About this venue
Stiefel Theatre is a historic theatre and performing arts venue housed in a restored Art Deco movie palace dating from 1931. Formerly known as the Fox-Watson Theatre, the building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, while its distinctive façade and tall tower have been restored to reflect the original architectural character. The auditorium has a 1,265-seat capacity, allowing the venue to host concerts, theatrical productions, comedy and other live performances while maintaining a more intimate connection between the audience and stage than a large arena.
The restored interior retains decorative elements of the original movie palace, including its balcony and richly detailed auditorium, while a modern sound system and upgraded stage support contemporary productions. Bars serving drinks and light snacks are available during performances. Visitors selecting seats should note that there is no elevator to the second floor, making main-level seating the more practical choice for anyone who may have difficulty using stairs.
The theatre is located at 151 South Santa Fe Avenue, Salina, Kansas 67401, United States, at the corner of South Santa Fe Avenue and Walnut Street. Free street parking is available around the venue, with additional parking lots behind the theatre and southwest of the building, leaving only a short walk to the entrance. For broader information about reaching the area and getting around Salina, see the city information further down the page.
About the city
Salina, located in central Kansas, is a regional hub for culture, sports and entertainment that offers a practical setting for attending concerts, performances and sporting events. Key venues include the Tony's Pizza Events Center, a multipurpose arena for sports and music programs, and the Stiefel Theatre for the Performing Arts in the city center. The compact urban layout makes it easy to combine an event with restaurants, hotels and other amenities, allowing visitors to fit an evening program conveniently into a shorter or longer stay in the city.
Getting around Salina is relatively simple thanks to the city's road network and CityGo public transportation, operated by OCCK Transportation. For arrivals from farther away, Salina Regional Airport, specifically the M.J. Kennedy Air Terminal, is an important gateway, while road access to the city relies on the I-70 and I-135 interstate highways. The main event venues are located within the city, and a combination of CityGo buses, taxis, ride-hailing services and private cars provides flexible access to arenas, theaters and sports facilities.
Before or after an event, it is worth walking through Downtown Salina and along Santa Fe Avenue, where restaurants, shops, arts attractions and historic city buildings are concentrated. The Smoky Hill River runs alongside the central part of Salina, while Oakdale Park offers a greener contrast to the urban center and space for a relaxing walk. For additional cultural interest, visitors can include the Smoky Hill Museum, allowing a concert or sporting visit to be complemented by an introduction to the local history and character of central Kansas.
