Great theater for that old school experience. I've been here every other month since moving to Carytown a year and a half ago. The organ coming put if the stage is cool. We went to see Alien and that was great! Good popcorn, beer and wine available in cans, and candy is available too--even old school choices like Snowcaps. We like sitting in the balcony. Very friendly people working the ticket booth and snack counter. 5 stars! read more

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A true Richmond institution. I've been a regular at the Byrd since the 90s. And it is consistently delightful and offers such a unique and wonderful experience. Bob the wullitzer organ player starts out each show, to a crowd of regulars and fans cheering him on as his plays. If you haven't yet been to the Byrd during the month of December, I highly recommend a visit. It's especially magical during Christmas time. And for those who have not been, I don't want to ruin the surprise. But you will love it. Tonight, my partner and I went to see white Christmas. And loved singing along with everybody. Such a lovely night. And I never get tired of gazing at the ornate 1920s decor. read more

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Love this place! So retro and beautiful inside! They play old movies with NO annoying previews every night! The Wurlitzer player treats you to a 5-10 min concert before each movie! Lots of locals come here and get into it, so much fun! Less expensive than modern theaters too. Hope to frequent regularly! read more

Byrd Theatre - Inside - Performing Arts Near Me - Richmond, Virginia

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We love The Byrd! It's such a beautiful Richmond staple. The best nights are when the organ player comes out and plays right before your movie. Since this is a historical theater some of the seats are a bit uncomfy, but the interior is absolutely stunning. The screen and sound are just right. Depending on how packed it is, you may have someone's head in your view, but this hasn't ruined a film for me in the past. You're able to buy popcorn and snacks before your movie too! The bathrooms are easy to access in the lobby. While the prices are great here, the programming isn't always my favorite. It can really be hit or miss. I wish they had dedicated nights like cult classic Mondays and arthouse Thursdays so they could reach an even wider audience instead of mainly old blockbusters. However, when they do offer a good movie it's packed and loads of fun. In the winter they have really fun Christmas movies with the organist playing before hand with fake snow. It's such a feel good time. I highly recommend checking out The Byrd. It's a must for all locals and tourists:) read more

Byrd Theatre - Perfect Blue - Performing Arts Near Me - Richmond, Virginia

Watching a movie at the Byrd is such a great experience. the tickets and concessions are reasonably priced compared to modern theaters, and it's unique to have shows begin with live organ music. The sound quality is not as great as a modern theater, but it's understandable given the age of the theater. The movie selections are hit and miss, and sometimes they show great movies on a Thursday night rather than the weekend, which is a tough night to make it to the movie theater. read more

We were fortunate to visit Richmond on a weekend when this theater was playing a movie (Decision to Leave) for only $8pp, and the fact that we could go to this historic theater for an inexpensive movie was a no-brainer. Tickets were easy to purchase online without having to go to the box office, and entering the theater was very easy. The theater was beautiful, the staff is friendly, and the theater has been maintained well. We really enjoyed admiring the theater before the show started, and there was a unique surprise where an organ player rose up from the stage and played for us before the show started. The sitting area is clean and there is a concession stand at the front with plenty of snacks that we were unfortunately too full for. The movie was a Korean movie, and there were no issues with the screen, audio, or anything like that so they are well-equipped to show movies here despite their older structure. This really felt like a best-of-both-worlds experience, and I'd definitely recommend trying to catch one of their shows for your visit. read more

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The Byrd is a Richmond landmark and it's beautiful! The shows they offer sometimes are hit or miss but recently, they've been great. We went yesterday to see Kiki's delivery service and it was fun watching one of my favorite childhood movies! Bob on the organ is always fun too, it's part of the experience :) read more

Byrd Theatre - Performing Arts Near Me - Richmond, Virginia

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What a wonderful experience! We saw a 7PM showing of Jennifer's Body (classic), and we loved everything about the Byrd. The staff was so friendly and kind, and their candy and popcorn prices were just fantastic. When the organ player came out from the stage, I was in shock! It was so fun, especially preceding our horror film. The crowd was fun as well, and it felt both appropriately quiet for a theater while being fun and communal. I can't wait to return for their October horror series! read more

Byrd Theatre - Organ player rose to the stage! - Performing Arts Near Me - Richmond, Virginia

I was excited to visit this Richmond staple. I went for a special showing of Summer of Soul and spent $8 on a ticket. I wasn't sure how crowded it would be so I decided to buy tickets in advance online. I realize now it really wasn't necessary. There was a nice handful of people there, but maybe only 30 percent full. The opening show was really enjoyable. The live entertainment lasted about 15 minutes. It was nice to be able to admire the building while listening to the musician. It really added to the vintage feel. The screen is large, the sound system was good and the seats were comfortable. What more do you really need? I can't wait to visit again for one of their regular showings. read more

