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Your Guide to Chicago’s Indie Theaters

Posted on September 24
Kayleigh Padar

Kayleigh Padar

Five rows of plush red velvet seats face a closed red curtain inside the historic Music Box Theatre in Chicago.

Chances are, your favorite movie is now playing at one of Chicago’s indie and historic movie theaters. (Courtesy of Bella Masterson)

There’s nothing I love more than walking into a movie theater that looks the same way it looked when I was a kid. You can’t fix perfect! And Chicago’s historic indie theaters know that better than anyone.

Here’s where you can get your nostalgic movie theater fix this fall!

The 400 Theater (Rogers Park)

That’s right, it’s back! The 400 Theater at 6746 N. Sheridan Road reopened this year under a new owner. I’m pretty sure everyone’s favorite indie movie theater is the one that’s closest to their home, and this one’s mine.

  • 🤑 It’s hard to beat The 400’s prices. Evening shows cost $11 for adults and $6 for kids.

Davis Theater (Ravenswood)

Originally opened in 1918 as the Pershing Theater, the Davis Theater at 4614 N. Lincoln Ave. first showed vaudeville acts and silent films. It was brought back to life in January 2016 and designated a historical landmark.

  • 🎟️ You can support the theater by joining its membership program. For $50 a year, you’ll get $2 off all tickets, a 15% discount on concessions, early access to tickets, and more!

The Logan Theatre (Logan Square)

When The Logan Theatre at 2646 N. Milwaukee Ave. opened in 1915, it only had one screen. It was renovated in the ‘90s, revealing the theater’s original architecture that had been hidden under decades of plaster.

  • 🎃 Every year, The Logan Theatre hosts a free family matinee to celebrate Halloween. This year, you can see classics like “It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown” and “Casper Saves Halloween.” Pro Tip: Come in a costume for an extra raffle ticket!

ACX Harper Theater (Hyde Park)

Much like some of the other theaters on this list, Harper Theater at 5238 S. Harper Ave. originally opened in the 1910s. It reopened in 2023 with a new immersive sound system and heated luxury recliners. After your movie, check out its bar, pizza kitchen, and arcade!

  • 👻 To help you get into the Halloween Spirit, Harper Theater is bringing some beloved Black horror movies back to the theater in the coming weeks, including “Candyman (1992),” “Us,” and “Nope.”

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