This month signifies one of the biggest events in Seattle, the annual Seattle International Film Festival, now in its 52nd year. With declining audiences and shuttering venues, let the festival be a catalyst to check out SIFF’s lineup of independent and international films in person, as well as motivation to explore area cinema houses and lend them your support. Gather your friends and family, order your favorite theater snacks and sit back and enjoy the show at these remaining movie theaters still in operation.
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Three venues for festivals and year-round showtimes
Currently, SIFF’s collection of Seattle theaters include Queen Anne’s Uptown, which it’s operated since 2011; the Film Center in Seattle Center, also opened in 2011; and the former Cinerama, now called Downtown, acquired at the end of 2023 (RIP SIFF Cinema Egyptian!). Check out titles selected for the festival from over 70 countries between May 7-17, and be sure to catch showtimes year-round at all three spots, ranging from first-run titles and anticipated indies to special programs and events focused on directors and genres.
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2
A charming seaside trio
Originally a vaudeville venue built in 1907 in Port Townsend, today the Rose consists of three screens: the Rose Theater, Rosebud and the Starlight Room. The Rose is the largest of the three and boasts original murals from the 1920s; seating 40, the Rosebud is outfitted in red plush sofas with side tables for a more intimate experience; but the most unique of the trio is the upstairs Starlight Room, which is decked out in mismatch chairs and sofas, tables and chandeliers. Love a drive-in? While in town, check out a double feature at the Wheel-in Motor Movie, operating since 1953.
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3
Island time drive-in
Speaking of drive-in movie theaters, did you know there’s only five operating in the state of Washington and that the Blue Fox Drive-In Theater on northern Whidbey Island is one of them? (Drive-in fans, be sure to also check out the other three: Rodeo Drive-In in Bremerton, Skyline Drive-In in Shelton and Auto-Vue Drive-in in Colville). Boasting a beer garden, arcade, go-karts and a wide-ranging snack bar menu with gluten-free options — it’s more like an event than a screening. Drive-ins not your scene? Opt for The Clyde, a Langley family-operated theater that’s so local, you might just catch some community announcements before the show.
📍 1403 N Monroe Landing Rd, Oak Harbor
🕙 Box office opens at 4 p.m.; showtimes dependent on season
💰 $0-$7
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4
Indie cinema x2
Good news indie fans! The Pickford Film Center in Bellingham has not one, but two spots to catch first-run independent titles and retro faves: Bay and Grand — about a block apart. If that weren’t celebration enough for cinephiles, the center also maintains a searchable DVD and Blu-ray library, which you can request to rent. Looking for first-run indies closer to Seattle? Visit the Landmark Crest Cinema Center in Shoreline.
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5
Local Washington chain
Far Away Entertainment may be a chain, but it’s a local collection of small movie theaters that launched almost 30 years ago. Based in Bainbridge, there are a handful of theaters around Western Washington, including the Historic Admiral Theater in West Seattle (additionally in Anacortes, Lynnwood and Stanwood). Catch big hits, indies and special community programming on its four screens with upgraded comfy seating thanks to a renovation in 2016.
📍 2343 California Ave SW, Seattle
🕙 Go here for showtimes
💰 $11.87 -$16.82
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6
A space for films & filmmakers
Northwest Film Forum is a member-based nonprofit organization, which has been in operation since 1995. Love experimental films? This is the place for you! With a broad spectrum of festivals and showcases, the Forum not only is a platform for engaging with various films and visual arts but also offers workshops and services to those interested in the art of filmmaking, too.
📍 1515 12th Ave, Seattle
🕙 Go here for showtimes
💰 $7-$14
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7
Tacos and a movie
What’s better than going out to a movie in a historic building on date night? Tacos AND a movie out in a historic building on date night! In addition to first-run movies and a diverse array of programming and special events, The Grand Cinema in Tacoma lets you kick it up a notch with a significant other, friend or family member by partnering with Red Star Taco Bar for a deal that includes two movie passes, two taco plates and two slushie margaritas (or N/A beverages). Yum!
📍 606 Fawcett Ave, Tacoma
🕙 Go here for showtimes
💰 $10-$13
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8
Cult classic central
If you want a dinner and a movie closer to home, Central Cinema’s robust menu offers everything from classic popcorn and candy to multicourse meals with items like Greek salad, a blackened salmon burger, a “True Romance” pizza, crème brûlée and much more, plus a full bar. While you feast at Central, feast your eyes on their lineup of cult classics and inventively themed showcases. Still hungry for more cult classics? The Beacon in Columbia City is just the ticket!
📍 1411 21st Ave, Seattle
🕙 Go here for showtimes
💰 $7-$9, special events priced per show
