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March 28, 2024

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Free Walmart Drive-In Movies Coming to Multiple TN locations

Walmart is transforming 160 of its store parking lots into drive-in movie theaters this month β€” and 30 of them are in Tennessee.

The movie offerings, which were curated by Tribeca Film Festival, will include smash hits likeΒ Black Panther,Β The LEGO Batman Movie,Β Men in Black: International and more. The first Tennessee drive-in date is scheduled for August 18, and they’ll run well into fall, with the final date scheduled as September 30.

On theΒ Walmart Drive-in web site, the company lists these films among the many they will show:

  • Superhero dramas, includingΒ Wonder WomanΒ andΒ Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse
  • Blockbuster franchises, includingΒ Detective Pikachu,Β Spy Kids, andΒ Black Panther
  • Sports favorites, includingΒ Space Jam,Β Friday Night Lights,Β andΒ The Karate Kid
  • Out-of-this-world stories likeΒ E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial,Β Ghostbusters, andΒ Men in Black: International
  • Classic films, includingΒ The Wizard of Oz, The Goonies,Β andΒ Beetlejuice
  • Animated features, includingΒ Cars,Β Madagascar, andΒ The Iron Giant

β€œWe recognize the challenges our customers and their families have faced over the last few months and we wanted to create an experience where they could come together safely to create new memories,” said Janey Whiteside, Walmart’s Chief Customer Officer. β€œThe Walmart Drive-in is one small way we’re supporting the communities we serve.”

The events are free, socially distanced and family friendly, but tickets must beΒ reserved in advance. Gates will open at 6 p.m. local time, and the films start at 7:30 p.m. Folks can start signing up for events at 4 p.m. CST Aug. 5.

Walmart's drive-in movies are coming to 26 states: how to get ...

Rules to follow:

  • Gates open at 6 p.m. and the film begins at 7:30 p.m. No late entry is allowed
  • Tickets are free, but must be requested in advance. Tickets will not be available at the gate
  • To ensure everyone’s safety, guests will remain in their vehicles and parking spaces will be socially distanced
  • One car per ticket and you must have a vehicle
  • No alcohol
  • FM Radio required
  • Masks required

Tennessee Schedule:

  • Nashville – 8/18/20
  • Nashville – 8/19/20
  • Franklin – 8/21/20
  • Franklin – 8/22/20
  • Smyrna – 8/25/20
  • Smyrna – 8/26/20
  • La Vergne – 8/28/20
  • La Vergne – 8/29/20
  • Mount Juliet – 9/1/20
  • Mount Juliet – 9/2/20
  • Madison – 9/4/20
  • Madison – 9/5/20
  • Elizabethton – 9/8/20
  • Gallatin – 9/8/20
  • Elizabethton – 9/9/20
  • Gallatin – 9/9/20
  • Knoxville – 9/11/20
  • White House – 9/11/20
  • Knoxville – 9/12/20
  • White House – 9/12/20
  • Clarksville – 9/15/20
  • Knoxville – 9/15/20
  • Clarksville – 9/16/20
  • Knoxville – 9/16/20
  • Clinton – 9/18/20
  • Clinton – 9/19/20
  • Bristol – 9/22/20
  • Bristol – 9/23/20
  • Cleveland – 9/29/20
  • Cleveland – 9/30/20

As the event is designed to be a contactless way to enjoy a night out of the house, Walmart encourages guests to schedule a grocery pickup before the show begins.

In other words, yes, do sneak in your concessions.

Walmart turning 160 of its parking lots into drive-in theaters ...

About the Author

Michael Aldrich

Michael Aldrich is Nashville Parent's Managing Editor and a Middle Tennessee arts writer. He and his wife, Alison, are the proud parents of 4-year-old Ezra and baby Norah.