This theater is beautiful! We were in town visiting and they had a showing of a movie. Matinee tickets were only $7 a piece and the couples meal deal with a large popcorn and two medium pops was only $9. We enjoyed sitting in the upper level. Seats were comfy and staff was really friendly. We loved it! read more

State Theatre - Cinema Near Me - Traverse City, Michigan

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Concessions: 5 stars Seats: 3.5 stars Ambiance: 5 stars Staff: 5 stars I've been meaning to come to this theater ever since they reopened in 2007. I finally came this summer, when they were playing Barbie. We purchased tickets earlier in the day and ate dinner next door to make sure we got good seats. That turned out to be unnecessary, but they did mention that some showings had sold out recently. I recommend getting tickets earlier rather than later! You can purchase tickets online or in person. I loved the ambiance in the theater - from the gorgeous velvet curtains to the stars in the ceiling designed by an astronomy professor. So much history has been maintained while adding modern comfort. The popcorn is also tasty and they carry local soda. read more

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Ohh, the mustang. The horsey projected onto the curtain (xoxo, infinity). This movie brought out all the feels. Some violence, given the setting. Family drama, abuse trigger warning. If you are a horse- freak, and if you believe people and animals can help to build one another up, this is a film for you. read more

State Theatre - Pony! - Cinema Near Me - Traverse City, Michigan

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I love the state theater and going to watch the movies. The popcorn is really good and is only 7 to 9 $ per person and at AMC it is like 20 $ so expensive I would much rather go to the state read more

Spent so many years walking past this theater planning on one day seeing a movie. So come Valentine's day of 2019, we got tickets to see Dirty Dancing! We were not disappointed in the slightest. We had an "I carried a watermelon" drink and it was delicious. Unfortunately, the covid shutdown happened weeks after visiting and we have been unable to visit since then. We remember the one night that we spent here very fondly and cannot wait to return!! read more

State Theatre - summer of 2020, outside of the theater - Cinema Near Me - Traverse City, Michigan

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The State Theatre is a must to add to your local adventures. They have a gorgeously renovated theater with lots of seats and a balcony. Not a bad seat in the house!! It is volunteer run and they are always so positive and upbeat. We just went and saw the Mary Poppins movie and the foyer was adorably decorated on theme. Concessions don't have s took of options but what they do have is good. Popcorn is great and not crazy expensive like AMC. We paid $4 for s generously sized medium and couldn't finish it between the two of us. Make sure you look up and check out the ceiling when you're there. read more

State Theatre - Cinema Near Me - Traverse City, Michigan

Against all odds, the State Theater has flourished... Before: 1. 92 year old, ailing movie house. Outdated, unloved. Falling apart. 2. Deed restriction that only allows it to show movies that are released in less than 200 theaters nationwide (read: indie films, etc) 3. Little interest in restoring it to its former glory. Now: With a little (lot) of work by the Traverse City Film Festival...this place is absolutely one of the hottest, most-loved destinations in Traverse City. It has reincarnated downtown. The bright, shiny marquee is an homage to all that worked so hard to bring it back to life, and all that attend to keep it thriving... Hands down the best movie theater I've ever encountered. Yes, just one screen...but no detail was overlooked. Plush red seats, red velvet curtain, a starry night (real lights) on the ceiling above, beautiful paint and columns, an impressive balcony...it's just world class, and I am not one to gush about the nightlife/entertainment in TC, obviously. Inexpensive (even relative to the other big box movie places in town). We saw It's a Wonderful Life on Christmas Eve for $5 each, and it was just a sweet, simple, awesome experience.... Vintage, passionate, artsy, entertaining... Make it a point to visit on your next trip...it will indeed be worth it. read more

State Theatre - Cinema Near Me - Traverse City, Michigan

We're visiting Traverse City for Spring Break and stumbled upon free movie week! It's a cute theater with all volunteers working. There are stars on the ceiling and the seats are plush and comfortable! Also the concessions are super cheap! Nothing like what we pay in Chicago. We saw two movies and had a great time. We would definitely come here again when we're in town. read more

