justify an automatic 5 star rating. My experience was kind of a bummer.
The main reason why this place doesn’t get a positive review from me is that their concession stand is horrible. Now, hear me out. There are literally only TWO cashiers at the concession stand. There are like maybe 6 people in the back making food. This makes the lines move terribly slow. Maybe it’s not the employees’ fault, but it’s a huge problem nonetheless. The owner has got to think «I run a drive-​in theatre. There will be some families with 8 people in one mini-​van wanting to watch these movies, and there’s a whole parking lot of huge vehicles. Maybe we should have a big concession stand!» But the owner is oblivious to that whole issue, I guess. Because the lines moved so slowly, I missed the entire FIRST HALF of the first movie! The whole time after I get my food, I’m thinking, «I bet this movie would make a lot more sense if I seen the beginning.» I just wanted some damn cheese fries. And, guess what? The cheese fries were not good. Way too much cheese and the cheese was too thick. They fries got cold fast too. How do you fuck up cheese fries?
They messed up big time because of this. I go to the theater to see all of the movie, not some of it. If this issue isn’t important to you, why are you coming to the theater then? I guess you’re looking forward to watching the second half of a movie??? Sure, you could bring your own food, but they will kick you out if they find out that you brought your own food. Also, I think, for how big the lot is, the screen could be a bit bigger. It’s like I’m watching it from an older iPhone if I’m in the bottom half of the lot. That’s not a proper cinema experience.
But if you’re the type that thinks any drive-​in theater is absolutely fucking magical, come here.

Can you tie your hatch down? Sorry you need to park that kind of car over there? Nothg but fried food. I wanted to like it but I wish we just went to the new theatre.

We go here about once or twice a year only to keep the nostalgia factor with our kids. There are only two drive ins left in Wisconsin and this one is about an hour from home. This theatre meets our expectations each time.
Saw Inside Out and Tomorrowland last night. Cost is $ 9 for adult and $ 5 for a child. This theatre, like most indoor and outdoor, survive on concession sales. So this one has a policy of no outside food or drinks. I have no problem buying concessions if means it will help keep the theatre open.
Food is pretty good but only complaint is the looooong wait times at the concession stand. With as many people working behind the counter you would expect a little more efficiency.

Concession cops are on a power trip wanted my 1 year olds raisins and squeezers then proceeded to hover around our truck total harassment!

Great old drive in theater. You get a double feature under the stars.
You have to buy your drinks and food from them, so be prepared for that.

A fantastic Drive-​In that makes you feel like a kid again. We found this hidden gem 2 years ago and we try to go multiple times during the summer. Picture and sound quality are great, though I wish it was a tad louder. They also play old school cartoons and play the national anthem before the show begins at dusk. The food is surprisingly good for a Drive-​In and everything is made to order so it’s hot and fresh.
It’s $ 9 for 2 movies but sometimes you get 3 (still only $ 9). It’s cash only and there’s no carry-​ins so be prepared. The staff does walk around so if you do end up bringing carry-​ins be careful and on the look out.
If you are looking for classic fun and to relive your childhood, go here and enjoy! Great for the the whole family or a night out with your friends!