Byrd Theatre - Out front - Performing Arts Near Me - Richmond, Virginia

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I love the Byrd. This revival theater mostly focuses on replaying classic films but occasionally you can catch a new release here as well. It's true ticket prices have risen in the past ten years but at $8 for a full price and $5 for a Saturday matinee, you're still getting a great deal -- not to mention supporting a one of a kind movie theater in your own hometown. I love the physical appearance of the Byrd, the elaborate and historic flourishes and embellishments from when this place was a theater. And don't forget Bob and his Wurlitzer! Select shows are blessed with Bob and his Wurlitzer organ, which rises from the floor to regale audiences with medleys of classic show and movie tunes. So many great memories here! Support the Byrd!! You won't regret it. read more

Byrd Theatre - Popcorn, me, and the best theater in Richmond - Performing Arts Near Me - Richmond, Virginia

Long live the Byrd! This historic movie palace first opened its doors in 1928 and it is still going strong. In 2018 it celebrated its 90th anniversary and began extensive renovations, including new theater seats for the first time since it opened, ADA compliant bathroom stalls, new HVAC, and expanding the concession stand to include an ABC license. The Byrd offers the experience of not only going to the movies but also taking a step back in time to the early 20th century. The interior is absolutely gorgeous and regal, with an enormous chandelier, elaborate murals on the walls, filigree, and classic box seats which are now decoration only. Every Saturday there is a live organ player who rises onto the stage from the orchestra pit. On one memorable occasion the musician was so lost in his craft that he forgot there was an audience behind him and continue playing past his usual routine. He received a standing ovation and was startled, humbly apologizing and admitting he had forgotten where he was. It was a bit of a magical moment, where hundreds of strangers had come together and enjoyed something spontaneous and beautiful. As a single screen theater, the Byrd typically only has two or three show times per day. The movies shown are typically no longer in theaters, but are not yet out to own on DVD, and for about $4 per ticket you really can't beat the price. It also hosts events such as Big Screen Classics, the Richmond French Film Festival, and the Richmond International Film & Music Festival. Last night I attended RIFF for the premier viewing of "Spider Mites of Jesus: The Dirtwoman Documentary," which was a triumph of local filmmaking and a labor of love 20 years in the making. I can think of no setting more appropriate to memorialize a Richmond icon than the Byrd, and I hope the theater continues to run and be loved for another century. read more

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Byrd Theatre is a cinema in the Carytown neighborhood of Richmond. Built in 1928 it is a historic building with so much charm and beauty. We purchased tickets about $11 at the concession. Before the movie started an organist came from below the floor at the screen and played several songs. I'm sure this was done in the old theaters of the past. It was a real treat. Enjoyed In the Heights. read more

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I took my son for a holiday showing of the Polar Express. It had been about six years since I visited the Byrd. New seats in the middle section were awesome!! No more uncomfortable squirming by the end of the movie. We listened to the Wurlitzer and sang along to Christmas carols (complete with snow from the balcony at the conclusion). A small popcorn, can of sofa, and bag of M&Ms were only about $11. I was happy to pay it to support this landmark. Every staff member was so friendly. Thanks, Byrd Theatre. We will make you a holiday tradition. read more

Byrd Theatre - Performing Arts Near Me - Richmond, Virginia

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I LOVE this place! Most badass movie palace I've ever seen a film in. I went to see Shaun of the Dead for Halloween and instantly fell in love. Built in 1928, the Byrd exudes opulence and classic theater elegance. The word is *ornate*. The seats can be short on legroom but they're comfortable and they even offer a balcony! Tickets are about $10 including fees. Concessions are about as expensive as a regular movie theater ($5.50 for a small popcorn, $1.50 for a water bottle), but that's to be expected. I will definitely be back for more movies in the future. Did I mention the Byrd is haunted? read more

It so sad to see how run down the Byrd is. Every other chair has the cushion falling out of it. Such a beautiful theater at one time. read more

Is it a Byrd? Is it a Plane? No, it's a theater. Cheap theater in Richmond. Old style and adorable. A really nice place to come and check out an event when you are in Carytown which is the cool trendy part of Richmond. It reminds me in a lot of ways of the North Park Theatre in Buffalo. read more

Byrd Theatre - Byrd of a feather stick together - Performing Arts Near Me - Richmond, Virginia

