The Empire Theatre
The Empire Theatre
4.5
11:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Monday
11:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
11:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Wednesday
11:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Thursday
11:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Friday
11:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Saturday
12:00 PM - 6:00 PM
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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
165 reviews
Excellent
112
Very good
41
Average
11
Poor
1
Terrible
0
mcdonaldspc
Belleville, Canada9 contributions
Oct 2016 • Couples
have been there for numerous concerts and films theatre is very well done. sound and lighting is really excellent
Written March 13, 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.
Carolyn P
Stirling, Canada121 contributions
Nov 2014 • Couples
We went there for the first time to see Derek Edwards who was very funny indeed.
The site uses an on-line ticket system that it outsourced to another company, fair enough, the system is efficient and actually has better information about the place that the actual theatre site.
For instance:
Parking? No mention. I eventually found a brief notice on the ticketing site that there are parking lots and on street parking. Free at weekends btw.
Facilities? Well they did say that you could enter the lobby one hour before the show. It said that on the ticket. No where else. No mention of whether they have a lounge/bar/coffee/snacks etc.
So we got there and were five minutes early. The doors were locked but the small side room with the ticket desk was open. A few other people were already there to get in from the cold. We joined them. There was, of course, the usual red velvet rope making sure none of escaped the corral until the appointed second. The lady behind the desk glared at us and asked if we wanted to buy tickets, to which everyone replied 'No we already have them.' She then snapped 'You realise you can't get into the theatre until just before the show.'
A few minutes (not seconds) after the appointed time they released us into the foyer. There is a coffee/snack bar and pretty well hidden, a lounge/bar. The lady behind that bar is very pleasant, the decor is good and the seating comfortable. The prices are very reasonable. Perhaps if the rest of the staff were a bit more friendly and pointed that out they would make more sales. Most theatres struggle financially, why shoot yourself in the foot?
No idea if they have anywhere to hang up coats, certainly if there is something they like to keep it a secret.
The theatre itself is beautiful, great architecture, good seating, good lighting, it is fairly small so the view of the stage even from the far side is excellent.
Sadly they do allow people to take in snacks to the auditorium, it's a 90 minute show but apparently some people cannot survive that long without a bathtub size bucket of popcorn. To the lady sitting behind us, if you absolutely must stuff your face non-stop at least learn how to eat with your mouth closed.
The site uses an on-line ticket system that it outsourced to another company, fair enough, the system is efficient and actually has better information about the place that the actual theatre site.
For instance:
Parking? No mention. I eventually found a brief notice on the ticketing site that there are parking lots and on street parking. Free at weekends btw.
Facilities? Well they did say that you could enter the lobby one hour before the show. It said that on the ticket. No where else. No mention of whether they have a lounge/bar/coffee/snacks etc.
So we got there and were five minutes early. The doors were locked but the small side room with the ticket desk was open. A few other people were already there to get in from the cold. We joined them. There was, of course, the usual red velvet rope making sure none of escaped the corral until the appointed second. The lady behind the desk glared at us and asked if we wanted to buy tickets, to which everyone replied 'No we already have them.' She then snapped 'You realise you can't get into the theatre until just before the show.'
A few minutes (not seconds) after the appointed time they released us into the foyer. There is a coffee/snack bar and pretty well hidden, a lounge/bar. The lady behind that bar is very pleasant, the decor is good and the seating comfortable. The prices are very reasonable. Perhaps if the rest of the staff were a bit more friendly and pointed that out they would make more sales. Most theatres struggle financially, why shoot yourself in the foot?
No idea if they have anywhere to hang up coats, certainly if there is something they like to keep it a secret.
The theatre itself is beautiful, great architecture, good seating, good lighting, it is fairly small so the view of the stage even from the far side is excellent.
Sadly they do allow people to take in snacks to the auditorium, it's a 90 minute show but apparently some people cannot survive that long without a bathtub size bucket of popcorn. To the lady sitting behind us, if you absolutely must stuff your face non-stop at least learn how to eat with your mouth closed.
