The Bardavon Theater

The Bardavon 944-seat theater in Poughkeepsie is the oldest continuously operating theater in the state, one of the oldest in the country, and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The 1510-seat Ulster Performing Arts Center is also a National Register property built in Kingston in 1927.

The Bardavon presents top-notch music, dance, theater, and classic films for diverse audiences in both its venues. Every year it brings artists, businesses, and government to produce special outdoor events. These activities draw thousands of residents and visitors to the region annually; provide free access to superb art; and boost community pride, urban revitalization, and cultural tourism.

Performances, programs, and off-site events reach nearly 80,000 residents and visitors every year. In addition to Bardavon programming, audiences also enjoy many events hosted by outside community groups in our venues. Residencies provide 3,300 regional students with workshops and assemblies in their own schools, and the Bardavon-produced Celebration of Lights Parade draws over 5,000 to Downtown Poughkeepsie.

The diverse events attract patrons of all age, cultural, educational and income groups. Audiences come from the surrounding nine-county Hudson Valley area,  Connecticut, Vermont, Massachusetts and Pennsylvania.

Group sales draw a variety of special interest organizations. For just $6, patrons of all ages can attend Daytime Performances and HVP Young People’s Concerts, films, residency performances, and the Matinees & Music series for seniors often with free bus transportation.