My family and I have been coming to this drive in since I was young! Although the trash on the property is a bit much and the gravel needs to be redone but such a great experience! Staff is wonderful and things aren't too expensive. Good way to spend a weekend night. read more

Drive-In El Rancho - Drive-In Theater Near Me - Sparks, Nevada

This place is awful. Endless traffic noise and lights, no speakers to park next to like every other drive-in in the country so if your vehicle is like most modern units you'll have to reset the push-start button every 20 minutes to keep the radio on or pay $10 to rent one of their speakers, customer service was useless- the two ladies working the snack bar were ghetto as can be and left us standing at the counter until they were done talking about their drama, stale churro, cold hot dog, no free refills on sodas are you serious???? Can't wait for someone to buy this place and renovate. As one of the last standing drive-in's in the country you'd think management would at least TRY to make it an enjoyable experience but our first time was our last time. Would be worth the drive to go to the Sacramento location instead! read more

Drive-In El Rancho - Endless traffic, street lights, engines revving, sirens, what an awful experience honestly - Drive-In Theater Near Me - Sparks, Nevada

Who woulda thought that going to the drive-in in Reno in the winter time would be a good idea? Well with a hankering to see a movie, and a little bit of COVID spiking around here, we decided to check it out. The great news is that during the winter, the first showtime is at 5:30 pm, which is far better than the late summer shows. It was 60 degrees when we arrived and only 55 by the end of the movie. We brought a puffy blanket to cover up for the chill. There were four cars at our showing on the third screen tonight, so hardly a crowd, making getting in and out a breeze. The sound via FM radio turned out mostly good. The sound levels were all over the place during the previews and ads, but then stabilized for the feature. In a few places the sound was over amped, causing some fuzziness. As we drove out, we realized we could still hear the closing credits music several blocks away. As others have mentioned, this is not a perfect viewing experience, at least on screen three. There was a lot of street traffic outside the fence and an airplane landing every few minutes. We just turned the volume up. The flip side is that being in your own car it was perfectly fine to heckle the actors or make other commentary to your date. read more

Drive-In El Rancho - Drive-In Theater Near Me - Sparks, Nevada

Great time with our two under two! Food was okay! Workers were nice and polite. Definitely coming back to see other movies!

Two movies your own goodies and the movie through your stereo system. Not many of these left in the Country.

What do you do on a hot summer night in Reno/Sparks? Go to the Drive-In!!! If you haven't been to a Drive-In in a while, no more speaker hanging from your window! The sound comes through your radio. Word of warning, if you see a double feature be sure to rev your engine between movies. There is always at least one car that has a dead battery after the movie. A few cars had blue-tooth speakers which they had outside which benefitted us. I turned our radio off since the sound of their speakers was great! We bring popcorn, candy and sodas from home and stop at Jack-in-the-Box, which is around the corner, for dinner. Our granddaughters, 5 & 8, get a kick out of coming here. They wear their PJs which makes putting them to bed easier. Such a family-friendly outing. The cost of the movie was a total of $18.50 ( 2 adults 8.25 ea), child - $2 (5-11), 5 and under free. https://www.westwinddi.com/locations/el-rancho?date=06/14/2022 read more

Drive-In El Rancho - Enjoying a night out with our girls! - Drive-In Theater Near Me - Sparks, Nevada

We love the drive in during summer! We went last night and as always had a great time. I don't think much has changed about this place since I went as a kid 20+ years ago. The only thing I dislike is the constant smoking. I wish people wouldn't do that since not everyone enjoys smoking like they do. read more

Everyone needs to hit up a drive-in every so often. El Rancho does a good job of cycling through kids and adult movies. Concession prices keep rising as does everything but you're allowed to bring in your own food/drinks so no need to be sneaky. Creating a bed in my car to relax and watch a movie with my kids is a nice treat to still do something fun when I'm too tired to adventure. read more

This was a nice little date night spot! Wasn't your typical everyday scene. Movie tickets were 8.25 which is perfect if you're trying to budget with a family. Kids ages 5 and under are free and kids 5-11 is $2! What a steal Would return for a summer night movie spot ! read more

Drive-In El Rancho - Concession / bathroom area - Drive-In Theater Near Me - Sparks, Nevada

