The Butte Theater

If you’re staying at one of our Ridge Vacation Properties cabins and looking for a fun night out, a trip to The Butte Theater in Cripple Creek is a perfect addition to your mountain getaway. Just about 35–45 minutes from our cabins, this historic theater mixes old-west charm with live performances, classic melodrama, and seasonal shows the whole family can enjoy.

About the Butte Theater

The Butte Theater is housed in a restored 1890s opera house right in the heart of Cripple Creek’s historic district. Originally built as the Butte Concert and Beer Hall, it has been everything from an opera house to a dance academy and even a skating rink over the last hundred-plus years. Today, it’s a beautifully refurbished community theater owned by the City of Cripple Creek and home to professional productions and local performances throughout the year.

Inside, you’ll find an intimate theater space with comfortable seating, a classic proscenium stage, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere. The Butte is known for keeping the tradition of American melodrama alive—complete with heroes, villains, and plenty of opportunities to cheer, boo, and laugh along.

What You’ll See on Stage

The Butte Theater runs a full calendar of shows every year. Their programming is generally divided into two main seasons:

• A Community Season from roughly January through May, featuring local actors and community productions.

• A Professional Season from about June through December, produced with a resident company and professional talent from around Colorado and beyond.

Depending on when you visit, you might catch:

• Classic melodramas with that old-west Cripple Creek flair

• Musicals and plays, including family-friendly titles and holiday favorites

• Special events like comedy nights, concerts, or seasonal shows

Around the holidays, the Butte often stages festive productions—think cozy, nostalgic shows that make a night out in Cripple Creek feel extra magical.

The Experience: Small-Town Theater with Big Personality

Part of the fun of visiting the Butte Theater is the overall experience, not just the show itself.

Before the performance, you can wander historic Bennett Avenue, grab dinner in town, and then head into the theater for an evening of live entertainment. Inside, the atmosphere is relaxed and friendly—more like joining a local tradition than attending a formal performance. Many guests mention how fun and interactive the melodramas are, and how easy it is to see the stage from just about any seat.

For guests staying at our cabins, it’s a great way to mix up your trip: spend the day exploring the mountains, then trade hiking boots for theater seats and enjoy a night out under the lights.

Planning Your Visit

The Butte Theater is located at:

139 E Bennett Avenue, Cripple Creek, CO 80813

Show schedules change throughout the year, with different productions rotating through the Community and Professional seasons. Box office hours and performance times vary by season, so it’s best to check current information before you go.

• Tickets & Show Calendar: Visit the Butte Theater section of the City of Cripple Creek website or buttetheater.com for current shows, dates, and ticket prices.

• Contact: You can also call the box office at 719-689-6402 with questions about upcoming performances.

Distance from Our Cabins

If you’re staying at one of our Ridge Vacation Properties cabins near Divide and Florissant, the Butte Theater makes an easy half-day or evening outing. Drive time is typically around 35–45 minutes, depending on road conditions and your exact cabin location.

Many guests like to:

• Spend the afternoon exploring Cripple Creek’s historic downtown

• Grab an early dinner in town

• Then finish the day with a show at the Butte Theater before heading back to the cabin

It’s a fun way to pair your quiet cabin stay with a bit of local culture and history.

Make It Part of Your Mountain Getaway

Whether you love live theater or just want to try something different on your trip, the Butte Theater is a unique, only-in-Cripple-Creek experience. From classic melodramas to holiday shows and community performances, there’s almost always something happening on stage.

When you’re planning your stay at Ridge Vacation Properties, consider checking the Butte Theater schedule and building a night at the theater into your itinerary. It’s one more way to make your Colorado mountain getaway feel memorable, local, and a little bit magical.