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It’s not many communities anymore that get to enjoy a vintage one-screen or drive-in movie theater, but Whidbey Island is blessed to enjoy both these classic cinema styles to this day. Each is so timeless that they have appeared in movies themselves!
The Clyde Theatre has been an anchor of Langley’s downtown since 1937 and, in all that time, has been owned by just two families! Norman and Hazel Clyde built the movie house during the height of the Depression era, and the much-loved Willeford family has kept the movie magic alive since the early 1970s. By adding a stage, they made the Clyde a great live venue, too, where many local children have made their theater debut.
Colorful printed schedules, designed by different local artists, adorned most South Whidbey refrigerators for decades before the Clyde started showing first-run movies. Keep an eye on their website or weekly email now for a mixture of new release blockbusters, nostalgia movies, foreign films, indie pictures, and documentaries. Enjoy the rare culture of neighborly patrons, who often stand outside chatting after the screening. The Willefords are deeply involved in the community and often host special events or raise funds for local causes.
The Blue Fox Drive-In Theater opened near Oak Harbor in 1959, but this beloved piece of Americana has been lovingly ushered into a new era by the Bratt family, who have owned it and lived onsite since 1988. All the timeless traditions remain, such as a pre-show cartoon and patrons donning comfy clothes for snuggly viewing in their cars.
The Bratts have diversified, though, building a go-kart track, arcade, and, most recently, an open-air tavern. They do screen printing as well, so you can purchase Blue Fox merch along with your popcorn. This local institution hosts many community events and has employed generations of island teenagers. The drive-in is open every weekend, year-round, and seven nights a week in the summer.
Both of these theaters faced massive fundraising hurdles to transition to digital, and both suffered during the pandemic, yet they’ve persevered and emerged more loved each time. These bright lights in our community are unique and special, so experience some “cinemagic” yourself and keep these icons going strong.
This listing is part of our Cultural and Heritage Guide.
Look for the guide at Visitor Centers throughout Whidbey and Camano Islands.
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