About
Stepping into the Avon Theater is like walking into a living storybook where the past and present converge. Its roots stretch back to the early 20th century, making it a storied landmark in Heber City.
Avon Theater, originally known as the Reel Theatre, has been a part of Heber City's landscape since the mid-1940s. It opened its doors in 1948, marking the beginning of a long-standing tradition of movie screenings.
It experienced a name change around 2000, becoming known as the Reel Theatre for a brief period until 2005. After a significant renovation in 2006, it reclaimed its original name, Avon Theater, resuming its role as a central hub for movie enthusiasts.
With seating for 400 and equipped with digital sound, Avon provides an intimate and immersive movie-watching experience. Its classic single-screen setup means that it can show only one movie at a time, making for a special event.
Its central location makes combining multiple activities into a fun-filled day easy. You could begin your adventure at the Heber Valley Railroad or on a trail ride at KB Horses at Red Ledges followed by a movie. The possibilities are endless!
The Avon Theater offers evening shows that are perfect after a day of exploring the charming streets of this historic city.
Avon Theater: Fun Facts & Cool Features
In 1986, the Avon Theater made history by becoming one of the first movie theaters in the United States to have a surround sound system.
This technological leap was the handiwork of Jim Fosgate, a resident of Heber City and an inventor. Fosgate, known as the "Father of Surround Sound," installed a system he developed, which later influenced Dolby technology.
The sound system's debut with the movie "Top Gun" drew immense crowds, with people lining up around the block and down two streets to experience it.
Fast forward to 2010, the Avon Theater and its sister theater, the Ideal Theater, became the first small-town theater in Utah to transition to digital projection and offer 3-D movies. This transition marked a significant step in keeping up with technological advancements in cinema, ensuring that the residents of Heber City could enjoy the latest movie-viewing experiences.
The Lanes, who took over the theater's renovation, opened Corner Sweet Treats next door to Avon Theater. This delightful ice cream parlor offers homemade ice cream, candy, and a traditional soda fountain. And with plenty of dining options, like nearby Taqueria Los Cuñados, planning a meal around a show is simple.
All of this makes visiting Avon Theater an adventure waiting to be explored on a Heber City getaway.
Getting There
Here are the step-by-step driving directions from Heber City to Avon Theatre:
- Head south on S Main St toward E Center St.
- After 0.3 miles, you will see Avon Theatre on your right.
- Address: 94 S Main St, Heber City, UT 84032.
Local Tips
- Indulge in house-made ice cream treats, candies, sodas, and sandwiches at Avon Corner Sweet Treats, which you can take into the theater.
- Visit during the weekdays or Sundays for evening shows, as the theater operates from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM. On Saturdays, it opens earlier at 2:00 PM.
- For a more immersive experience, attend special events the theater hosts beyond regular movie showings.
- Do you have a special event coming up? Contact Avon Theater for information on how they can help.
