Stars, Cars and a Century of Movies

The Getty Drive‑In in Norton Shores has been a local landmark for almost 80 years, starting as the NK Outdoor Theatre in 1948. It first showed classic films while workers built a unique West Michigan attraction. In 1966 the venue was bought by Jack Loeks Theatres, renamed Getty Drive‑In a year later, and eventually grew to four screens. That expansion made it one of the biggest outdoor theaters in the Midwest, giving families and teenagers a place to gather each summer. Drive‑ins were born in the 1930s and flourished after World War II, blending cars and cinema into American culture. By the 1950s Muskegon had five such venues, but cable TV and home video in the 1980s cut their numbers dramatically. The Getty survived by adding new screens, offering double‑features and experimenting with FM radio audio so patrons could listen through their car’s own speakers.The theater faced real danger in the early 2000s when a developer wanted to turn the land into housing. The community rallied, and plans for demolition were dropped. In 2006 a storm forced the replacement of the oldest screen, costing over $60, 000. The Getty kept going, showing modern blockbusters and earning recognition as one of Michigan’s few remaining drive‑ins. A big technological shift came in 2013 when Hollywood stopped printing 35mm film. The Getty converted all four screens to digital projection at a cost of about $70, 000 each, ending an era that began in the 1960s. Today it still offers a playground, concessions and direct‑to‑car service, keeping the nostalgic experience alive while staying up to date. The 2026 season marked its 83rd year, opening in late March with movies starting at dusk. The Getty Drive‑In remains a beloved spot where locals can enjoy films under the stars, proving that old‑school charm still thrives in modern entertainment.