New Again
Bonnie Kate Theater
Relive classic stories and create new memories in this nostalgic theater in the heart of Elizabethton, Tennessee. More than preserving its historic legacy, the Bonnie Kate Theater is a centerpiece for cinema, theatrical productions, live music, and more. Enjoy the ambiance of this vintage theater with modern conveniences and amenities.
What's Coming Up?
Events & Fundraisers
Leave a Legacy & Name a Seat
Don’t miss a once in a lifetime opportunity to honor a loved one, commemorate an occasion, or celebrate community with a personalized nameplate on a seat at the historic Bonnie Kate theater.
Support The Bonnie Kate Theater
1940’s Radio Show
Join the Bonnie Kate Singers, and Let’s keep the theater juices flowing while the Bonnie Kate stage is shut down for renovations. Mondays at the Bonnie Kate Meeting Room
Beginning September 9th
Every Monday at 6:30 PM
Brief History
Get to Know the Bonnie Kate Theater
1926
The 500-seat Bonnie Kate Theater, named for the first “First Lady of Tennessee,” Bonnie Kate Sherrill, wife of Governor John Sevier, opened with a christening by then TN Governor Alfred Taylor.
1930s
The Bonnie Kate hosted the “Barrel of Fun” musical show that was broadcast by radio to 3.2 million listeners across the Southeast.
1950s-60s
The theater’s ownership changed hands several times and enjoyed numerous upgrades, including the first rocking-chair theater seating east of the Mississippi River.
1970s-90s
Ownership changed hands again, and more improvements were made, including dividing the theater in half to accommodate two shows simultaneously.
2012
The Bonnie Kate Theater closes, but reopens as an event center after the transition to digital film projection could not be afforded..
2016
The East Tennessee Foundation purchases the Bonnie Kate Theater, which allows efforts to begin for its preservation and eventual restoration.
2023-Present
The theater is now owned by the City of Elizabethton and managed by the Friends of Bonnie Kate non-profit organization. Renovations are underway to preserve the theater’s legacy and facilitate an everlasting multi-generational impact.
What We Do
Bringing The Arts to Elizabethton
Celebrating the Cinema
Bringing Theatre Arts to New Generations
Showcasing Live Musical Performances
Hosting Community Events
What To Lookout For
Calender of Events
Give Back
How Can You Support the Bonnie Kate Theater?
We appreciate every person who connects with us about our historic theater or inquires about the ongoing restoration efforts. How can you get involved in preserving the Bonnie Kate’s legacy now and for future generations?
Enjoy a Show
Visit our Events page for upcoming films, live music, theatre productions, and other events, and purchase your tickets online.
Join the Theatre
Contact the Bonnie Kate and ask about participating in an upcoming live theatre production. We need actors, actresses, musicians, carpenters, painters, and a host of other volunteers.
Share Your Story
We love hearing your memories of the Bonnie Kate! Visit the contact page and share your favorite story of shows, events, people, and other aspects at our theater.
Sponsor a Show
You can become a Bonnie Kate sponsor and help us feature various entertainment options while promoting your business. Contact the Bonnie Kate for more information.
Make a Donation
We welcome your donations to our 501c3 organization for restoring and modernizing the Bonnie Kate Theater. Contact us about donating, or add a donation when you purchase event tickets or merchandise!
Get In Touch
Join us in celebrating the arts in the heart of downtown Elizabethton, TN! Browse our events page for upcoming shows or contact us to learn more about getting involved with the Bonnie Kate today!
(423) 895-1762
115 S. Sycamore Street Elizabethton, TN 37643