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This is most definitely the best theater in all of Traverse City. The other theater do not compare. The volunteers are so helpful and kind. I have made many trips and intend to make many more in the future. I would highly recommend everyone go to this theater if in Traverse City. The balcony provides a unique viewing experience to other theaters. read more

Quintessential Traverse City landmark directly in the middle of Main Street. Old time theater with good prices. Special movies for kids Saturday morning for next to nothing prices. Special events for Spring Break wonderful. read more

State Theatre - Cinema Near Me - Traverse City, Michigan

This place is amazing. I am a movie buff and love going to theaters, and I am ashamed I didn't know this place existed before coming to TC. We just saw it by chance walking around downtown and spontaneously decided to pop in, and it ended up being one of the highlights of the trip. Beautiful restored state theaters are very common, but they usually have uncomfortable seating and ancient projection systems. This place has state of the art projection and sound, modern comfortable seats, and a gorgeous interior. Really excellent programming selections, and a friendly volunteer staff. This place obviously would not exist without mega dollars backing it, which apparently mostly come from Michael Moore. At our show they handed out a little ice cream treat upon exit, which had relevance to the movie we had just seen. I am not sure if they do that for every movie, but I wouldn't be surprised. read more

This is by far the best movie theater I have ever been to. My BF loves movies so we frequent theaters fairly often. I have never been to a cleaner, cooler theater than the State though. Honestly, we want to move to Traverse and one of the pros (high on the list I might add) is the State Theater...no joke. I am sorry that we didn't see a movie here last year. I don't know the full history but I do know that the State Theater is a one screen, bi level theater. We sat up in the balcony for our movie (The Kings of Summer, which was great by the way). I absolutely loved the twinkling stars on the ceiling and the seats are the most comfortable movie theater seat my butt has ever sat in. On our 6+ hour drive home I wish I had one of those seats to sit in! The theater is meticulously clean. There was a show before ours and they were vacuuming and cleaning up to the point where I saw one guy actually pick up a piece of popcorn that his broom missed. No sticky floors here!! I am not sure if the State has paid employees but they did mention that there are volunteers which I think is so cool. The opening montage and all of the opening "trailers" were seriously awesome... I wish I would have snuck and made a Vine but I was too focused on not missing anything. Oh, and the concessions are super cheap...the way it should be!!! There are also tons of specials such as free popcorn day, 25 cent specials, free teen movies and the regular admission is also super cheap ($6 students, $8 adults). I guess they can keep prices down as they aren't showing big blockbuster new releases. If you are in Traverse City, you NEED to see a movie at the State Theater. You won't be disappointed. read more

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Outstanding. One of the finest theatres I've ever set foot in! Picture quality and sound are perfect. The seats and comfortable, and give you ample room for your legs. They occasionally have 25 CENT matinees. My friends and I recently saw "Harvey" at the State Theatre, and it was outstanding. Popcorn and a soda will run you around 5 bucks - maybe slightly more. The theatre is run by an all volunteer staff - that helps keep the prices low. This is the real deal folks. You should absolutely stop and see a movie if you're in Traverse City or anywhere nearby! read more

I must preface this review by saying that I've been volunteering for the Traverse City Film Festival since inception, and now for the TCFF-owned State Theatre. I will try to be objective, but this institution is a passion. I didn't know what to expect at my first ushering shift. I had heard that the renovation went well, but wow, amazing! To get the criticisms out of the way, the lobby is a bit tight, and guests must wait in the often-crowded and chilly box office area just outside while the previous movie concludes, but that's all I can say on the negative side. The decor, somewhat art deco, I believe, is spectacular. The ceiling is covered in "stars". The seats are oh-so comfy and roomy. The concessions tasty--and surprising affordable. A most enjoyable movie-watching experience. And let me say...it is about time that Traverse City showed first-rate films (i.e. the antithesis of the typical H-wood blockbuster or latest Kate Hudson-Matthew McCaunaghey rom-com) in a quality environment. The other options here are limited and not so very desirable. (Although, I admit, Bring Your Own Bucket Night at Horizon is genius.) So huge thanks to Michael and crew for transforming the State into a beautiful homage to "just great movies", as TCFF might say. I'm so thrilled to see that there are (many) other people like me who want to see independent, art house, classic or foreign films in a theatre. I wish continued success and sell-outs to the State. Check out their schedule to see their diverse line-up at http://www.traversecityfilmfest.org/statetheatre/. read more

