Longtime readers will remember I loved going to the 99W Drive-In just outside of Portland in the small town of Newberg when I lived in Oregon. Unlike California, where drive-ins operate year round, the 99W is subject to the weather whims of Oregon, and operates typically late spring through early fall. Thankfully Pat’s sister’s wedding was in August, and we were able to squeeze in a visit to see The Sandlot and the latest Spider-Man movie.

While the 99W may not have a big fancy screen with a mural on the back, or a glowing neon marquee out front, to me it represents the best in drive-ins, because it is still owned and operated by the family that built it back in 1953. Before the movie starts visitors are welcomed, birthdays are announced, the “Star Spangled Banner” plays, and vintage intermission reels play in between the double feature. Brian Francis, the owner, is typically the person taking tickets at the gate, and makes the rounds making sure hatches are at a level those behind can see the screen.

Operating a drive-in, especially one that operates seasonally, has its difficulties. Before the family opened the 99W, they purchased the Cameo in downtown Newberg, a small single screen theatre that operates year round. In 1983 they added the Twin Cinemas to their drive-in property, a two screen indoor cinema that operated year round like the Cameo. However movie goers have not been able to see films there since 2015, when it shuttered. The family noted that constant leaks, “poor quality wood” used during its construction, and the need for two digital projectors added up to its closure. In December 2025, ten years after it closed, a wind storm ripped through the area, damaging the Twin Cinemas. Today the 99W is in the process of demolishing it, but very carefully as it is attached to the original concession stand, making room for more cars for the drive-in. Something it is often in need of, as they regularly sell out!

During my time in Oregon, the 99W was only open Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, but recently they started to do “Thursday Night Terrors” showing a horror double feature, and has proven very popular!

If you need further proof of how amazing the 99W is, in 2013, it was one of just five drive-ins across the country people voted for to receive a free digital project from Honda. The following year it was added to the National Register of Historic Places. Then just last year, it was voted Portland area’s number one favorite theater! Other local favorites included our old haunt, the Hollywood, and even another theatre I went to often in high school, Tigard’s own Joy!

Catch a movie at the 99W Drive-In before winter arrives at 3110 Portland Road (aka Highway 99) in Newberg, Oregon. If you find yourself in the area while the drive-in is closed, then catch a movie at the Cameo! To see what’s playing at both, visit their website.