
Wilkes Barre, PA
The Kirby Center for the Performing Arts stands as Wilkes-Barre's premier cultural destination, hosting an impressive range of performances from classical symphonies and ballet to contemporary pop concerts and intimate jazz sessions. This versatile venue has established itself as northeastern Pennsylvania's anchor for the performing arts, welcoming both touring Broadway productions and local dance companies with equal enthusiasm. The center's diverse programming reflects its commitment to serving the entire community, offering everything from alternative rock shows to country folk performances and laugh-out-loud comedy nights.
The venue creates an intimate yet grand atmosphere where every seat offers a connection to the performance. Whether you're experiencing the delicate precision of a ballet or the raw energy of a rock concert, the space adapts beautifully to each genre's unique requirements. The acoustics enhance both the subtle nuances of chamber music and the powerful vocals of R&B performers, while sightlines ensure that dramatic moments and dance choreography can be appreciated from throughout the house.
Nestled in downtown Wilkes-Barre, the Kirby Center sits at the heart of a city that has embraced cultural renewal. The surrounding area offers pre-show dining options and creates a sense of occasion as audiences gather for an evening out. There's something special about the energy that builds as patrons arrive, whether they're dressed up for opening night of a classical performance or ready to dance along to their favorite pop hits.
With 30 exciting upcoming events spanning every musical and theatrical genre, browse the Kirby Center's diverse schedule on CultureTicks to find your next unforgettable night out.
Garages & helpful apps
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Stations & helpful apps
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Nearby restaurants
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Finish dinner 30+ minutes before showtime. Most restaurants offer pre-theater menus.
Highly recommended, especially for evening performances. Book ahead to avoid disappointment.
Most listed restaurants are within 5-10 minutes walk. Factor in extra time during busy hours.
Based on 1,943 Google reviews
Small venue offers fantastic views of the stage. Good accoustics. Security is efficient but not stupid (no requirement for clear bags, for example). Seats are comfortable and spaced well. Concessions are pricey, but c'est la vie.
I saw Steve Winwood last night Great sound, comfy seats. Reasonable tickets.(130.00) reserved seats,(lower price for balcony) several bars and restrooms. Not a bad seat in the house..!
Good venue to see a show. Very tight seating. If you are a tall or large boned person you will be uncomfortable in the seats.
Beautiful restoration of an Art Deco building. Every member of the staff from box office to security and ushers are very helpful and friendly. I will go back.
Went to see The Fab Four on Saturday, October 12th at The Kirby. I haven't been there in so many years. I believe the theater was built the year after my father was born in 1938. The first time I was ever at the Kirby (Paramount Theater) was when my Dad (Sam Liguori) took me to see The Molly Maguires movie in 1970, I believe. It was beautiful then and still is!! The performance was wonderful and a lot of fun, but being at the Kirby really brought back a wonderful memory!!
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Common questions about visiting
Check the Events tab on this page for all upcoming performances at Kirby Center for the Performing Arts. You can filter by genre and date to find shows that interest you.
Visit the "Getting There" section for directions, parking information, and public transit options for Kirby Center for the Performing Arts. We also include nearby restaurant recommendations for a complete night out.
Most performing arts venues offer accessible seating and accommodations. Contact Kirby Center for the Performing Arts directly for specific accessibility information, including wheelchair access, hearing assistance, and service animal policies.
Review the venue details section for important information including capacity, seating layout, and house rules. Arriving 15-30 minutes early is recommended, especially for popular performances.
We recommend arriving at least 30-45 minutes before the performance start time to allow for parking, security screening, and finding your seats. Some venues may have stricter arrival policies for late seating.
Photography and video recording are typically not permitted during performances out of respect for the artists and other patrons. Please check with the specific venue for their policy.
Ticket sales are final. However, if a performance is cancelled or significantly rescheduled, refunds will be issued. Please review our terms and conditions for complete details.
Most venues have bag size restrictions. Large bags, backpacks, and luggage are typically not permitted. Small purses and clutches are usually allowed. Check the venue's specific bag policy before attending.
Kirby Center for the Performing Arts is committed to accessible services
Wheelchair-accessible seating is available throughout the venue. Please contact the box office when purchasing tickets to ensure appropriate accommodations.
Assistive listening devices are available for patrons who are hard of hearing. Please inquire at the venue or when purchasing tickets.
Service animals are welcome at all performances. Please notify staff upon arrival.
For specific accessibility questions, please contact the venue directly or reach out to our support team.