I finally visited this drive the weekend after Labor Day. ‘This is the End’ and ‘Whitehouse Down’ were the movies being shown.
It was only $ 8 for a double feature. I arrived shortly after they opened the gates so I was able to get a decent spot on the left hand side of the projection booth. Not sure where the sweet (or Sheldony) spot is located exactly but I could see it unobstructed from my lawn chair in front of my car.
I waited until I arrived before eating so I could scarf down whatever food they offered. Concessions are the primary sales that supports the drive in and insures its continued operation.
I started with the Highway 18 Nachos. Pretty decent with cheese, chili sauce, and the option of peppers, sour cream, and picante sauce.
Tried the vegetarian burger and although edible it looked kind of gross.
The mac n’ jack w/​bacon nuggets were awesome. Clusters of macaroni with jack cheese and bacon breaded into slightly larger than bite sized nuggets were delicious.
There was a potato dish but I didn’t try it (yet). Since I figured I’m probably not going back until next season (they are closing in September, reopening in April or May) I also splurged on a large T-​shirt.
I also have to give the attendant /​security guy props for explaining to the car in front of me that they need to switch their key to the correct position or else the brake lights would come on. I was pondering using a piece of cardboard held under the my eyes blocking it so I could not be distracted by them.
They’ve gone digital so the picture is immaculate and the sound is great too, when it isn’t overwhelming the speaker due to the dynamic range.
I’d give a perfect score if they had Mountain Dew throwback or Sprecher’s bottled root beer available. I know they make some effort to offer allergen free items on the menu, like no gluten or nuts I think.
Now that I know there is an easy to use campground (Sandhill Station) near this theater I will be more likely to visit more than once next season.

This place is great! Can you say Americana? Go to a Land O Lakes baseball game in the afternoon, come here for an evening movie. They even show old cartoons before the movie!

I went for a quintuple feature night at this amazing drive-​in. It was a beautiful, temperate night. I got a Gutbuster with cheese, this thing is a half pound of cow. The food stand has a good menu which includes entrees – lots of good greasy fare! – and people-​watched all the lovely movie geeks. They showed Brave, The Avengers, and Prometheus during this drive in’s last night open. They also played some movie with old white dudes (which I dozed off during). I tried to out for the last movie, the original Invasion of the Body Snatchers. I ALmost made until dawn. Not quite. Next year, I will be back for more outdoor movie greatness!

Wonderful theater.
The pizza was pretty good and reasonably priced.
They even gave me a jump start when my Prius wouldn’t start (apparently you’re supposed to leave them running and not in the «power window/​radio only» mode for an extended period.
Will definitely go back next summer.

Sometimes I wish I lived seventy years ago, and the Highway 18 drive-​in certainly helps me live a little bit of that dream. Vintage pre-​show & intermission clips, a deep-​fry-​centric snack bar, and the low, low price of $ 8 for a double feature make this place a gem. Also: Zoltar. You know, the fortune-​telling machine that turns that kid into Tom Hanks in Big.
Sedans, etc park in the front, SUVs and vans in the back, and a nice staffer comes around with twine so you can anchor your hatch so as not to block the view of those behind you if you backed in and want to lay out in the bed of your vehicle. Each stall has a speaker, and you can also tune your car radio to the theater’s station for better sound.
There are absolutely no carry-​ins, and though I’m generally a cheapskate, I totally agree in this case. The owners aren’t making anything off ticket sales ($ 4/​movie), so concessions are what let them keep their prices down /​stay open. The menu items are pretty reasonable price-​wise, and they have everything from funnel cake fries to veggie burgers, water to orange soda, so there should be something for almost everyone.
While you can’t bring food or drink, you can and should bring bug spray, blankets, and chairs if you don’t plan on sitting in your car. The area in front of our car was gravel, so I was grateful to have a seat off the ground.
We went on a Friday night and it was about a thirty minute drive from downtown Madison — much faster than I thought it would be. Looking forward to a return visit.

This drive-​in is my favorite place in the whole world. I literally tell everyone I know about it, and I can’t say enough good things.
I love the oldies playing when you first get there until the movie starts. I love the star spangled banner with the screen footage. I love the cartoon, especially when once in a blue moon it’s a pink panther cartoon. I LOVE LOVE the old intermission footage.
The concession stand rules, and I really like their chicken tenders. Even though you aren’t supposed to bring in outside food, I have to admit that I sneak in barbeque sauce because I really don’t like the sauce they have. So, I bring my Smoky Jon’s from home. I hope I don’t get in trouble now! They have a good burger, and even veggie burgers. The food is really good and cheap.
I will see any crappy movie they show here. I really don’t care (as evidenced by my watching The Island [twice!] and Shrek 3), just as long as I am there.