You’re driving through Klamath Falls, maybe you just finished a long day at Crater Lake or you’re a local looking to escape the wind, and you just want to see a movie. It sounds simple enough. But if you haven't been to a movie theatre in Klamath Falls lately, you might notice things have changed a bit. The local cinema scene isn't some massive multiplex empire with twenty screens and a bowling alley. It’s smaller. It’s more personal. Honestly, it’s exactly what you’d expect from a mountain town that prides itself on being a little rugged and a lot authentic.
The Main Hub: Cinemark Pelican Cinemas 13
When most people talk about going to the movies here, they’re talking about Pelican Cinemas. It’s located over on Washburn Way. If you’ve been to a Cinemark anywhere else in the country, you sort of know the drill, but the Pelican has its own vibe. It’s got thirteen screens, which is plenty for a town this size. You’re going to find all the big blockbusters—Marvel, the latest Pixar flick, whatever horror movie is trending on TikTok.
The seating is pretty standard. We aren't talking about those floor-to-ceiling reclining leather thrones in every single auditorium yet, but it’s comfortable enough for a two-hour sit. They’ve got the classic concession stand—popcorn that smells like heaven and costs like gold. You know how it is. One thing that’s actually pretty great is the Cinemark Movie Rewards program. If you’re a local, you’re basically leaving money on the table if you don’t use it because those points for free popcorn add up faster than you’d think.
Why Tuesday is the Secret Weapon
If you’re trying to save a buck, Tuesday is your day. Discount Tuesdays at the movie theatre in Klamath Falls are a legitimate local phenomenon. It gets crowded. Like, surprisingly crowded for a weeknight. But it’s one of the few times you can take a family of four to the movies without feeling like you need a second mortgage. It’s worth checking the Cinemark app before you head out, though, because showtimes in a smaller market can be a little wonky compared to big cities like Portland or Medford.
📖 Related: Colin Macrae Below Deck: Why the Fan-Favorite Engineer Finally Walked Away
The Ross Ragland Theatre: Not Your Average Cinema
Now, if you want something that isn't a sticky-floor multiplex experience, you have to look at the Ross Ragland Theater. It’s an old-school, Art Deco masterpiece right downtown. It was originally the Esquire Theater back in the 1940s. While it functions primarily as a performing arts center today—think ballets, local plays, and touring musicians—they still show films.
Usually, the films at the Ragland are special events. We're talking classic cinema nights, indie documentaries, or holiday specials like The Polar Express. Watching a movie here is different. You’re sitting in a restored historic venue with incredible acoustics and that specific "old theater" smell that you just can't replicate. It reminds you that cinema used to be an event, not just something you did to kill time on a Friday night.
What’s Missing and What’s Coming
Klamath Falls is in an interesting spot. For a while, people were worried about the future of the local cinema because, let's face it, streaming is a beast. But there’s something about the Basin that keeps people coming back to the big screen. Maybe it’s the winters. When it’s snowing sideways and the sun sets at 4:30 PM, sitting in a dark, warm theater with a giant bucket of buttered popcorn is basically a survival tactic.
👉 See also: Cómo salvar a tu favorito: La verdad sobre la votación de La Casa de los Famosos Colombia
We don't have a dedicated "indie" house or a luxury dine-in cinema. If you want a full steak dinner while watching Dune, you’re probably driving to Medford. But for most of us, the current setup works. There's a certain charm to the simplicity of the movie theatre in Klamath Falls. It’s where kids go on their first dates and where seniors meet up for the early matinee to beat the crowds.
A Quick Tip on Sound and Tech
If you're a tech nerd, try to aim for the larger auditoriums at Pelican Cinemas. The smaller rooms are fine, but the sound systems in the main houses (usually theaters 1 or 2) have a lot more punch. If you’re seeing an action movie where things are blowing up every five minutes, you’ll definitely notice the difference in the low-end bass.
Navigating the Local Experience
Logistics matter. Parking at the Washburn Way location is usually a breeze, which is one perk of not living in a massive metro area. You can roll up five minutes before the trailers start and still find a spot near the door.
✨ Don't miss: Cliff Richard and The Young Ones: The Weirdest Bromance in TV History Explained
- Check the local listings early. Because showtimes can fluctuate based on seasonal demand, the Friday morning update on the website is your best friend.
- Dress in layers. This is Klamath Falls. The AC in the summer can be aggressive, and in the winter, the lobby might be chilly until you get into the actual theater.
- Support the concessions. Small-market theaters rely heavily on those snack sales to stay afloat. If we want to keep having a movie theater in town, buying that soda actually helps more than you think.
The reality of the movie theatre in Klamath Falls is that it’s a reflection of the town itself: unpretentious, reliable, and a little nostalgic. It’s not about the latest 4D vibrating seats or laser-show pre-shows. It’s about the community getting together to share a story in the dark.
Whether you're hitting the Cinemark for the latest summer hit or catching a vintage screening at the Ross Ragland, you're part of a long tradition of cinema in the High Desert.
Actionable Steps for Your Next Visit:
- Download the Cinemark App: Do this before you leave the house. It allows you to skip the box office line, which can get surprisingly backed up on Friday nights.
- Check the Ross Ragland Calendar: Visit their official site once a month. Their film screenings are rare but usually high-quality and offer a completely different atmosphere than the multiplex.
- Join the Movie Club: If you go at least once a month, the $10 or so fee pays for itself with the included ticket and 20% off snacks.
- Verify Showtimes Directly: Don't just trust the Google snippet. Always click through to the theater's actual booking page to ensure the time hasn't been shifted for a private event or technical issue.