The historic Columbia Theatre opened as a vaudeville venue and movie house in 1925, declined during the mid-20th century and escaped what would have been a tragic ending in 1980 when excavation and demolition equipment heading toward the theater was diverted to help with the cleanup following the eruption of Mount St. Helens. Subsequently, a group of visionaries got together and saved the building. Today, the vibrant 1,000-seat theatre hosts nearly a dozen shows each year, ranging from musicals to comedy to children’s theatre.
The Columbia Theatre is commemorating its 100th anniversary with a week-long Centennial Celebration from April 4th to April 11th 2025. The festivities begin on Friday April 4th with a rededication ceremony and a ribbon-cutting at 5:30 pm followed by cake, champagne, and live music from members of the SW Washington Symphony at 6:30 pm. The evening continues with screenings of the short film "The Uneasy Three" and the classic silent film "Charly's Aunt" the first film shown during the theatre's opening in 1925. Additional events include guided tours, a performance by blues artist LaRhonda Steele, and a sing-along of Disney's live-action "Beauty and the Beast". All events are free, though donations are appreciated.