The architecture in this venue is insane. I love the 1920's, French inspired design. It's pretty slick, even considering that it FEELS old...but that's not necessarily a bad thing. It just IS old. With that being said, I found myself at the Byrd for a friend's movie premiere. Excellent venue for such an occasion. The sound system they used to speak to the crowd before the premiere started, assuming it was provided by the venue, was NOT sweet (I'm an audio engineer...it's my job to critique), but that was an issue for all of 7mins. Outside of that, this venue was very cool. Now as for the old...yes this place is VERY old, and some aspects can certainly stand to be upgraded. We should be appalled at the size of the bathrooms. The stalls were ridiculously small. Now that is NOT the Byrd's fault. We as Americans have gotten so fat in the 90 years since this place was built that the average person can't fit in the stall without having to do 180 degree spins while standing in place (and yes I am one of those Fatty McGoos). The seats in the Byrd were also uncomfortable, not so much due to size, but because of the amount of wear on them over the previous decades. I'm assuming 30+ years since the last remodel considering the amount of wear and tear on them. With that being said, I'd come back for another show/movie/presentation. I find no reason why I wouldn't. It's SMACK in the middle of Carytown, so it's conveniently located next to some pretty cool restaurants. Yeah...Byrd is ok with me. read more

Byrd Theatre - This chair has certainly seen more than I have. - Performing Arts Near Me - Richmond, Virginia

One of many historical landmarks in Richmond that never disappoint for movie prices!!! Just saw the Incredibles 2 with my husband finally and the new seats are so comfortable!!!! Hope the Byrd Theatre is still around for many more years!! read more

It's iconic! It's historic. It's gorgeous. I love watching movies here in Carytown. Yes, the parking can be a pain, but there's a nostalgic feeling when you get your ticket in this beautiful theater. The red velvet rope and decor harkens Old Hollywood, the small concession stand with freshly popped kernels tempts your tastebuds, and the balcony adds a bit of drama! The gold curtain is glorious and the newly renovated middle seats have cup holders! It is a joy to watch movies here! I love the Byrd! Feed the Byrd! RVA Classic! read more

Byrd Theatre - Performing Arts Near Me - Richmond, Virginia

First and foremost, they added 20% to the ticket price for using my credit card. 20%!!! From a Motley Fool article date September 1, 2023: Credit card processing fees for merchants equal approximately 1.3% to 3.5% of each credit card transaction. What's more, the ticket was already more than I'd pay at my local theater for a better movie watching experience. Tuesday night at my Regal Cinema is $6 and the Byrd ticket was $8, BEFORE they added the 20%. At $9.60, they are competing with the normal price at Regal. Beyond that, the experience was ok, but if I'm going to watch a movie for the sake of the movie, the sound and picture quality of the Byrd would have me go to a more modern theater or even stay home with my own big screen and surround sound system. read more

My Fiancé and I have loved this theater since we moved down to Richmond. The architecture, the people and the overall energy coming from this place is just amazing. The Byrd theater is a time machine that brings you back to a place with chandeliers, fancy lights, elegant seats, intricate and immaculate moldings every where you look and a beautiful domed and crested ceiling that makes you feel like old school royalty. The absolute best part about the Byrd theater is looking to either sides of the screen to see a beautiful harp on one end, A piano on the other and if you're lucky before the show starts, from the ground will come up an organ ! We had the most satisfying organ performance before our last movie and my Fiancé and I were absolutely in love with everything. Thank you all for preserving such a beautiful building and maintaining not only the structure but the instruments, the music and the organ performances. read more

Byrd Theatre - Organist during their pre-show performance. - Performing Arts Near Me - Richmond, Virginia

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I love the Byrd theater. The seats are really comfortable and the decor is beautiful. Every year they provide a venue to the Richmond environmental film festival a must see for everyone. read more

Love, love, LOVE Byrd Theatre!! This place is such a treasure. It's such a beautiful venue to see a movie, and I especially like that they show older movies. I've seen three movies in the last four months and it has been wonderful each time. The staff is incredibly friendly, and I love that they have such a great concessions stand with snacks and drinks, including beer and wine. Highly recommend coming here! Their December movie selection is amazing. read more

