Weinberg Center for the Arts
Weinberg Center for the Arts
4.5
About
Housed in a former 1926 silent movie palace, the Weinberg Center for the Arts presents a wide range of dramatic, musical, artistic and educational programs. With world-class performances from September through June each year, this local landmark enhances our area’s cultural life and ensures that the arts remain accessible and affordable to the broadest possible audience. A full listing of upcoming events can be found on our website. Free backstage tours of the venue are also offered on a regular basis.
Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listing
Full view
Top ways to experience nearby attractions
The area
Address
Reach out directly
Best nearby
Restaurants
380 within 3 miles
Attractions
87 within 6 miles
Contribute
Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
133 reviews
Excellent
81
Very good
42
Average
8
Poor
1
Terrible
1
suomigrrl
Portland, ME153 contributions
Mar 2012 • Couples
The Weinberg Center for the Arts in beautiful historic downtown Frederick, MD bills itself at the jewel of Frederick, and that's indeed the case. Just an hour's drive from Baltimore, Washington, Annapolis, Harrisburg, it's got a line-up of shows that rival anything put on in those cities, but without the high cost of tickets (average in DC = $100, Weinberg = $25-45).
Performances are remarkably high-end - Garrison Keillor, Bebe Neuwirth, David Desaris, the Temptations, Esperanza Spaulding, Imagination Movers, Jack Hanna, Bela Fleck and the original Flecktones, for instance, movie series, the Nutcracker with professional principals, local community dance recitals, country music concerts, Christian rock shows, Grateful Dead tribute bands, community sings, Menopause the Musical, etc. Check the website: www.WeinbergCenter.org.
The theater itself is a 1920's gem in the process of being faithfully restored (new chairs are comfortable, wider, beautiful, i.e, and wait until you see the wall decor!) in the heart of a vibrant, artsy, attractive downtown full of surprisingly good restaurants (check out Wash Post's Tom Sietsema's reviews) and wine bars, antiques, home decor, outdoor outfitters, and unexpectedly interesting art and gift shops. Plan to shop and/or dine around your visit. Everything's within four blocks of the theater.
Parking is adjacent to theater in city parking deck ($1 to exit after evening performances); if a performance is sold out (1100+ seats), other parking decks are 1-2 blocks away.
Tips:
1. Theater offers full bar and candy/snack concessions.
2. Sometimes front orchestra seats are almost too close to the stage - I like rows H and up.
3. Buy your tickets in person at the friendly box office to save fees. If you do call for tix or reserve online, will-call is managed easily and and efficiently.
4. There's a Mighty Wurlitzer organ played by a master keyboardist for silent movies, not to be missed.
5. Handicapped accommodations in the theater itself are excellent - spacious, with great view of the stage, and volunteer ushers are plentiful and extremely helpful.
Caveats:
1. There is no elevator to mezzanine and balcony seats and second set of restrooms.
2. First floor restrooms are not that spacious for wheelchairs.
3. Local liquor laws forbid alcohol in the theater itself, but the bar stays open until intermission in the lobby for most performances. You can bring water, soda, popcorn, and candy into the theater.
Performances are remarkably high-end - Garrison Keillor, Bebe Neuwirth, David Desaris, the Temptations, Esperanza Spaulding, Imagination Movers, Jack Hanna, Bela Fleck and the original Flecktones, for instance, movie series, the Nutcracker with professional principals, local community dance recitals, country music concerts, Christian rock shows, Grateful Dead tribute bands, community sings, Menopause the Musical, etc. Check the website: www.WeinbergCenter.org.
The theater itself is a 1920's gem in the process of being faithfully restored (new chairs are comfortable, wider, beautiful, i.e, and wait until you see the wall decor!) in the heart of a vibrant, artsy, attractive downtown full of surprisingly good restaurants (check out Wash Post's Tom Sietsema's reviews) and wine bars, antiques, home decor, outdoor outfitters, and unexpectedly interesting art and gift shops. Plan to shop and/or dine around your visit. Everything's within four blocks of the theater.
Parking is adjacent to theater in city parking deck ($1 to exit after evening performances); if a performance is sold out (1100+ seats), other parking decks are 1-2 blocks away.
