rialto theater

If you like historic buildings and the hidden gems that can be found in almost any turn of the century town, then you should spend part of an afternoon or early evening viewing a movie at the Rialto Theater in Grayling, MI I have been coming to Grayling since the late 1960's and never took the time, until yesterday, to walk up to the ticket window of the Rialto, pay for a ticket, some popcorn and a beverage, and watch a first run movie. But, there is more! While my wife and I waited for the movie to start we found ourselves engaged in conversation with other patrons who have lived in this community for years. One gentleman, who sat in front of us, told of the4 days back in the 1940's when he came to the Rialto to watch movies. A couple ladies across the aisle from me told of the history of the Fred Bear Archery Company and Museum where they had worked in just about every capacity up until the business was sold and moved to Florida. I learned that the towns people rallied around the effort to restore and modernize the Rialto before it was lost for ever. Which explains the very comfortable and reclining seats and the modern digital movie and sound systems that I enjoyed. The people of Grayling must be proud of their investment. I'm sure they are. Now, you know too! If you are vacationing, or just driving in Grayling looking for something to do...visit the Rialto Theater and take in a movie. The show times may change. But, for now showtimes are twice a day: 2PM and 7:30PM. Before you take your seats look around the lobby at all of the historic photos taken of the Rialto and some of the famous guests. I'm so glad we did this! You will be too!Located in downtown Grayling just east of the center of town, next to the Post Office. Easy access and parking.

let us hope that the theater can continue to operate. What a wonderful treat to step back in time...but with first rate and first run films!

This is our hometown theatre and we are very proud of it! Within the past year, the community raised enough money that enabled the owners to install the new, mandatory digital sound system as well as removing the old, very worn seats with oversized reclining/rocking padded chairs,It is a pleasure to go to this quaint neighbourhood theatre, a combination of the old and the new!

We went to see "100 Foot Journey" at the Rialto. We did arrive 5 minutes before showtime and all of the new seats were full, so we st in the back rows, on the old seats. I had a back ache by the time the movie was over, shifting constantly from one cheek to the other, to try and get comfortable. I did not enjoy the movie because I was too uncomfortable. I would ask the owners to get rid of those seats, they are scratchy (wool?), and very uncomfortable. Can you put the new ones (which I jealousy envied the people stretching out in the new recliner rocker type seats) in the back as well?

100 years old in 2015, the Rialto recently escaped the fate of so many small town theaters thanks to a Kickstarter campaign that netted over $100,000. This indicates just how valued this Grayling landmark is by both community members and supporters of classic theaters. The structure, built in the 30s after a fire destroyed the original theater, boasts some lovely art-deco features, and it is a testament to the current management's commitment that it has not only been saved, but is being returned to its original glory (along with some more comfortable seats!) Telegrams from Hollywood luminaries such as Roy Rogers, as well as handbills for past movie classics, are displayed on the walls inside. The theater's new digital projection system ensures the Rialto's survival and ability to entertain new generations of Grayling residents and visitors.