Located in the heart of the Lone Star State, Austin is home to several charming historic theaters and cinemas, each offering a unique movie-going experience. Whether you’re looking for a traditional American theater or a more intimate European-style cinema, Austin’s got it all. From vintage theaters to contemporary movie houses, this guide will help you explore Austin’s amazing collection of historic theaters and cinemas.
- The Marchesa Hall & Theatre
- The Violet Crown Cinema
- The Paramount Theatre
- The Alamo Drafthouse Cinema
- The Austin Film Society
- The Blue Starlite Drive-in Theater
- The Stateside at the Paramount
- The Alamo South Lamar
1. The Marchesa Hall & Theatre
The Marchesa Hall & Theatre is a modern marvel located in the Rosedale neighborhood of Austin. It opened in 2007 and has since become a popular destination for film fans in the area. The theater features a large lobby, two auditoriums, and a bar.
The theater has two auditoriums – the main theater, which has a capacity of 400 people, and the smaller theater, which has a capacity of 150 people. Both auditoriums feature comfortable seating and a state-of-the-art projection system. The theater also has a bar, which serves drinks and snacks before and after the show.
The Marchesa Hall & Theatre has become a popular spot for film fans looking for a unique movie-going experience. The theater hosts a variety of events, including film festivals, movie marathons, and special screenings. The theater also offers discounts for student and senior tickets.
The Marchesa Hall & Theatre is the perfect place to enjoy a night out with friends or family. With its comfortable seating, state-of-the-art projection system, and variety of events, it’s easy to see why this theater has become such a popular spot in Austin. So if you’re looking for a unique movie-going experience, the Marchesa Hall & Theatre is the perfect place to go.
2. The Violet Crown Cinema
The Violet Crown Cinema is a hidden gem in downtown Austin. Located in the historic and charming 2nd Street District, it offers a unique movie-going experience unlike any other. Opened in 2011, this small independent theater showcases a wide selection of independent and foreign films, as well as special events and screenings. It’s the perfect spot to get a taste of the cinematic world and explore the art of filmmaking.
The Violet Crown Cinema has become a beloved destination for locals and visitors alike. The theater is inviting and intimate, and often hosts special events like question and answer sessions with filmmakers and movie stars. You can even join their exclusive Crown Club membership program to get exclusive deals on tickets and concessions.
The Violet Crown Cinema is an essential part of Austin’s vibrant culture. With its unique selection of films and special events, it’s a great place to explore the art of filmmaking and experience a contemporary movie-going experience. Whether you’re looking for a traditional American theater or a more intimate European-style cinema, the Violet Crown Cinema has something for everyone.
3. The Paramount Theatre
The Paramount Theatre is a unique and unmissable experience for visitors to Austin. Located in downtown Austin, the Paramount Theatre is the city’s oldest theater, having opened its doors in 1915. Although the building has been renovated to include modern amenities, its art deco style and classic interior remain intact, providing a timeless atmosphere for moviegoers.
The Paramount Theatre offers a wide range of movie-going experiences, from classic films to contemporary blockbusters. For a truly unique experience, try the Paramount’s ‘Movies in Concert’ series, which pairs classic films with a live orchestra or choir. The accompanying score enhances the viewing experience, immersing viewers in a truly unique and unforgettable atmosphere.
The Paramount Theatre also offers a range of other events, including concerts, lectures, and other special events. The theater also hosts a variety of film festivals throughout the year, making it a great place to find new and exciting films from around the world.
The Paramount Theatre offers an unforgettable movie experience for Austin visitors. Whether you’re looking for a classic film, a unique live performance, or a chance to discover new films, the Paramount Theatre has something for everyone. So make sure you add this historic landmark to your itinerary for your next visit to Austin.
4. The Alamo Drafthouse Cinema
The Alamo Drafthouse Cinema is undoubtedly one of the most popular theaters in all of Austin’s historic neighborhoods. Located downtown, the Alamo Drafthouse Cinema offers movie-goers a unique and innovative experience unlike any other. Not only can you enjoy the latest movie releases, but you can also take part in a number of special events such as sing-alongs, themed movie nights, and more. Plus, the Alamo Drafthouse Cinema offers traditional movie snacks and drinks, but also a full-service restaurant and bar with delicious meals and signature drinks.
The Alamo Drafthouse Cinema has been around since 1997, and has earned a reputation for being one of the most entertaining and enjoyable movie-going experiences in Austin. The theater is known for its strict enforcement of no talking or texting during the movie, and offers a variety of seating options from traditional theater to lounge-style seating. It also has a strong commitment to supporting independent and local filmmakers, and often hosts special screenings and events for local filmmakers.
No matter what kind of movie-going experience you’re looking for, the Alamo Drafthouse Cinema is sure to have something for you. With its unique atmosphere, delicious food and drinks, and focus on independent films, the Alamo Drafthouse Cinema is an Austin landmark that’s sure to provide an unforgettable cinematic experience.
5. The Austin Film Society
The Austin Film Society (AFS) is a non-profit organization dedicated to advancing the art, craft, and business of filmmaking in Austin and beyond. As part of their mission, AFS offers screenings of independent and classic films, along with special events and workshops. Their theater, located in the Rosedale neighborhood of Austin, is a unique and intimate space that allows for an immersive movie-going experience.
