Boulder Theatre
Historic Boulder Theatre in Boulder City
Boulder Theatre is a restored historic performance venue at 1225 Arizona Street in downtown Boulder City, Nevada. The former single-screen movie house now hosts selected dance productions, film screenings, recitals, and compatible community events.
The theatre opens for scheduled performances rather than maintaining daily public hours. Ticketing, admission ages, doors, seating, concessions, accessibility arrangements, and event policies can differ by production.
Boulder Theatre is part of the Boulder City Historic District and should not be confused with Boulder Theater in Boulder, Colorado. Visitors can also explore other historic destinations, public art, shops, restaurants, and attractions throughout downtown Boulder City.
Last reviewed: July 31, 2026. Event schedules, ticketing, venue access, rental availability, seating arrangements, and production policies can change.
Quick Facts | About | History | Performances | Film Screenings | Tickets | Rentals | Parking | Accessibility | Visitor Tips | FAQ
Boulder Theatre Quick Facts
Official name:
Boulder Theatre
Common name:
Historic Boulder Theatre
Address:
1225 Arizona Street
Boulder City, NV 89005
Location:
Historic downtown Boulder City, Nevada
Owner:
Boulder Theatre LLC / Desi Arnaz Jr.
Venue type:
Historic live-performance theatre, dance venue, recital space, film-screening venue, and limited-use event facility
Operating status:
Open for scheduled performances and approved events
Regular hours:
The theatre does not maintain set public hours. Opening, box-office, door, and performance times depend on the scheduled event.
Historical opening:
The theatre opened as a movie house in 1932 during Boulder City’s Hoover Dam construction era. Some current venue materials describe the building as dating to 1933.
Historic designation:
The building is within the Boulder City Historic District, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Historical seating figure:
Historical theatre sources list 550 seats. Current usable capacity depends on the event layout and should be confirmed with the organizer.
Typical uses:
Dance productions, ballet, recitals, film screenings, community performances, and selected compatible events
Resident arts relationship:
The theatre has long served as a home venue for the nonprofit Boulder City Ballet Company.
Tickets:
Ticketing is handled according to the individual production. Use the organizer or ticket source named in the event listing.
Age requirements:
Age rules vary by production. Review the selected event before purchasing tickets or bringing children.
Parking:
Use legal public parking in downtown Boulder City and follow posted signs. Availability may be limited during festivals, street closures, and major community events.
Phone:
702-293-1161
Venue information:
Boulder Theatre LLC profile
About Boulder Theatre
Boulder Theatre occupies a prominent historic building along Arizona Street in downtown Boulder City. Its pale stucco façade, pink trim, rounded arcade, traditional marquee, and projecting theatre sign make it one of the area’s recognizable architectural landmarks.
The venue is smaller and more specialized than a modern regional performing-arts center. It operates as a historic building used for selected productions rather than a commercial theatre with a permanent resident show or daily movie schedule.
The theatre has a live-performance stage with lighting and sound infrastructure. Because the building is historic, its layout and amenities may not accommodate every proposed production, technical requirement, audience arrangement, or accessibility request.
Boulder Theatre History
Boulder Theatre opened as a motion-picture house in 1932 while Boulder City was developing to support construction of Hoover Dam. Some current venue materials identify 1933 as the building year, so the exact construction date should be treated with care.
Historical theatre sources identify architect Clifford A. Balch and describe the building as Mission Revival in style. Its street-facing arcade also contributes to the coordinated architectural character of downtown Boulder City.
The theatre operated for decades as a single-screen cinema. After regular movie operations ended, Desi Arnaz Jr. and Amy Arnaz acquired and restored the building in the late 1990s for live performances.
The restoration retained the building’s historic character while adapting the auditorium for stage productions. The venue later became associated with Boulder City Ballet Company, dance performances, community programming, and the Dam Short Film Festival.
Boulder Theatre is within the Boulder City Historic District, which was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1983. This district status does not mean that every feature inside the theatre remains original or that the building is separately listed as an individual National Register property.
Dance, Theatre, and Community Performances
Boulder Theatre has hosted ballet, dance recitals, theatrical productions, musical programs, and other community performances. The nonprofit Boulder City Ballet Company has a longstanding relationship with the venue.
