Indoor “Drive-In” Movie Theater Coming to Pigeon Forge
Pigeon Forge is getting its own drive-in theater! Talk of bringing a new indoor “drive-in” theater to the Smoky Mountains has everyone excited, and we are happy to share the news that plans are moving forward! Get all the details on what we know about the much-buzzed-about August Moon Drive-In.
August Moon Drive-In Official Announcement
On Oct. 16, Founder of August Moon Drive-in Michael Counts announced on his YouTube that they are moving forward with plans to bring the drive-in to Pigeon Forge! Counts said that the Pigeon Forge location will be great for both locals of the region and visitors coming through. During the video, Counts released the first rendering of what the theater will look like. He said the idea is to have the exterior of the dome be unique and reflect the spirit of what they plan to bring to Pigeon Forge. Watch his announcement below to see the rendering of what it will look like!
The August Moon Experience
August Moon Drive-In is the brainchild of Counts, a director, designer, and visual artist from New York. Counts spoke with local news station WBIR about his vision for the project:
“Imagine a perfect summer night at a classic American drive-in movie theater in 1965 – the beautiful sunset, a low full moon over the treeline in a country field, fireflies, a summer breeze, the smell of fresh cut grass, stars overhead, sitting in a convertible surrounded by some of the best examples of the golden era of American auto manufacturing, and, of course, dinner and a movie. That bygone reality is the August Moon Drive-In.”
To create this nostalgic experience for visitors to Pigeon Forge, August Moon plans on using the latest technology. A rain or shine attraction, the theater would be housed within a large, domed building that projects sunsets, a starry sky, and the moon onto the ceiling, in order to create the illusion of being outside on an idyllic summer evening. The pastoral atmosphere would be further enhanced with the sounds of chirping crickets, the whisper of a summer breeze, 50 full-size trees, a half-acre of grass, and gravel pathways.
Rather than sitting in their own car during the movie, guests at August Moon would relax in one of the 40 classic vehicles parked in front of the screen. In addition to vintage automobiles, the proposed August Moon building would offer other luxury seating options, including private booths, tree swings, and wide-aisle stadium seats. The theater also promises restaurants serving all-American comfort food and a full bar. August Moon plans on showing first-run movies and beloved blockbusters from years gone by.
Where the Project Stands
Michael Counts, the man behind the August Moon concept, announced on Oct. 16 that they are doing the Pigeon Forge drive-in! Letters of intent have been signed by both Counts and the developers. Counts hopes to open the August Moon Drive-In in Pigeon Forge and another August Moon location in East Nashville in late 2019 or early 2020.
The August Moon in Pigeon Forge will be located near the corner of Teaster Lane and Wears Valley Road, where the new Mountain Mile complex is being built. Featuring 174 acres of shops, restaurants, and attractions, the Mountain Mile is one of the most eagerly anticipated developments in the Smokies. To learn more, check out our in-depth article on the Mountain Mile!
