07/09/2026
For everyone asking when the Hi-Way Drive-In will reopen, I wanted to give you all an honest update.
Unfortunately, we're still closed.
Last year, after the electrical work along M-46, we experienced a power surge that damaged just about everything that was connected. We've spent months repairing equipment, replacing components, and trying to bring this old place back to life. One of the biggest setbacks has been our projector. It still needs a critical part before it can be properly "married" to the Hollywood satellite system so we can start playing first-run movies again.
It's been a long road.
Some of you also know that a couple of years ago I was involved in a pretty serious car accident. That slowed everything down too. Between that, the electrical damage, and the cost of keeping a historic drive-in alive, it seems like every time we solve one problem, another one pops up.
But at the end of the day...
I love this place.
I love what it means to this community.
I love seeing families piled into the back of pickup trucks, kids running around before the movie starts, couples out on movie dates under the stars, and hearing stories from people who came here with their parents or grandparents years ago. Those memories are worth preserving.
As soon as this projector is back online, we'll start booking movies immediately. Honestly, I'm even thinking about making admission FREE for a while just to celebrate getting everyone back together.
We're also in the process of restoring our iconic Hi-Way sign. It's been dark for far too long, but it won't be for much longer. Seeing it lit up again is going to be a special moment, and I can't wait for everyone to see it.
Even though the movies have been on hold, we haven't been sitting around.
We've been planning.
Building.
Meeting with partners.
Developing software.
Working on funding.
Coming up with new ideas.
And getting ready for what I think is the next chapter of the Hi-Way.
I really believe the future of this place is brighter than it's ever been. We've been working on some ideas that I think people are going to love, things that could change the way drive-ins operate. If you own a drive-in and want to stay ahead of what's coming, let's connect. We've been building some pretty exciting technology and a new business model that I think can help revitalize drive-ins everywhere.
Before movie season returns, we've still got some fun events planned.
🎃 Our annual Trunk or Treat is coming back.
👻 If we can get enough volunteers together, we'd love to bring back the Haunted Trail.
🌈 And this September we're planning a Pink Floyd Experience
with an incredible tribute band, a crazy laser show, and what should be an unforgettable night under the stars.
We're also looking for great local bands! If you know an awesome group, send them our way. And if you're in an electronic or jam band, definitely reach out soon, we might still be able to squeeze something in this season.
One of my biggest goals is restoring our iconic screen back to its original size before the tornadoes damaged it years ago. I'd also love to modernize the system so we can eventually run double features twice a night instead of only having the late-night showing.
If you have ideas, resources, connections, or just want to volunteer, we'd love to hear from you.
The truth is, nobody is getting rich keeping a historic drive-in alive.
We do it because places like this matter.
We do it because this theater has been part of Michigan's history for more than 75 years.
We do it because there is something special about watching a movie under the stars with the people you care about.
You just can't replace that.
To everyone who's stuck with us through the ups and downs, thank you.
To our partners who continue helping us move this dream forward, thank you.
And to everyone patiently waiting for opening night...
We're coming back.
Michigan's oldest drive-in isn't going anywhere.
Much love,
Hi-Way Drive-In Theater 🎬❤️