Recent programming has also included productions presented by Dance Etc. These events use their own showtimes, ticket contacts, reserved-seating procedures, prices, and age requirements.
There is no permanent public performance schedule that applies throughout the year. Visitors should use the current event listing and organizer information for each production.
The theatre should not be described as a regular Las Vegas touring-show venue, concert hall, Broadway house, casino showroom, or daily movie cinema.
Film Screenings and the Dam Short Film Festival
Boulder Theatre has served as a screening location for the Dam Short Film Festival. The festival is scheduled to return to the theatre in February 2027.
Festival dates, films, programs, passes, individual tickets, filmmaker events, age guidance, and screening schedules belong to the festival’s current event pages rather than the permanent venue description.
The presence of film-festival screenings does not mean that Boulder Theatre operates as a daily public movie theater. Film use depends on scheduled productions and approved events.
Tickets, Seating, and Admission
Boulder Theatre does not appear to use one permanent ticketing system for every event. Tickets may be sold or reserved by the presenting dance school, festival, producer, community organization, or another approved organizer.
Use the contact information on the selected event listing. Do not assume that calling the theatre will replace an organizer’s required reservation or online purchase process.
Historical sources list 550 seats, but the current available capacity may vary according to stage extensions, production equipment, reserved areas, accessibility accommodations, filming needs, or event layout.
Age requirements also vary. A family-oriented dance recital may establish one minimum age, while a film screening or other production may use different guidance.
Confirm whether seating is reserved or general admission and ask when doors open. Late-seating procedures are determined by the production.
Limited Event Use and Rental Inquiries
Boulder Theatre may consider selected compatible event uses. Availability is limited, and the historic building cannot accommodate every proposed production.
Potential organizers should provide accurate information about the event type, audience size, stage requirements, sound, lighting, projection, rehearsal time, loading, staffing, insurance, security, ticketing, accessibility, concessions, and cleanup.
Do not assume that the venue is suitable for large concerts, elaborate scenery, heavy equipment, complex rigging, trade shows, unrestricted filming, food preparation, weddings, or private parties without written approval.
A preliminary inquiry does not guarantee that a date, layout, technical request, capacity, or event use will be approved.
Parking and Arrival
Boulder Theatre is on Arizona Street in historic downtown Boulder City. Visitors generally use available public parking and legal street spaces near the theatre.
Follow posted time limits, curb restrictions, accessible-parking signs, loading rules, temporary closures, and special-event directions. Do not block neighboring businesses, alleys, driveways, or marked access routes.
Parking can become more difficult during festivals, parades, art events, holiday activities, and busy downtown weekends. Arrive early when a production coincides with a larger Boulder City event.
Rideshare passengers should choose a safe pickup and drop-off point away from active traffic and should not assume that vehicles can wait directly in front of the theatre.
Transportation to Boulder City
Boulder Theatre is in Boulder City, not Las Vegas. Visitors traveling from the Las Vegas Valley should plan for the drive to Boulder City and allow additional time for road construction, Hoover Dam traffic, community events, and downtown street closures.
The theatre is within a walkable downtown area near local shops, restaurants, public art, and other historic buildings. Sidewalk and crossing conditions may vary along the selected route.
Public transportation options and schedules can change. Check a current regional trip planner before relying on transit for an evening performance.
Accessibility
Boulder Theatre is a restored historic building. Accessibility may vary among the entrance, lobby, aisles, seating areas, stage, restrooms, backstage spaces, and event layouts.
Guests who require wheelchair seating, companion seating, a step-free route, accessible restroom access, limited walking, or another accommodation should contact the event organizer before purchasing tickets.
Ask the organizer to confirm the entrance procedure, seating location, aisle width, transfer requirements, restroom route, parking or drop-off options, and arrival time.
Production effects can also vary. Guests with hearing, vision, sensory, respiratory, neurological, or other concerns should ask whether the event uses amplified sound, flashing lights, darkness, haze, projection, or other effects.
Do not assume that an accommodation requested for one production will automatically be available for a different event or seating layout.
Event Policies
Bag limits, photography, recording, outside food, beverages, concessions, alcohol, reentry, late seating, security screening, and prohibited items may be established by the presenter.
Review the selected event listing and follow instructions from theatre staff and the event organizer. Do not bring professional recording equipment or large production gear without written authorization.