See all

What to do on a weekend night...hmmm how about go to the Drive-In Movies to see a show?! Take the kids, grab some friends or go on a date for a FUN night out! PERFECT way to see a movie in the comfort of your vehicle or laying in the back of the truck or out the back end of the car in a pile of pillows and blankets with popcorn, candy and something to sip on. Comedy/Romcom, Action, Thriller, Kids, Horror, Drama or Mystery movie take your pick of a Double Feature for just $8.00 per person and Kids (5 to 11 years old) $2.00 and under 5 FREE anddd if you want a really GREAT deal check out Tuesday Family FUN Night for $5.50 per person and Kids (5 to 11 yo) $2 and under 5 still FREE. Snack Bar has all the yummilicious goodies that you LOVE at the theater: Movie Theather Buttered Popcorn, Ice Cream, Soda, Candy and Candy Bars, Pretzel and Nachos with Nacho Cheese, Pizza, Hot Dogs with all the fixins. The snack bar is clean and the staff is helpful and friendly taking cash or credit. Love love how easy it is to see your movie just as simple as it was when we were kids pull into the drive-in, pay admission for the number of people in your vehicle, get your receipt, they tell you which number/screen you will be seeing your movie / double feature choice for the night along with tuning in to the appropriate channel on your FM dial on your radio for listening to the movie. Then you pick your parking spot to enjoy the feature films, cuddle up with your kids, friends, family or date and have a FUN night while noshing on your snacks and drinks in the comfort of your vehicle. read more

See all

I have always been a fan of the drive in, and remember coming with my parents when I was a kid. Now, I get to bring my kiddos for upgraded sound thru your car stereo and digital quality pictures. Nothing says warm summer nights to me like sitting outside with snacks and concessions (and don't forget to bring bug spray this close to Paradise Pond!) with the kids! Just FYI, if you want an uninterrupted movie experience, this is NOT for you! You will see lights and hear road traffic from side streets. This is the place to come for inexpensive movies, a retro fun experience and to soak up those warm summer nights. Pro tip, of course you can bring in your own snacks and drinks, but their concession stand is great, and the people there deserve hazard pay for still being friendly while scooping popcorn in that 110 degree building with a smile! Plus, your ice cream would have melted by now, so just treat yourself at their concession stand! Double features are the same price as a single if you can stay up that late, and they run a family night promo on Tuesdays, so avoid the weekend crowd and go midweek! read more

Drive-In El Rancho - Drive-In Theater Near Me - Sparks, Nevada

This place has been one of my favorite summer date-night spots for years. And thankfully that didn't need to change during the pandemic! As an avid movie-goer, this summer has been different because... well... the theatres are closed and no new movies are being released. Thankfully, El Rancho is open, and taking proper precautions to ensure the safety of their customers. Although the movies are not new, you can re-watch an old favorite, or perhaps even an old movie that you never got around to watching before. That's what me and my fiance did! The movies start at 8:45pm and they start letting people into the parking lot at 8:15pm. Get there a little early to beat the long line of cars waiting to get in! They read you their COVID safety rules when you purchase your tickets. Right now, the rules basically consist of: 1. Stay in your vehicle 2. One person can use the bathroom at a time (wear a mask) 3. Concessions are open (wear a mask) 4. Cars to park at least 8ft away from each other 5. Do not intermingle with other groups of people (other cars) even if you know them. That all seemed fair to me, so we agreed, bought our tickets for $7.75 each, and enjoyed our takeout dinner from an outside restaurant while watching a "new to us" movie underneath the warm, summer, Reno sky. It almost felt... dare I say... NORMAL! Concession prices are also reasonable. I can't watch a movie here without buying a MASSIVE tub of cheap, salty popcorn. Can't wait to come back before the end of summer! read more

Drive-In El Rancho - Screen #4. Full moon rising in the bottom left! - Drive-In Theater Near Me - Sparks, Nevada

See all

We took my daughter here for her birthday since she always wanted to check a drive in out. We all really enjoyed it even though they were short staffed. I hope they can continue to remain in business now that movies are moving away from drive-ins. read more

