Historic Ritz Theatre

Downtown's Stage since 1925

Rocketeer

Join us for another one of our Classics & Cocktails events! Featuring the 1991 film Rocketeer. Cliff Secord (Bill Campbell) is a cocky stunt pilot in love with a beautiful actress, Jenny Blake (Jennifer Connelly). When he discovers a jet pack hidden in a biplane, Cliff straps on the rocket, dons a flashy helmet and becomes the high-flying hero known as The Rocketeer. . Movie will begin at 7:00pm - Doors will open at 6:30pm. We will once again be serving our specialty cocktails themed to this classic movie!

Jan 28th - 7:00 pm

Historic Ritz Theatre

Purchase Tickets

Wall-E

Whats better than a movie on a Saturday afternoon? Join us for some family fun! Wall-E has been stealing our hearts since his release in 2008 - if you or your kids haven't seen it, here is your chance! WALL-E is the last robot left on Earth. He spends his days tidying up the planet, one piece of garbage at a time. But during 700 years, WALL-E has developed a personality, and he's more than a little lonely. Then he spots EVE. The movie will begin at 2:30pm - Doors will open at 2:00pm.

Jan 29th - 2:30 pm

Historic Ritz Theatre

Purchase Tickets

DR. MARY MCLEOD BETHUNE COMES TO LIFE

Join us for a free presentation by Ersula Know-Odom as she introduces us to Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune. (1875-1955) , the founder of Bethune-Cookman University. She served as a New Deal government official - in one of the 20 highest-level offices held by women in the administration, and the highest held by an African American woman; was founder of FDR’s "black cabinet;" served as president of the National Association of Colored Women;

February 3rd - 5:30 pm

Historic Ritz Theatre

This is a free event!

Our History

The Ritz Theatre has been downtown’s stage since 1925 when it opened as a venue for silent movies and vaudeville acts. First known as the “Williamson” it changed ownership in 1932 and was renamed “The Ritz.” For decades it served as Winter Haven’s only movie house. However, by the 1980s and the introduction of multi-screen theaters, the Ritz was no longer financially viable and went dark. During the 1980s it opened briefly as a nightclub for teens but by the 1990s the building sat vacant and deteriorating.

As with any building dating from 1925 the Ritz has a lively historical history. lts use included a venue for vaudeville and silent movies in its early years.

Contact Us

We would love to connect with you! Are you interested in Volunteering? Rentals? Upcoming shows? Tell us how to contact you to answer any questions you may have:

Get in touch

Rentals

Flexible Multi-Level Seating

The Ritz theatre can comfortably accommodate over 450 guests. Our folding tables and chairs allow us to configure the venue for corporate conference style seating, or wedding and banquet style seating. There is ample room for VIP areas and even a dance floor. Click on “Read more” for examples of floor plans for your event.

Stage AV and Lighting

Our theatre is regularly used for live events and movie screenings. The sound system may accommodate your needs with a state of the art speaker system and a stage microphone is available. The Audio Visual system allows for internet streaming of presentations and slideshows on our movie screen. Our theatrical lighting adds flair to your event.