Historic Elitch Theatre

Everyone thinks 'Elitch' means the Six Flags coaster park on the Platte — almost no one knows the original 1890 theatre still stands by the old carousel in Highland. It was America's oldest summer-stock playhouse, hosted Colorado's first moving picture (Edison's Vitascope, 1896), and launched names like Grace Kelly and Vincent Price before going dark after its last show in 1991. It sat abandoned for three decades; a foundation finally brought live theatre back in 2024, and Mary Elitch's ghost is said to linger in her old viewing box. Catch it now while it's half-restored and barely on anyone's radar.

The move: Take the immersive history tour through the faded-glory auditorium, or grab a free Sunday carousel concert on the lawn in summer — a quietly romantic, slightly spooky look at a landmark almost no local has actually set foot in.

• 📍 Highland / West Highland (38th & Tennyson)
• 💸 $
• ⚡ Low-key
• 🌗 Indoor or outdoor

Where: Historic Elitch Theatre, 4593 W 38th Ave (38th & Tennyson, by the historic carousel), Denver, CO 80212

Hours: Not a daily walk-in venue; access via scheduled tours, films, and seasonal events. Free Sunday carousel concerts ran summer 2025 (e.g., June 15, July 13, Aug 10). Check historicelitchtheatre.org for the current calendar before going.

Plan a visit & invite your people →

Proof: source 1 · source 2 · source 3

Verified 2026-06-07.