Byrd Theatre is a great place to see second-run movies, and is an amazing deal to boot. Just remember to bring something cushion-y to sit on! Came here recently with a friend to see Frozen and loved the theater. Tickets are ridiculously cheap and refreshments are a decent deal too (compared to mainstream theaters, anyway; also, there's beer). Don't expect to see anything here that just came out on Friday, though if you want to re-watch a first-run movie or you just missed it when it first came out, this is definitely a good place to go. The theater itself is quite beautiful and well-maintained, though the seats show the age of it all. Smart people bring cushions to make the experience more bearable, and I wish I had known to do this before coming. I did, however, know that it is important to come early, about 30 minutes prior to when they open the box office, to ensure that you get a good seat, or a seat at all if it's a particularly busy Friday or Saturday evening. Don't park anywhere near here, you'll get trapped like crazy. Park on a side street distant from the theater and enjoy the nice walk to and from it. All in all, a trip to the Byrd Theatre is a great part of an evening involving dinner before or after at one of the many restaurants nearby, and followed by maybe a cupcake at Carytown Cupcakes or donut from Dixie Donuts. Just remember to bring cushions, park far away from the theater, and arrive with time to spare. Overall: 4.0 stars --------------- Pros: - Screen is great, as is the sound. - Theater is beautiful and a pleasure to the eyes. - CHEAP! - Makes for an enjoyable part of a date night or outing with friends. - Staff members are pleasant and helpful. Cons: - Parking is a nightmare, park far away from the theater. - Seats are pretty terrible, so bring cushions. - Lines run long, so arrive early. - Movies aren't first-run, so expect to wait a bit to see currently new releases. read more

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"Automatic, supersonic, hypnotic, funky fresh." - How I would describe my experience at the Byrd theater. I've been to the Byrd Theatre twice, and it never fails to disappoint, with it's historic decor, great movie selection, and unbeatable deals on movies. I watched Logan, and the $3 price tag was just fabulous. I believe the environment really enhanced the drama of the movie; I love the vintage feel and the history that surrounds this place. Staring up at the chandelier, the ceiling, and the detailed relief on the wall really enhanced my time here. It's not just a place to watch movies, it's an experience in itself. I would recommend the Byrd to anyone looking for a cheap yet meaningful date in Cary Town! read more

Byrd Theatre - Performing Arts Near Me - Richmond, Virginia

Delightful time machine to a bygone era where going out to a show was not just for the show itself, but for the enjoyment of the venue. The Byrd theatre is a gem, and after reading about how locals saved this delightful spot from becoming a Starbucks/McDonalds/etc., I am thankful. $2 for a show is also a steal, and I could see myself coming here every week. The neighborhood is also tops with loads of local food options and the delightful looking toyshop down the street. No question, if you're going to do the dinner and movie date, this is your spot. The real show however is the venue itself. Get your top hat and white gloves, and we'll see you at the Byrd! read more

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Fantastic and beautiful old school theater experience. Tickets and concessions are reasonably priced. The Byrd shows some great classics, and new features as well. read more

NEW SEATS. WHO DIS?! Time to update my review of the iconic Byrd Theatre! The much anticipated new seats are installed in the middle section and they greatly enhanced the movie watching experience. My butt didn't hurt, yall! I wasn't squirming! I never thought that the original seats were that bad, but you can't deny the alarming difference now that I've experienced the new ones. Other than those amazing updates (and the price increase to $4 a ticket instead of $2), The Byrd is still the same ole place we all know and love. Concessions are cheap, tickets are cheap, movie quality and sound are good. The place is drop dead gorgeous and something that everyone in Richmond should experience. Plus, there are so many great restaurants on Cary Street you can experience before or after to make the perfect date night. read more

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This used to be a reasonably priced entertainment venue, not anymore. I might as well be at regal cinemas watching a new release. 8$ is not worth the novelty of this place anymore!! read more

$5 tickets for an opening act and a movie?! Count me in. I throughly enjoyed the old school vibes of this place. The organist was such a highlight, and a great way to start off the night. The facilities are pretty well maintained. Staff is nice. Seating is pretty comfortable. When I'm back in Richmond, I will probably come back read more

Byrd Theatre - Performing Arts Near Me - Richmond, Virginia

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The Byrd is a MUST SEE and is probably my favorite spot in Richmond. The inside is absolutely beautiful and the movie prices are so cheap. They show classics as well as relatively new releases. And they've FINALLY started installing the new seats which are pretty comfy and there's so much more leg room! They don't make 'em like this anymore kids! read more

This theater is AMAZING. Went to a showing of where the crawdads sing last night and was pleasantly surprised to get a pipe organ performance before the movie started. SO COOL!!!!! It's the most beautiful theater I've ever been inside of , gorgeous history maintained in mall it's grace and elegance. I love this place and having the most delicious popcorn ever didn't hurt anything either read more

Awesome venue! Movies are $4 if you buy them online, two showings a night. There is a concession stand and water fountains. Street parking is easy to find here. I love the atmosphere of this place It is so unique that the inside and outside of this theater has been largely untouched since it was built in 1928. read more

