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Canyon Theater at the Boulder Public Library

Cellist playing on the theater stage with digital screen down showing a video.
Picture of the theater from the stage of seating and lights on.
Woman in red dress standing next to a piano on the theater stage.
Attend an Event
Reserve the Theater

Our Canyon Theater is a 190-seat venue. We are dedicated to offering this space to host free open to the public community events. The theater provides a staffed and accessible venue at no cost to the organizer.

Canyon Theater is perfect for presentations, film screenings, and musical events. We can also host small theatrical performances and multimedia events. The venue includes lighting, sound, and projection systems. Theater staff will assist throughout your event. Visit one of our scheduled open houses for a complete walkthrough and discussion with theater staff to ensure the space satisfies your needs.

How to Reserve the Theater

  1. Review our Canyon Theater Use Policy.
  2. Select your preferred date and request it by completing the reservation request.
    Submitting a reservation request does not confirm or guarantee your event dates.
  3. After the Canyon Theater staff reviews your reservation request, they will contact you for questions and scheduling.

Canyon Theater Technical Specs [PDF] 
Canyon Theater Seating [PDF] 

Location

The venue is in the North Wing of the Main Library. We are accessible through the Canyon Gallery entrance, or by crossing the interior bridge from the Main Library Arapahoe entrance. Find more parking and Main Library information. 

Accessibility Features

Six accessible seating areas, stage accessibility via side stage doors and backstage entrance, assisted listening devices with over the ear amplification or T-coil neck loop and closed captions when available. 

Contact Us

Get in touch with theater staff by using the Theater Contact Form.  
Share an event you would like to do with the library by submitting a Program Proposal form.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I charge a ticket price to pay the performers? 
No. The Library Policy states that events at the Canyon Theater must be free of charge. As we continue to support local arts and artists, the library offers the Canyon Theater at no cost. 
 
Can I ask for donations or host a fundraiser? 
Attendees can be invited to optionally donate to an individual or organization through an online processing system only, such as Venmo or PayPal. Cash may not change hands on-site. Fundraising events are not permitted.  

Can I sell merchandise or concessions? 
No. The Library Policy states that only books may be sold in the library. The organizer is responsible for all transactions, licensing requirements, sales and use tax reporting, and payments. 
 
Can I serve refreshments? 
Yes! Refreshments may be served from the lobby area, but not the Gallery. Food and drink are allowed in the theater, we encourage non-crumbly snacks. 

Can I hold an after-hours event? 
Yes! The theater is available for after-hours events on Thursdays and Saturdays until 10 p.m. 

Can I hold a private event? 
Yes! If the event is not advertised as “open to the public,” the organizer may limit attendance.  Staff will not enforce attendance limits or ensure the privacy of the event. 

Do you know of any grant opportunities to present an event?
The City of Boulder Office of Arts and Culture offers grant opportunities for arts and artists.