Cinematic Escape

MAGIC LANTERN THEATRE MANAGER JOE SHEEHAN

Cinematic Escape

Hollywood has taken a hit during the pandemic, but Spokane’s theaters are still hanging in there

Going to the movies is an experience like no other. It’s solitary, because you let yourself get swept up in the story on screen, but it’s also communal, because you’re surrounded by other people doing the same.

It’s that latter aspect that has presented movie theater owners with some challenges during the coronavirus pandemic, as well as bringing Hollywood’s release schedule to a standstill. Although Washington theaters have mostly been closed throughout the pandemic — save for a brief window when they were able to reopen at limited capacities — our city’s big screens are still there, waiting to transport viewers to far-off worlds again. Here’s a rundown of the area’s movie theaters, which will hopefully be projecting great cinema soon.

AMC RIVER PARK SQUARE 20 This is the area’s largest multiplex, boasting a whopping 20 screens on the top floors of the downtown River Park Square shopping center. Spokane’s AMC location offers something for everyone: You can check out all the biggest blockbusters in Dolby sound and on IMAX screens, but you’ll also be able to feed your brain with the indie, arthouse, foreign films and documentaries that the theater books through its Artisanal Films series. 808 W. Main, amctheatres.com, 877-262-4450 THE GARLAND THEATER First opening in 1945, the Garland Theater had a long history of management changes and business models before settling into its status as Spokane’s favorite and longest-running discount movie theater. You only have to wait a few weeks after its initial release date to see a major movie at half the price of a regular ticket, and with its attached craft cocktail bar, Bon Bon, and recently updated food menu, the Garland is one of the best places in town to enjoy a night out. 924 W. Garland, garlandtheater.com 327-2509

MAGIC LANTERN THEATRE Another cinematic Spokane institution, the Magic Lantern first started screening arthouse offerings in 1973 in a location on Wall Street. It closed and reopened, and closed and reopened again, and it’s been in the Community Building on Main Street since 2007. In all that time, however, the Lantern’s commitment to the out-there and the offbeat hasn’t changed, and you can always expect to see something challenging and insightful on either of its two screens. Enjoy beer and wine alongside the bottomless popcorn. 25 W. Main, magiclanternonmain.com, 209-2383 REGAL CINEMAS One of the biggest movie theater chains in the country has two locations in Spokane — one in the Northtown Mall, the other in the Valley Mall — both of which have been bringing cinematic treasures to the Inland Northwest for at least a couple decades now. Enjoy the most talked-about films from their comfy reclining seats, and signing up for the Regal Crown Club program gets you rewards and freebies the more often you go to the movies. 4750 N. Division and 14760 E. Indiana, Regmovies.com, (844) 462-7342

VILLAGE CENTRE CINEMAS WANDERMERE & AIRWAY HEIGHTS The Village Centre theater chain isn’t anywhere near as big as AMC or Regal, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t equally committed to crystal clear picture, rumbling sound and a diverse roster of cinematic offerings. Its Wandermere and Airway Heights locations are regional favorites, and you’re just as likely to see a family-friendly box office hit as a more obscure drama for grownups on their screens. 12622 N. Division and 10117 W. State Route 2, spokanemovies.com, 2327727 ◆

Wrap up Boz, Brantley, Ice Cube, or maybe those Celtic Women.

Gift a great night out with a Northern Quest concert experience. Choose from our current indoor lineup or already-announced outdoor summer shows.

Tickets on sale now at northernquest.com

877.871.6772 | SPOKANE, WA

AIRWAY HEIGHTS NORTHERN QUEST 100 N HAYFORD RD

MAC’s

Ho-ho-holiday Celebration

Saturdays, 4-6 pm Saturdays, 4-6 pm Dec 5, 12, 19 & 26 Dec 5, 12, 19 & 26 Holiday family fun at the MAC

Festive lights and some arts and culture-style activities - all outdoors! Vintage Crescent Department Store window display Scavenger hunt Campbell House Holidays video along with the cook’s pre-packaged sugar cookies Museum store open for holiday shopping

Register in advance. Suggested donation $5.

northwestmuseum.org

SPOKANE [ DOWNTOWN ] BROWNE’S ADDITION 2316 W 1ST AVE

We Are Open!! For carry-out Food & Drinks or hang-out on our patio

Open Tues-Fri 12pm-8pm • Sat & Sun 10am-8pm Help us keep the party going until we can dance again in 2021

delivery available

nynebar.com 509-474-1621

SPOKANE VALLEY 1100 N. SULLIVAN RD

Partner

WHILE WE KNOW TRAVELING LOOKS DIFFERENT right now, we want to assure you that Spokane is focused on keeping you and your family safe and healthy. We encourage locals and visitors alike to be socially responsible to help ensure the health and safety of others. VisitSpokane.com

Virtual Events via Zoom! Schedule paint therapy with friends and family on paintingwithatwist.com Pick up your kit curbside.

WE’RE STILL HERE FOR FAMILIES, THANKS TO SUPPORTERS LIKE YOU!

We are so grateful for the generosity of our community, donors, volunteers, and staff who join us in comforting and supporting families during the toughest times. As the world changes around us, the one constant is the need for our essential services. Without your support, we wouldn’t be able to do what we do! From our families, staff, and volunteers at the House, we are wishing you a Happy Holidays. There is still time to help provide a ‘Home-Away-From-Home’ for our families for the holidays. DONATE TODAY HERE: rmhcinlandnw.org

SPOKANE [ DOWNTOWN ] 1028 WEST 5TH AVENUE

SANTA EXPRESS will be returning for 2020 as an online store allowing kids ages 4 - 12 (encouraged) to experience the joy of holiday giving safely from their home. Kids will submit a wish list with gift ideas for their loved ones, and a special Santa Express Elf will prepare the surprise gifts for pick up before Christmas.

Shop or donate at santaexpress.org

ONLINE STORE DATES: Nov. 23 - Dec. 23 PICK UP LOCATION: 5004 E. Sprague Ave. (Across from Walmart)

100% OF PROCEEDS BENEFIT

GIFT WRAP SPONSOR BOUTIQUE SPONSOR

SILVER SPONSOR Columbia Bank, George Gee, Kaiser Permanente, Yoke’s Fresh Market

SPOKANE VALLEY 5004 E SPRAGUE AVE

Capture holiday magic with a virtual visit with Santa

For a $50 suggested donation to Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals, your child can spend 15 minutes on a personalized video call with Santa. 100% of your donation stays local to support patients at Sacred Heart Children’s Hospital.

Space is limited, so book your visit today: give.providence.org/ewash/Santa

SPOKANE [ DOWNTOWN ] 209 S WASHINGTON

Partner

SINCE 1942, the West Plains Chamber has served the business community in Airway Heights, Cheney, Medical Lake, Fairchild AFB and West Spokane County. Today we are over 320 members strong and one of the most engaging and dynamic chambers in the state and serving one of the fastest growing areas in the state. WestPlainsChamber.org

Ice Cream for Breakfast Day Breakfast Day

February 6, 2021

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Kendall Yards 509-703-7042 South Hill 509-535-7171