Historic Ritz Theatre

Downtown's Stage since 1925

Hip-Hop Then, Now and In-Between

To celebrate, The Historic Ritz Theatre and H.E.A.T program are teaming up to produce a special event that you won't want to miss. Join us in welcoming Deek Beats(Producer/H.E.A.T Founder) and Dr. H.A Nethery(FSU Philosophy Professor) to our stage to present a very unique lecture series. Read more

Nov 30th, 2021 7:00 pm

Historic Ritz Theatre

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Bandit Holiday Market

Join us for our first annual Bandit Holiday Market.

An alternative holiday market where the cool kids shop for local, handmade, and vintage items from Central Florida makers. Craft cocktails & food from @Bespoke_Craftcocktails and Bandidas.

Dec 4th, 2021 3:00 to 9:00 pm

Historic Ritz Theatre

This is a free event!

The Muppet Christmas Carol

Join us for our $5 movie night! At 6:30PM on our big screen we will be showing The Muppet Christmas Carol movie! Grab takeout from your favorite local restaurant and enjoy while you watch. Concessions/drinks will be on sale in our downstairs lounge.

Dec 9th, 2021 6:30 pm

Historic Ritz Theatre

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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:

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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.