Visitor Tips
Confirm That an Event Is Scheduled
The theatre does not maintain daily public hours. Do not travel to the venue solely to visit the interior unless an event or appointment has been confirmed.
Use the Event Organizer’s Ticket Instructions
Different presenters may use different phone numbers, reservation systems, ticket links, and seating procedures.
Check the Correct City
The theatre is in Boulder City, Nevada. It is not in Las Vegas and is not the Boulder Theater in Colorado.
Arrive Early
Allow time for downtown parking, walking to the entrance, ticket collection, accessibility arrangements, and seating.
Request Accessibility Information Before Buying
Historic-building conditions and event layouts can affect seating and routes. Confirm specific needs before completing a purchase.
Check Downtown Events
A parade, festival, art event, or street closure may affect parking and access even when it is not connected to the theatre performance.
Boulder Theatre FAQ
Q: Where is Boulder Theatre?
A: Boulder Theatre is at 1225 Arizona Street in downtown Boulder City, Nevada 89005.
Q: Is Boulder Theatre in Las Vegas?
A: No. It is in Boulder City, a separate community southeast of Las Vegas.
Q: Is this the Boulder Theater in Colorado?
A: No. Boulder Theatre in Nevada is a different historic venue from Boulder Theater in Boulder, Colorado.
Q: Is Boulder Theatre open every day?
A: No. The venue does not maintain set public hours and generally opens for scheduled performances or approved events.
Q: When was Boulder Theatre built?
A: The theatre opened as a movie house in 1932. Some current venue materials describe the building as dating to 1933, so the construction year is not stated as uncontested.
Q: Is Boulder Theatre historic?
A: Yes. It is within the Boulder City Historic District, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Q: Is the theatre individually listed on the National Register?
A: The supported designation is its location within the Boulder City Historic District. A separate individual National Register listing was not verified for this page.
Q: Who owns Boulder Theatre?
A: Current venue and local reporting identify Desi Arnaz Jr. and Boulder Theatre LLC with the property.
Q: What happened to the original movie theater?
A: Regular movie operations ended, and the building was restored in the late 1990s for live performances.
Q: What events are held at Boulder Theatre?
A: Selected uses include dance productions, ballet, recitals, film screenings, and compatible community performances.
Q: Is Boulder City Ballet Company based there?
A: The theatre has a longstanding relationship with the nonprofit Boulder City Ballet Company, but other presenters also use the venue.
Q: Does the theatre still show movies?
A: It does not operate as a daily movie cinema. Films may be shown during scheduled festivals or special screening events.
Q: Is the Dam Short Film Festival held there?
A: Boulder Theatre has hosted the festival, and its return is scheduled for February 2027. Future festival dates should be checked separately.
Q: How are tickets purchased?
A: Ticketing depends on the production. Use the organizer, reservation phone number, or ticket link named in the selected event listing.
Q: Can tickets always be purchased at the theatre?
A: No permanent daily box-office service was verified. Follow the event organizer’s instructions.
Q: How many seats does Boulder Theatre have?
A: Historical sources list 550 seats, but current usable capacity can change with the production layout and accessibility arrangements.
Q: Are seats reserved?
A: Seating may be reserved or general admission depending on the event.
Q: Are children allowed?
A: Age restrictions vary by production. Check the selected event before purchasing tickets or bringing children.
Q: Is accessible seating available?
A: Guests should contact the event organizer before purchasing to confirm wheelchair seating, companion seating, routes, restrooms, and other accommodations.
Q: Is the entire theatre fully accessible?
A: That blanket claim is not supported. Accessibility can vary because of the historic building and the event layout.
Q: Is parking available?
A: Visitors generally use legal public parking in downtown Boulder City. Follow posted signs and allow extra time during community events.
Q: Does the theatre have its own parking lot?
A: A dedicated theatre parking lot was not verified. Do not rely on one without confirming directly.
Q: Can Boulder Theatre be rented?
A: Limited compatible event uses may be considered. The historic building cannot accommodate every production or technical request.
Q: Does the venue have food or drinks?
A: No permanent concession or beverage service was verified. Availability and outside-food rules may vary by event.
Q: Are cameras allowed?
A: Photography and recording policies depend on the production. Obtain permission before bringing professional equipment or recording a performance.
