Washington County offers a distinctive scene for performing arts in Upstate New York, with live theater, music, dance, films and arts education presented in historic buildings and intimate rural venues. From active community stages in Cambridge to a restored historic theater in Hudson Falls, visitors can experience year-round performances without traveling to a major city.
After all, the wonderful connection between creator and community keeps us warm and the arts alive – but it’s the performing arts centers that give us space to let the magic happen! Whether you’re in the mood for comedy, music, drama, or dance, one of our many local theater options is sure to please.
Explore these performing arts venues in and around Washington County, NY, and check each organization’s current calendar before planning your visit.
Performing Arts Venues in Washington County, NY
The Strand Theatre in Hudson Falls, NY
In the heart of Hudson Falls, the Strand Theatre brings live music, theater, dance and film to a restored 1923 movie house. Operated by the nonprofit Hudson River Music Hall Productions, the Strand reflects the organization’s mission to create community through music and the related arts.
The historic theater was purchased in 2016 after serving for years as the Kingsbury town hall. Community volunteers then helped return the building to its original purpose as a downtown performance venue. Today, its 350-seat auditorium includes a large stage, professional concert sound system and Steinway concert grand piano. The restored facility also includes an art gallery and lobby space.
The Strand’s year-round programming ranges from rock, folk, country and jazz to classical and world music. Its calendar also includes theatrical productions, dance performances, comedy, classic movies, silent films and other community events. This variety makes the Strand an especially convenient choice for visitors looking for live music and performing arts near Lake George or Glens Falls.
Hubbard Hall Center for the Arts and Education in Cambridge, NY
Hubbard Hall is many things: an arts incubator, a training ground for artists of all ages and backgrounds, a magnet for artistic activity, a safe haven for risk-taking, an economic driver for the region, and the beating heart of the Cambridge community.
Inside, visitors can experience theater, live music, dance, films and special events inside a beautifully preserved Victorian hall that has served Washington County since 1878.
The building was originally created around the idea that a thriving community needed arts and culture at its center. Over the years, Hubbard Hall welcomed touring plays, operas, concerts, lectures and civic gatherings. Susan B. Anthony even led a two-day suffrage convention here in 1894. After the performance space sat unused for decades, community members purchased and restored it beginning in 1977. Hubbard Hall’s official history documents that evolution.
Today, Hubbard Hall presents performances while supporting artists through classes, workshops and creative residencies. Its educational programs give children and adults opportunities to study dance, theater, music, movement and visual arts. Visitors can also explore the Valley Artisans Market on the building’s first floor, making Hubbard Hall both a performance destination and a gathering place for the wider creative community.
Fort Salem Theater in Salem, NY
Located in the heart of Salem, Fort Salem Theater has been part of Washington County’s performing arts community for more than 50 years. The theater occupies a landmark building dating to 1774, which was converted into a performance venue in 1972. Over the decades, its stage has hosted professional plays, musicals, concerts, cabarets and community programs.
Fort Salem entered another period of transition in 2026 when its owners placed the historic theater property on the market and shortened the previously announced season. Because the venue’s future programming will depend on its next chapter, visitors should check the Fort Salem Theater website for the latest information before planning a visit.
More Theaters Near Lake George and Glens Falls
Charles R. Wood Theater
The Charles R. Wood Theater in downtown Glens Falls, NY was converted from a vacant Woolworth’s store in 2004, which was the catalyst for the revitalization of downtown Glens Falls. Each year, nearly 350 events happen at the theater, including theatrical performances, musicals, concerts, dance performances, film festivals, meetings, parties, weddings, rehearsals, auditions, and educational classes. These are produced by local arts groups like Glens Falls Community Theatre, Adirondack Theatre Festival, SUNY Adirondack’s Theater Program, Adirondack Film Festival, Adagio School of Dance & Music, Broadway Upstate, and more.
Emily Murphy, executive director of The Wood, said “Our area is so lucky to have such a significant arts scene. We take pride in being one of many local theaters who all have such vastly different programming but similar work in providing our communities with top notch entertainment. The arts community in our area has always been extremely collaborative and supportive of one another in achieving our independent missions. We are happy to be part of a vibrant community full of music, theater and artists and provide a venue for expression and entertainment.”
The Wood Theater is a year-round performing arts center, so visit https://woodtheater.org/ to see what’s happening now.
Adirondack Theater Festival (ATF)
Each summer since 1995, ATF has produced a nine-week season at the Wood Theater jam-packed with bold, contemporary works with talent from actors, designers, and directors who regularly work on and off-Broadway, on television, and in movies.
Preview the upcoming season at https://www.atfestival.org/
The Park Theater
Built in 1911, The Park Theater is the premier entertainment venue located in the heart of downtown Glens Falls, NY. This century-old theater holds a vast and rich history within the community and has been revitalized as a destination for performing arts, weddings, events and more!
This beautiful building has featured national and international touring performers as well as local community artists and productions. The theater also offers an upscale restaurant named “Doc’s Restaurant,” and hosts an annual outdoor Summer Concert Series.
See what’s happening now at The Park Theater – visit https://www.parktheatergf.com/
Planning Your Trip to See Performing Arts in Upstate NY
From performances at Hubbard Hall in Cambridge to concerts and films at the Strand Theatre in Hudson Falls, Washington County offers memorable ways to experience the performing arts in Upstate New York. Nearby stages in Glens Falls add even more theater, music and entertainment to a visit.
Programming can change throughout the year, so check each venue’s current schedule or browse the Washington County events calendar before making plans. Then, discover more of the region’s arts and cultural attractions throughout Washington County, NY.
