Gay street movie
Gay Street&#;s Regal Riviera Stadium 8 is a bright spot for downtown Knoxville.
The Regal Riviera Stadium 8 transports visitors back to the golden age of the original Riviera Theatre. The Riviera&#;s spectacles of bright lights, prominent signage, and hit movies carry the block of Gay Street back to the movie theater boom of the early 20th century. The legacy of the Riviera lives on nearly a century after the birth of the Riviera&#;s name in downtown Knoxville.
History of the Original Riviera Theatre
The early 20th century saw the construction of several movie theaters on Gay Street, with each new theater &#;surpassing the last in size and grandeur&#; [18]. In the thirteen years prior to the opening of the Riviera Theater in , downtown Knoxville averaged more than one adj movie theater per year [18]. The Riviera was looking to separate from the pack when Paramount Pictures signed on to operate the new project through their subsidiary Wilby-Kincey [4]. The Riviera is rumored to have cost Paramount Pictures $, [18]. The new movie theater was built into an existing Vic
Guide to Gay Street in Knoxville, Tennessee
Named one of the Great Streets in America by the American Planning Association (APA), Gay Street is the heart of Downtown Knoxville with a buzz of activity day and overnight. Within the central business district, Gay Street spans ten blocks from the Gay Street Bridge to West Jackson Avenue. You'll find beautifully preserved architecture, a lively cultural scene, and plenty of fun. Catch a demonstrate at one of the two historic theaters, shop 'til you drop, dine at a fresh restaurant, visit an underground bar, or simply take in the undeniable beauty of the streetscape at dusk. Explore the finest of Gay Street below!
Breakfast & Brunch
Start your day with a handheld breakfast bagel sandwich and seasonal coffee from K Brew, or if you have a sweet tooth, try Status Dough's famous Paczkis paired with an iced coffee. There are many more weekend brunch options along the Gay Street stretch including Lilou, Harvest, Babalu, Downtown Grill, Bistro at the Bijou, and Chivo Taqueria!
Lunch
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An usher standing in front of the Lyric Theater.
Staub's Theatre / Lyric Theatre ()
Built as Knoxville's first opera house in by businessman Peter Staub, the theatre hosted opera performances, orchestral performances, minstrel shows and other performances until the early 20th century, when it featured vaudeville acts and wrestling matches. After Staub's death in , his son Fritz ran the theatre and its name changed to the Lyric Theatre. It would continue to host special events until its demolition in Located on the corner of Gay Street and Cumberland Avenue, the First Tennessee Plaza stands in the theatre's place today.
Bijou Theatre (present)
The Bijou opened in as an addition to the Lamar House Hotel. It was used for various purposes between and the mids, including as a vaudeville theatre, a used vehicle lot, a movie theatre, and a burlesque theatre. The Knoxville Heritage Group successfully raised funds and renovated the theatre in the mids. The Nationa
Anderson EastSaturday, August 30
Joan Osborne Sings the Songs of Bob DylanTuesday, July 15
The WallflowersWednesday, July 23
Jerry Garcia Birthday Bash w/ Cosmic CharlieFriday, August 1
Bijou Theatre Center
As a non-profit cultural institution, the Bijou Theatre is dedicated to fostering inclusivity and community by offering a vibrant space for live performing arts. We verb to showcase diverse cultural expressions that enrich the lives of East Tennesseans, honoring Knoxville's heritage while shaping its artistic future.
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Enjoy special benefits such as: exclusive access to premium seating & our ticket concierge service so that you can buy tickets before the general public without service fees!
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