Skyline Drive-in Theatre
Shelton, WA Photo by RoadsidePeek.com
The Skyline Drive-In Theatre near Shelton still offers a good reason to wait for sunset. The roadside marquee points the way to an evening of popcorn, parked cars, and movies beneath the stars. It’s always encouraging to find a drive-in where the big screen is still showing something besides its age. 07-08
Opened in May 1964, the Skyline was the idea of Fred Thibodeau and Fred Hendry, two painters who worked at the Bremerton Naval Shipyard. Their project became Mason County’s first drive-in. Digital projection and FM radio sound later helped keep the movies coming, while community supporters and the Shelton Neon Project helped give the historic marquee some attention, too.
UPDATE: The Skyline remains open and continues welcoming moviegoers for seasonal screenings. More than sixty years after the two Freds opened the gates, visitors can still pull in, visit the snack bar, and settle down for a movie outdoors. Some roadside traditions are worth keeping on the calendar. 07-26
Blue Fox Drive-in sign and snack bar
Oak Harbor, WA Photo by RoadsidePeek.com
There’s plenty happening at the Blue Fox Drive-In Theatre before the movie ever starts. Along with the screen and snack bar, this Oak Harbor stop offers an arcade and go-kart track, giving visitors good reason to arrive while there’s still daylight. Waiting for darkness doesn’t seem like much of a chore when you can spend part of the evening racing around a track. 07-08
The Blue Fox opened in 1959 and has been owned by the Bratt family since 1988. Located at 1403 Monroe Landing Road on Whidbey Island, it has kept the outdoor movie tradition going while adding attractions beyond the screen. The family’s additions helped turn a trip to the movies into something that could occupy an entire evening.
The Blue Fox Drive-in Theatre located at 1403 Monroe Landing Road in Oak Harbor, WA opened up for business in Oak Harbor, WA in 1959. The drive-in was remodeled in 2004 and is currently still open.
Blue Fox projection booth
Oak Harbor, WA Photo by RoadsidePeek.com
The Brattland Go-Karts became a big part of that experience, and the track received a new layout and resurfacing in 2025. Digital projection also helped the theater keep current films on its outdoor screen. The machinery may be newer, but visitors still settle into their cars and wait for the sky to darken, much as moviegoers did when the Blue Fox first opened.
UPDATE: The Blue Fox continues welcoming moviegoers throughout the year, with its outdoor screen, arcade, and go-karts keeping this longtime attraction busy. It’s encouraging to find a drive-in where the extra attractions help support the movies rather than replace them. Here, the big screen remains the evening’s main event. 07-26
Blue Fox screen tower
Oak Harbor, WA Photo by RoadsidePeek.com
The ticket booth
Oak Harbor, WA Photo by RoadsidePeek.com
The go-kart track
Oak Harbor, WA Photo by RoadsidePeek.com
Being watched at the drive-in
Oak Harbor, WA Photo by RoadsidePeek.com
Skyline Drive-in Theatre
Blue Fox Drive-in sign and snack bar
Blue Fox projection booth
