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Laurelhurst Theater - Portland's Beloved Cinema Spot

Laurelhurst Theater | Portland OR

Jul 05, 2025
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Laurelhurst Theater | Portland OR

When you think about places that really capture the spirit of Portland, it's almost impossible not to think about the Laurelhurst Theater. This particular spot has been a cherished part of the city's overall feel and architectural story for what feels like ages, truly since it first opened its doors way back in 1923. It stands as a place where people come together, where stories unfold on the big screen, and where, in a way, memories are made, time and time again, for generations of movie lovers and local folks alike.

The building itself, you know, has a really interesting past, having been brought to life by Walter Tebbetts, someone who, as a matter of fact, went on to create other well-known picture houses in the area, like the Hollywood and Roseway theaters. This historical connection means that the Laurelhurst Theater isn't just a place to watch films; it's a piece of living history, a structure that has seen so much change in the city around it, yet still offers a comfortable, familiar place for everyone to gather and enjoy a bit of cinematic magic.

Today, the Laurelhurst Theater continues to be a central point for entertainment and community life, offering a welcoming space for all sorts of people, from those looking for an evening out to families seeking a fun afternoon. It's a spot where, quite honestly, you can kick back, relax, and enjoy a show, perhaps even grabbing a bite to eat while you are there, making it a very complete experience for anyone who steps through its grand entrance.

Table of Contents

Stepping Inside the Laurelhurst Theater - A Look at Admission

When you are planning a visit to the Laurelhurst Theater, getting your tickets is pretty straightforward, and there are a few options depending on who is coming along and what time you are hoping to catch a film. For most people just looking to enjoy a show, the general entry fee is ten dollars. This price lets you pick your spot and settle in for whatever cinematic offering is playing, so it's a fairly simple way to get in and get started with your movie-watching experience.

However, the Laurelhurst Theater does make an effort to welcome a wider range of moviegoers with some reduced prices, which is quite nice, actually. If you happen to be a senior citizen, meaning someone sixty-four years of age or older, or if you are currently enrolled as a student, or even if you are bringing along little ones under the age of twelve, then the cost of admission drops to seven dollars. This makes it a bit easier for families and those with fixed incomes to come and enjoy a film without too much worry about the cost, which is definitely something to appreciate.

There are also special times during the week when the prices are even more budget-friendly at the Laurelhurst Theater, which is a really good thing to keep in mind. For instance, any film presentation that begins before five-thirty in the evening is also available for seven dollars, regardless of your age group. This means that if you are looking for an earlier show, perhaps for a matinee, you can catch it for a reduced rate, which can be pretty appealing for those who like to get their movie fix in during the day. Then, too, every Tuesday is a special day for savings, because all showings throughout the entire day are just seven dollars, making it, you know, a particularly popular time for many people to visit the Laurelhurst Theater and catch a film.

What is the Laurelhurst Theater's History?

The Laurelhurst Theater, in fact, holds a significant place in the narrative of Portland's past, particularly when you consider its role in shaping the city's cultural and architectural identity. This particular establishment first opened its doors to the public in the year 1923, a time when cinema was truly coming into its own as a popular form of entertainment for people from all walks of life. Its very opening marked a moment, in a way, where a new kind of gathering place was being created for the community, offering a shared experience that brought people together.

The individual responsible for bringing the Laurelhurst Theater into existence was a person by the name of Walter Tebbetts. He was, apparently, a builder with a vision for these grand movie houses, and his work on the Laurelhurst was just the beginning of his contributions to the local entertainment scene. After completing the Laurelhurst, he went on to construct two other well-known and beloved theaters in the area: the Hollywood Theater and the Roseway Theater. So, his creative touch is, in some respects, seen across several of Portland's most enduring and cherished cinematic venues, which is pretty cool to think about when you are sitting in the Laurelhurst Theater today.

This long history means that the Laurelhurst Theater isn't just a place where films are shown; it's a structure that has witnessed nearly a century of changes in the city and in the way people experience stories on screen. It has stood the test of time, adapting and continuing to serve as a vital part of the community's leisure activities. The building itself, you know, carries with it the echoes of countless movie nights, laughter, and shared moments, making it a very special kind of landmark in Portland's overall story, a place that, honestly, feels like it has always been there, welcoming everyone.

Enjoying a Show at the Laurelhurst Theater - Things to Keep in Mind

When you are planning your visit to the Laurelhurst Theater, especially if you are bringing younger members of the family along, there are a few things to keep in mind to make sure everyone has a pleasant time. The theater does, in fact, welcome minors, which is to say, individuals who are not yet of legal age, to many of its film showings. However, there is a specific guideline for their attendance that helps ensure a comfortable environment for all patrons, and that is that any minor must be accompanied by a parent or a legal guardian. This rule helps maintain a good atmosphere for everyone enjoying the film.