By far the coolest theatre I have ever been too. Comfortable environment, great sound and picture quality. The staff was friendly. I highly recommend seeing a film at The State Theatre, you'll love it! read more

The revival of downtown movie theatres is one of the best trends in small-town America, and the State Theatre in Traverse City ranks among the best. Refurbished and revitalized by filmmaker Michael Moore (who lives in the Traverse City area), the State is located smack in the middle of downtown TC. In late July, it's home to the most affordable, fun, and community-oriented festival in TC - the Film Festival (sorry Cherry Festival). The State trots out a consistent lineup of good foreign, indie, and eclectic films for movie buffs at dirt cheap prices. Keep an eye out for their themed weekends (Paul Newman tribute weekend with 5-6 films rocked) for one flat price. Also, bring the kids to 25-cent Saturday morning movies and make some memories that will last with your family for a long time. My girls love it. Only two things keep the State Theatre from getting a 5-star rating: * Popcorn is unremarkable. Should have butterier options and tastier options. I'd pay extra for it! * Bathrooms are almost always a little dirty These two may seem picky (especially the second one) but I LOVE POPCORN. Having said that, the volunteer staff is friendly, professional, and warm. The refreshments are affordable (and besides the corn) tasty. The films are top notch and the screenings are amazing - the sound and lighting are so much better than the "modern" theatres that it's a joke. Long live the State Theatre! read more

A perfect movie theatre experience! Just Great Movies! read more

State Theatre - Cinema Near Me - Traverse City, Michigan

The coolest theater in Northern Michigan for sure! After being closed for years, the theater was remodeled. It now features a state of the art screen, super comfy chairs (like memory foam) and don't forget to notice the "stars" in the ceiling. Every time I go home to TC, we visit The State Theatre. The movie ticket prices are reasonable. The popcorn is good too. Be sure to get there early though, the locals and tourists love this place! read more

The State Theatre is a great spot to watch a movie. Fusing together the look and feel of a vintage theater with state of the art sound and projection systems, this beautifully restored theater is a must for anyone visiting Traverse City. The concessions feature local favorites, like chocolate covered cherries, delicious popcorn, and a wide assortment of beverages. As an added bonus, you can visit the State Theatre every Tuesday to take advantage for their free popcorn offer. Run by volunteers, the State Theatre is one of the many gems in Traverse City. read more

It's hard to top what others have said. We visited from Detroit and were blown away at the old-school feel of this place. People were BEYOND courteous, not a single cell phone rang (do they get cell service up here? lol) Chairs were the most comfortable movie chairs I have been in and very ample leg room. A MUST for anyone visiting. read more

Amazing from the time we bought tix to the free popcorn (on Tuesdays) to the movie theatre interior with the starry ceiling to the movie itself. Never have I been so glad to pay full price for a movie!! read more

I have a soft spot for old theaters but that quickly turned into love for State when I took a peek at the Theatre's film schedule. On some mornings the theatre offers classics such as Some Like it Hot, free of charge. During the night it's films you'd only expect to see in big city indie cinemas. Although the theatre appears to have been renovated a couple of times it has maintained it's charm. Look at the ceiling in the theater if you decide to catch a movie. read more

State Theatre - Cinema Near Me - Traverse City, Michigan

I love the State Theatre. I love the role it plays in this community and the film viewing experience it provides. I love that the theatre is run by volunteers and the community and, just like my community theatre at home, one of the volunteers gives a welcome speech. The popcorn is good, the concessions feature some local flavor (chocolate covered cherries). Maybe one of my favorite aspects? A sound system that is not so loud it drives you out of the theatre! read more

