What Showcase Cinemas is and how to find locations near you

Showcase Cinemas is a chain of movie theaters owned and operated by National Amusements, with locations across the United States. The chain operates multiplex theaters — buildings with multiple screens showing different films at the same time — in suburban and urban areas. Each location typically shows mainstream Hollywood releases, independent films, and special event screenings.

To find a Showcase Cinemas location near you, visit the chain's website and use the theater locator tool. You enter your zip code or city name, and the site returns all nearby locations with their addresses, phone numbers, and hours of operation. Hours vary by location and change seasonally, so checking before you go prevents a wasted trip.

Showcase Cinemas locations are not uniform in size or amenities. Some theaters are older, single-screen buildings or smaller multiplexes with four to eight screens. Others are newer facilities with 12 or more screens, premium seating options, and enhanced concession areas. The website lists which amenities each location offers — IMAX screens, recliners, reserved seating — so you can choose a theater that matches what you want.

Key Takeaways

  • Showcase Cinemas operates theaters in multiple states, and you can find your nearest location and its hours on the chain's website.
  • Ticket prices and showtimes vary by location and film, and most theaters let you purchase tickets online in advance.
  • Concessions — popcorn, candy, drinks — are sold at the theater and cost more than grocery store prices, though some locations offer discounts during matinee showings.
  • Special screenings such as live theater broadcasts, sporting events, or classic film reruns happen at select locations and require checking the schedule ahead of time.
  • Accessibility features like wheelchair seating, accessible restrooms, and assisted listening devices are available at most locations, though you may need to notify staff when you arrive.

How ticket prices work and when matinee showings are cheaper

Ticket prices at Showcase Cinemas vary by location, film format, and time of day. A standard 2D showing during evening hours typically costs more than a matinee showing — usually defined as a screening before 5 p.m. or 6 p.m., depending on the theater. Premium formats like IMAX or 3D cost more than standard screenings. The exact price difference depends on your location; there is no single national price.

You can see ticket prices and purchase them online through the Showcase Cinemas website or through third-party ticketing platforms like Fandango. Buying online lets you reserve your seat in advance at many locations and sometimes locks in the price you see on screen. Some theaters charge a small online booking fee, while others do not. Check the final price before you complete the purchase.

Matinee showings are the cheapest option if your schedule allows. A matinee ticket might cost $6 to $9, while an evening ticket at the same theater could be $12 to $15 or more. Senior citizens and children often receive discounts on all showtimes, though the discount amount varies by location. Ask at the box office or check the website for your specific theater's pricing structure.

Concessions, pricing, and what to bring from outside

Concessions — popcorn, candy, soft drinks, hot dogs, nachos — are sold at a counter inside the theater lobby. Prices are significantly higher than grocery store or convenience store prices. A large popcorn and drink combo might cost $18 to $25, depending on location and size. Some theaters offer combo deals that bundle popcorn, a drink, and candy at a slightly lower total price than buying each item separately.

Policies on outside food and drink vary by location. Many Showcase Cinemas locations prohibit outside food and beverages, though some allow you to bring your own drinks in sealed containers. A few locations may allow outside snacks but not drinks. Call your specific theater or check its website to confirm the policy before you arrive. Violating the policy can result in being asked to leave or having your items confiscated.

Some theaters offer discounts on concessions during certain times. Matinee showings sometimes include reduced-price concession offers. A few locations run loyalty programs or membership cards that give discounts on future purchases. Ask at the concession stand whether your theater participates in any discount program.

Reserved seating, accessibility features, and special accommodations

Many Showcase Cinemas locations now offer reserved seating, which means you choose your specific seat when you purchase your ticket online or at the box office. Seats are displayed on a map of the theater, and you click or tap the ones you want. Reserved seating is especially useful for popular films or weekend showings, when good seats sell out quickly. Some theaters charge a small fee for reserved seating, while others include it at no extra cost.

Accessibility features are available at most Showcase Cinemas locations. Wheelchair-accessible seating is located in designated areas with space for wheelchairs and companions. Accessible restrooms are marked on the theater map or can be located by asking staff. Assisted listening devices — small receivers that amplify dialogue for people with hearing loss — are available at the concession stand; you typically leave a form of ID as a deposit and return the device after the film.

If you need a specific accommodation — a service animal, a companion for medical reasons, or other information — notify the theater staff when you arrive. Most locations are prepared to work with you, though calling ahead gives staff time to prepare. Contact information for each theater is on the Showcase Cinemas website.

Special screenings and events beyond regular movies

Showcase Cinemas locations host special screenings beyond regular Hollywood releases. These include live broadcasts of theater performances from the Metropolitan Opera or other opera companies, sporting events like boxing matches or soccer games, and classic film reruns. Some locations also show independent films, international cinema, or limited releases that do not play at every theater.

Special screenings are scheduled in advance and listed on the theater's website or the main Showcase Cinemas site. Tickets for these events are often priced differently than regular movie tickets — sometimes higher, sometimes lower — and may sell out faster. You can purchase tickets online or at the box office, though online purchase is recommended for popular events.

The availability of special screenings depends on your location. Not every Showcase Cinemas theater hosts every event. Check your specific theater's schedule to see what special programming is coming.

How to contact a specific theater and what information they can provide

Each Showcase Cinemas location has a direct phone number listed on the chain's website. You can call to ask about showtimes, ticket prices, concession policies, accessibility features, or any other question specific to that theater. Staff can also help you reserve seats over the phone if you prefer not to use the website.

The theater's website page also lists its address, hours of operation, parking information, and a link to purchase tickets online. Some locations have social media accounts where they post updates about special events or temporary closures.

If you have a complaint about your visit — a technical problem with the film, an issue with staff, or a billing error — most theaters have a customer service process. Call the location directly or look for a customer feedback option on the Showcase Cinemas website.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I buy tickets in advance, and will they sell out?

Yes, you can purchase tickets online through the Showcase Cinemas website or Fandango, often days in advance. Popular films during opening weekends or evening showings do sell out, especially if the theater has reserved seating and a limited number of seats. Matinee showings and weekday screenings are less likely to sell out. Buying online guarantees your seat and lets you avoid the box office line.

What is the difference between a matinee and an evening showing?

A matinee is a daytime or early-evening screening, usually before 5 p.m. or 6 p.m., and costs less than an evening showing. The film itself is identical; only the time and price differ. Matinees are popular with families, seniors, and people on a budget. Evening showings are typically busier and cost more.

Do I need to bring my ID to prove I am old enough for a rated R film?

Policies vary by location and by film rating. For R-rated films, some theaters require anyone under 17 to be accompanied by an adult, while others do not enforce this rule strictly. For NC-17 films, no one under 17 is permitted, period. Call your specific theater to confirm its policy before you arrive with a young person.

What happens if the film has technical problems or I want a refund?

If a film is interrupted by a technical issue and cannot be restarted, the theater typically offers a refund or a voucher for a future visit. Refunds for other reasons — you did not like the film, you arrived late — are usually not given, though policies vary. Ask a manager when ready if you experience a technical problem during the showing.

Are there discounts for groups or birthday parties?

Many Showcase Cinemas locations offer group rates for parties of 10 or more people. Some theaters also rent out screens for private events or birthday parties. Contact your local theater directly to ask about group pricing and private rental options, as these programs vary by location.