Great outing activity during these times! Before you buy your ticket, they'll read off the covid safety rules. I would usually go to the West Wind Drive-In in Sacramento, so it was cool discovering that this one is under the same name/chain in Reno. The exit signs are confusing when leaving the drive-in lot. We ended up driving around the perimeter of the lot -- Just do your best following the exit signs lol. Also, note that they do not offer jumping your car if your car battery dies. Though I'm sure they offered that before covid. read more

Drive-In El Rancho - Lot 4 - Drive-In Theater Near Me - Sparks, Nevada

Last night was date night so we went to the drive in! The drive in, in my opinion, is so fun! You get to lay in the comfort of your own car. My fiancé and I set up blankets and pillows in the trunk of the car. We brought our own food (we brought our dinner) and drinks in. It's definitely a good way to save some money. The movie was good and the parking lot was packed with cars. Even though there were so many cars, it was quiet and a great time. They have a concession stand where you can buy snacks and drinks. Dogs aren't allowed. Alcoholic drinks are not allowed as well. Everyone was being respectful. It is also super cheap. It costs us $14 because it was a Tuesday and they are discounted but they are usually $8.25 which is still cheaper than most movie theaters. Tickets are per person, not by car. The movie showtimes are late obviously because it has to be dark out which is a bummer because it becomes a late night but worth it. The only thing that bothers me is the screen quality but that's what you get for going to the drive in so it's no big deal. Highly recommend:) read more

Drive-In El Rancho - Drive-In Theater Near Me - Sparks, Nevada

The good things about this drive in are: It is easy to social distance; It is nostalgic; Double features; You can control the temperature (sort of); Prices are awesome; No one talking or answering their phones. The bugs: The line to get in; The traffic leaving; no theater sound; not the cleanest place in town. This is also a good mixed use facility because they have a flea market on the weekends during the day. read more

Oh the drive in, what is there to say about this magical place? We've been coming to the el rancho drive in since our kids were babies, and I have fond memories of my parents taking us here too. The prices are pretty incredible for what you get, if you're up for a double feature you can check out 2 movies, and on Tuesday it's half price for adults. The sound and picture is much better quality than a few years ago, it's a much welcomed change. read more

See all

This something nostalgic type thing really fun to come with family and enjoy a night from the normal routine

KERPOW! BAM! "Holy Smokes Batman, we've gone back in time." "No Robin it's the drive-in movie theater" There are no time machines and sadly no Batman. But you can still get that nostalgic feeling by going to the Drive-In movies. Hmm! I am going to age myself. I remember seeing the original "Star Wars" at the Drive-In movies in the 1970's. That was in Idaho. Sadly the Drive-In in Idaho is closed. I don't believe there are many Drive-In Movie businesses open anymore. However, we are blessed with one in Sparks. I have been going to this one for over 20 years. Originally there was a small playground like equipment with a slide and swings. The equipment was removed years ago. In the old days, you used to have to put a speaker on the window of your car. There are no more speakers. Nowadays they will tell you which channel to set your car radio to and then the sound of the movie will be heard on your car stereo and speakers. Or you can bring some chairs and sit in front of your car and bring a portable stereo. Restrooms are available and a cute little snack shop. It reminds me of the old drive-in intermission ad "Let's all go to the snack bar and get ourselves a treat." The snack bar has candy, popcorn, hamburgers, hot dogs and lots of other items. It's a great place to go with family and friends. You can go with a big group and park close to one another. It feels like a party. Bring a blanket for the kids to sit on. Our drive-in offers 4 different movies and they are all double features. Movies do not play until dusk. If you stay for the second movie it may not get out until 1 or 2 am. Tuesday nights is Family night kids 11 and under are $1.50 and kids 12 - adults are $5.50. Be sure to get there early for the best spots on Tuesday nights and weekend nights as there is often a huge line. This is a popular venue in Sparks, NV. If you have never been what's keeping you? Experience what your grandparents and parents experienced. Rather then Back to the Future go Back to the Past. read more

See all

Easy to purchase tickets online and you can order your snack shack goodies online for pick up as well. We opted for bringing our own snacks. Everyone working there was friendly and helpful. Not a bad seat in the house and we were able to safely watch a new movie that came out without being in an indoor theater. We were able to bring the furbabies in our backseat without issue (they slept the whole time). Nice experience if you are looking for a chill day. read more

