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!




