Ely's Historic State Theater

07/25/2025

Now showing at Ely's Historic State Theater: Final Four First Steps!!!!! 1, 4, and 7 pm every day this week in the State theater.

07/25/2025

Final week for Ballerina at Ely's Historic State Theater! Showing in the Greenstone theater at 6:30 pm July 25-29 and July 31st.

07/25/2025

Final week for The Phoenician Scheme at Ely's Historic State Theater! Greenstone theater! July 25-29 & July 31 The Phoenician Scheme will be playing at 12:30 and 3:30 pm. On July 30th we will have a single showing at 12:30 pm.

07/24/2025

Please help us spread the word! Ely's Historic State Theater is hiring a Special Programs Director to oversee the 2026 Ely Film Festival (EFF) and related programs! Are you an organized, creative, and community-minded leader who loves film, the arts, and working with people of all ages? Do you have skills in marketing and program management? Are you adept with technology? If so, please check out the full job description at our website elystatetheater.org and send us a a letter of interest with a brief overview of your qualifications to [email protected].

07/24/2025

Movie Trailer Thursday! Coming August 1 to Ely's Historic State Theater is Bad Guys 2!!! Click on the trailer below to check it out.

The Bad Guys 2 - In Theaters August 1Everyone’s favorite felons are back, and this time, they’ve got company. In the new action-packed chapter from DreamWork...

07/24/2025

Its a Movie Trailer Thursday! Tomorrow Fantastic 4 First Steps is coming to Ely's Historic State Theater. It looks....well.....fantastic! Fantastic 4 will be showing at 1, 4, and 7 pm each day starting tomorrow. Click on the trailer below to check it out.

In ONE MONTH, Marvel Studios’ The Fantastic Four: First Steps arrives in theaters July 25.Watch the new trailer and get tickets now: https://fandango.com/Fan...

07/23/2025

Oofta! What a rainy day! Today and tomorrow (July 23 & 24) are the last two days of Jurassic World Rebirth (12:30, 3:30, and 6:30) at Ely's Historic State Theater. We also have The Phoenician Scheme (Wes Anderson) playing in the State theater at 1 and 4pm and Ballerina (John Wick) at 7 pm today and tomorrow.

07/23/2025

Wow what a big year for Ely's Historic State Theater! Early this summer we celebrated our fifth anniversary as a nonprofit organization. Ten years ago this month was also a big moment for the theater as that is when the State Theater was listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Thank you so much for your support! Below is some historical information (including an early picture of the building) if you are interested in learning about the theater.

Built in 1935–1936 during the challenging times of the Great Depression, it was designed by the famous Upper Midwest architects Liebenberg and Kaplan in the stunning Art Deco style. Originally called the “Rio” during its early planning stages, the theater proudly opened as the State Theater in October 1936, featuring a bright 36-foot neon marquee that quickly became a shining beacon on Sheridan Street.

From its very first screening, My American Wife, the theater offered a welcoming place for locals to enjoy the magic of film. With its elegant stone exterior, a spacious auditorium seating 630, and a state-of-the-art RCA sound system, the State provided more than just movies—it was an experience.

Even as television and video changed entertainment habits, the State Theater remained important to Ely. In the 1980s, local movie enthusiast Ron Forsman worked hard to keep the theater alive, reopening it and preserving its place in the community. Though it closed in 2008, a new chapter began in 2014 when the Ott family, experienced in restoring historic buildings, bought the theater with plans to bring it back to life. In July 2015, the State Theater was listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

In February 2020, a nonprofit organization called Ely’s Historic State Theater was formed by community members dedicated to managing and maintaining this cultural gem.

Today, the theater buzzes with activity. In addition to showing first-run and classic films year-round, the theater hosts the annual Ely Film Festival, which showcases independent films and brings fresh voices to the screen, and supports live performances, arts education, and special community events. Additionally, it works alongside other local nonprofits, helping to strengthen Ely’s community.

With its rich history, welcoming vibes, and lively programs, the Ely State Theater is a beloved gathering spot where the community connects, stories are shared, and the arts flourish.

07/22/2025

You have been requesting it and it is coming! F1 starring Brad Pitt, Damson Idris, Kerry Condon, Tobias Menzies, and Javier Bardem is coming August 8. 83% on the Tomatometer and 97% on the Popcornmeter on Rotten Tomatoes (audiences love it!).

07/22/2025

August 1st Bad Guys 2 is coming to Ely's Historic State Theater!!!!

07/22/2025

Fantastic 4 First Steps coming to Ely's Historic State Theater this Friday! Looks amazing!