Tips:
1. Theater offers full bar and candy/snack concessions.
2. Sometimes front orchestra seats are almost too close to the stage - I like rows H and up.
3. Buy your tickets in person at the friendly box office to save fees. If you do call for tix or reserve online, will-call is managed easily and and efficiently.
4. There's a Mighty Wurlitzer organ played by a master keyboardist for silent movies, not to be missed.
5. Handicapped accommodations in the theater itself are excellent - spacious, with great view of the stage, and volunteer ushers are plentiful and extremely helpful.
Caveats:
1. There is no elevator to mezzanine and balcony seats and second set of restrooms.
2. First floor restrooms are not that spacious for wheelchairs.
3. Local liquor laws forbid alcohol in the theater itself, but the bar stays open until intermission in the lobby for most performances. You can bring water, soda, popcorn, and candy into the theater.
Written March 8, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
mary n
Frederick, MD25 contributions
We used to go there frequently during their season, but the last coupld of years they haven't offered anything we were interested in. A good sound system wouldn't go amoss.
Written July 6, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tempheaven
5 contributions
Nov 2019 • Family
A VERY ELECTRIC CHRISTMAS was a hit with both my 3 yr old granddaughter and 8 year old grandson this December. They had great seats with me in the second row of the mezzanine. The play was appropriate for all kids and entertaining for adults as well. Afterwards a few of the actors met them in the lobby afterward. In the past we have gone to see a Christmas Carol, also, well done, but a bit too long for a three year old. But, at 6, my grandson loved that too and was so excited to meet the cast afterward.
The theater has an old World feel. It is well maintained, has a bar for adults and not large. I love the warm decor and seating.
As my grandson commented during the play, "awesome!"
The theater has an old World feel. It is well maintained, has a bar for adults and not large. I love the warm decor and seating.
As my grandson commented during the play, "awesome!"
Written December 10, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Traveler Erin
Washington DC, DC9 contributions
Oct 2018 • Couples
There isn't a bad seat in the house. Really lovely building in the heart of Frederick's old town - a real hidden gem.
Written April 29, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hartless63
Ashburn, VA34 contributions
Apr 2018 • Couples
The historic Weinberg Center for the Arts is located in downtown Frederick, MD within easy walking of many local shops, stores and cafes. Arrive early and make an afternoon or day of your visit. The theater is a cozy and unique facility. Seats are a bit tight but the atmosphere is nostalgic and the patrons are friendly. We saw Sawyer Brown on a Sunday evening.
PARKING: The nearest parking is in the Court Street garage but it often fills quickly. Highly recommend the West Patrick Street parking garage 1-1/2 blocks away for easy parking and faster exit after the show.
EATING: Several local restaurants offer a 10-15% discount for theater attendees. Google "Weinberg +dining offers" to see a list of participating restaurants.
RESTROOMS: The ladies room on the ground floor often has a long line before the show and at intermission. You'll find a much shorter line on the Mezzanine level.
Enjoy downtown Frederick and the show at the Weinberg. You won't regret it.
PARKING: The nearest parking is in the Court Street garage but it often fills quickly. Highly recommend the West Patrick Street parking garage 1-1/2 blocks away for easy parking and faster exit after the show.
EATING: Several local restaurants offer a 10-15% discount for theater attendees. Google "Weinberg +dining offers" to see a list of participating restaurants.
RESTROOMS: The ladies room on the ground floor often has a long line before the show and at intermission. You'll find a much shorter line on the Mezzanine level.
Enjoy downtown Frederick and the show at the Weinberg. You won't regret it.
Written April 26, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
WaterBuffalo2
Frederick, MD275 contributions
Mar 2018 • Family
Attended another great performance at Frederick's Weinberg Center. My wife and I enjoyed Cyrille Aimée and her modern jazz and pop singing. The bonus is this was one of the season's Pay-What-You-Want Discovery performances. The suggested donation is $10, but who can complain? The Weinberg Center continues to be a great place to visit in Downtown Frederick.
