A prominent staple of North Texas entertainment has permanently turned off its projectors after more than a decade of serving outdoor movie enthusiasts, families, and car lovers. The Coyote Drive-In, located in Fort Worth, concluded its operations following a packed final evening of screenings, leaving community members mourning the loss of a distinctive local gathering place.
The outdoor theater officially completed its 14-year run on Monday, September 7, hosting a final showing of *Spider-Man: Brand New Day*. Audiences flocked to the venue in large numbers to witness the last projection, filling the grounds to capacity as they delivered a heartfelt send-off to an establishment that had anchored the city's leisure scene since its opening.
News of the pending closure initially emerged on August 24, when the drive-in announced that its operational days were drawing to an end. That advance notice triggered a substantial rush of nostalgic patrons who quickly snapped up tickets to ensure they could experience one last evening under the outdoor screens before the gates closed permanently.
Reflecting on the milestone, Coyote Drive-In General Manager Chris Fortune shared a message expressing deep appreciation for the community that sustained the venue over its 14-year history. Fortune noted that the drive-in had evolved into much more than a routine commercial theater, serving instead as a place where lasting community memories were formed across generations of moviegoers.
In his social media remarks, Fortune highlighted the sensory experiences that defined the venue, encouraging longtime guests to cherish recollections of pleasant Texas evenings, large screens illuminated beneath the stars, food, music, laughter, and the distinct backdrop provided by the illuminated Fort Worth skyline. He extended sincere gratitude to the public for sharing their lives with the drive-in across nearly a decade and a half.
The shutdown comes as local authorities advance the Panther Island Project, a major redevelopment initiative guided by the City of Fort Worth. The municipal project is designed to transform the surrounding district into an active waterfront destination, taking inspiration from the well-known River Walk in San Antonio.
Despite the city’s ambitious infrastructural goals for the district, the compulsory closing of the drive-in has provoked substantial frustration and disappointment among residents. Many local citizens have expressed anger over the decision to displace an active, culturally resonant business to make room for new urban development.
Longtime attendees voiced their dismay online, arguing that municipal leaders failed to recognize the unique cultural value provided by an outdoor theater situated alongside a river. Patron Kristy McCoy remarked on social media that the venue captured authentic drive-in nostalgia while benefiting from the picturesque panorama of the urban core, questioning why civic planning could not incorporate the theater into the new master plan.
McCoy suggested that planners could have found a middle ground, proposing that the site might have been preserved in a reduced capacity—such as operating with two screens—rather than being eliminated entirely. She expressed doubt that newly constructed waterfront amenities could match the charm of watching films beside the river with the lit skyline in the distance.
Other patrons expressed strong sorrow regarding the changing nature of the city. Resident Steven Whittington shared his disappointment online, recalling the tradition of watching films from the bed of a pickup truck with family under the open night sky and openly criticizing city leadership for not appreciating the drive-in's worth, warning that Fort Worth risks adopting the less desirable urban traits of neighboring Dallas.
Frustration also spilled over onto discussion forums, where community members questioned the priorities of local leadership. On Reddit, one user expressed exasperation that a scenic local fixture was being sacrificed, voicing skepticism over the prospect of additional upscale residential developments taking its place.
Criticism extended directly to municipal and regional governance, with resident Victoria Bonsall-Marples stating that officials representing Fort Worth and Tarrant County should feel ashamed for removing an establishment known for its friendly, clean, and welcoming environment. She lamented that the closure diminished the distinctive, quirky character of "Funky Town."
At the same time, patrons expressed hope that the Coyote Drive-In brand might eventually find a second life elsewhere in the region. Bonsall-Marples pointed out that vast open land exists further west in the county, between communities such as Aledo and Weatherford, which could serve as potential landing spots if management ever considers relocating operations.
The closure marks the conclusion of a significant chapter in Fort Worth’s modern entertainment history, underscoring ongoing tensions between city-led redevelopment efforts and the preservation of cherished local institutions. Inquiries for additional comment regarding the closure have been submitted to Coyote Drive-In representatives.
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