The Colonial Theatre, housed within the Willard Arts Center, is a historic venue in downtown Idaho Falls that has evolved from a vaudeville theater opened in 1919 into a modern performing-arts space with top-tier touring shows and local productions. With a seating capacity of 998 (official page) and a rich legacy, it remains a cornerstone of Idaho Falls culture and live entertainment.

Whether you’re planning a night out to see a touring show like The Choir of Man, a local ballet production of Alice in Wonderland, or a performance by World Ballet Company, the Colonial Theatre offers an intimate yet vibrant setting just steps from downtown Idaho Falls’ dining and lodging options.

Use this page to learn about seating, parking, transit, and nearby hotels and restaurants. We’ve got you covered with practical details to help you secure your seats quickly and enjoy a smooth visit.

Venue details: The Colonial Theatre is part of the Willard Arts Center and managed by the Idaho Falls Arts Council. It sits at 450 A Street, Idaho Falls, ID 83402 (Administrative Office: 498 A Street). The building preserves its historic charm while offering modern amenities for today’s performing arts audiences. For the most up-to-date show listings and seating maps, check the official site linked below.

Seating: Approximately 998 seats (verify via seating chart on the official site; some references list 988). The seating layout supports a variety of stage-driven performances, from intimate solos to full-scale productions.
Parking: Downtown Idaho Falls offers free all-day lots, free 2-hour parking, and paid options. Route and policy details are available through the Idaho Falls Arts Council.
Transit: GIFT On-Demand public transit serves the area, offering flexible routing around downtown. Hotels may provide shuttle services where offered.
Nearby hotels: Holiday Inn & Suites Idaho Falls, Best Western Driftwood Inn, and Econo Lodge Idaho Falls are within driving distance. These properties provide convenient access to dining and entertainment in the downtown corridor.
Nearby dining: There are multiple casual and family-friendly options within walking distance or a short drive, including local favorites and chain restaurants near downtown Idaho Falls. We highlight partner recommendations when available.
Notable past and upcoming events: The venue hosts a mix of touring productions and local performances, including The Choir of Man, Alice in Wonderland by local ballet schools, and World Ballet Company’s The Great Gatsby Ballet.

To secure your seats quickly, explore the seating map, check show dates, and take advantage of local hotel and dining partnerships for a seamless night out in Idaho Falls.

Good to know

Seating, Parking & Venue Information

Location: Colonial Theater, Willard Arts Center, 450 A Street, Idaho Falls, ID 83402 (Administrative Office: 498 A Street).
Capacity: approximately 988–998 seats (official page cites 998; another section lists 988).
Venue type: historic vaudeville/theater converted to a modern performing-arts venue, part of the Willard Arts Center operated by the Idaho Falls Arts Council.
Seating chart: a Colonial Theater seating chart PDF is available from the official site.
Parking: Downtown Idaho Falls offers multiple parking options (free all-day, free 2-hour, and paid lots) per the Idaho Falls Arts Council contact page.
Transit: GIFT On-Demand public transit program available in Idaho Falls; hotels often provide shuttle options where offered.
Nearby hotels: Holiday Inn & Suites Idaho Falls, Best Western Driftwood Inn, and Econo Lodge Idaho Falls are within driving distance of the venue.
Notable events: hosts touring shows (e.g., The Choir of Man in 2026 season), Alice in Wonderland performance by local ballet schools (2025), and World Ballet Company’s The Great Gatsby Ballet (2025).
Demolished/renamed: originally opened as Colonial Theatre in 1919, renamed Paramount in 1929, later restored to Colonial Theatre and incorporated into the Willard Arts Center; not demolished.