Rex Theater

113 East Grayson Street, Galax, Virginia 24333

Hours

Box office opens 1 hour before performances. 

Cost

Live event ticket costs vary by artist and are best purchased online. Prices are subject to change; check their website for updates.

About

With its vintage neon marquee sign glowing green, red, and white, the Rex Theater in Galax is a historic venue featuring live music. 

The iconic theater opened in 1940, attracting movie lovers from far and wide in the Twin County area. The Rex Theater was a place of escape for locals during World War II and played the latest Hollywood movies. Through the years, it has worn many hats, but today, the City of Galax owns it and is committed to preserving the historic downtown area.

Now a live concert venue, the small theater is home to local and regional bluegrass and Americana musicians and ensembles. Other genres, like 80s cover bands, also perform at the Rex Theater. This variety draws in all types of music fans to the iconic setting.

One reason the theater attracts visitors near and far is the eye-catching restoration and conservation efforts to maintain the theater's classic Art Deco architecture. While the marquee sports upcoming concerts, one can imagine days of old when classic Hollywood stars like Bogart, Hepburn, and Stewart filled the silver screen.

Moreover, the renovated theater is close to other musical attractions, like the Blue Ridge Music Center. This makes it easy to fill the day with history and live music while exploring the region.

Visiting the Rex Theater is a must, where the historic retro marquee sign, renovated interior, and live music make for a memorable vacation experience.

Rex Theater: Fun Facts & Cool Features

One of the Rex Theater's coolest features is its long-standing tradition of broadcasting live radio shows, "Blue Ridge Backroads Live." Aired every Friday and Saturday night, the radio shows highlight emerging and established bluegrass artists on WBRF 98.1 FM. The show reaches a broad audience from Virginia to North Carolina, and from West Virginia to Tennessee. Such dedication cements the theater as a key player in preserving and promoting bluegrass music.

Historical and modern elements coexist at the theater, which blends Art Deco charm with top-notch sound and lighting equipment to enhance performances. The combination of visually stunning decor with high-end audio and visuals makes for the ultimate concert experience.

With its Galax location, planning a fun-filled day of dining at restaurants like The Galax Smokehouse or grabbing a concert after a day on the water with New River Outdoor Adventures is easy.

Visiting the Rex Theater will give you an immersive musical and historical experience on your Blue Ridge Parkway vacation. 

Getting There

Here are step-by-step driving directions to the Rex Theater from Hillsville:

  • Head southwest on US-58 W/E Stuart Dr toward Forest Oaks Ln.
  • Continue to follow US-58 W for about 13.5 miles.
  • Turn right onto US-58 BUS W/W Stuart Dr and continue for 1.5 miles.
  • Turn left onto S Main St.
  • The Rex Theater will be on your left.
  • Address: 111 E Grayson St, Galax, VA 24333

Local Tips

  • Arrive early to find the best parking spots nearby.
  • Children require a ticket unless they are young enough to sit on your lap.
  • Check the show schedule, as popular events sell out quickly.
  • Listen to FM 98.1 on the weekends for free live music.
  • The vintage neon sign and interior make perfect photo ops!

Location

113 East Grayson Street, Galax, Virginia 24333

Frequently Asked Questions

If you only have one day to explore the Blue Ridge Parkway, we have a top-notch recommendation for you: Primland Resort and Spa. This isn’t just an ordinary resort; it’s a destination that has been carefully curated to offer an unparalleled experience, as evidenced by its impressive 4.8-star Google rating.

Primland Resort and Spa is located right in the heart of the breathtaking Blue Ridge Mountains. It’s not just about the location, though; it’s about the experience. From the moment you step foot onto the property, you’re enveloped in a blend of rustic charm and refined luxury that makes for an unforgettable visit.

The resort offers a wide array of activities tailored to suit all interests and age groups. For the golf enthusiasts, there’s the award-winning Highland Course, ranked as the #1 course in Virginia by Golf Digest. For the nature lovers, there are horseback riding and ATV tours that let you explore the beautiful surroundings in a fun and engaging manner.

But perhaps what truly sets Primland apart is its commitment to wellness. The on-site spa offers a variety of treatments designed to rejuvenate your mind, body, and soul—because your well-being is a priority here. Imagine ending your day with a soothing massage or a peaceful yoga session under the stars at their observatory.

And let’s not forget about the culinary delights. With multiple eateries serving up a variety of dishes made from fresh, locally-sourced ingredients, your taste buds are in for a treat.
So, if you’re looking for a one-day itinerary that seamlessly combines adventure, relaxation, and gastronomic delights, Primland Resort and Spa is the place to be. Don’t just take our word for it—we invite you to experience it for yourself.

The New River Trail on the Blue Ridge Parkway is a treasure trove of natural beauty and outdoor adventure. According to sources like dcr.virginia.gov, traillink.com, and roadslesstraveled.us, the trail spans an impressive 57.5 miles, starting from E Main St/VA 99 & Xaloy Way in Pulaski and ending at T George Vaughan Jr Ave in Galax.

This trail isn’t just about distance, though. It’s about the journey. As you embark on this trail, you’ll find yourself meandering through four counties and the city of Galax, as per blueridgeparkway.org. The trail parallels the historic New River for 39 scenic miles, offering a unique blend of forested mountains and pastoral valleys that create a visual feast for the eyes.

But the benefits of this trail extend beyond its stunning landscapes. The New River Trail State Park is a hub of activities, with options for biking, hiking, and camping, making it a perfect destination for outdoor enthusiasts.

The changing of the leaves along the Blue Ridge Parkway is a breathtaking event that attracts countless visitors each year. This natural spectacle begins at the highest elevations in late September, soon after the first calendar days of fall.

The timing and intensity of the color change can differ from year to year and are affected by varying factors such as temperature and rainfall. However, the general pattern is that leaves change color at higher, cooler elevations first. The elevation along the Parkway ranges from over 6,000 feet at Richland Balsam in North Carolina down to just 649 feet near James River in Virginia.

This beautiful autumn leaf show typically starts in early October in the highest elevations above 5,000 feet and gradually descends to lower elevations by late October or early November. In fact the Farmers Almanac, projects peak fall color for the inland portion of Virginia to occur between October 12-28.

So, if you’re planning a trip to witness the stunning fall colors of the Blue Ridge Parkway, aim for these dates. But remember, the beauty of nature is unpredictable and can surprise you at any time. So, pack your camera and hiking boots, and get ready to immerse yourself in the vibrant hues of autumn on the Blue Ridge Parkway.

More questions

More questions?

Feel free to send us an email with any and all questions you might have regarding the start of a Casago Franchise!

We'd love to help answer your questions!