Furthermore, this parental accompaniment is required for shows that begin before eight o'clock in the evening. So, if you are thinking of catching an earlier film with your kids or younger family members, just make sure an adult is with them. This policy allows families to enjoy a wide range of movies together at the Laurelhurst Theater, particularly during the daytime and early evening hours, which is pretty convenient for those looking for a family-friendly outing. It means that, basically, you can plan a fun afternoon or early evening at the movies with confidence, knowing the rules for younger attendees.

Something else to remember when you are getting ready to see a film at the Laurelhurst Theater, particularly if you are buying your tickets ahead of time through their online system, is that these sales are considered final. This means that once you have completed your purchase for tickets through their website, there are no opportunities for refunds or for exchanging those tickets for a different show or time. It's a policy that is, you know, pretty standard for many online ticket sales, so it is just something to be aware of when you are making your plans to visit the Laurelhurst Theater. It's always a good idea to double-check your showtime and date before you click that final purchase button, just to be absolutely sure.

Can You Get a Refund for Laurelhurst Theater Tickets?

When it comes to purchasing your entry passes for a movie at the Laurelhurst Theater, it is important to be aware of their approach regarding changes or cancellations. The policy is, in fact, quite clear: once you have completed the process of buying your tickets through their online platform, that transaction is considered to be final. This means that the purchase is set in stone, and the tickets you have acquired are then confirmed for the specific show you selected, which is, you know, pretty standard for many event bookings these days.

Because of this finality, the Laurelhurst Theater does not offer refunds for online ticket sales. So, if your plans happen to shift after you have made your purchase, or if something unexpected comes up, the money you spent on those tickets will not be returned to you. This is a pretty straightforward rule that helps them manage their ticket sales and ensure seats are accounted for, which is, in a way, how many theaters operate when it comes to advance purchases.

In addition to not providing refunds, the Laurelhurst Theater also does not allow for exchanges of online tickets. This means that you cannot swap your purchased tickets for a different film, a different showtime, or even a different date once the transaction is complete. It's simply a matter of, you know, the system being set up for final sales, so it is something to keep in mind very clearly when you are making your selection and confirming your purchase for a show at the Laurelhurst Theater. It is always a good idea to be absolutely certain of your chosen movie and time before you finalize your ticket acquisition, just to avoid any potential disappointment.

What's to Eat at the Laurelhurst Theater?

One of the really pleasant aspects of visiting the Laurelhurst Theater is that you are not just limited to traditional movie snacks; you can, in fact, enjoy a proper meal or a delightful treat right there while you watch your film. The Laurelhurst Theater & Pub takes a lot of pride in serving up a variety of fresh and tasty food items, which is pretty great, honestly, for a cinema. They offer delicious pizzas, which are always a popular choice for a satisfying bite, along with crisp salads for those looking for something a bit lighter. And, of course, for anyone with a sweet tooth, they have freshly baked cookies, which are, you know, a perfect little indulgence to go along with your movie.

What makes these food offerings at the Laurelhurst Theater even more special is their connection to a local favorite. All of these wonderful pizzas, salads, and cookies are made fresh every single day by their sister establishment, the New Deal Cafe. This partnership means that the food you are enjoying at the theater comes from a place known for its quality and fresh ingredients, which, in some respects, adds to the overall pleasantness of your visit. It’s like getting a meal from a beloved local spot without even having to leave the comfort of the movie house, which is pretty convenient.

And speaking of the New Deal Cafe, it is a place that has its own reputation for serving up good food, particularly for the most important meal of the day. The New Deal Cafe is, as a matter of fact, well-known for offering breakfast items every single day, and they do so all day long. So, whether you are an early riser looking for a morning meal or someone who enjoys breakfast foods at any hour, the New Deal Cafe has you covered. While you might not be having breakfast inside the Laurelhurst Theater itself, knowing that the delicious food served there comes from a place with such a commitment to fresh, all-day breakfast, you know, gives you a little extra appreciation for the quality of what you are enjoying at the movies.

Parking Near the Laurelhurst Theater - Where to Find a Spot

Finding a convenient place to leave your vehicle can sometimes be a bit of a challenge when you are heading out to enjoy a film, but the Laurelhurst Theater does have an option that makes things a little easier for its patrons. There is, in fact, a parking area situated directly to the west of the theater building itself. This lot is specifically set aside for customers, which is pretty helpful, as it means you do not have to drive around searching for street parking in the surrounding neighborhood, which can sometimes be a bit tricky, especially during busy times.

