Gem Theatre in Kannapolis NC Has Rich History & Affordable Movies

Gem Theater in Kannapolis North Carolina © Katrena

Originally opened on December 31, 1936, the Gem Movie Theatre in Kannapolis, North Carolina, is one of my kids' favorite destinations for movies. The colorful lights outside beckon people to come in to enjoy the movie and the nostalgic theater on West First Street.

A historical landmark of the area, the Gem is one of America's oldest single-screen movie theaters still in operation today. A fire in 1942 closed the movie theater until it could be rebuilt several years later. The concession stand served as a distribution area for ration coupons during tough economic times of the World War II era.

March 15, 1948 marked the Gem's reopening date. Tickets at that time were 40 cents for adults and 12 cents for children. Prices remain quite reasonable, and in 2012 they are offering $1.00 movies on Tuesdays for the 10:00 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. shows on many dates that schools are out for the summer. The theater only accepts cash at this time.

Performers at Gem Theater - Photo from Wikimedia Commons

In the 1940s and early 1950s, customers may have been treated to a stage show before the movie. Roy Rogers and Trigger, Tex Ritter, Lash LaRue, and others provided entertainment at the theater. I discovered that Fred Kirby, a singing cowboy I met when visiting Tweetsie Railroad as a child, had performed at the Gem as well!

With the 1950s came popular wide screens for theaters, so the stage became half as deep with that renovation, marking the end of the live performances. Several other renovations, such as stereophonic sound and updated concession stand, have also been made over the years. Don't worry – they do have air conditioning if you are visiting during warmer weather!

Fun Nostalgic Movie Theater © Katrena

The Gem Theatre has 916 seats and large groups may schedule private events. To top it off, my kids absolutely love the balcony. Very few movie theaters offer balcony seating. My kids wanted to stay after the movie just to look around the theater.

Parents of young kids will be glad to know that bathroom are also located upstairs for convenience. We made a day of it in Kannapolis, visiting Village Park and the movie theater, which made a great combination of indoor and outdoor fun activities. The two destinations are less than five miles from one another.

 The Gem Theatre is offering $1.00 movies during the summer of 2012. Find a listing of these and other free or reduced movies this summer in Rowan and Davie Counties at my Wildflower Bouquets article.

Learn more about the Gem Theater in Kannapolis at their web site. Find other ideas for traveling with kids in North Carolina at my site map.