You may be wondering...
What IS a "Yooper" anyway?
Simply put, a Yooper (Yoop-er) is a resident of the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. The term "yooper" comes from a derived pronunciation of the word Upper- U-per, if you will.
Enjoying the incredible natural environment of the Upper Peninsula is at the core of beloved Yoopers, making the Yooper Drive-In Cinema a perfect way to blend movies and entertainment with the natural beauty of the open sky and land!
Fun Fact: The U.P. is often overlooked and has even been left out of national marketing campaigns. Let's get this gorgeous, important area on EVERY map!
How are we different than other drive-in cinemas?
We're glad you asked!
Below are our unique features that help us bring a one-of-a-kind movie-going experience
LED screens for ALL-day outdoor movie magic
Food Trucks & Patio Seating
Spacious Lawn Sections
for blankets and chairs
Reservable
Cozy
Hammocks & Yooper Box Seats
Truck Beds converted into private bench seating
Eco-conscious Practices
Powered by renewable energy, all serving containers are commercially compostable, & we're reducing food waste, too!
Snack Shack Delivery
Themed
Events
Private Event &
Fundraiser Booking
This wouldn't be possible without
Our goal of a long-term entertainment destination started with a dream to minimize $ exchanged and instead offer a bartering approach when starting the Yooper Drive-In Cinema.
We asked local businesses to participate in this bartering in exchange for permanent recognition both at the cinema and right here on our homepage.
This "old school" way of doing business benefits everyone involved - especially YOU, because you gain an incredible movie-going experience and can see the local businesses that understand the value of your time and potential needs!
Check out the businesses below & click their logo for more information. Don't hesitate to give them a "thank you" for helping us build the Yooper Drive-In Cinema, too!
Want to be featured right here permanently?
DEADLINE: MAY 15
Our Upcoming Movies & Events
Event Title
Event Time
Event Date
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August 2025
MON
TUE
WED
THU
FRI
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Coming
Soon!
Stay Tuned!
OUR HOURS
These will be our hours once we're up and running!
Tickets & showtimes will be available soon
Thursday & Friday
3 pm - 8 pm
Saturday & Sunday
Noon - 8 pm
Monday - Wednesday
No public showings
OUR COMMITMENT
At the Yooper Drive-In Cinema, we're committed to several things that make this space something special for our community, families, and even the planet. Making some changes to the typical drive-in movie experience allows us to feel good about bringing this business to the Eastern Upper Peninsula of Michigan without being irresponsible to the environment. Below are a few of our key commitments
Compostable Containers
Eco-friendly Commitment
Donate-A-Show Program
Creating Opportunities Commitment
"What we do now is what the future is molded by." We care about the planet and how it will be in the future. So, we serve ALL food and beverage items in commercially compostable containers that we will self-haul down to the Emmet County Composting Site in Harbor Springs, MI, along with any food waste (that we're also doing our part in minimizing) to ensure less landfill usage.
This one is special to our hearts. Being a single teen mom with little help, working to make ends meet for 14 years, the founder and owner, Charissa, knows the pain and guilt of not being able to afford to take your kids to a movie. The Donate-A-Show Program will help ease this by offering free movie showings to underprivileged families and community members. We want to create the opportunity to relax and enjoy yourself - no matter your income.
Powered by Renewable Energy
Eco-friendly Commitment
Did you know that even though it's mostly winter here in the U.P., we can still soak up those sun rays and use them for electricity? We can!
So, to reduce our carbon footprint and support the longevity of the planet we love, adore, and admire, we're using solar energy to power the Yooper Drive-In Cinema!
How cool is that?!
Friendly, Happy Environment
Kindness for Humans Commitment
We at the Yooper Drive-In Cinema aren't satisfied with the way customer service tends to work. So, we're focused on creating a friendly, happy environment for ALL to enjoy! Our team will be excited to see you and help you with all your cinema-going needs, and we're happy to! Buuuut...if a guest isn't respectful to our team or other guests, they will be asked to leave. The world is filled with too much animosity, and in this space, we won't allow for anyone to be treated wrong. We've got your back! Come hang out, enjoy food and a movie, and leave happy. We'll see you soon!