The Sunrise Theater is one of the pre-eminent entertainment venues in North Carolina. Born as a hardware store in 1898, it morphed into a movie theater in the 1940s. It has become a performing arts center, offering multiple Arts and Entertainment events for the Sandhills of North Carolina.

SunFlix are The Sunrise Theater’s movie events. As one of the most cordial environments in the state, The Sunrise Theater regularly runs full length, first-run, independent movies. First quality films ranging from classic to modern to art nouveau, from romance to drama to action are shown at prices much less than at other theaters. Check our Calendar to find out what’s playing.

SunLive are live events. If you’re into theater or the opera, the Sunrise Theater hosts simulcasts from London’s National Theatre and the Metropolitan Opera from New York's Lincoln Center.  Coupled with a world class sound system, you’ll feel like you have a front row seat at these events. Enjoy such great theater as Collaborators and The Comedy of Errors or dramatic opera such as Mozart's Don Giovanni or Wagner’s Ring Cycle.

The Annual Blues Crawl is one of our crowning SunLive events. The Sunrise Theater is the center of an event that includes a variety of venues and artists scattered throughout downtown Southern Pines - all within walking distance of The Sunrise. Sample different Blues musical styles, while enjoying the libations and food of the unique restaurants, wine cellars, hotels, and pubs hosting different bands. But most importantly, mingle with the people and enjoy the community of the North Carolina Sandhills.

Another SunLive event is First Friday, a series of free concerts held on the Sunrise's Preservation Green. Bring your blankets or lawn chairs and enjoy a great evening of music. Serving wine, local beers and other goodies.

SunSides are “Special Events”. Periodically, The Sunrise Theater will sponsor or host “one of a kind” events. The Sandbox Players, Moore OnStage and the ACMC's Classical Concert Series regularly perform at The Theater. The Sunrise Theater presents events such as “Patsy Cline & Elvis Presley Tribute.”  Many SunSides are rentals - you can rent the Sunrise, too!

These are just a sampling of the entertainment available at the Sunrise Theater. Contact us for a complete listing.

Whether guest, volunteer or patron, welcome to the Sunrise Theater. Join us in celebrating the Arts, great movies, special events, live opera and theater and our community. We look forward to seeing you!