Written November 11, 2014
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.
Falcon F
Belleville, Canada22 contributions
Jun 2013 • Friends
If you enjoy sitting back and being entertained, then this is the place to come. Offering a venue of good acts, and a broad variety to choose from over the course of a year, you should be able to find one or more nights to suit your fancy.
Sometimes it seems rather expensive, but for the most part in today's entertainment scene where costs to the consumer have escalated and are out of reach for the average household, a night here is like exquisite, exorbitantly priced candy. And bonus...the place is comfortable and clean!
The city of Belleville, and the Quinte Area offer a great selection of comfortable accomodations and places to eat to reflect any budget, if you decide to make a night, or a weekend of it.
Sometimes it seems rather expensive, but for the most part in today's entertainment scene where costs to the consumer have escalated and are out of reach for the average household, a night here is like exquisite, exorbitantly priced candy. And bonus...the place is comfortable and clean!
The city of Belleville, and the Quinte Area offer a great selection of comfortable accomodations and places to eat to reflect any budget, if you decide to make a night, or a weekend of it.
Written August 4, 2013
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.
AMontgomery18
Belleville, Canada15 contributions
Feb 2013 • Friends
I have been to a couple plays at the empire which are great, however I was just at a concert this weekend, payed good money for second row seating, however I was unable to see because they allow people from further back rows to rush the stage and stand in front of people. This raises the question, why am I paying for a second row seat so I will be able to see when they allow others to stand in front of you?
Written February 19, 2013
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.
Arlene C
Belleville, Canada12 contributions
Nov 2019
We visited the Empire Theatre to see the Jim Cuddy Band. It was awesome! The staff were welcoming, helpful and friendly. Our seating was perfect and the Jim Cuddy Band performance was outstanding!
Written January 7, 2020
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.
Jamie Z
Belleville, Canada8 contributions
Jun 2019
The theatre is stunning and great venue for stage presentations. The outdoor Rockfest was fantastic when it was running. Hopefully will be back in near future.
Written October 8, 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.
Jay M
Belleville, Canada79 contributions
Oct 2018 • Solo
The Empire theatre is one of the Premiere concert venues in Canada The sound system has just been updated/upgraded for The Empires 15th anniversary in October 2018. The live sohnd is simply amazing Every seat in the theatre is a great seat. Proud this theater is in my hometown.
Written October 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.
MVS
Madoc, Canada26 contributions
Mar 2017 • Friends
Not a bad place but a little pricey for old restored building and not so popular bands. Bathrooms need those auto spray scents or something. Does have a bar :) . Heads up out front of the place, sign on left side looks like it is coming down.
Written July 20, 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.
Steve S
Belleville, Canada9 contributions
May 2017 • Couples
I dont believe there is a bad seat here saw Blue Rodeo and would have to say that is the closest ive ever sat to a band and i was almost near the back. Ive been to Pink Floyd at exibition stadium Ozzy at Air Canada Centre and Kiss at Molson Amplitheattre but im glad i seen my favourite band in this venue
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.
327pamm
Belleville, Canada78 contributions
Apr 2017 • Friends
I have been fortunate to see both concerts and movies at the Empire .... always a great time. Mark Rashotte and his crew are amazing hosts.... at the last concert that I was at there was a power outage and they worked tirelessly to make sure a sold out audience and performer Alan Doyle ...were able to continue. A great venue!!!
Written April 10, 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.
Just wondering where to park but got my answer . THANKS.
Written February 6, 2020
Is there a ticket service fee if tickets are bought directly from the box office?
Written January 3, 2018
Oldenwise
Kingston, Canada
Does the Empire Theatre have a specific parking area for people going to a show?....or is it just random parking spaces along local streets?
Written January 28, 2017
Generally people park in the parking lot next to the Empire theatre. There is a royal lepage building on the opposite side of the parking lot. You may want to arrive early to get a good spot . Alternatively there is parking behind Jims pizza across the street from the empire.
Written January 28, 2017
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*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.
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