If you’ve tried to catch a flick at the movies Sioux City Iowa Promenade lately, you’ve likely been met with locked doors and a very confusing silence. It’s a weird vibe for a place that is usually the heartbeat of Fourth Street. Honestly, walking up to a dark theater in the middle of downtown is a bit of a gut punch for locals who remember when this was the place to be on a Friday night.
The situation is messy. Basically, the ACX Promenade Cinema 14—the massive multiplex at 924 4th St—hit a major legal wall in late 2025. While the website might still show flashy posters for upcoming 2026 releases like GOAT or Toy Story 5, the physical reality is much grimmer. As of January 2026, the screens are dark, the popcorn machines are cold, and the "Open" sign is nowhere to be seen.
What Actually Happened to the Movies Sioux City Iowa Promenade?
The drama started in October 2025. It wasn't some slow decline in ticket sales or a lack of interest in blockbusters. It was a straight-up landlord-tenant blowout. The landlord, YAM 4th Street Promenade, took possession of the building after alleging that the operator, Main Street Theatres, owed over $65,000 in back rent.
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You can still see the notices taped to the glass if you walk by. They basically say the locks have been changed and the tenant isn't allowed back in. This caused a huge headache for the 20th annual Sioux City International Film Festival, which had to scramble to move screenings to places like the RE/MAX City Centre (the old Riviera Theater) just a block away.
- The Lawsuit: It’s not just a "we forgot to pay the bill" situation. There are lawsuits and countersuits flying back and forth.
- The Website Confusion: If you Google the theater, you might see showtimes listed for mid-January 2026. Don't be fooled. Those are automated listings that haven't been cleared out of the system.
- The Impact: Downtown Sioux City lost its only major multiplex, leaving moviegoers with a long drive to the mall if they want the big-screen experience.
Where to Watch Movies in Sioux City Now
With the movies Sioux City Iowa Promenade out of commission, the cinematic landscape in town has shifted entirely to the outskirts. It’s a bummer for anyone who liked grabbing dinner at a downtown spot before a show.
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Your primary option now is the AMC Southern Hills 12 over at 4400 Sergeant Road. It’s located inside the Southern Hills Mall, and while it lacks that historic Fourth Street charm, it’s got the bells and whistles people expect. We’re talking heated signature recliners and the MacGuffins Bar for those who need a drink with their 3-hour epic.
Right now, they are leaning hard into events like the Lord of the Rings 2026 re-releases and big January titles like 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple and Avatar: Fire and Ash. If you’re a regular, you probably already know about their "Popcorn Pass" which is pretty much the only way to make movie snacks affordable in 2026.
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Is the Promenade Coming Back?
That is the $65,000 question. Everyone wants to know if the movies Sioux City Iowa Promenade will ever flicker back to life. Legal battles like this—where rent and lease agreements are at the center—can drag on for years. Sometimes a new operator steps in, but given the scale of a 14-screen theater, that’s a massive investment that most companies are hesitant to make while a lawsuit is still active.
There’s some hope that the city or a different entertainment group might see the value in keeping downtown vibrant. After all, the Promenade had those luxury heated recliners and a solid reputation for cleanliness before the doors were locked. It was a premier destination, not some run-down second-run house.
Practical Advice for Sioux City Moviegoers
- Check Local News, Not Just Google: Google Maps might say "Open," but local outlets like KWIT or the Sioux City Journal are your best bet for the actual status of the Promenade.
- Support the Film Festival: The Sioux City International Film Festival is still alive and kicking, even without its main home. Watch for their pop-up screenings and alternative venues.
- Use the AMC App: Since the mall is now the only game in town for new releases, use the app to reserve those heated recliners early. They fill up fast on weekends since there's no competition downtown.
- Explore Nearby Towns: If you’re feeling adventurous, places like the Sioux Center Cinema 5 or the Holland Plaza Theatre in Orange City are still operating and offer a different, more small-town vibe.
The loss of the Promenade is a hit to the culture of downtown Sioux City, but it’s not the end of film in the area. It just means we have to drive a little further and wait for the lawyers to finish their work before we can walk down 4th Street for a movie again.
Next Steps for You: If you were planning a night out, call the AMC Southern Hills 12 directly to confirm showtimes for Avatar or Zootopia 2, as third-party ticket sites are currently showing ghost listings for the closed Promenade location.