I love this theater and always marvel at the beauty of the interior when I'm here. I marvel so much, I sometimes forget I'm there to watch the screen. Those stars on the ceiling are just too intriguing not to get lost in them! Looking forward to seeing what the exterior renovations look like and am so proud to live in the same town as this gem. read more

I love that this place reopened its doors. I saw My one and only there on November 2nd, a matinee on a monday. It was perfect and we sat upstairs in the balcony which was even more fun. good points are A. outside tickets that are very retro and fun B. cute decor that makes you feel like you have stepped back in time and the fresh smell of popcorn. I can't wait for my next visit to town, I would love to come during the Film festival. read more

The State is a real Traverse City gem. This theater has the best screen, seating, and sound in Northwest Michigan and it has a comfortable atmosphere to boot. They show a lot of movies that don't typically make the commercial run (in fact, their deed prevents them from showing any film playing on over 200 screens), which means a lot of art house, foreign, documentaries, and other 'obscure' genres you can think of. I don't think their selection is perfect for everyone, but it's a good fit for me and it's at least a change of pace from the box office hits you can see at the vastly inferior Carmike cinemas in town. I've also been to the State to attend comedy and sporting events shown there, both broadcast and live, and there's also the T.C. Film Festival which is a high point in the summer. All the events I've ever attended have been top notch and Michael Moore certainly knows how to pick the good ones. If I had to state one gripe, it would be that (as with all theaters) the price of concessions are outrageously high. That being said, what do you really expect when you go to the movies? Still, not enough of a drawback to drop this theater to a four star rating. If you're in the area and you've never been, definitely catch a flick at the State before you visit any of the grungy chain theaters in town. read more

Where to start? First, The State has revived our deteriorating downtown. It (with the Film Festival) has brought new upscale businesses, renters, tourism, community events, festivals, and national recognition. I am amazed how one tiny project could do so much. It is a miracle (and a lot of hard work by so many). Second, it is a business with a heart, the State offers free movies to families of servicemen, free popcorn and drinks on hot days, 25 cent classics, bargain priced children' movies, babies' day, $2.50 midnight classics. And many many other community-minded services. Third, The theater itself is a dream. Who else has memory foam reclining seats???? Sublime. Fourth, the volunteers that make it all work 365 days a year. Amazing. Fifth, JUST GOOD MOVIES. I never go to multiplex generic clone rubbish anymore. Sixth, the Film Festival. I could rave on and on about this but I will just say that it has brought a culture to TVC that is rare in the Midwest. We are blessed. fordable tickets, Seventh, prices. Great price on tickets. Affordable snacks that also offer healthier choices. Eighth, location. Right in historic downtown where people watching is as good as film watching. THANK YOU MICHAEL MOORE, JOHN ROBERT WILLIAMS AND DOUG STANTON !!!!! read more

Where else can I take my class to see a movie for the price of a canned good? State gives back to its community, and we love her for it

This was my first time at this theatre, and I had the best experience! People were extremely welcoming, prices for popcorn/drinks/snacks were very low compared to the Imax theatre. Comfortable seating, clean bathroom, tasty popcorn, loved the ceiling!! Would definitely recommend to anyone looking to see a movie! read more

This is exactly the kind of movie theater that every town wants, the kind that every bloated AMC thinks it is, the kind that second-run, artsy gems deserve. I came here on a lark one sweltering evening vacationing in Traverse City, and was indeed transported to another time and place, one where theaters recognized that movies should be a luxurious escape, not an overpriced, under-delivering suck. At the State Theater, the seats are cushy, the screen is huge, the decor is gorgeous (stars! Stars in the ceiling!), and the entire experience boasts a kind of opulence that its sticky-floored successors have all but shattered. In other words, this is where Don Draper takes his kids after attempting to compensate for their wretched childhoods and complete paternal disillusionment with a hearty dose of Murdick's fudge. read more

Wish this beauty was in my home town. Comfortable seat. Beautiful theatre (the bathroom was nothing special but the rest was lovely). Fun selection of movies available. read more

