NORTH WHITEHALL TWP., Pa. – Matthew McClanahan and Lauren McChesney, owners of Shankweiler’s Drive-In Theatre, have announced the historic theater has been voted Number 1 in USA Today 10Best Readers’ Choice “Best Drive-In Theater” award for 2026.
According to a press release the drive-in, they placed 2nd in 2025, and 5th in 2024 for this widely publicized contest, contending with fierce competition from across the country, including five fellow Pennsylvania drive-ins.
Shankweiler’s Drive-In Theatre, which is in North Whitehall Township, originally opened on April 15, 1934. It holds a Guinness World Record as the oldest continuously-operating drive-in theater in the world, the release says.
“This win is unexpected since we were up against some really amazing competition,” says McClanahan. “We are so incredibly grateful to all of our customers, friends, and drive-in enthusiasts for their support. We will work very hard this season to live up to this award!”
Shankweiler’s has received several accolades over the past year, including being named “Best Drive-In” by Lehigh Valley Style, one of the “Top 21 Coolest Theaters” in the world by Variety Magazine, one of the “15 Best Drive-Ins” by Fodors Travel, and one of the top 10 “Best Drive-In Theaters” by Newsweek. In addition, the theater was featured on Good Morning America and CNBC’s “Make It” program last summer.
The USA TODAY 10BEST Readers’ Choice Awards highlight top national attractions and businesses and are voted on by the public. There is no cost to participate in the awards, and nominations cannot be purchased. Voting began on Monday, April 14 and ran through May 11.
Full list of Top 10 Winners for this year’s contest:
Shankweiler’s Drive-In Theatre, Pa.
Dependable Drive-In, Pa.
Harvest Moon Twin Drive-In Theatre, Ill.
Bengies Drive-In Theatre, Md.
Skyview Drive-In, Ill.
The Mahoning Drive-in Theater, Pa.
Admiral Twin Drive-In, Ok.
Pink Cadillac Drive-In Theater, Tenn.
Stars & Stripes Drive-In Theatre, Texas
Evergreen Drive-In Theatre, Pa.