Private Events & Rentals:
The Historic Howell Theater is an unique venue for birthday parties, corporate meetings, private movie screenings. fundraisers, class reunions, speakers, bachelorette parties, church services and wedding ceremonies. We have two large stages that can accommodate plays, concerts, dance recitals, improv, yoga or pilates classes, or any community event that needs seating for up to 369 people.
“A favorite location for movies as well as events! I got married here, and have hosted birthday parties. We always have the most amazing time and are greeted with the best customer service around. Love and highly recommend the Historic Howell Theater!” - Emilee (Google Review)
DISCOUNTED SMALL GROUP RENTALS:
Due to popular demand, Discounted Small Group Private Theater Rentals have been extended. All private rentals include watching the movie of your choice (anything available on dvd or blu ray). Rental pricing is for up to three hours but can be extended. So bring your family, small group of friends, birthday celebration, anniversary, date night for two, etc. and enjoy a movie on the big screen. We can host larger events in either theater or whole venue events as fundraisers, corporate parties, and film festivals.
PRICING FOR RENTALS:
A.) Up to 10 people $165
B.) 11 to 20 people $225
C.) 21 to 30 people $275
D.) 31 to 75 people $325
E.) 76 to 212 people $375
F.) Exclusive use of whole venue including both theaters and lobbies: $795
REFUND POLICY: If you have to cancel a private rental for any reason we will offer a 100% credit that can be used for private rentals, movie tickets or concessions for up to a year.
BIRTHDAY PARTIES FOR CHILDREN:
Our small Group Private Rental is perfect for children’s birthday parties and is a wonderful value and memorable day for your son or daughter and their family and friends. The rental includes watching the movie of your choice (anything available on dvd or blu ray). If we have the movie in our collection we are happy to supply it. You are welcome to bring pizza and or cake or cupcakes - if you wish. We are happy to set up 6ft table(s) outside the theater door in the upper lobby which you can decorate for your food and gifts. Guests can bring the food into the theater to enjoy at their seat. You can also open gifts, if you wish on the stage prior to watching the movie. Concessions are available for purchase including our famous freshly popped popcorn, candy and fountain drinks. We do ask that groups purchase drinks from us and not bring in outside drinks. You are welcome to run a tab and pay at the end of the event. And if you would like a ‘Happy Birthday’ message on the marquee, which makes a memorable photo of your special day, it is only $40 (for the day).
We plan on up to three hours per party. You are also welcome to arrive 30 minutes prior to get organized and set up.
“We had our sons 11th Birthday at the theater and had a wonderful experience! Tyler was very kind and helpful!” - Wendy (Google Review)
“Amazing venue for birthday party’s! We had my daughters 8th Birthday and the girls all dressed up to walk the red carpet for a movie premier. The staff was so helpful and my daughter loved being on stage opening gifts. Beyond thankful to be able to throw such a special party for her! Thank you!” - Tiffany (Google Review)
PARTIES FOR ADULTS:
Our theater provides a distinctive setting for adult gatherings, whether it's a milestone birthday, anniversary celebration, wedding rehearsal dinner, or just a fun night out with friends.
The rental includes exclusive use of the theater, with flexible seating arrangements depending on your needs. You can choose to screen a film from our collection, or we can arrange for a special showing of classic or contemporary films. We can also accommodate presentations, slideshows, or other content on our big screen.
Our staff will work with you to customize the space to your preferences. We welcome outside catering, and can provide recommendations for local vendors.
SCHOOL & CAMP FIELD TRIPS:
The Historic Howell Theater hosts school and camp field trips year round on weekdays from early morning until three p.m. You are able to watch the movie of your choice - anything available on dvd or blu ray. If we have the movie are happy to supply it or you may bring it. We have two theaters that seat 157 and 212 and are able to fill both at one time for large groups. Buses are able to pull up right in front of the theater on Grand River. Our minimum group size for field trip pricing is 25. We have two options that you can choose from, one with concessions and one without.
FUNDRAISERS:
The Historic Howell Theater has hosted numerous fundraisers including not for profits, schools, sport teams and churches. This collective experience has given us a lot of ideas and strategies for hosting a successful fundraiser. We can help you customize your event and share ideas to promote and raise money. Ask us to send you our tips for holding a fundraiser at the theater document.
