Lights Out: Fort Worth’s Beloved Coyote Drive-In Closes After 14 Years
Fort Worth’s Beloved Coyote Drive-In Closes After 14 Years: Everything You Need to Know
The Big News: Final Curtain Call on Labor Day
After 14 wonderful years of family movie nights, first dates, and memories under the stars, Coyote Drive-In in Fort Worth is permanently closing its doors. The final night will be Labor Day, Monday, September 7.
Important Callout: This isn’t a temporary break — it’s a permanent goodbye. If you want one last drive-in experience, you have until September 7 to visit!
Why Is It Closing? The Simple Explanation
You might wonder: "If it’s so popular, why close?" Here’s the simple version:
The Trinity River Vision Project (aka Panther Island)
- The city has a big plan called the Trinity River Vision to transform the area around the Trinity River
- Part of this plan (called Panther Island) involves building two new canals and a three-acre park right where the drive-in sits
- The land belongs to the Tarrant Regional Water District (TRWD) — they’re like the landlords
The Lease Agreement Had a "Time’s Up" Clause
When Coyote Drive-In first opened 14 years ago, they signed a lease that basically said:
"You can stay here until we need this land for the river project. Once construction starts, the lease ends."
Well, construction is starting this fall, so TRWD exercised their right to end the lease. It’s not anyone’s fault — it was always part of the plan.
A Look Back: 14 Years of Memories
Since opening in 2011, Coyote Drive-In has been more than just a movie theater:
- Hundreds of thousands of guests visited over the years
- Families, friends, and couples made lasting memories
- Community events brought people together
- Classic drive-in nostalgia met modern amenities (like digital projection and FM radio sound)
- General Manager Chris Fortune was there from day one — Managing Partner Glenn Solomon calls him "the heart and soul of Coyote Drive-In"
What the Owners Want You to Know
Glenn Solomon (Managing Partner) shared this heartfelt message:
"We have been incredibly fortunate to be part of the Fort Worth community and the greater Dallas-Fort Worth area, and we are deeply grateful to the hundreds of thousands of guests who chose to spend their evenings with us over the years. When we opened Coyote Drive-In, we hoped to create more than just a place to watch movies; we wanted to create a place where families and friends could come together and make lasting memories."
He also thanked:
- Customers who kept coming back
- Employees who made the magic happen
- Business partners who supported them
- The entire Fort Worth community for 14 years of love
Your Last Chance: How to Say Goodbye
If you want one final movie under the North Texas sky, here’s your step-by-step plan:
- Check the schedule — Visit their website or social media for showtimes through September 7
- Gather your crew — Family, friends, or that special someone
- Pack the essentials — Blankets, snacks, lawn chairs (or just stay in your car!)
- Arrive early — Final weeks will likely be busy
- Tune your radio — Audio comes through your car’s FM radio
- Enjoy the moment — Soak in the atmosphere one last time
- Share your memories — Post photos with #CoyoteDriveInForever
Summary: The End of an Era
| What | Details |
|---|---|
| Who | Coyote Drive-In Fort Worth |
| What | Permanent closure after 14 years |
| When | Final night: Labor Day, Monday, September 7 |
| Why | Trinity River Vision / Panther Island construction requires the land |
| Who decides | Tarrant Regional Water District (landowner) exercised lease termination clause |
| Legacy | Hundreds of thousands of memories, community hub, "heart and soul" GM Chris Fortune |
| Final message | "Come see one last movie under the stars before we say goodbye" |
FAQ: Your Questions Answered
Will Coyote Drive-In reopen somewhere else?
A: The article doesn’t mention any relocation plans. This appears to be a permanent closure for this location and business. The owners haven’t announced plans to reopen elsewhere.
What is the Trinity River Vision / Panther Island project?
A: Think of it as a massive makeover for the Trinity River area. The plan includes:
- Creating a new island district (Panther Island) by digging canals
- Building parks, trails, and public spaces
- Adding residential and commercial development
- Improving flood protection for downtown Fort Worth
The drive-in’s land is needed for two canals and a 3-acre park.
Can I still use my gift cards or passes?
A: The article doesn’t specify, but use them ASAP before September 7! Check their website or call for the latest policy on gift cards and loyalty rewards.
Are other Coyote Drive-In locations closing too?
A: This article only mentions the Fort Worth location. Coyote Drive-In has/had other locations (like in Dallas and Lewisville) — check their website for the status of other locations.
What will happen to the land after the drive-in closes?
A: Construction will begin on two new canals and a three-acre public park as part of the Panther Island development. This is the first major milestone of the Trinity River Vision project coming to life.
One Final Thought
"All good things must come to an end, but the memories last forever."
Coyote Drive-In gave Fort Worth 14 years of magic — first kisses in backseats, kids in pajamas watching double features, friends laughing over shared popcorn. As the projector lights dim for the last time on September 7, thank you, Coyote Drive-In, for the memories.
Don’t wait — grab your tickets for one last show before Labor Day!