McKinney, Texas – The family‑friendly ranch known as WayBack Barn has added a nostalgic twist to its offerings with the opening of the WayBack Drive‑In, a vintage‑style outdoor movie theater set on the property’s four‑acre grounds. Co‑owner Laura O’Dowd announced the new attraction in an email, emphasizing its goal of getting people off their phones and together under the night sky.
What the drive‑in offers
Patrons park their vehicles and tune to a dedicated FM radio frequency to hear the film’s audio, a classic drive‑in setup that lets families enjoy the picture from the comfort of their own cars. For those without a radio, WayBack Barn rents vintage radios on site. The theater’s schedule, posted online, includes family‑friendly titles and recent releases, with a grand‑opening weekend that featured “The Sandlot,” “Top Gun” and “Toy Story.”
Food, drink and on‑site activities
The experience extends beyond the screen. The Hayloft Bar & Griddle, already a local favorite, serves its full menu at the drive‑in, offering items such as a pesto grilled cheese, a Texas Charcuterie board, hot‑dog baskets and a variety of sandwiches. Snack lovers can purchase popcorn, boxed candy and old‑fashioned sodas. A whiskey bar featuring more than ten varieties, plus beer, wine, spirits and non‑alcoholic beverages, rounds out the beverage selection.
Admission includes access to a range of pre‑show games spread across the property, including tetherball, gaga ball, cornhole, horseshoes and other lawn activities. The venue is also available for private rentals, corporate events, school group outings and watch parties, according to O’Dowd.
Community focus
O’Dowd said the drive‑in is designed to attract families with children while also serving as a destination for date nights and girls’ nights out. “Our whole purpose at WayBack Barn has always been about getting people off their phones, outside, and actually hanging out together,” she explained. “Bringing back a drive‑in gives parents that sweet hit of nostalgia and gives kids a fun, safe space to run wild before settling in on the tailgate with some popcorn.”
The venture aligns with a broader trend of reviving classic entertainment formats that foster community interaction, a value that resonates with McKinney’s growing families and young professionals seeking wholesome, low‑tech recreation.
Practical details
The WayBack Drive‑In operates on weekends and select evenings, with tickets sold online and at the ranch’s front office. Each ticket includes parking, game access and the movie showing. For those who prefer to bring their own snacks, the venue allows outside food, though the on‑site menu remains a popular draw.
WayBack Barn’s expansion into outdoor cinema adds another layer to the ranch’s portfolio, which already includes a barn‑style event space, a farm‑to‑table restaurant and seasonal festivals. The drive‑in’s launch reflects the owners’ commitment to preserving retro experiences while supporting local families and small‑business growth.
Looking ahead
Future plans include themed movie nights, holiday specials and collaborations with local schools for educational film screenings. O’Dowd hopes the drive‑in will become a staple of McKinney’s summer calendar, offering a safe, family‑oriented alternative to indoor venues.
Original reporting: Community Impact — McKinney — read the source article.
