Discover performing art inspired by our gorgeous scenery! Washington County, New York, is home to several vibrant & diverse concert halls, venues, theaters and more. From historic playhouses to unique performance spaces, you’ll find something for everyone in your group to enjoy. Along our Theater Trail, you’ll find our top local recommendations of the best entertainment in the area.
So whether you’re into bluegrass, musical theater or dramatic comedies, you’ll find many options amongst our thriving performing arts scene!
Let’s explore performing arts centers & theaters within Washington County!
Fort Salem Theater
For lovers of Broadway and Shakespeare alike, Fort Salem Theater is the place to go to catch top-notch entertainment! Their range of concerts & plays has included favorite classics such as A “Midsummer Night’s Dream” as well as award-winning productions like Thornton Wilder’s “Our Town.”
Located just off Main Street in Salem, NY’s Historic District, the historic Fort Salem Theater brick facade sits proudly amongst its 1800’s-era residential neighbors & other small businesses. With a long & storied history of its own, the Theater has faithfully served Washington County’s creative community for many decades. Of course, it’s undergone several renovations as time has passed, seamlessly blending its historic grandeur with modern theatrical equipment. And, with both a main stage and a cabaret for more intimate performances, there are a number of unforgettable performances each season!
Entertainment, inspiration, and imagination are all housed in this unique & charming theater. Do yourself a favor and treat yourself to a ticket to one of their upcoming plays!
Insider Tip: Don’t miss their yearly production in December, “Snow Business.” It’s an incredibly fun family-friendly holiday sing-along that decks the halls with boughs and Broadway!
Little Theater on the Farm
Washington County, NY is well-known for its many historic farms overlooking rolling hills & dense forests! Numbering amongst these farms is the Little Theater on the Farm in Fort Edward, NY. Throughout the warmer months, they host a variety of live musical and theatrical performances which include country, bluegrass, education, tribute bands & more.
Nearly every event takes place in their historic restored barn, which is widely regarded as one of the most unique venues in upstate New York. Additionally, the Little Theater welcomes birding enthusiasts & photographers to visit year-round, as the Farm offers prime viewing locations for grassland birds in every season.
If you’re in the area while the Canal Street Marketplace is open, you’ll be able to enjoy live performances from Little Theater-affiliated artists! And, in late October, celebrate the spooky season by visiting the “scariest Haunted Barn in the area.”
So stop by & check out everything the historic Little Theater on the Farm has to offer!
Hubbard Hall: Center for the Arts and Education
If you’re a lover of the performing arts, you’ll love the historic Hubbard Hall!
Since 1878, Hubbard has developed, produced & presented theater, music, opera, dance and the visual arts! More recently, it’s become known world-wide as an incubator for new & transformative works. As a training ground for artists of all skill levels that engages the local community with the arts, this special place has touched the lives of many.
Throughout the years, Hubbard Hall has presented thousands of unique performances from actors, musicians, orators & beyond. These include traveling operas, magic acts, lecture, political rallies, church services and much, much more.
Fun fact: Susan B. Anthony spoke to a full house during a Washington County women’s suffrage convention held at the Hall in 1894! She had also lived in the area for a time, and was hosted by her friend Mary Hubbard. After Mary’s husband had died, she’d taken over running the Hall & chose to showcase a wide variety of acts.
More notable historic performers? Go-Wan-Go Mohawk in 1890 (one of the only Native American actresses of the time), Camilla Urso in 1883 (one of the first women in America to perform violin onstage), and the South African Native Choir in 1894 (who were on their way to perform in Washington, DC.) And that’s just to name a few!
So, whether you’d like to spectate an unforgettable performance or take an acting class yourself, you’ll have a great time at the historic Hubbard Hall. Scheduling a trip to this esteemed establishment will do the soul good!
And, don’t forget to check out The Valley Artisan’s Market on their ground floor to see works from local artists & craftspeople.
The Strand Theater
Music lovers, you’ve found your home away from home. Head on over to the Strand Theatre to catch both original music and cover bands. And if you’re feeling ambitious, sign up for open mic night on Wednesdays!
You’ll never forget a night spent in the Strand Theatre’s historic building, located in the heart of Hudson Falls. Like much of the area, its many-chaptered past tells the story of a local commitment to historic preservation, as well as our strong support for the performing arts.
This is the short version: in 2016, Hudson River Music Hall Productions bought the old Kingsbury Town Hall, which had been housed in the 1923 Strand Theater building. After loving renovations & restorations, the structure is now home to a music performance space as well as a thriving community arts center that offers music lessons, dance, yoga, karate, and much, much more.
Additionally, The Strand Theater is home to the Hudson River Shakespeare Company, who focuses on classic literature works like those by the most famous bard. Their talent & audience comes from Washington, Saratoga and Warren counties alike!
And, just down the street you’ll find the Sandy Hill Arts Center! This historic renovated building features a restaurant, art galleries, event spaces, and even a performing arts stage on the fifth floor.
So stop by gorgeous downtown Hudson Falls, NY to explore unique shops, catch a show & grab a bite to eat!
Looking for more entertainment options within Washington County, NY?
Whether you’re into outdoor activities, art classes or music festivals, you’ll find a variety of options year-round on our local events calendar. Explore more fun activities to do in Washington County with your family, such as golf courses, museums & more.
Why not stay a few days and get the best of the area? Book a visit to one of our local farm stays or campgrounds for an unforgettable experience!