WEDDING PROPOSALS:
If you are looking for a unique and impressive venue to propose, we will help you arrange the perfect setting. It can be just the two of you in a theater by yourselves watching your favorite movie or a private proposal followed by a surprise movie party with all of your friends and family. We can also project a PowerPoint or video of the couple on the big screen during your event.
WEDDING CEREMONIES:
The Historic Howell Theater is the perfect venue for your special day. We will work with you and/or your wedding planner to customize your wedding ceremony.
Our wedding ceremony package is $1,000 and includes rehearsal time the day before the ceremony, time to decorate the day of the ceremony, exclusive use of the whole venue for the wedding and a congratulatory message on the marquee (example: Congratulations Tommy & Lisa May 4, 2026) , which makes a memorable photo op of your day.
Our large theater seats 212 and our smaller theater seats 157, both with raised stages in the front. You may choose the theater you wish to use for the wedding and the other can be used for the wedding party to assemble.
Unique to our venue is the ability to project still images or your video onto the big screen behind the wedding party and play your music through our theater speakers which is included in the package.
We do have a couple of optional items - a red carpet ($35) that runs from the entrance doors to the upper lobby stairs and for couples who want to complete the movie theme we can include a small bag of our freshly made popcorn (made with organic coconut oil) and a small fountain drink at combo pricing for your guests.
We do ask for a non refundable deposit of 50% of the rental fee to reserve a date with the balance due a week before the ceremony.
“Tyler hosted our wedding shower in Mid-May and was so incredibly kind. The space was perfect for two movie lovers who met in film school! The concessions are super affordable and the experience is fantastic. Would absolutely recommend the HHT for any event you might be hosting, or just for a cute movie night adventure!” - Sydney (Google Review)
“We got married on Sept 30th 2023. It was an amazing experience. Very affordable. Owner Tyler was so accommodating. He rolled out the red carpet let us use the movie screen and even put out poster outside.
It was an experience and one that our guest just loved.” - Aco (Google Review)
MARQUEE MESSAGES:
Make your special moment shine for the whole community to see! Whether it's a birthday, anniversary, heartfelt congratulations, or a grand announcement, our iconic theater marquee is the perfect canvas for your custom message. Capture attention and share your joy in an unforgettable way.
The Historic Howell Theater marquee provides a unique way to advertise your event or say ‘Happy Birthday’, announce your wedding date (example: Tarzan & Jane Smith 6/19/26) or any other congratulatory message of your choice. A custom marquee message is available for $40 per day (for either side of the marquee). When available, the front of the marquee rents for $75 per day. Messages can be up to 27 characters in length.
RED CARPET:
Transform your event into a Hollywood-style celebration with our premium red carpet service. Our professional-grade red carpet runner measures 4 feet wide by 20 feet long, providing the perfect entrance for your special occasion.
The red carpet is positioned in our elegant lower lobby, creating a stunning entrance that makes every guest feel like a VIP. Whether it's a wedding, corporate event, birthday celebration, or special milestone, our red carpet adds that extra touch of glamour and sophistication to your event.The red carpet runner is available for $35 per event.
PERFORMING AT THE HISTORIC HOWELL THEATER:
The Historic Howell Theater has hosted numerous performers. If interested in performing please send the following information to get started: Date(s) of performance, website, EPK. Contact Tyler@HistoricHowellTheater.com
VENUE & STAGE INFORMATION:
We have two theaters.
Theater One (left side): seats 157 and has a stage in the front that is 18 feet wide 8 feet deep and 16 inches tall, rounded in the front with steps on the side.
Theater Two (right side): seats 212 and has a stage in the front that is 30 feet wide 9 feet deep and 18 inches tall with steps on the side. There is a back door with access to a staging area. The theater is 59 feet long from the front of the stage to the last row of seats. The center aisle is 40 inches wide. We do have a seating chart available if needed.
Both theaters have digital projectors. 7.1 surround sound and new screens.
Our upper and lower lobbies can accommodate small dinner parties, larger grazing events and pre function receptions.
