Matthew McClanahan and Lauren McChesney, owners of Shankweiler’s Drive-In Theatre, have announced the historic theater has been voted Number 1 in USA Today 10Best Readers’ Choice “Best Drive-In Theater” award for 2026.

The drive-in placed 2nd place in 2025, and 5th in 2024’s for this widely publicized contest, contending with fierce competition from across the country, including five fellow Pennsylvania drive-ins.

Shankweiler’s Drive-In Theatre originally opened on April 15, 1934. It holds a Guinness World Record as the oldest continuously-operating drive-in theater in the world.

“This win is unexpected since we were up against some really amazing competition,” says McClanahan. “We are so incredibly grateful to all of our customers, friends, and drive-in enthusiasts for their support. We will work very hard this season to live up to this award!”

Shankweiler’s has received several accolades over the past year, including being named “Best Drive-In” by Lehigh Valley Style, one of the “Top 21 Coolest Theaters” in the world by Variety Magazine, one of the “15 Best Drive-Ins” by Fodors Travel, and one of the top 10 “Best Drive-In Theaters” by Newsweek. In addition, the theater was featured on Good Morning America and CNBC’s “Make It” program last summer.

The Mahoning Drive-in Theater was sixth on the list.

Visit www.shankweilers.com