Reviews of Capitol Theater (Movie Theater)

Todd Bellamy

Love this funky indy movie theater in downtown Olympia.

Malorie Kennedy

Beautifully historic facility, that plays all the latest and greatest independent films. Reasonably priced tickets and concessions. Will be back as soon as possible.

Karen Lunde Hertzberg

The Capitol Theater is a historic Art Deco theater built in 1924. It's well worth a visit just for the ambiance, but the Olympia Film Society features hard-to-find art films and hosts other events there, too.

Live and Direct

Very disappointed in this venue. I remember when I was a kid this was a very cozy, fun place to go. I am putting on a concert next year and planned on putting it on here in downtown Olympia. Thinking capitol theatre would be the perfect venue for this event I called them looking for their program director. Straight to voicemail. I made several attempts to get in contact with the staff and management over the course of multiple weeks. No one ever answered the phone, or even attempted to contact me. I found this to be very unprofessional. If you're looking for a place to book in Olympia, look elsewhere. Sad excuse for a venue.

Ronald Schwab

Good friendly venue

Thomas Perchlik

This is an aged theater that is slowly being refurbished. It is the best place to see movies of great variety, from first run Hollywood productions to classic greats to amazing films from around the world. Mostly volunteer run with a great staff this is the center of film culture in the south sound area.

r w

Popcorn was old stale and just too old and dingy for me. It is cool it is still around but no thanks.

David Cuffeld

I'm able to check off movies I missed as a young lad here. Such as The Last Dragon last year and more recently, The Rocky Horror Picture Show. Classic establishment. Never let this place go anywhere, Neighbors.

Patrick Winterstein

Went and saw Free Solo. This theater has been there forever and when we went it was absolutely awesome. There aren't the major movies that are in every theater but the ones that they show are great and worth watching. It is home to the Olympia film society and they make sure it's worth your while to go. Definitely recommend it.

Yolande Fong

Quaint old place!

Phillip Holzinger

It's an old facility but the show was great!

Ryan Graham

Oh my GOODNESS! This theater is so cute and we put some garlic powder on our popcorn. YUM CITY! They also show movies.

Dawn Evinger

Good venue for a concert. Great sound. Old and tiny close seats.

Jeff Young

I've lived in the Olympia area for more than 15 years, and have been a Film Society member for almost that long. My one complaint is that office and theater staff NEVER return phone calls or email messages. My friends -- and a few volunteers -- tell me that Society people simply choose not to "answer the mail." Why is that?

Brytni Leatherman

Spectacular performance. Everything from the sets, lighting, score, costumes, and of course the amazing casting, was outstanding. I couldn't have been more pleased with my very first exposure to the Rocky Horror Show just as well The Capitol Theater. Just to emphasize my point on how impressed I was: at times I had to remind myself that I was watching a live performance, because of the ambiance created by all of the people working (so hard)behind the scenes. All of your hard work paid off immensely. Great show and I can't wait to return.

PJ T

I saw the Gilda radner documentary at this theater. It's been beautifully maintained and I think it's run by a group of volunteers. They also had interesting art photos from various artists hung on the wall. So it was fun to go and look around the building on top of getting to see a really nice documentary.

Kate Rider

Great movies, horrible seats.

Gavin Lees

I've never been here for films, only concerts, but it's a great venue. Quality sound, and good views from the balcony for old farts like me who want a seat.

Jane Skinner

Love this old theater and the Oly Film Society

Sally White

Lovely vintage theater. Great venue for the plays performed there.

Anne Schuster

I love Capitol Theater so much I became a member. The tickets are very affordable, and even more so as a member. I enjoy their selection of movies each week, and occasional events. The only downside is the uncomfortable seats.

Gnome Fury

Hadn't been here in ages, but it's still amazing!

double07robinhood

Nice relaxed ambience. Announcer PA hard to understand. Don't tell you no free refills and concessions closes during movie. Diff expectation due to all movie theaters being the same on concessions. Nice movie choices that go outside our culture myopic views!

Shane Jewell

Best show in town!

Sirena Painter

Fun, great shows, wonderful volunteers, quirky. Really enjoyed it.

Amber Anderson

Play young Frankenstein was wonderful. The vintage theatre was beautiful. The concession stand was terrible

Steven Vocke

Neat venue. Not overly fancy, allowing for less expensive admissions and allows for all-ages shows with only 21+ allowed upstairs when alcohol is served.

Thea

This is a great place to watch movies. The prices are great. The popcorn is delicious. They regularly show independent films, and documentaries. They also occasionally screen older film favorites, such as the "labyrinth".

