614 Summer Sweet Spot: South Drive-In & Flea Market
Hello everyone and welcome to summer! Don’t let another hot solstice go by with items left unchecked on your bucket list. Instead, stay tuned to our 614 Summer Sweet Spot series to keep you abreast of all the best places to make your summer memories around central Ohio!
Since the 1950s, the South Drive-In at 3050 S. High St. has been Columbus premier destination for late night, big screen movie showings under the stars. And since the 1970s, it’s been the largest central Ohio location for…flea markets? Yes, indeed.
By night, the drive- in is just that, a drive-in movie theatre. Guests idle their vehicles into a spot on the stone lot, tune in the movie audio on the FM, hit up the very reasonably-priced concessions stand for hot dogs and popcorn, and take in a couple of blockbusters by the light of the moon.
See below for ticket pricing:
- $9 .50Ages 12+ on Fridays / Saturdays / Holiday Eve’s
- $7 .50Ages 12+ on Sunday through Thursday
- $2 Ages 5 through 11 Every Night
- Free Ages 4 & Under are Free Every Night
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With the movies starting at sundown (around 9:15 PM), it can make for a later-than-normal activity, especially for the kiddos (and the Gen Xers). Make a whole evening of the excursion by arriving early to grill out! Grab the charcoal, a few chairs, and some roasting sticks for the perfect pre-movie s’more. Just make sure the embers are cold by the time the movie starts!
By morning, the South Drive-In has transformed into a treasure trove of actual treasures. With more than 200 sellers pedaling everything from clothes, to jewelry, to tools, to furniture, you won’t need to look far to find your own personal chest of gold.
Photos by Sabrina Hone 
Trying to lighten up your load? No problem! Just pack up all of the things in your attic, basement, garage, and/or storage unit that you no longer use and sell them for cash.
The early bird does, in fact, get the worm at the South Drive-In Flea Market. According to the website, dealers begin scavenging for bargains with their flashlights and miner’s hats at 5 AM—when the sun is barely even awake. Gates open at 5 AM Wednesday, Saturdays, and Sundays and its advised to arrive no later than 9 AM. The sales wrap up at 1 PM.
You’ve probably driven by the marquee at 3050 S. High St. Columbus a million times and never knew what you were missing! But today and for the rest of the summer, we urge you to press on those brakes and pay South Drive-In a visit, day or night, for fun you can’t get any other season.
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