What Happened to Coyote Drive-In (Fort Worth, Texas)?
Coyote Drive-In, a popular modern drive-in movie theater in Fort Worth, Texas, which opened in May 2013, is scheduled to permanently close on Labor Day, September 7, 2026. Its closure is due to the termination of its lease by the Tarrant Regional Water District (TRWD) as the land is needed for the next phase of the Trinity River Vision project, specifically the Panther Island development. The site will be redeveloped to include new canals and a three-acre park.
Quick Answer
Coyote Drive-In in Fort Worth, Texas, is closing permanently on Labor Day, September 7, 2026, after 14 years of operation. The closure stems from a long-standing lease agreement with the Tarrant Regional Water District (TRWD), which owns the land. The TRWD is exercising its right to terminate the lease as the property is required for the ongoing Trinity River Vision project, specifically for the construction of new canals and a park as part of the Panther Island development. The drive-in is currently operating and encouraging guests to visit before its final night.
📊Key Facts
📅Complete Timeline9 events
Coyote Drive-In Concept Founded
The concept for Coyote Drive-In was founded by four individuals, including Glenn Solomon and Brady Wood, who envisioned a modern take on the classic drive-in experience.
Coyote Drive-In Officially Opens
Coyote Drive-In opens to the public in Fort Worth, featuring three screens, a beer garden, playground, and capacity for 1,300 cars. It quickly becomes a popular entertainment destination.
Opening Weekend Features 'Iron Man 3' and 'The Great Gatsby'
On its opening weekend, Coyote Drive-In screens popular first-run features like 'Iron Man 3' and 'The Great Gatsby', offering double features for an $8 admission.
Expansion to Four Screens
The drive-in expands its offerings by adding a fourth screen, increasing the variety of movies available to patrons.
Temporary Main Gate Closure and Detour
Due to ongoing construction or local developments, the main gate and 5th Street entrance are temporarily closed, with a detour through a jury parking lot to a new entrance gate.
Discussions on Future Redevelopment Emerge
Online discussions and local reports highlight that the drive-in's site is part of the Trinity River Vision project, and its eventual closure for redevelopment is anticipated, with the land owned by TRWD.
Permanent Closure Announced
Coyote Drive-In Fort Worth officially announces it will permanently close on Labor Day, September 7, 2026, after 14 years of operation.
Reason for Closure: Trinity River Vision Project
The closure is attributed to the Tarrant Regional Water District (TRWD) exercising its right to terminate the lease, as the property is needed for the next phase of the Trinity River Vision (Panther Island) project, involving new canals and a park.
Final Day of Operation
Coyote Drive-In Fort Worth will screen its last movies on Labor Day, marking the end of its 14-year run as a beloved entertainment venue.
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🔍Deep Dive Analysis
Coyote Drive-In in Fort Worth, Texas, emerged as a unique entertainment venue, blending nostalgic drive-in cinema with modern amenities. Founded in 2011 by a group of four individuals, including managing partner Glenn Solomon and Brady Wood, it officially opened its gates in May 2013. Situated on approximately 18 to 20 acres near downtown Fort Worth along the Trinity River, the venue initially featured three screens, later expanding to four, and could accommodate up to 1,300 cars. Beyond movies, it offered a full concession area, a beer garden, a playground, and hosted various community events, including a popular holiday ice rink for several years.
The drive-in's existence was always contingent on the progress of the ambitious Trinity River Vision project, also known as the Panther Island project. The land it occupied was owned by the Tarrant Regional Water District (TRWD), and the original lease agreement stipulated that the drive-in would operate until the district required the property for the next phase of the redevelopment. This public-private partnership allowed the drive-in to thrive for over a decade, providing a temporary but beloved recreational space in a prime location.
Key turning points for Coyote Drive-In were tied directly to the advancement of the Trinity River Vision. As early as 2013, founders acknowledged that the screens would eventually come down for development, though the beer garden and playground were envisioned to remain as part of a future park. The project aims to transform the area into an actual island by rerouting the Trinity River, creating new canals, and developing parks and urban spaces. While there were discussions and occasional delays in the broader Panther Island project over the years, the eventual need for the Coyote Drive-In site remained a constant.
On August 17, 2026, Coyote Drive-In announced its permanent closure, effective Labor Day, Monday, September 7, 2026. This decision came as the TRWD exercised its right to terminate the lease, with the next Panther Island milestone — the construction of two new canals and a three-acre park on the property — anticipated for the fall of 2026. Managing Partner Glenn Solomon expressed gratitude to the community and acknowledged General Manager Chris Fortune's dedication since the drive-in's inception.
The consequences of this closure are significant for Fort Worth's entertainment landscape, as it marks the end of a unique and cherished local institution. For the TRWD, it signifies a major step forward in the long-planned Trinity River Vision project, moving closer to realizing the Panther Island development. As of August 18, 2026, Coyote Drive-In is still operational for a few more weeks, offering its final screenings and encouraging patrons to visit one last time before its projectors go dark permanently on September 7, 2026.
What If...?
Explore alternate histories. What if Coyote Drive-In (Fort Worth, Texas) made different choices?