However, it is important to be aware of the specific hours during which this customer parking lot is available for use. On weekdays, from Monday through Friday, the lot becomes accessible for theater-goers after six o'clock in the evening. So, if you are planning to catch a show that starts at or after that time on a weekday, you should be able to make use of this convenient parking spot. This arrangement, you know, helps ensure that there is dedicated space for those attending evening screenings at the Laurelhurst Theater.

For those planning a weekend outing to the Laurelhurst Theater, the parking availability in the lot to the west of the building follows a slightly different schedule, which is good to keep in mind. On Saturdays and Sundays, the customer parking area opens up a bit earlier in the day, becoming available after twelve o'clock noon. This means that whether you are going for an afternoon matinee or an evening show on the weekend, you can pretty much count on having this dedicated space for your car, which makes planning your visit a bit simpler. It is, basically, a helpful amenity for anyone driving to the Laurelhurst Theater, making the whole experience just a little more relaxed from the moment you arrive.

The Laurelhurst Neighborhood - Beyond the Theater Walls

The Laurelhurst Theater is, of course, a significant landmark in its own right, but it is also an integral part of a larger, very distinct area: the Laurelhurst neighborhood itself. This particular part of the city is situated right in the core of East Portland, and it is a place that offers a blend of historical charm and a really active community life. The neighborhood is home to not only the beloved Laurelhurst Theater but also the expansive and beautiful Laurelhurst Park, which serves as a major green space for residents and visitors alike, which is pretty nice to have so close by.

Within this inviting neighborhood, you will find a substantial number of homes, with over eighteen hundred households making their lives here. This means it is a fairly well-established and populated area, contributing to a lively and connected community feel. The people who live here, you know, often have a strong sense of local pride, and the presence of the theater and the park certainly adds to the desirability and character of the place, making it a very appealing part of Portland to call home or to simply visit for an afternoon.

The history of the Laurelhurst neighborhood stretches back quite a long way, even before it became the residential area we see today. It was once, in fact, a seasonal camping ground for the Duwamish people, which speaks to the deep historical roots of the land. Later on, the neighborhood became officially recognized as a part of Seattle following its annexation in 1910, and its community center holds the distinction of being an official city landmark. This rich past, with its connections to both indigenous history and the development of urban areas, adds a really interesting layer to the Laurelhurst neighborhood, making it more than just a collection of houses and streets; it is a place with a story that, honestly, goes back a long, long time.

How Does the Laurelhurst Theater Connect with the Community?

The Laurelhurst Theater is not just a place where you go to watch a film; it is, in a way, a very active participant in the local community, fostering connections and encouraging a sense of shared experience. One clear example of this involvement is its participation in local polls and surveys that aim to highlight the best of what Portland has to offer. For instance, the theater has been put forward for consideration in Willamette Week's "Best of Portland 2025" poll, specifically in the category of "Best Movie Theater." This kind of recognition, you know, really speaks to its standing as a cherished local establishment.

The fact that the Laurelhurst Theater is nominated for such an award, and that it actively encourages people to vote for it, shows its dedication to being a top-tier entertainment spot in the city. When they ask for support in polls like this, it is, basically, a way of saying "thank you" to their patrons and acknowledging the community's role in their continued success. It is a reciprocal relationship, where the theater provides a great experience, and the community, in turn, shows its appreciation, which is pretty cool.

Beyond the theater itself, the broader Laurelhurst area, including the beautiful Laurelhurst Park, also serves as a hub for community activities, which further strengthens the theater's ties to its surroundings. Laurelhurst Park is, in fact, recognized as one of the city's most visually appealing green spaces, boasting over 250 different types of trees, a charming duck pond, and a whole range of free public gatherings and happenings. You can also find stone markers at its various entry points and, quite notably, a statue of Joan of Arc on horseback, which adds a touch of historical artistry to the surroundings. This vibrant park, just a stone's throw from the Laurelhurst Theater, means that the entire area is a place where people can come together for all sorts of reasons, whether it is for a movie, a stroll in the park, or a community event, truly making the Laurelhurst Theater a part of a larger, very active, and welcoming neighborhood, which is something to appreciate.

Laurelhurst Theater | Portland OR
Laurelhurst Theater | Portland OR
Portland's Laurelhurst Theater | Modern Cinema, Independent Art and
Portland's Laurelhurst Theater | Modern Cinema, Independent Art and
Laurelhurst Theater - Home
Laurelhurst Theater - Home

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