This place is awesome. Kind of run down but that's part of the drive in experience. Bathrooms are clean, popcorn is fresh, and my kids are living the dream. Everyone working has been helpful and very nice. read more

This was a fun experience for the whole family. You are able to bring your own food, snacks & drinks, but they also have a snack bar if there is something else you are craving. The screens are perfect size and you can see them clearly from any part of the parking lot. The sound was perfect because you play it from your own car. We will definitely be back to watch another movie. read more

Drive-In El Rancho - Drive-In Theater Near Me - Sparks, Nevada

If you can, GO TO THE LATER SHOWING so you don't hear/see the cars driving behind your screen (if you're sotting in the back of the vehicle with it open). If you go earlier, I recommend staying in your car for a better experience/sound. My group har a great time! read more

We love going to the Drive In. Winter or Summer. El Rancho has been here forever and our family LOVES IT!

First timer. I used to always go as a kid for discount days where I grew up and have not been in probably at least 20 years. My first movie at the drive in was Clueless! Definitely recommend our local drive in. Discount family day is every Tuesday. Only $11 for me and my love since 4 and under is free. They also play double features if you want to stay for 2 movies. No screen hopping though. There were only 4 cars total watching Toy Story, and one was me and the other was my cousin! The staff was very nice. The ladies at the front booth told us all the rules for social distancing such as parking with one spot on each side, one person at a time except kids for the bathroom and to get food plus you can pre-order. You're also allowed to bring chairs if you want to sit in front or behind your own vehicle. We brought in McD's for dinner but still ordered a tub of popcorn which was delicious, hot chocolate, churros and cotton candy. Margo and Sebastian were very friendly and talkative since it was our first time checking out the snack bar. Even though there was still snow sticking to ground at 34degrees we were able to enjoy the movie in our suv with our trunk open. We stayed warm with our thick blankets. I also like how they mention your car battery should make it through the movie with your car idle since the sound is through FM radio. However, you can turn on your car a few times during the movie if you're worried which we did. If your battery does end up dying they have a complimentary quick jump. Think I'll make this a weekly thing! Kids movie started at 5:30pm and we were home by 7:30pm Current Prices General Admission: $8.50 Kids Ages 5-11 Only $2.00! Kids Ages 4 and under are FREE Tuesdays - Family Fun Night Adults $5.50 read more

Drive-In El Rancho - Toy story on screen 2 with only 4 cars watching - Drive-In Theater Near Me - Sparks, Nevada

The drive in is a great way to catch a movie. They have multiple movie options. The price you pay to get in, gets you 2 movies. Check the options in advance. The greatest part is, you can bring in your own chairs, blankets, have a pre party with friends, lay in your car. Basically you can get as comfortable as you like. The movie quality is good and in a fun environment! Sound you have control over because it's from your own radio. The kids love it. Did I mention the price, very cost effective! Check this out as it's an old tradition and there are not many left of outdoor drive ins. read more

Ha ha accepting application If you are Bi lingual only B tore my app up right in front of me Are you saying spanish people wont speak english? I like to come look at junk they had a kids bucking machine who would put their kids on it but they do. Cant bring in your own beer anymore Wish somebody would buy this place that has some money to invest it has been worn looking for 30+ yrs. the parking lot missed its sealing etc. when its open you cant stop people from pouring in read more

Drive-In El Rancho - Drive-In Theater Near Me - Sparks, Nevada

Super irritated. An email states no concessions available so we bring a ton of snacks for the 6 of us. We pack the car with chairs and snacks and blankets. We wait in line and when we are finally to the gate to pay they read us the rules. "Everyone has to stay in the car. Can't sit on the hood." Etc. So the 6 of us somehow cram into the suv and are able to watch the movie. Even tho if you have a truck you can sit in the bed... doesn't make sense... Half way thru the car dies because we are using some awesome speakers. On the website it says they "offer free assistance to jump your car". We go to the concessions to ask for help. (remember they said there's no concessions but they are open!) they say they can't help us. Everyone has to stay in their car. Well, we can't hear anymore since it's dead so we sit on the chairs outside the car. Finally we go back to the concessions and ask to speak to the manager who then comes and jumps our car. What. A. Mess!! Nothing on their website matches what actually happens there. read more

