Are you looking for a more authentic and old-fashioned movie theater experience in the Hudson Valley? Look no further than these independent movie theaters that have been showing films for decades out of smaller venues in an effort to preserve the nostalgic feel of the cinema. From ’50s classics to action-packed adventures, these theaters play something for everyone on a regular basis.
Alamo Drafthouse
Yonkers
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This theater’s unique blend of film, food, and drink service is a moviegoer’s dream. The venue features a curated film selection that leans into new releases and blockbusters. From movie parties to brunch screenings, Alamo Drafthouse has you covered. Its specialty craft beers and handspun milkshakes are refreshing treats to enjoy while you watch your movie. For true movie aficionados, the Drafthouse offers season passes that include one movie per day, advanced seat selection for your show, and even companion tickets (for an additional fee) starting at $19.99 per month.
The Beacon Movie Theater
Beacon
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The Beacon’s goal is to serve as a hub for film lovers in and around the city of Beacon through showings that range in genre, time period, country, and target age. Stick around for the real buttered popcorn and adult beverages. The prices beat all of the name-brand chains at $12 for general admission and $10 for seniors, kids, and military personnel for matinee showings.
Rosendale Theatre
Rosendale
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The historic building in Rosendale once housed a firehouse and a performance theater named the Rosendale Casino. In 1949, it was refurbished and had its first movie showing. In 2010, the Rosendale Theatre was bought by the Rosendale Theatre Collective, upholding the promise of bringing film and performing arts to the area. This theater is a staple in the Hudson Valley film community, and the annual Woodstock Film Festival often holds showings at the Rosendale Theatre. Be sure to check out the monthly silent film Sunday showing and the occasional live show.
The Moviehouse
Millerton
This Hudson Valley theater shows first-run and independent films across three screens at its renovated Millerton location. Forget concession snacks; this theater has Peruvian empanadas, courtesy of Jessy’s Pastries. It also boasts its own bar and private lounge for intimate gatherings and screenings upstairs. Want to sing your heart out? You can even host your own karaoke party. Sip craft beers, local wines, and sakes for an enhanced moviegoing experience.
Historic Paramount Theatre
Middletown
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While this theater often gives its stage to up-and-coming acts, classical performances, dance recitals, fundraisers, and receptions, it still makes room for movie showings. Originally built in 1929, the Paramount serves all audience members with its fine-tuned acoustic systems. The wait for the movie to start isn’t filled with the typical “please silence your phone” PSAs and other advertisements; instead, guests can enjoy the live pre-show organ ensemble. Aside from the alternative film program, this theater also offers matinee movie showings.
Rivertown Film
Nyack
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With a promise to celebrate, explore, and promote the art of the motion picture, Rivertown Film and Rivertown Film Society cares about increasing community appreciation for the arts. Become a member of Rivertown Film for only $25 per year for access to discounted tickets. Film buffs and historians can indulge in documentaries, foreign, and independent screenings at the Nyack Center.
Lafayette Theater
Suffern
Lafayette Theater, named after the Revolutionary War hero Marquis de Lafayette, was originally equipped with a Muller organ for silent films and live performances during a time when tickets cost a mere twenty-five cents. Now, the theater hosts many events throughout the year but emphasizes classic, first-run, and film festival flicks. The 1,000-seat, single-screen movie venue in Suffern is the perfect spot for film aficionados. Fun fact: It celebrated its 100th anniversary this March!
Upstate Films
Rhinebeck, Saugerties
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In May of 1972, Upstate Films opened its doors in Woodstock for showings of classic Hollywood and foreign films reflecting a variety of themes. In 1999, it expanded to a second theater in Rhinebeck to help push independent theater forward while mainstream movie complexes continued to grow. Its mission is to showcase documentaries and social realities to help educate those in the area. Throughout the year, Upstate Films hosts a number of special events, series, and guest speakers that film fans won’t want to miss. The Woodstock location has closed, but the newer Saugerties location is open for showings.
Lyceum, Roosevelt, and New Paltz Cinemas
Red Hook, Hyde Park, New Paltz
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These three local cinemas offer first-run films at incomparable prices to big-name theaters. Every week, the theaters give away two free tickets to one of the locations to anyone who applies. Plus, signing up for the newsletter means a free tub of popcorn. Bring your ticket stub to get 10 percent off your meal at Coppola’s Bistro in Hyde Park or Poughkeepsie. To enjoy savings on ticket purchases, consider taking advantage of bargain days—Tuesdays and Thursdays—when tickets are just $6 each and luxury rentals are available for only $7.50. Talking about all these deals, discount books are also for sale and can be used at all locations. It would be hard not to love these three film centers.
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