The Genesee Theatre is a storied venue in the heart of downtown Waukegan, Illinois. Opened in 1927 as a grand movie palace and renovated in 2004, it now hosts a mix of major concerts, Broadway-style productions, and special events. With a current seating capacity around 2,403, the theatre offers an intimate yet grand setting for performances from world-class bands to touring shows. Whether you’re checking out an upcoming World Ballet Company performance or a classic rock night, we’ve got you covered with easy, no-fuss booking and up-to-date venue details to help you plan your visit.

Located at 203 N Genesee St in downtown Waukegan, the Genesee Theatre is easily accessible by car, transit, and in-town amenities. Read on for seating details, parking options, transit access, and nearby hotels and restaurants to round out your night out.

Seating and layout: The Genesee Theatre features an Orchestra and Balcony layout with a public seating chart available to guide your selection. Seating is designed for clear sightlines and excellent acoustics, making it a preferred stop for both headline acts and touring productions. When you secure your seats, you’ll be choosing from available sections and rows via our straightforward booking process.

Parking: Street parking after 5:00 PM is free, and there is a covered garage (Waukegan Lot C) at 225 N County St available for about the best available price. Valet parking is often offered for select events, adding convenience for a night of entertainment.

Transit: The venue sits near the Union Pacific/North Metra station and is served by Pace buses to downtown Waukegan, offering convenient options for fans commuting from surrounding areas.

Nearby hotels and dining: Plan a comfortable stay with partner recommendations—Holiday Inn Express (611 Lakehurst Rd) and Hampton Inn & Suites Waukegan (438 Lakehurst Rd) are close by, as is Courtyard by Marriott Waukegan (3800 Northpoint Blvd). For extended stays, Sonesta ES Suites Chicago Waukegan Gurnee (1440 S White Oak Dr) is a short drive away. After the show, explore local dining options perfect for a post-show meal or nightcap. We’ll help connect you with trusted affiliate partners for hotels and restaurants to ensure a smooth experience.

Notable past and upcoming events: From classic renovations-era performances like Bill Cosby in 2004 to modern productions and major concerts—World Ballet Company Cinderella (2026), One Night of Queen (2025), Stone Temple Pilots (2026), Morrissey-related events, and Ringo Starr PBS recordings—the Genesee Theatre remains a cornerstone of the region’s cultural scene.

We’ll help you secure your seats for the next show with clear details and links to official artist pages and venue information. If you’re planning a visit to Waukegan, Genesee Theatre is a landmark worth experiencing.

Getting there

The Genesee Theatre is located at 203 N. Genesee St, Waukegan, IL 60085. [1] [2] [3] [4] [5]

Inside the venue

The best seats at Genesee Theatre are in the center floor and lower balcony sections, offering the clearest stage views and balanced sound for most concerts and live shows. The Genesee Theatre has a capacity of 2,416. [2]

Venue history

The Genesee Theatre is listed among notable landmarks in Waukegan, IL. [6] [7]

References

Good to know

Seating, Parking & Venue Information

Address: 203 N Genesee St, Waukegan, IL 60085.
Capacity: current seating about 2,403; historic capacity 2,416 after the 2004 renovation.
Venue type: historic movie palace / concert hall; opened 1927, renovated in 2004, reopened with major performances (e.g., Bill Cosby).
Seating chart: publicly available with sections including Orchestra and Balcony.
Parking: street parking after 5:00 PM is free; covered garage parking (Waukegan Lot C) at 225 N County St for $10; valet parking often available for events.
Transit: near the Union Pacific/North Metra station and served by Pace buses to downtown Waukegan.
Nearby hotels: Holiday Inn Express (611 Lakehurst Rd), Hampton Inn & Suites Waukegan (438 Lakehurst Rd), Courtyard by Marriott Waukegan (3800 Northpoint Blvd), Sonesta ES Suites Chicago Waukegan Gurnee (1440 S White Oak Dr).
Notable events hosted: opening/renovation era Bill Cosby shows (2004), World Ballet Company Cinderella (2026), One Night of Queen (2025), Stone Temple Pilots (2026), Morrissey-related material (live 2007), Ringo Starr PBS recording, and other major concerts and Broadway productions.