The Gila Theatre
Located at 5th and 7th, this site was a community hub until its 2002 demolition. It had previously served as the Mona Theatre and was refurbished by media entrepreneur Louis Long.
From first-run blockbusters at Victory Theatres and Stargazer 5 to the community-driven revival of the historic 1911 Safford Theatre, Graham County's arts scene blends modern movie nights with a century of Main Street cinema history.
01 Movie Showtimes
Looking for Movie Showtimes?
Catch the latest blockbusters and family-friendly films in Safford. View today's showtimes and reserve your seats.
02 The Safford Theatre Restoration
A Century-Old Theatre, Reborn
The Safford Theatre first opened in 1911 as an open-air "Airdome Theatre" before being enclosed later that year, and it served downtown Safford as a movie house for decades. Today, the building — owned by the Gila Valley Historic Preservation Committee — is the subject of a roughly $1.1 million community restoration led by the Safford Downtown Association.
Major funding has come from United Way of Graham and Greenlee Counties, the Freeport-McMoRan Foundation, and USDA support. The finished venue will feature an indoor stage, an outdoor courtyard, and a movie screen for concerts, film screenings, and community events.
As of the latest public updates, the project is nearing completion, though supply-chain delays have shifted the timeline. Follow the restoration for grand-opening announcements.
Follow the Renovation Project →03 Performing Arts & Concert Venues
Regional Stages
- David M. Player Center for the Arts
The premier venue for high-production theatrical performances and touring concert acts, operated by Safford Unified School District.
- EAC Fine Arts Auditorium
Hosts orchestral performances, EAC productions, and major collegiate theatrical events at Eastern Arizona College.
- Cottage Bakery — "Music at the Bakery"
An intimate, popular concert series featuring live local musicians in a cozy setting.
Festivals & Outdoor Stages
- NatureSweet SalsaFest
The Gila Valley's premier culinary and cultural event, featuring competitive salsa tastings and live entertainment.
- Matheson Music Festival
A celebration of musical artistry in the Gila Valley, bringing diverse talent and regional audiences together.
- EAC Middle Campus Amphitheater
Outdoor hub for Shakespeare in the Park and the annual Multicultural Monster Mash.
Advertisement
300 × 250 Ad Space
04 Historic & Legacy Theaters
A century of Gila Valley movie houses, drive-ins, and stages — explored in full in our Gila Valley Cinema History Timeline →
Hollywood Roots: Charles Stevens
Born in Solomonville in 1893, Charles Stevens (1893–1964) became a prolific silent film character actor across nearly a 50-year career and almost 200 films, including several alongside Douglas Fairbanks — a lasting bridge between Graham County and the golden age of cinema.
Safford Drive-In Theatre
Located at Hwy 70 and East Hollywood, this mid-century drive-in provided classic outdoor entertainment for generations of Gila Valley families.
Fountain Cinemas / Cinema One
Formerly along West Thatcher Boulevard, this hub went through several identities, including the Jerry Lewis Cinema, before closing as the cinema landscape evolved.
05 Safford Theatre Quick Facts
| Safford Theatre opened | 1911, originally as an open-air "Airdome Theatre" |
|---|---|
| Restoration cost | Approximately $1.1 million, led by the Safford Downtown Association |
| Owner | Gila Valley Historic Preservation Committee |
| Key funders | United Way of Graham & Greenlee Counties, Freeport-McMoRan Foundation, USDA |
| Current first-run theaters | Victory Theatres and Stargazer 5 (Allen Theatres) |
| Notable native | Charles Stevens (1893–1964, b. Solomonville) — silent film character actor |
06 Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I watch movies in Safford, Arizona?
Safford-area moviegoers have two main first-run options: Victory Theatres and Stargazer 5 (operated by Allen Theatres), both showing current wide releases. EAC's David M. Player Center for the Arts also hosts occasional film screenings alongside live theatrical productions.
What is happening with the historic Safford Theatre?
The historic 1911 Safford Theatre, owned by the Gila Valley Historic Preservation Committee, is undergoing a roughly $1.1 million restoration led by the Safford Downtown Association with major funding from United Way of Graham and Greenlee Counties, the Freeport-McMoRan Foundation, and USDA support. The project will convert the building into a partially open-air venue for concerts, community events, and outdoor cinema. As of the most recent public updates, the project is nearing completion, though supply-chain delays have affected the timeline.
When did the Safford Theatre open?
The Safford Theatre first opened in 1911, originally as an open-air "Airdome Theatre" before being enclosed later that same year. It operated for decades as a Main Street movie house before closing and later becoming the subject of a community-led historic restoration.
What performing arts venues are in the Gila Valley?
The Gila Valley's performing arts scene centers on the David M. Player Center for the Arts (Safford Unified School District), the EAC Fine Arts Auditorium at Eastern Arizona College, and outdoor stages including the EAC Middle Campus Amphitheater and the Matheson Music Festival.
Who was Charles Stevens and what is his connection to Safford Theatre?
Charles Stevens was born in Solomonville (now Solomon, AZ) in 1893 and became a prolific silent-film character actor, appearing in nearly 200 films across a roughly 50-year career, including several alongside Douglas Fairbanks. He is the Gila Valley's most notable early connection to Hollywood and a touchstone of local cinema history.
Explore the Greater Gila Valley Network
Discover more regional guides, historical archives, and community directories across our integrated digital network.
Gila Valley Central
Regional directory, civic infrastructure, business index, and local lore archive.
Visit Gila Valley
Tourism, lodging, Mount Graham recreation, and outdoor adventure planning.
Gila Valley Hype
Hyperlocal voices, business features, nightlife, and events calendar.
Gila Valley Weddings
Premier directory of venues, photographers, and event professionals.
Historic Solomon
Heritage, historic chapels, and the story of Graham County's 1883–1915 county seat.
Visit Thatcher
Eastern Arizona College, dining, and college-town life in Thatcher.
Domain Acquisition Inquiries
For strategic acquisition inquiries regarding saffordtheatre.com, please contact the administrator.
Inquire About This Domain