Jauquin Sinclair

The bridge is the hotest on the Olympia set. I had fun and every artist did really good they all got 10 stars and my sister lelh shotouts to her and the bridge keep collaborating and practicing to keep it perfect good work to all

Chris Pfaff

Went here to see The Dead South. Main act was an hour and a half late, sound crew couldn't figure out how to keep feedback from the audio, the music was beyond loud, truly on the treble. The actual venue looks nice and has some good history, but management is painful. Waited in line for 45 minutes to get a drink, with the line creating a massive fire hazard due to so many people having to wait in line. . Update: I do truly appreciate the promptness to this review. I do appreciate the concept that the establishment looks and provides reasons for issues.

Genifer Wallace

What a neat venue! Old school theater brought back. Nice.

Donna

Beer and wine available on the mezanine for 21+. Quaint shows and films. Not mainstream

Karen Greene

Seating is old and cramped. But, it's the only art house theater on town.

CrUsTy RaG87

Great place to go for movies cheap and great small family owned company with lovely people

Aaron Milligan

Really cool vintage arthouse movie theater in the heart of downtown Olympia.

Dan Mitchell

Cozy little theater. Alcohol served on the second floor but expect to wait in line and make some friends.

Mischa Gilraen

Great indy films!

Mick Carpenter

Great place to see great movies. The movie fare here makes you think and people need to learn how to think again.

Higgs Boson

I love this place. A great old time theater with a local feel. This is how movies used to watched before all the multiplexes came around. Grab some popcorn and enjoy a movie.

Craig Wallace

Great shows and films, but seating is miserable. Seats are more than 40 years old and if you're over 40 or over 5 1/2 feet tall you'll be in pain by the end of the show. The sound system, ventilation, and projection has all been updated, why not the seats?

Melissa Derefield

Love this venue!

Randy Rajala

Great place to see movies.

Thomas Donlon

Fun venue,very friendly people.

michael stuck

New projector and sound!

Ron Wright

The Capitol Theater still has a lot of the old artwork it still has the big chandelier light up above it still smells like the Old Capitol Theater in the 1970s when I used to go there as a child it still is a very very cool place to see a movie

Frank Olloqui

Pretty cool spot. Great mural on the side of the theater. And a good vibe around the area full of art and culture. Nice day trip.

Adam MacDonald

Quirky old theater that has prices that can't be beat and occasionally some fun special events.

Justin Yett

Great place to watch a movie downtown!

jenna brannon

The building is very antique and feels like you're stepping back in time. The theater is smaller and cozy and, unlike modern theaters, it didn't feel like I was in an ice box. The seats were a bit small but not awful. The atmosphere was absolutely amazing and the movie was fun with some interviews with local figures about what the film society does in Olympia. It was a great event and we had a blast.

liz yeagley

Great seats.

Max Pham

Wonder place for movies and musicals

Heath Simpson

I went to see a terrible show here. But the theater itself is rustic and cool, at least I thought it was. Reminded me of when I was young, when all theaters looked like this.

Jim Guecia

Great experience! Wonderful actors and show.

Heidi Smith

This theatre celebrates community and famoly. Thank you!

Jo Sohneronne

I rarely go to movies. When I do, it is usually one being shown by the Olympia Film Society at this theater. I like the old fashioned atmosphere, the community involvement, and the selection of unusual films by independent filmmakers.

ANGELwulf

An historic theater, authentic in decor. Always enjoyable from productions to the Olympia Film Society's offerings and events.

Gee Dub

Keep up the great work!

Christine Lawrence

This theater is amazing and a gem in our community. Great environment and the snack bar in fun. Comfortable seating and beautiful architecture.

Larrel O'Keefe

I've seen a movie and a Live show here. It's a old theater but very old school.

Dimitri Tavis

Twaddle sweell

Julina S.

Teeny tiny bathroom stalls and the seat cushions in the theater are extremely uncomfortable and need an upgrade.

Mikey Rose

Quite a lovely theater! I've seen movies and concerts here and the volunteer staff are nice and the seats are okay. They hurt a little after a while, but that's not really the fault of a small local theater. It's affordable and cool bands come and they play movies you won't see anywhere else!

Michael Moore

We are lucky to have one of the great mo ie houses of a bygone Era that is under competent care with the Olympia Film Society. Mostly good movies, some great, some duds and better music has been had there recently too. Best popcorn in town and free brownies randomly show up at the concession. The seats are the worst part of the experience and we can only hope that after many large capital outlays that seating will fuse to the top of the To Do list

Jason Miller

Classic theater atmosphere with "haunted" facilities. The seats are old and the rows are just a little too close to each other. If you're looking for atmosphere, this is the place. If you're looking for comfort, you may want to choose another theater.

Michael Johnson

Cool theater as far as its looks... It has small old seats which can be uncomfortable for larger people like myself. Very friendly and welcoming staff. Beer and wine available as well during showtimes.