It gets a 4 star because it's a drive in and super neat. The entering and exiting of the facility could be more organized like with traffic guides and what not to help you smoothly in and out of the lot. You get to listen to the movie through your cars radio or bring a portable radio and they have a snack and drink shop. Alcohol is prohibited but it is still a great time with friends and family. Bring a ball to through before the movies start as you will want to show up an hour early to allow for a good spot, but you will have some time to wait. Our kids played ball with other kids around us so it was a lot of fun. read more

Any screen but screen 3!! We usually have a good experience at the drive in, it's been a great place to go for the past year. We watched The Eternals movie on screen 3 and we could hardly see it. The movie screen could've been brighter and fence screen to block out light is nonexistent in that corner. read more

See all

Very well prices! Double features and you can bring in anything you want to eat and drink. Get there early to get a good parking spot. Free games for the kids to play before the movie starts. Concession stand has quick employees and the popcorn aroma is enticing! read more

I love the drive in!! My parents have taken me here since I was a child. Now I take mine! Some nights are just perfect to lay in the bed of your truck with a ton of blankets and watch movies! They even let you stay and watch the feature after yours! My family truly hopes this place will be here forever. The lines are never too crazy. The staff is always helpful. You can bring your own food! I'd hope soon they could redo the lot though, the pavement is rough. I will always be a fan of this place! read more

This was our Halloween social-distancing approved idea. Honestly was so much fun and much better than trick or treating. Go get some nice takeout, pop open the back with some blankets and you'll have a blast. Prices were solid and the screens looked great around 7:30ish. read more

I had never been to a drive in before, and neither had my children. We loved it!! What we learned is you need to go early!! When they say the gates open 2 hours before show time, it's because there are TONS of people who go. We made it in, but the line was considerable and wrapped around the block and down 3 traffic lights. However, it did move quite fast. There is plenty of space inside, and we did not feel cramped at all. I would definitely go back! Prices were crazy cheap. 7.75 for adults and 1.75 for children up to 11. Being able to lounge and relax in chairs in back of the car is fun!! We will definitely go back!! read more

Great venue to see a movie! They have 4 screens and always play a double feature. You tune into the radio station for sound, which is awesome because you can adjust the volume. The best part is that it is $7.50 per person and only $5 per person on Tuesdays. We brought a pizza to munch on, but they also have an O.K. snack bar with popcorn and nachos. My two suggestions for improvement are: arrange parking better because sometimes it is a little chaotic, and fix the ginormous pot holes in the pavement. Other than that, this is a great date spot! read more

Drive-In El Rancho - Drive-In Theater Near Me - Sparks, Nevada

One star because I can't give zero. We are currently at the drive in. What a joke. The website states you can sit outside your car in chairs. So nine of us wait in line for an hour and a half. We get to the front and they tell us the covid rules. Every car must be eight feet apart and you must remain in your vehicle. If you own a truck you can sit in the back. What?! Since we sat in line for an hour and half the kids want to stay. What fun. Maybe we should call it a protest and then we can sit outside. To the management. You should have put your rules on your website, we would not have sat here in line if we had known. Please tell me why I should bother to ever come here again? read more

Great place for a night out with the family. $19 for a family of 4 for 2 movies! Get here early because it gets packed! Not in the best area of town. Still a heck of a deal! read more

Drive-In El Rancho - Drive-In Theater Near Me - Sparks, Nevada

Love this place so much! They always have the best movies and the best place for a date night

I had to update this review again, because we have had a few more visits since the time with the real issues. As I expected... They are back up to 5 stars. Occasionally, there are a few smaller issues (and I hope never a visit like the one in April 2017 again), but overall... this is one of our favorite family activities and they do a great job. read more

Summer nights are made for the drive ins! Tuesday is $5.25 discount night and kids under 12 $1.25. Load up the car with the family and your treats and your set. The line is always long to get in bc they only have 2 kids working the booth, so leave early to gone your self time! Bathrooms are clean and the snack Bar serves regular movie fare. On another note, our battery died and and employee came out with cables and a charger to give us a jump right away( apparently it happens often). And if you can stay awake it's always a double feature of the lastest Movies out. read more