Beach Theatre

The Beach Theatre is a historic movie theatre and live performance venue located in St. Pete Beach, Florida. Originally opened in 1940, it is described as the only venue on St. Pete Beach offering both movies and live events, including indie films, classic cinema, concerts, comedy shows, and community performances. The theatre operated for decades as a beloved local landmark before closing its doors in 2012. It then sat vacant for over a decade and suffered significant damage from the elements. In February 2024, the theatre came under new ownership, and a total renovation began, with plans to reopen in 2025 as a cinema and live performing arts venue. The renovation includes a new screen, audio/visual equipment, seats, air conditioning, roof, and other upgrades. The revived Beach Theatre aims to preserve the nostalgia and charm of the historic venue while creating new experiences for today's audiences, serving St. Pete Beach, St. Petersburg, Treasure Island, Gulfport, and the greater Tampa Bay area. The director, Hannah Hockman, has emphasized that the reopening is about celebrating tradition, fostering community, and preserving the magic of nostalgia for generations to come.

The Beach Theatre opened in 1940 in the heart of downtown St. Pete Beach, Florida, and quickly became a cherished landmark for the beach community. For decades it operated as a movie theatre, serving generations of residents and visitors. The theatre closed its doors in 2012 and subsequently sat vacant for more than a decade. During that period, the building weathered the elements and sustained significant damage. In February 2024, the theatre came under new ownership with a mission to restore and reimagine it. A total renovation was launched, encompassing a new screen, audio/visual equipment, seats, air conditioning, roof, and other infrastructure. The renewed Beach Theatre is planned to reopen in 2025 as a cinema and live performing arts venue, offering indie films, classic cinema, film festivals, plays, musicals, concerts, comedy shows, kids theatre camps, and private events. The venue aims to serve St. Pete Beach, St. Petersburg, Treasure Island, Gulfport, and the greater Tampa Bay area, preserving its historic charm while creating new cultural experiences.

• 2025

  Planned reopening as a cinema and live performing arts venue.

• 2012

  The theatre closed its doors and subsequently sat vacant for over a decade.

• 1940

  The Beach Theatre originally opened in St. Pete Beach, Florida.

• The Beach Theatre came under new ownership, with plans to reopen in 2025 after a total renovation.

A historic landmark where cinematic nostalgia meets live performance, serving as a community cultural hub in St. Pete Beach.

• Indie Films

  Independent film screenings.

• Classic Films

  Classic cinema screenings.

• Film Festivals

  Hosting film festivals.

• Plays & Musicals

  Live theatre performances.

• Concerts

  Live music concerts.

• Comedy Shows

  Live comedy performances.

• Kids Theatre Camps

  Theatre camps for children.

• Private Events & Rentals

  Venue rental for private events.

1. 1The Beach Theatrethebeachtheatre.org
2. 2About The Beach Theatre | Historic St. Pete Beach Cinema — The Beach Theatrethebeachtheatre.org
3. 3Beach Theatrewikidata.org