Dan Durden

The sound system is pretty good.

Dena Wagner

Beautiful and historic theatre that offers a wonderful variety of films, events and concerts. There is snack food available, and a vintage themed upstairs that I have attended many art shows and other events at. Great, quirky theatre with surprising movie choices and they host many special events. The Olympia Film Society has their annual event here. Wonderful place to visit.

Luke Swinney

A Historic 1925? theater that is volunteer run. Often showing little arthouse films. Very reasonable prices and a decent venue for a concert and you can even grab a drink on the upper level. While in disrepair, you can see hints of the past grandeur.

michelle lara

Love the atmosphere of this historic theater. We came to watch unapologetic drag show and it was amazing. They do have a concession stand and they serve beer and wine upstairs.

Kris Lee

Great place to watch documentaries, or old-school films.

Sean Sanchez

The building has been around for what i heard was around 100 years. Cant say how accurate that is but its definetly a gem of downtown olly.

Malynda Murphy

It was clean, and the seats were alright for it being a very old theater.

Jason Taellious

Current home of Olympia Film Society, the Capitol Theater is a slice of historical downtown Olympia. It's Art Deco details are a visual treat, and our kids and their friends love watching from the balcony. If you're just visiting Olympia, this is well worth a stop. If you're an Olympian through-and-through, this is a treasure we need to support. Kudos to OFS for making the Capitol Theater a hub of South Sound arts.

Amanda Lee

Beautiful venue! Sound was amazing for Migration Fest. Great location.

Patty Zboralski

Cozy and good real butter popcorn. I love watching movies there

Sue Daniels

Built in 1924, this theater has hosted many greats of film, theater, music, comedy... something for everyone.

christopher Osborne

This is a historic venue that truly elevates whatever happens to be playing here. Service was great and the burlesque was awesome. #tushburlesque

Christina Fritzinger

We went to Baniff film festival. Great little old school theatre.

Margaret Stockert

Home of The Olympia Film Society.

Tiffanie Terry

The community support of Capitol Theater is so stellar! The volunteers make this happen, and they give back in so many ways to this community right here in Olympia!

Jackson Hwy Veterinary Clinic, Inc.

Was a great show with helpful people

clinton coleman

Ape Snake! Jk Spectacular Venue, awesome show by Rev Voodoo Sandy Delta - Super fun time.

katie finley

Fun place to see a show

Richard Barnhill

The shows are fun but the theatre is old and not well maintained. No air conditioning.

Ryne Clarke

No reason to go anywhere else in the area if you're a film buff.

Michelle Sadlier

Offering some of the gems of Olympia's social and cultural calendar, all in a beautiful historic theater building.

Jacob Willis

Outstanding local theater, balcony seating is awesome. Surprisingly good prices on concessions.

Tom Leonard

Great concert with Maceo Parker!!

Ryan V

Nice atmosphere and original decor in this approximately 100 year old theater. They show movies regularly and have cool rock shows as well. There is a place to buy beers upstairs at some events, and a snack bar downstairs that is stocked with all the snacky-type loot you might expect. It appears this place gets a little better all the time through the diligent efforts of the dedicated OFS staff.

Ron Cook

Great place I would choose this over a multi Plex any time.

Daniel Whitehouse

Good films. Fun music venue

Alex S

Come here all the time. Large screen, good projector, very good sound (for both movies and concerts), nice staff, seats are decent, prices are reasonable, and audiences are polite (and sparse :/). They don't play as much different films as I would like (certainly they can't hold a candle to a classic repertory theater like the Brattle in Boston), but the films they do show are often very well chosen. I wish they would play less recent releases to be honest, often they show films that can be seen nearby at Regal Cinemas in Lacey or Century in Olympia weeks earlier. BUT considering that they get waaay smaller audiences than bigger city theaters, I am thankful they show what they do/can. So, in summary, support your local theatre, and get an affordable ticket and better presentation than the local chains (not to mention no boorish rude audience members), and for a concert with great sound. And they take moviepass! One of the best local theaters I've been to anywhere.

Daniel Tufford

The venue needs some work but it is so good to have the Olympia Film Society bringing excellent cinema to us.

Justin Oles

A nice small historic theater. The screen is significantly smaller than modern screens but if you remember that it is a small out school theater its rather nice.

oic candide

Everytime I pay for a ticket I am always satisfied with what I received. From the selection of current releases ( a month old) and foreign selections combining documentaries and performance art from the community this place is a theater! Buy some popcorn season it up in a non traditional sense and watch something new, makes your head tilt - it's good for you! - no...seriously it is.

