Movie night is getting a little dose of nostalgia in McKinney. Instead of finding a seat in a dark theater, moviegoers can settle into lawn chairs, gather around their cars, and watch a film beneath the Texas sky at Wayback Drive-In, a new outdoor movie theater opening this November.
Located at Wayback Barn, 3964 County Road 168, the drive-in is the latest addition to the four-acre outdoor entertainment destination in north McKinney. A grand opening is scheduled for Nov. 6–8. It is the only drive-in movie theater in McKinney and one of the few still operating in North Texas.
What is playing this weekend? On Saturday, Nov. 7, Top Gun (PG) shows at 6:30 p.m., with live music from 3:30–5:30 p.m. before the movie. Tickets are date-specific: a vehicle spot is $49 for the whole carload, an outdoor seat is $12, a bench swing for two is $25, and a premium center bench swing for up to four is $49. Movie audio comes through FM 88.7, and the drive-in shows rain or shine, so bring a layer — Saturday in Frisco is cloudy with a high near 64 degrees.
More than a movie: guests who purchase movie tickets also receive admission to Wayback Barn, where they can arrive early to play yard games, take on the mini-golf course, or grab something to eat and drink before the show. The property features gaga ball, tetherball, nine square, horseshoes, volleyball, cornhole, ping-pong, foosball, bocce ball, and giant Jenga. Guests can also spend time around the fire pits or find a picnic table beneath one of the property’s mature trees. An 18-hole mini-golf course winds through the natural landscape and is available for an additional $6, and axe throwing is available for an additional $15 for ages 10 and up.
Food and drinks are available inside Hayloft Bar & Griddle, located within the property’s century-old barn. The menu includes buttery popcorn, boxed candy, meal options, and old-fashioned sodas made with real sugar. Adults can choose from beer, wine, whiskey, and mixed drinks. No outside food or drinks are permitted.
“We wanted to give families a reason to slow down, share a meaningful experience, and turn movie night back into an outdoor social event,” said owner Laura O’Dowd.
If you are thinking about a move to McKinney or Frisco, places like this are part of what makes the area feel like home. For a straightforward opinion on what your home could sell for, or what is available nearby, call Tom May, 214-223-4600.
For full venue details and upcoming movie screenings, visit waybackbarn.com/drivein/.