Byrd Theatre - Performing Arts Near Me - Richmond, Virginia

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What a beautiful theater! Richmond is so lucky to have this absolutely lovely historic theater. This place has MARBLE WALLS! There are gorgeous chandeliers. Everything about this is a walk back in time. There is a lot of love in this building. If you haven't seen it, you have to stop by. Of course, it's a theater, so you want to see a movie here for the maximum experience. When it comes to that, it's modern. The sound quality is really great. Check it out. Movies are super cheap and they have the BEST popcorn. read more

You get to step back in time when you go to this theatre. I haven't been in awhile because the seats needed to be replaced. Hope they have by now. It's a beautiful theatre. I so enjoyed the many movies I saw there. read more

I find it joyful and sensual to feast my eyes on beautiful architecture. The Byrd Theater, erected in 1928 as one of the nation's Grand Movie Palaces, serves as an anchor to the Cary Street shopping district. The Theater is richly appointed in gold and red decor in the French Empire style and features most of the original gold leaf, paintings and marble. When I passed by during a visit to Richmond, Bill, the proud caretaker, was outside sweeping the sidewalk and I stopped to ask him questions. My family will tell you I talk to anyone who will listen. He treated me to a 15 minute soliloquy on this beloved structure. The theatre has a state of the art sound system and has never been remodeled other than a facelift on the stage area. Movies and live shows are still offered and on Saturdays, you can hear Bob Gulledge, play the Byrd's Mighty Wurlitzer read more

Byrd Theatre - Bill has been a caretaker and projectionist for close to 25 years. Adorable. - Performing Arts Near Me - Richmond, Virginia

So you've seen a movie recently and you didn't quite get the full picture the first time, or you had to visit the necessary at a crucial, plot turning moment. You don't want to hash out another 12 bucks to see it again, and you'll probably miss the power of the scene on your 32 inch flat screen, plus you don't want to wait another month and a half for the bluray. What to do? I know! See it again...at the Byrd!! At first thought, what's the point? Well, the price is the point, $1.99 (yes, cash only) for a ticket. The seats have seen better days, but you can jockey with lifers for the best ones, about half-way down the theatre on the aisles, or just join the masses looking for the full immersive experience up front. For some reason, the sound and picture are very close to what you'll get at the new multiplexes, and this time, the sticker shock wont bother you too much. Plus, you can make up the difference on some tasty snacks served by flappers with an attitude at the snack bar! With kids, without kids, either way, you'll make friends and have a good time. If you have company in town, check them out on Saturday night for the mighty Wurlitzer organ played by Bob Gulledge before the movie. Worth $1.99 alone. So don't go if you expect to be alone in your thoughts when watching an art house classic, but go if you don't mind a less-than-comfortable posterior and a last chance to see that blockbuster from a month and a half ago before the actors are stuck in that box above your fireplace. Five stars simply because there is nothing else like it left on Earth....at least in the RVA! read more

What I want to write about is the Byrd Theatre's online ticket purchase system. It's been so long since I've purchased movie tickets - or any tickets - online where there was a total absence of data-harvesting or various gotchas. - No requirement to create an account - No request to know my name, address, or phone number - No hidden checkbox that I miss which opts me into a perpetual stream of spam emails - No convenience fee for purchasing online (I think. Might have been 30 cents on two tickets) - No hidden fee (aside for sales tax - 35 cents on a four dollar ticket) Just click on the time you want and it takes you to a credit card payment page (which does require name and address because the credit card company needs it to process your payment). The theatre itself is great - but there are tons of reviews here to tell you about that. read more

You decide to see Mamma Mia! It makes you cry three times. It makes you really happy and you can not describe why. a. If you try to rationalize your joy and find a compartment that it best fits in go back to Cary and Belvidere (https://www.yelp.com/biz/cary-and-belvidere-richmond?hrid=V2McngSUxRBgDzpdMcDiBg) b. If you sing ABBA with your friends while walking away from the theater your adventure ends here read more

Byrd theater is a true gem! We Richmonders often take for granted how amazing it is. It has such elegance and class. It is quite the peace of history and a real marvel to see, even when inside the theater and the lights are out. Not even darkness can mask the amazing beauty in this place. The retro prices are pretty cool too ($1.99). What I really hope to see is Byrd being used as an indie theater. I saw the 48 Hour Film Project at Byrd, which was my first time there, sadly, since I am from Richmond, born and raised. I just think that Byrd theater is too good for the crap movies on the big screen these days. Quality films that are true art is what deserves to be shown at Byrd. For now, I will enjoy this theater whenever I can, regardless. My only problem is the bathrooms. They are not cleaned as often as they should be. Other than that, I have zero complaints. Byrd Theater should be treasured, and I just hope that we don't forget our history and ever consider shutting this place down. read more