Arcadia Live Theatre

Grab a seat, music lovers—oh, and film lovers, comedy fans, and trivia afficionados, too. The Arcadia Live Theatre in downtown Kerrville is a Hill Country hotspot and the place to be for live entertainment and wide range of buzzy cultural events.

Attracting legendary singer-songwriters like Lyle Lovett and Charlie Crockett, and offering regular film showings and other entertainment, Arcadia Live is the crowned gem of downtown Kerrville. First founded in 1926, the Arcadia began as a vaudeville and silent movie venue beloved by Kerrville residents. It fell on hard times in the latter part of the 20^th Century but was later rescued and transformed into a stately venue that now hosts all sorts of cultural events. Settle in for a live concert, relive a cinematic classic, test your wits at trivia night, or tie the knot at this celebrated riverfront arts facility.

First open in the Roaring ‘20s, Arcadia Live was the place to go in Kerrville for vaudeville acts and silent movies. Those gave way to films with sound, and for decades, the Arcadia became downtown Kerrville’s main movie theater. The curtain closed in 1989, leaving the historic venue dark for 30 years. A remarkable revival came in 2019 with extensive renovations that maintained the Arcadia’s important history while introducing state-of-the-art lighting, impeccable acoustics, and an intimate ambiance.

The 32-foot stage attracts phenomenal local and national musical talent who love playing to Hill Country’s passionate music fans. Beyond concerts, the stage is alive with laughter and friendly competition. Comedy shows bring established and up-and-coming jokesters to the stage, while “Not Your Granny’s Bingo” will have folks of all ages shouting—you guessed it—bingo! The ever-popular Third Thirsty Thursday Trivia Nights keep audiences canvassing their gray matter for useless fun facts. And for film lovers, the Iconic Film Series brings beloved classics and modern favorites to a massive 24-foot screen—a nod to the Arcadia’s original purpose.

What sets the Arcadia apart isn’t just its stellar entertainment lineup—it’s the venue itself. Art Deco design elements signal its glamorous past. For example, glance up at the striking iron light fixtures in the lobby crafted to resemble vintage movie reels. But the space is not just aesthetically pleasing; it’s designed for excellence and versatility.

With 17,000-square-feet, the Arcadia is a winning option for private events, offering flexible seating and convenient amenities. A former “cry room” used long ago by parents tending to fussy children now serves as a full-service bar, one of two in the venue. Glass, roll-up garage doors at the back of the stage can transform the space into a romantic indoor-outdoor experience, allowing events to flow seamlessly onto the back deck. Overlooking the Guadalupe River, this outdoor area is an idyllic setting for weddings, corporate banquets, milestone celebrations, and other shindigs.

Visible by its vertical marquis and the bold “Welcome to Kerrville” mural painted on its exterior rear wall, the Arcadia is one of downtown Kerrville’s most recognizable attractions. Patrons not only enjoy its wide range of programming, but the many restaurants and accommodations within walking distance or a short drive away. Before a show, enjoy a sumptuous meal downtown then take a stroll overlooking the tranquil waters of the Guadalupe River.

Arcadia Live Theatre is more than just a place to see a show—it’s a living part of Kerrville’s history and a magnet for regional and national talent. Packed with nostalgia and modern amenities, this Hill Country treasure is a beacon of community, culture, and top-notch entertainment.