Really cool place to visit and watch movie. They have balcony too. Nicely restored and decorated, reasonably priced and concessions are good too. What a gem in TC. read more

The State Theatre is an essential part of the Traverse City experience. Playing classic and iconic films from the 1900's as well as new releases, the State is a great theater with cheap tickets, excellent seats and snacks, and a wonderful volunteer staff to keep the place running strong. read more

I am in love with this place. It is a theatre with one movie screen, completely renovated, and holds so much history in downtown Traverse City. I was drawn to it as soon as I saw the big State Theatre sign while walking. It's across the street from the old Opera House, which is also fascinating. The theatre is incredibly well kept, employed with people (I believe they may be volunteers) who truly love being there, and make sure you enjoy your experience there as well. You walk into a nice concession stand, then doors on either side of it to get into the theatre. There are columns on both sides of the screen and rows of red seats. Above you'll notice lights that are reminiscent of a night sky...this was my favorite. I can't say how much I love this place. When I mentioned I was just visiting to a volunteer, she gave me a small packet she put together of maps, things to do, top eateries, etc. I visited on a Wednesday, which is their classical movie matinee day. This month (August) features movies with Audrey Hepburn, who I love. I saw "Love in the Afternoon" at 11am and it is now one of my favorite movies. I don't think I would've enjoyed it as much if I saw it at an AMC. Seeing it at the State Theatre felt fitting; all the more reason to visit and support this amazing fixture that is so prominent to Traverse City's history and downtown. read more

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The State Theatre is pretty much perfect. It's beautiful. They show awesome movies at great prices. They have organic and use non-GMO popcorn. Saturdays they have 25 cent shows for children. If you are in TC - catch a movie here. read more

Love going to a movie here. I love the atmosphere-it feels more old-timey & more of a "night at the movies" experience because it feels older than the modern commercialized theaters. (At least it feels this way for me! But I am only used to modern theatres, so I don't know if this is really reminiscent of an older theatre or not, but to me I like to pretend :) ) Love the red comfy seats, and the stars on the ceiling are my favorite part-they add a special touch. Also, I like the "small-town" feel of the theatre in general. It's fun to actually buy a ticket from a real box office, and all the staff here (at the box office & at the concession stand) seem to really care about your movie-going experience. Case in point: the last time I was there, I had purchased a popcorn & a diet coke and accidentally left to go to my seat in the theater without the pop. When I got up to the balcony I realized, and came back down to the concession stand to tell them I had forgotten it and to get it. They told me that one of their staff had already begun her way up to the balcony to find me & give me the diet coke. I went back in that direction and met her. This would never happen at the regular movie theaters!...They knew that I had left my pop, and sent someone to go bring it to me. Just a small but very nice touch that told me these staff really do care about your experience here. Of course there's the selection issue because they can only show one feature at a time, so I still go to the other theaters when what I want to see is playing there, or if I don't want to see what's playing at the State, but it's always a more than pleasant visit when I go, and I'd definitely recommend the State theater! read more

Great movie theater! Hard to go watch movies anywhere else after watching a movie here. The way cinema was meant to be.

Hands down the best place ever to see a movie. The amazingly comfortable memory foam high back seats, cheap concessions , best sound system and top of the line screen and projection. They pick the best movies! The place is a work of art and we support it's mission in our town. read more

Michael Moore and his Film Festival staff have awoken this once bleak, barren, and sleepy little town into a Midwest film mecca with the revival of this top notch quasi "Art House" theatre. Before the renovation of the State the only place to get a chance to see a decent film was to borrow one from the public library which deserves praise in their own right. The Traverse Area District Library's DVD collection is amazing. I've yet to find a catalog of great films that rivals theirs and I live in Los Angeles. go figure! The State screens award winning films and films that deserve much more praise then the Hollywood "experts" give notice. Like myself, film-buffs will be forever indebted to Michael Moore for allowing great cinema to be viewed in such a majestic venue. Thank you Michael and everyone involved with bringing the State back to life. read more

A movie theater... Staff was somewhat arrogant which is surprising. Nice bathrooms. LOL