McKinney families will soon have a new reason to gather under the Texas sky. Wayback Drive-In, the city’s first drive‑in theater, opens at Wayback Barn, 3964 County Road 168, with a soft opening Nov. 6‑8 and a grand opening weekend Nov. 13‑15.
More Than a Movie
Beyond the big screen, the four‑acre property offers a range of outdoor activities. Guests can play gaga ball, tetherball, nine‑square, horseshoes, volleyball, cornhole, ping‑pong, foosball, bocce ball and giant Jenga. Fire pits and picnic tables sit beneath mature trees, and an 18‑hole mini‑golf course winds through the natural landscape for an additional $6.
Food and drinks are served inside the Hayloft Bar & Griddle, a century‑old barn that now houses buttery popcorn, boxed candy, meal options and old‑fashioned sodas made with real sugar. Adults may also choose from beer, wine, whiskey and mixed drinks. Patrons can enjoy their meals from the comfort of lawn chairs or their cars, turning a simple screening into a full evening out.
A Family‑Driven Vision
Executive operations assistant Krystal Chacon says the project grew out of a family desire to “slow down, share a meaningful experience, and turn movie night back into an outdoor social event.” The Chacon family purchased the property in 2021 after a Colorado vacation filled with yard games and mini‑golf. They restored a 1915 red barn that had a collapsed side and an unusable second floor, salvaging original wood for new flooring and reusing horse‑stall lumber for the bar.
“Restoring the barn was a true labor of love,” Chacon notes. The reclaimed materials give the venue a historic feel, while new touches—planters, swings, benches and string lights—create a welcoming atmosphere after sunset.
Community Connections
Wayback Barn already hosts birthday parties, graduations, corporate gatherings, team‑building events and field trips. The addition of the drive‑in expands those options, allowing families to start the evening with a round of mini‑golf, enjoy dinner inside the barn, and finish with a film under the stars.
“We get to see dads challenging their kids to a game of tetherball, teenagers off their phones and playing nine‑square, friends connecting over a drink while their kids mini‑golf, moms meeting up for a playdate,” Chacon says. “It is such a joy to see.”
Preserving Tradition
With fewer than 300 drive‑in theaters operating nationwide, McKinney’s new venue fills a regional gap that previously required a road trip. Parents have already called the experience “a gift” for their families, offering a rare chance for children of all ages to enjoy a classic pastime together.
“From hard‑to‑please teenagers to rowdy toddlers, the whole family gets to play games and then settle in for a cozy movie outside,” Chacon adds. “We hope they leave feeling connected, refreshed and full of joy from spending time outdoors with their favorite people.”
Wayback Drive‑In promises to be more than a nostalgic novelty; it aims to become a lasting community hub where families can create lasting memories while enjoying wholesome entertainment in a beautiful, historic setting.
Original reporting: Local Profile (DFW) — read the source article.
