A traveler’s guide to local live entertainment, music, and theatrical performances in the Gettysburg, PA area:
Gettysburg is more than just a beautiful historical town in south central Pennsylvania; it’s a hub for live music, theatre, and entertainment. Read through this guide, curated by Battlefield Bed and Breakfast, and consider booking your upcoming stay in conjunction with one of Gettysburg’s exciting musical or theatrical events.
THE MAJESTIC THEATER
The Majestic Theater opened in 1925 as the largest vaudeville and silent movie theater in the south central Pennsylvania region. In the 1950’s The Majestic became famous when then President of the United States Dwight D. Eisenhower and his wife Mamie attended performances in the theater regularly. The Theater’s Ballroom/Gymnasium was often used by the White House Press Corps for news conferences when Ike and Mamie were residing on their farm in Gettysburg. As of 2005, the Theater has been restored and is once again open for a new generation of audiences.
The Majestic Theater welcomes the world to its stage after a $16 million renovation. Music, drama, dance, family shows, comedy…it’s all here at the Majestic, the grandest small-town theater in America. Nightly independent movies show on two screens. An on-site art gallery features rotating works.
MUSIC, GETTYSBURG!
Music, Gettysburg! is a concert series featuring international, regional and local musical artists for the greater southern Pennsylvania region. All Music, Gettysburg! concerts are held at the chapel of the United Lutheran Seminary – Gettysburg Campus located at 147 Seminary Ridge, Gettysburg, PA. The concerts are free and open to the public with support from the Lutheran Theological Seminary, businesses, and individuals. Artists come from all over the United States to play at the chapel because of its excellent acoustics and the appreciative audiences of the Gettysburg area.
TOTEM POLE PLAYHOUSE
Since 1950, Totem Pole Playhouse has provided professional summer theatre to residents and visitors of the Cumberland Valley, PA. Located just 17 miles west of Gettysburg and only two hours from Washington, DC & Baltimore, the theatre is known nationally for attracting high-quality professional artists and for its wide variety of theatrical programming.
Totem Pole Playhouse is one of nine remaining professional summer theatres that maintain a resident company of actors. Interspersed with the regular faces have been a series of well-known artists, including Loretta Swit, Melissa Gilbert, Eric Szmanda, Ken Jenkins, Jill Larsen, Keir Dullea, Sada Thompson, John Ritter, Sandy Dennis, Harry Groener, Henry Strozier (Cranberry Bob), Curtis Armstrong and, of course, Jean Stapleton of TV’s All In The Family fame. Revered by members of the theatrical profession and theatre lovers all, Totem Pole continues to provide a summer of theatrical variety & will celebrate its 75th season in 2025.
REID’S WINERY: THE CIDER HOUSE
The Cider House at Reid’s Winery, located at 400 Baltimore Street in Gettysburg, offers free live local music throughout the year. Enjoy Reid’s delicious local craft cider or a glass of local wine at the Cider House and music from south central PA’s best musicians. The charming atmosphere and central location of the Cider House makes it a perfect destination for a romantic night out in Gettysburg, PA.
GETTYSBURG COMMUNITY THEATER
Gettysburg Community Theatre is a not-for-profit community theatre organization offering performances and classes year-round in musical theatre.
Tickets, schedule, auditions, class/camp registration, and all information can be found online at www.GettysburgCommunityTheatre.org.
