The Roxy Brings Arts, Culture, and Conversation to Quincy Square
The Historic Roxy Theater in downtown Bremerton has been around since 1941, but these days it feels anything but stuck in the past.
Now run as a nonprofit, the single-screen venue has carved out a fresh identity as a place where locals can catch everything from first-run movies to concert films, jazz nights, drag performances, and community events—all in a space that blends vintage charm with modern sound and projection.
“Our mission is to entertain, inspire and connect the community through the magic of film, live performances and shared experiences,” said Executive Director Michael Goodnow.
For Goodnow, it’s not just about showing movies—it’s about creating meaningful, shared experiences. That’s clear on any given week at the Roxy, where the calendar includes an eclectic mix of screenings, live music, and events you won’t find anywhere else.
A recent Star Wars night brought out more than 100 fans in costume, celebrating the film’s deep connection to the Roxy, where it originally screened in 1977. A Big Lebowski night had attendees donning bathrobes and sipping themed cocktails like White Russians.
“We love to show these sort of retro movies, and we always try to make them a little more, a little more community oriented,” Goodnow said.
The Roxy plays a unique role in Bremerton’s arts scene, offering something between smaller bar venues and larger stages like the Admiral Theatre or Bremerton High’s Performing Arts Center. It’s a middle ground—more intimate than a big theater, but more immersive than a typical bar show—tailored for film, music, and community-driven programming.
With a full bar and curated drink menu, the Roxy blends the nostalgia of classic movies with a fun, locally focused experience. They host a film-themed book club, organize special events, and offer a membership program with perks. Seasonal popcorn flavors are made in partnership with local spice company SPIVA Cooking.
“We try to really focus on experience, because you can watch a movie in your car, in your house, or wherever,” Goodnow said. “We want to make it special to be here.”
“It’s that shared experience,” he added. “You can watch Star Wars at home every day, but you can come here and you can watch it with other folks. It’s always fun, especially a comedy movie, when people are bringing kids, because you hear that kid get it, and that kid laughs, and then everybody laughs because they remember getting it the first time, or experiencing it the first time. It’s those kinds of things that help bring connections.”
Inside, the Roxy features high ceilings, original plaster walls, Kitsap’s only laser projector, and Dolby 7.1 surround sound. The auditorium seats just under 500 people, making it ideal for community events or a night out that feels elevated but approachable.
The Roxy is currently fundraising to meet the terms of a $50,000 state grant awarded through Washington’s Historic Theaters Grant Program. It’s a matching grant, requiring the theater to complete $100,000 in improvements and raise $50,000 to receive the full reimbursement. A recent budget extension gave the Roxy more time to meet its goal.
The planned upgrades focus on accessibility. New front doors and a push-button ADA entry system are in the works, along with an intercom at the box office to help staff hear patrons over street noise. There are also plans to restore the historic outdoor concession stand—longtime locals might remember grabbing tickets or snacks through the window back in the day.
Currently, the indoor concessions area is located down a flight of stairs, posing challenges for patrons with mobility issues. While the outdoor window won’t be open all the time, it could be staffed during larger events, improving access.
Another update Goodnow hopes to make is a mobile point-of-sale system, allowing staff to bring a tablet to customers who may need assistance.
The overall goal is to make the building more accessible and welcoming to everyone. Goodnow also prioritizes programming that reflects Kitsap’s unique culture, helping the Roxy stand out from other venues in the region.
Even with a packed schedule, the Roxy keeps space open for local artists, creatives, and small businesses—whether that means hosting a pop-up shop, offering stage time, or simply giving a shoutout to a nearby café during movie night. The goal is always to support the local community and make the Roxy a place where people feel like they belong.
“One of my absolute favorite things here is when people go into a movie strangers, and then come out and talk about a movie in the lobby,” Goodnow said. “You’re bringing folks together with a common interest. Maybe they’re very different people, but they’re like minded in the concept of the movie, or for their passion for film or things like that. I think that’s kind of fun.”
The Roxy regularly screens documentaries and independent films, often paired with post-film discussions or guest speakers. Whether tackling serious topics or sharing lighthearted stories, the goal is the same: to inspire conversation and community.
Past selections have ranged from documentaries on Gaza and Palestine to a nostalgic look at Rainier Beer’s iconic marketing history.
“It’s about connecting with people, connecting people to stories,” Goodnow said.
As a nonprofit, the Roxy relies on community support. Beyond donations, supporters can help by becoming members, seeing movies, and bringing friends along.
“We feel like we’re on the right track,” Goodnow said. “The numbers are clicking along, but it’s a struggle all the time.”
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