THE GROVE IS CLOSED
So you’ve never been to the Goochland Drive-In Theater before…
or…maybe it’s been a while?
Welcome! We look forward to you visiting soon!
Having an affordable, relaxing good time with family & friends is what this place is all about!
The following info is definitely worth a quick read and should cover most FAQs.
About Us
Our Story
A FAMILY TRADITION SINCE 2009 ...
Building the GDIT was a dream come true. Since opening in 2009, we have sincerely appreciated so many families and friends visit and create fun memories – in a wholesome atmosphere, void of stress and drama.
Our GDIT Crew is amazing and we are fortunate to work with such hardworking (and fun) people. We all love what we do and work very hard to ensure a great time is had by everyone on every visit. We consistently work on improvements (some small, some big) in order to provide the best experience possible. And so far, it has resonated well with folks.
Please keep in mind….we are human - so while perfection is the goal, we will settle for excellence (as the great Vince Lombardi once said). So please, if you ever have a question or concern, just walk up to one of us. We’ll be glad to help!
Hope to see you soon!
Know Before You Go
OUR SCHEDULE (FRIDAYS TO THURSDAYS)
Because we show Double-Features of the latest movies, our movie schedules are typically confirmed just 4-7 days in advance. Schedules for an upcoming weekend/week are updated every Monday afternoon…..though we try to update sooner whenever possible.
TICKETS & ADMISSION (NOW PREPAID ONLINE ONLY)
Since opening in 2009, all admission had been first-come, first-serve, paid at the front gate Ticket Booth, upon arrival, on a per person basis. However, as of May 1, 2020 - all tickets must be purchased in advance on our website. Note: Tickets for a new movie schedule go on sale Mondays at 7pm.
OUR SCREENS
We have TWO screens at the GDIT, both offer a fun experience with excellent picture and sound – but each is unique. Hover or click on the screens below to see what each has to offer.
No switching screens/splitting up double-features – admission is for movies from specific studios.
FOOD + ICE CREAM + BEVERAGES
Our popular, affordable menu of classic American food & treats (including our famous “Gooch Dog”) HAS RETURNED with extra precautions! See our full menu.
Like all movie theaters, the GDIT survives off concession purchases. Because of this - outside food & beverages are not permitted.
Cash, VISA, and MC are accepted forms of payment at the Snack Bars and Ice Cream Trailer.
WHAT TO EXPECT WHEN GOING
ARRIVAL TIMING
Arriving early is recommended…especially for more popular movie line-ups. How early? Every night is different so there’s no exact answer to that question. The GDIT posts real-time parking updates on Facebook to keep folks informed as to how busy we are. Barring an early sellout, the gates close 10 minutes before showtime (never wait until then to arrive). Once the gates are closed, no later entry that evening by vehicle or walk-in.
REMINDER: For the first few weeks of our 2020 Season, all tickets must be purchased in advance online until further notice.
ENTRY AT THE GATES
Any lane is good for entry to either screen. As you approach the Ticket Booth you’ll see 'The Grove' to your left and the 'Main Screen' straight ahead. Sorry, no drop-offs -or- walk-ins are allowed.
PARKING
• Designated parking rows for different-sized vehicles
(Park between the colored dots)
YELLOW SPACES: Cars only
BLUE SPACES: Most Minivans and short SUV’s
WHITE SPACES: Large Pickup Trucks and SUV’s
• Once parked – please turn off engine and lights
• Keep raised hatches tied to roofline level…incl. spoilers
(note: some hatches have curvatures that when lowered,
to roofline level, don’t allow viewing of the screen)
• Ok to set up chairs between vehicle and screen
-maintain 6ft distance from neighbors
-ok to sit in bed of trucks
• Please keep people and objects off roof
• Sorry, no “saving spaces”
• GROVE patrons….3 rows of reserved spaces for lawn viewing
+ 24 spaces for in-car viewing (plan to bring chairs to view from lawn just in case as these spaces can fill quickly)
RESTROOMS
Our restrooms are well-known for their cleanliness and for being ADA compliant. UPDATE: During these unusual times, we have also taken the follow steps to ensure social distancing and enhanced hygiene:
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Currently limiting number of people in restroom
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Touch-free fixtures: faucets, toilets, soap dispensers, towel dispensers
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6ft markers separating folks in line
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Constant cleanings
HEARING THE MOVIE & YOUR CAR
Both our Main Screen and The Grove transmit movie sound via FM signal.
Any standard FM radio will work - either from your vehicle or portable. Sorry, but no radio apps will pick-up our signal, we will give you the channel information at the gates when you arrive.
For Grove patrons enjoying the show from the lawn, sound is provided via in-ground speakers.
WON’T MY CAR BATTERY GET DRAINED?
If listening via your vehicle’s FM radio, a healthy car battery will provide hours of reliable power without dying.
TIP: Always be sure to keep fans, lights, etc. off – operate just your radio
and it should be fine.
On the slim chance your battery should need a jumpstart to get going, we provide them for free. No one has ever been stranded at the GDIT due to a dead battery - and we won’t let you be the first.
MY LIGHTS COME ON WHEN I POWER UP
For 98% of the vehicles manufactured, there are a couple of easy ways to disable the lights:
OPTION A
Power off everything (remove key if equipped)
Engage parking (emergency) brake
Power on (insert key and turn to ACC position -or- push button start once without foot on brake)
On most vehicles this will keep headlights off
OPTION B
On some newer vehicles equipped with touchscreens, you must go through the settings options on-screen to
disable the headlights from coming on. These will vary according to the make of the vehicle.
Be sure to familiarize yourself with your vehicle before attending.
SHOWTIME!
As soon as the screen lights up…
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Shhhhhhhh……nice and quiet please
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Ensure all engines and lights (both interior/exterior) are off
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Turn off or cover in-dash touchscreens, cell phones, video screens
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Careful not to step on your brake…or your brake light will turn on
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No exiting during a show – to prevent disturbing other patrons
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For upset babies, please walk them back to Snack Bar area so others aren’t disturbed
SMOKING & VAPING
Permitted in the designated area just behind the Main Snack Bar and Ice Cream Trailer (it offers covered seating with movie sound piped in)
4344 Old Fredericksburg Road, Hadensville, VA 23067
A short drive from Richmond or from Charlottesville on I-64 at Exit #152 (Hadensville) – providing convenient access from the Greater Richmond and Charlottesville areas.
Directions
Top Movies
Ice Cream
Pet-Friendly
Best Deal Around