At the AFS theater, viewers can enjoy a wide selection of films from around the world, both contemporary and classic. Whether you’re looking for a more traditional American theater experience or a more intimate European-style cinema, AFS has something for everyone. They also offer a selection of films that are not available anywhere else.
In addition to movies, AFS also hosts a variety of events and workshops. From filmmaker Q&As to lectures on the history of cinema, AFS offers a variety of activities to help educate and inspire the local filmmaking community. They also provide educational programs for students, such as film production classes and mentorship opportunities.
The AFS theater offers a truly unique movie-going experience. This theater is the perfect place to explore Austin’s rich cinematic history and discover some of the best independent films from around the world. Whether you’re a movie buff or just looking to have a fun night out, the Austin Film Society is sure to have something to offer.
6. The Blue Starlite Drive-in Theater
- The Blue Starlite Drive-in Theater is an outdoor movie theater in Austin that offers a retro-style experience. The Blue Starlite Drive-in Theater is an outdoor movie theater located in the Mueller neighborhood of Austin. It is one of the only drive-in theaters in the city, providing a nostalgic experience for moviegoers. From classic films to more modern releases, the theater provides a unique and creative way to watch a movie. The theater also features a snack bar and a large outdoor area for visitors to enjoy the beautiful Texas weather while watching a movie.
- The Blue Starlite Drive-in Theater has a variety of classic films to choose from. The Blue Starlite Drive-in Theater offers a fantastic selection of classic films, ranging from cult favorites to iconic classics. Moviegoers can experience classic films like The Rocky Horror Picture Show, Grease, and Casablanca on the big screen. The theater also offers a selection of more modern films, such as recent hit comedies and dramas. The theater regularly updates its selection of films, so there’s always something new to watch!
- The Blue Starlite Drive-in Theater provides a fun and unique movie-going experience. The Blue Starlite Drive-in Theater is a great place to experience the movie-going experience in a unique and creative way. From the retro feel of the theater to the beautiful outdoor area, moviegoers can enjoy a unique and fun experience. The theater also offers a variety of classic films to choose from, so there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for a classic film or a modern hit, the Blue Starlite Drive-in Theater is the perfect place to enjoy a movie in Austin!
7. The Stateside at the Paramount
The Stateside at the Paramount is a special theater located in downtown Austin. It offers a variety of films from different genres, as well as special events and screenings. This theater has been in operation since 1935, and it still retains its original art deco style and charm. The Stateside is a smaller theater, seating less than 400 people, making it the perfect spot to experience a more intimate movie-going experience.
The interior of the theater is decorated with plush velvet seats, providing a cozy, comfortable atmosphere. The theater also features a beautiful collection of vintage movie posters from classic films. This theater has a wide selection of films, including independent, foreign, and documentary films, as well as mainstream blockbusters. Additionally, the theater offers special events and screenings, such as movie marathons, film festivals, and classic film series.
The Stateside at the Paramount is a wonderful movie-going experience. If you’re looking for a truly unique and memorable experience, this is the place to go. The theater offers a wide selection of films, as well as special events and screenings, making it a great place to explore the world of movies. From the art deco decor to the plush velvet seats, the experience of watching a movie at the Stateside is truly special.
8. The Alamo South Lamar
- The Alamo South Lamar’s unique experience The Alamo South Lamar is a great destination for movie-goers in Austin. It offers a unique experience that combines a wide selection of films with special events, food, and drinks. From the moment you step inside, you can tell that this theater is unlike any other. With its comfortable seating and friendly staff, Alamo South Lamar is an ideal spot for a night at the movies. Whether you’re looking for a classic flick or the latest blockbuster, Alamo South Lamar has something for everyone.
- Creative programming at the Alamo South Lamar In addition to its regular screenings, the Alamo South Lamar also offers a variety of creative programming. From special events such as the Alamo Drafthouse’s signature ‘Movie Party’ to its ‘Alamo Kids Camp’ program, this theater is sure to have something to satisfy everyone’s taste. The Alamo South Lamar also hosts a variety of film festivals throughout the year, including the popular SXSW Film Festival. With its creative programming and unique atmosphere, the Alamo South Lamar is a great place to explore Austin’s cinematic history.
- The Alamo South Lamar’s amenities The Alamo South Lamar also offers plenty of amenities for its movie-goers. With its full-service bar and kitchen, the theater provides a variety of snacks and drinks to enjoy during the film. The theater also offers a wide selection of craft beers and wines, as well as signature cocktails. The Alamo South Lamar also has a variety of seating options, from cozy couches to plush recliners, so you can watch your movie in comfort and style.
- Alamo South Lamar’s commitment to film In addition to its inviting atmosphere and wide range of amenities, the Alamo South Lamar is also dedicated to championing the art of film. The theater works hard to provide a diverse selection of films, from classic Hollywood classics to independent films from around the world. The theater also hosts Q&A sessions with filmmakers and actors, giving movie-goers an opportunity to learn more about the craft of filmmaking. With its commitment to film, the Alamo South Lamar is a great place to explore Austin’s unique cinematic heritage.
- The Alamo South Lamar’s impact on Austin The Alamo South Lamar has had a huge impact on the city of Austin. Since its opening in 2015, the theater has become a beloved part of the Austin community. From its cozy atmosphere to its commitment to film, the Alamo South Lamar has created a unique movie-going experience that is sure to be remembered for years to come. Whether you’re looking for a night at the movies or a chance to explore Austin’s cinematic history, the Alamo South Lamar is a great destination for movie-lovers of all ages.