Heather Wood

Love going to shows here

Jack Eppert

Great historic theater

Sophie Blake

What a wonderful part of Olympia history! A volunteer-based venue bringing interesting, informative, and entertaining films and performances to the community without a profit, and keeping a historic venue afloat through their tireless efforts. The volunteer opportunities are also amazing. A few years ago, before I was able to gain employment in my chosen field, my volunteer nights were the highlight of each week. I could meet and greet members of the community, provide a needed service to the organization, and view amazing films I'd have otherwise never know existed. We are so blessed to have the Capitol Theater and Olympia Film Society here in our town.

Chuck Messinger

Beautiful venue for weekend entertainment

Katie Delgado

The local theater

lastbat

A great local theatre.

Amber Riecken

Unique venue with a cozy feel

Jason M Garner

Super great movie theater

Eileen LeVan

This historic theater attracts such a great community of people.

Cassandra Sharron

Love the old town feeling... And their popcorn is Butter FREE!!! MY HEART likes that..

Sam MacDonald

This place is the BEST!

Bryan Martz

The facility is nice just a little dated and need of updating.

Crimson Bullet

This place is historic and amazing. Many of the enterior and exterior features remain from the 1920s when it was built. The staff and volunteers are friendly and they always play good films!

Shaun Brennan

Saw a concert here, and it was pretty nice. A very straight forward theater, one screen/stage, small lobby with concessions and comfortable seats.

Jodi Dawson

Cute OLD theater

Laurie Davis

Love going to live plays. Its an older building, but the cast and staff have so much heart! They put on amazing shows!

Geoffrey Gilley

R. I. P. MIKEY DEES

Blake Devlin

No complaints. All the latest

Thomas Griffith

This place holds the true heart of Olympia. Housed in a high ceiling theatre with a balcony that's been preserved for decaded with love by commited volunteers. You won't catch the latest block buster here but if you're a true lover of film, this is the place for you. Enjoy a freshly popped bag of popcorn with a smile from a friendly OFS volunteer but do them a favor and clean up after yourself.

Paul E Williams

Great place to catch a flick. I saw a Japanese film that is 'definitely based on Macbeth' according to my girlfriend. I snuck in a small packet of saltine crackers and was not reprimanded. Mostly volunteer run. Cool building. Disclaimer: I am a member of the Olympia Film Society, I just can't find my membership card right now.

david vaughan

Good venue for the Banff Film Festival. Only downside of the old school ambiance is the lack of adequate bathrooms. Other than that, this is a wonderful old theater!

Jolene Yaconetti

Great community theater! Saw Rocky Horror. It was fun and engaging. The theater is vintage and very quaint.

Aa Ppp

its like watching tv at home except here you pay to watch it on a bigger screen with strangers. you can also get the courage to invite someone to come with you that you might want to impress with you stylish clothes and minimal vocabulary skills. you can also give them money for sugar because its the right thing to do when sitting around for hours.

samantha moody

Fantastic experience!

Mike Kretzler

The last great old theater in Olympia, now home to the Olympia Film Society.

Vadym Provozyuk

Great movie theatre, very Olympia-style.

Time Out

Classic theater showing awesome movies and an amazing annual film festival!

Jillian Dolan

Burlesque show was amazing

Galen Martindale

Great old movie house!

K kienenb

Cool old theater. The balcony is so much fun! But the sound wasn't as good as it should be but being able to experience the whole show (live bands) visually made up for it. Watching the pit crowd was entertaining.

Emmaly Wilson

We went here to watch a movie with the kids. It was a great time! The long was loooooooooooong, but that was to be expected.

Gambit Mckay

The only good cinema in oly is also one of the best in the northwest! This is where to go to see oscar-nominated and buzzworthy films. They have a raffle before every film!

Ross Boylan

Art theater. Local shows. Volunteer run. What is not to love? Come see a good movie and give these fine people your money.

Jen Bentzel

Always a great experience! People are super friendly and ensure a fun, unique experience that you can't get just anywhere. Saw "Dammed to Extinction " and left after learning a ton and meeting great people. Keep up the great work!

Neil Turner

Awesome venue very historical building. Bathrooms need update.

Lisa Strange

Independent and first-run films. Community and volunteer run.

Tyler Doyle

For concert tickets? Are they assigned? I purchased a couple and I am curious how it all works. Thanks. It says I pick up at will call, but what happens next?

Rebecca Holmes

An iconic Olympia landmark, the Capitol Theater is like a portal to another world, transporting you to people, places and experiences that are as unique as the people who created them. Community supported & volunteer run. Bonus: you can bring in outside food! But be respectful & clean up after yourself.

Gail Chavez Viza

Great.

Cassandra Terwilleger

kind volunteers and an eclectic array of cast as well as performances all year round!

Kenneth Wyllys

Great place to go for a movie night