Downtown Budget Theater Re-Opens Friday

James Johonnott |

The Downtown Cinema re-opens Friday, April 3. Here's the nearly complete main screen.
The Downtown Cinema re-opens Friday, April 3. Here's the nearly complete main screen, complete with dining accommodations. (Photo from March.)

Eau Claire’s own downtown budget theater celebrates its grand re-opening tonight with more than a few changes to show for its extensive remodeling. At the Micon Cinemas Downtown Budget Cinema and Marquee Restaurant, all of the films have now gone digital, a 50-seat screening room was added to the second level, and a restaurant now serves food and beverages to moviegoers. In addition to the theater’s high quality popcorn, the restaurant will serve pizza, sandwiches, flatbread, pulled pork, and alcoholic beverages like beer and wine. While alcohol will be served, the owners say it is a secondary focus to the restaurant, and the theater is still a great family experience.

The concessions stand at the newly re-opened theater.
The new concessions stand.

The owners, Mike and Connie Olson of Micon Cinemas, intend to use these changes, along with a slight rebranding, to bring more independant, rare and award-winning films to the culture of downtown Eau Claire. With the new upstairs screening room, they’re planning events like a Saturday morning cartoon block, private showings, and maybe even a film festival. Above all, they want give people more reasons to spend a night out at the movies. Tickets will still cost $4/adult and $3/child (Tues. $3/$2).

Tonight they’ll be showing the academy award winner for best animated picture Big Hero Six [PG], a family-friendly, action adventure and the winner for best picture Birdman: Or the Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance [R], a comedy-drama.

This seems like an incredible investment in the culture and future of downtown Eau Claire and this moviegoer intends to be a frequent patron.

Head to Miconcinemas.com for showtimes and to learn more. The theater is located at 315 S. Barstow St.