Written March 2, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hobidog
Frederick, MD16 contributions
Apr 2017 • Family
Over the years we have gone to several events at the Weinberg. Most recently we went to a free presentation done by Bill Bryson and Author and world traveler. The presentation was sponsored by Frederick Community college and the Frederick Library. We got there 30 minutes before the doors opened and the line was around the block to the point that we weren't sure we would get in. When the doors finally did open the only remaining seating was in the balcony. We had never sat in the balcony and were a little disappointed thinking we might not be able to hear everything or see Mr. Bryson clearly. That was not the case, the viewing and sound were great. As a side note, once the theater was full they told people they couldn't stand in the aisles or doorways into the theater because it was a fire hazard. They did however setup chairs in the lobby to try and get the overflow crowd a place to sit.
Written May 23, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi there, thanks for your feedback! We experienced overwhelming demand for this free, un-ticketed event and plan to ticket these kinds of events in the future to prevent overflow and fire hazard issues. We hope to see you at the theater again soon.
Written June 21, 2017
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Paul D
Washington DC, DC27 contributions
Feb 2016 • Family
I have seen ballet, comedy, musical performance and many other types of live performance at this venue. I has been nicely restored to meet the varied needs of the community and is a stellar, warm and inviting place with a sense of history that sets it apart. One small issue will likely never change, the lobby at intermission is too small to serve a full house.
I have attended events at the Weinberg Center for the Arts over more than 20 years and highly recommend it!!
I have attended events at the Weinberg Center for the Arts over more than 20 years and highly recommend it!!
Written April 24, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your kind words! We are always working on improving the venue, as well as procedures and policies to ensure your experience during intermission is as easy as possible. It's a challenge with a historic venue such as ours, but we're always pleased to be able to keep it alive as a cultural cornerstone of Frederick. We hope to see you again soon!
Written June 21, 2017
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Mike D
29 contributions
Apr 2016 • Friends
We caught a 1940's Big Band musical review by the String of Pearls band and In The Mood singers/dancers. Very enjoyable especially in the "old" venue.
Written April 21, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
So glad to hear you enjoyed In the Mood! Be sure to keep an eye on our website and email list for future events like this one. We hope to see you again soon!
Written June 21, 2017
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Rarelyafive
Urbana, United States167 contributions
Jan 2015 • Couples
We were pleasantly surprised by the decor, size and the acoustics when we saw Spyrogyra in concert. The theater offers a variety of arts and performances but little for our particular tastes. When a good group comes, we wouldn't hesitate to go back. The tickets are easy to get on line and very reasonably priced. As word of mouth spreads, more shows and groups will come.
Written December 10, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi looking to take my daughter to see the Nutcracker this winter, she is only 4 so obviously short. Where would the best seats be to view the show and can I bring a booster seat for her? Thanks!
CAGL
Maryland161 contributions
DINNER before a show - within walking distance?
I was looking forward to going back to "Olive's" which was a block or 2 away from the Weinberg Center. Went w/a friend & we left them empty dishes. Whatever we ate, I remember it was delicious!
Looking for suggestions for good tasting food before a concert (i.e. not real heavy, not fine dining, & not a sub/pizza place... although a good deli or diner is fine). I don't care about the alcohol there just the food. Thanks all! I'm not going until October 2018 so I have plenty of time. :-)
DominatorDom
Hagerstown, MD59 contributions
Pistarro's Address: 221 N East St, Frederick, MD 21701-- not walking distance and no reservations are taken, but the best food in all of Frederick,MD.
Is this your Tripadvisor listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim your listingWeinberg Center for the Arts - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)
Frequently Asked Questions about Weinberg Center for the Arts
- Hotels near Weinberg Center for the Arts:
- (0.13 mi) RETREAT on the CREEK - Businees Travelor or Weekend Getaway. HISTORIC DISTRICT.
- (0.42 mi) 10 Clarke Place
- (0.19 mi) Charming Apartment In Historic Downtown Frederick
- (0.41 mi) Hollerstown Hill Bed and Breakfast
- (0.21 mi) *Modern Condo In Downtown Frederick*
- Restaurants near Weinberg Center for the Arts:
- (0.11 mi) Isabella's Taverna & Tapas Bar
- (0.09 mi) JoJo's Restaurant & Tap House
- (0.08 mi) Sabor de Cuba
- (0.12 mi) The Wine Kitchen on the Creek
- (0.08 mi) Sumittra