Lindsay McKinnon, managing owner of the Cape Breton Drive-In, stands in the parking lot where the vehicles line up full of eager movie goers to enjoy a night out at the outdoor theatre. The business is celebrating 50 years in 2025. NICOLE SULLIVAN / CAPE BRETON POST Nicole Sullivan / Cape Breton PoArticle contentLindsay McKinnon remembers being a child and going to Cape Breton Drive-In with her family.THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY.Subscribe now to access this story and more:Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsSUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES.Subscribe or sign in to your account to continue your reading experience.Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsRegister to unlock more articles.Create an account or sign in to continue your reading experience.Access additional stories every monthShare your thoughts and join the conversation in our commenting communityGet email updates from your favourite authorsSign In or Create an AccountorArticle contentHer father was a projectionist at the outdoor theatre, which used to have speakers that attached to the window of your car for sound.Article contentArticle content“I remember coming in as a kid. I don’t really remember the movies we watched but I remember falling asleep in the car,” said McKinnon of Glace Bay.Article contentArticle content“I think we took my aunt’s station wagon, a bunch of kids in the back and the adults in the front. It was always such a good time.”Article contentIn her 20s, the Glace Bay woman started working at the Cape Breton Drive-In and through the years she went there with her partner and children.Article contentOver the past three years, there has been an ownership transition to McKinnon taking over the drive-in: one of less than 45 left in Canada.Article contentNow, the transition is complete and the managing owner is excited about their 50th anniversary celebration on Thursday.Article content“I have loved it here all my life,” she said. “It’s just been really exciting and finding out they were looking for a transition of their own we just thought it was a good opportunity to jump in here and keep this legacy going for the next 50 years.”Article content In this Cape Breton filed photo from 2022, the Cape Breton Drive-In is shown for above as cars begin to fill spaces for the night’s movies. FILE PHOTO / CAPE BRETON POST Photo by David Jala /David JalaArticle contentUPGRADES AND RENOVATIONSArticle contentOver the past few years, attendance has been declining at Cape Breton Drive-In, as it has at other movie theatres.Article contentArticle content“When this started there were no TVs. Then there were only two channels and then there was cable. Now, there are streaming services so you don’t even have to leave your house for entertainment. So, I think it’s all sort of on a downward slope,” McKinnon said.Article contentArticle content“But, I honestly think that drive-ins are maybe making a little more of a comeback while theatres are in the decline. I think that people want something to do and they want to get out of the house and this is sort of a novel experience for them.”Article content The Cape Breton Drive-In starts it’s first movie of the night as the sun sets in this undated photo. Fifty years in business, the Cape Breton Drive-In is celebrating July 10 with 1970s admission prices and a live band. CONTRIBUTED ContributedArticle contentMcKinnon is hopeful that upgrades and renovations they are doing are going to help bring back audiences that want more of an experience with their movie-going, one that is highly affordable.Article contentThey are renovating the building that has the canteen, washrooms and projector room. A new roof has been put on and they are planning on making it more accessible.
Cape Breton Drive-In celebrating 50th anniversary 1975 style