We have the following tables and chairs that you may use for your function or event at no charge. Eight 6 ft tables, One 8ft table, Two 4ft tables, Three card tables, One 3ft table, Four round bistro tables and 50 folding chairs.
Let us know your interest in hosting an event at the Historic Howell Theater! Include the type of event, number of people and preferred date(s) / time(s). We respond to all weekday inquiries within 48 hours.
A group of people celebrating outside a theater marquee that reads "Now Marrying Kellie Maki & Brandon Foster." A bride and groom are in the center, surrounded by friends and family in formal attire. The marquee and the marquee building exterior are in color, while the rest of the image is in black and white.
A split image showing a wedding ceremony. On the left, a woman in a dark dress walks down an aisle arm-in-arm with a man in a suit, followed by an audience. On the right, a groom in a black suit with a white boutonniere smiles at the altar with groomsmen in the background.
Party setup with balloons, food table, and colorful flooring in turquoise room with large windows.
Hallway set up with tables covered in filmstrip-themed tablecloths, chairs arranged around them, and framed pictures on the walls.
Audience seated in a theater with a choir performing on stage in front of a screen.
Room setup with tables covered in red and black tablecloths, folding chairs, photo decorations, and glass doors. Floor has colorful square tiles.
A man and a woman dressed in formal attire smiling while holding drinks, standing in a room with people in the background.
Bride with floral bouquet and lace dress smiling during wedding ceremony, with bridesmaids in the background.
Bride and groom walking down the aisle at a wedding ceremony with guests seated on either side.
Group of people in costumes themed around the 'Jurassic World' movie, posing indoors with props and signs.
Two people wearing large, colorful, cartoon-inspired costumes with oversized heads, posing and smiling at a party in the Historic Howell Theater.
A small auditorium with rows of seats filled with people attending a panel discussion. The panelists are seated at the front, behind a table with a white cloth. A large blank projector screen is on the wall behind the panel. The room has beige walls and patterned carpet.
Band performing at Historic Howell Theater, featuring a guitarist and drummer on stage with instruments.
Interior hallway with yellow walls, framed artworks, blue patterned carpet, tables with white tablecloths, and metal chairs.
Two musicians wearing skull masks playing electric guitars on stage.
Smiling woman in polka dot dress sitting in a restaurant with red walls and tiled backsplash.
Information booth for LACASA showcasing brochures, flyers, promotional materials, and a donation box at Historic Howell Theater.
Audience watching a movie at Historic Howell Theater
Woman holding red wooden sculpture in a room with blue walls and red furniture.
Black and white photo of a musician playing electric guitar and singing into a microphone at an indoor concert, with audience members in the foreground. The venue is the Historic Howell Theater.
Red carpet leading to stairs with decorative pattern, flanked by tables with red cloths and items on them.
Marquee displaying "Diann's 50th Red Carpet Soiree" above an entrance with a person in a sparkly dress approaching.
People sitting in an auditorium, smiling and laughing, wearing formal attire.
Two people in superhero costumes, one as Robin with a yellow cape and mask, and the other as Superman with a blue suit and red cape, standing indoors at Historic Howell Theater.
Popcorn machine in operation, with popcorn spilling out of the metal kettle.
Red background with white text reading "OPEN THE POD BAY DOORS, HAL." and "2001: A SPACE ODYSSEY (1968)"
Vintage Easy Rider poster on a turquoise wall
Two people posing in front of a theater marquee at night, dressed in formal or themed attire with hats and blazers. The marquee displays event details for "Freak Fest" and other performances.
Table with promotional display for Duane Zemper Legacy Project fundraising event, featuring a poster, framed photograph, brochures, and a basket of utensils.
Birthday cake with "Wizard of Oz" characters image, white and green icing, served on a table.
A performer in a tuxedo on a dimly lit stage with a park bench and street lamp prop, delivering a theatrical performance, with a backdrop of a nighttime city scene.
Andes mint brownies on white plates with a yellow tablecloth and sign at Historic Howell Theater.
Table display with 'Project Opiate' promotional items, including keychains, brochures, wristbands, stickers, and information cards on a green tablecloth.