226 W 6th St. | 541-772-3797 | www.hollytheatre.org
The Holly Theatre: Restoring Southern Oregon’s Last Great Movie Palace
The Holly Theatre is back—reborn, reimagined, and ready to light up Southern Oregon with live music, electrifying performances, and unforgettable experiences. More than just a reopening, this is a renaissance—one that celebrates entertainment, community, and culture in the heart of Downtown Medford.
As the last remaining historic movie palace in Southern Oregon, the Holly stands as a rare and remarkable piece of the region’s past, fully restored for a new generation. Built in 1930, the theatre was a jewel of Medford’s downtown, entertaining audiences for decades before closing in 1986. After sitting dark for years, a passionate community effort launched the restoration in 2012, determined to bring the Holly back to life. Now, in its 95th year, this landmark reopens as a state-of-the-art venue, ready to reclaim its place at the heart of Medford’s cultural and economic revival.
Leading up to the grand reopening, the Holly has been quietly welcoming guests, hosting an open house for the Medford 2040 Plan, offering a special tour on January 30, and preparing for a benefit concert on March 2 for Aaron Reed of the beloved local Reed Brothers, presented by Jefferson Public Radio. But the true moment of celebration arrives on March 13, when The Piano Guys take the stage at 8pm for the Holly’s Grand Reopening Gala—marking the official return of this fully restored movie palace. The celebration continues with a powerhouse performance by Jim Belushi & The Sacred Hearts on March 14, bringing blues and soul to Downtown Medford. As the Holly’s Honorary Co-Chair, Belushi’s performance is a fitting tribute to the theatre’s long-awaited revival.
Spring will bring a stellar lineup of music for all tastes. Legendary guitarist Warren Haynes, known for his work with the Allman Brothers Band and the Grateful Dead, will bring his signature sound to the Holly. The Warren Haynes Band is the first of many acts in the 2025 season.
This reopening has been decades in the making. Over $13 million has been raised through grants and contributions from more than 3,200 community members, ensuring that this historic theatre didn’t meet the fate of so many others that were lost to time.
“The transformation of the Holly has been nothing short of extraordinary,” says Tiffany Maude, General Manager of the Holly Theatre. “From the moment you step inside, you’ll feel the magic of a theatre built for the community, by the community. This is a place where history meets the future of live entertainment in Southern Oregon.”
With 1,024 seats, the Holly is now the largest indoor venue in Southern Oregon, allowing Medford to host world-class artists who previously only performed in the region’s summer outdoor venues. Modeled after its sister theatre, the Cascade Theatre in Redding, the Holly will feature a diverse lineup of concerts, theatrical performances, and special events. Additionally, the theatre boasts a new flexible event space that accommodates 200+ guests, multiple bars, and top-tier concessions.
Behind the scenes, a dedicated team has worked tirelessly to bring the Holly to life. Karl Stahnke, Volunteer Coordinator, has been instrumental in organizing the passionate volunteers who help keep the theatre running smoothly. Maria Kelley, Talent Buyer, has curated an exciting and diverse lineup, ensuring that the Holly’s programming appeals to a broad audience and cements the theatre’s place as a premier entertainment destination in Southern Oregon.
Beyond entertainment, the Holly is an economic powerhouse. It’s projected to contribute over $3.2 million annually to Medford’s economy, creating more than 106 full-time equivalent jobs and attracting 10,000 hotel guests each winter. As audiences flock to the theatre, downtown businesses—restaurants, cafés, and shops—will see a welcome boost in activity.
The Downtown Medford Association extends its congratulations to the Holly Theatre’s Board of Directors, staff, and dedicated volunteers who have made this dream a reality, and a special congratulations to Tiffany Maude on her promotion to General Manager. Tiffany’s journey with the Holly began over five years ago as a volunteer, quickly leading to a full-time position. With over 25 years at the Oregon Shakespeare Festival, she brings invaluable experience in nonprofit arts management. From the moment she first walked into the Holly, she caught “Holly Fever” and has been instrumental in bringing this vision to life.
The Holly is not just a theatre—it’s a legacy. As the last of its kind in Southern Oregon, its reopening is a triumph for history, community, and the future of live entertainment. The curtain is rising—join us for this incredible new chapter!
For up-to-the-minute information on the Holly’s 2025 season, refer to the Holly’s new website.
(Portions of this article sourced from the Holly Theatre press release. We thank Tiffany Maude for her contributions to this article and Bill Saltzstein for the photos.)