VENUE RENTALS

Looking to make your next event unique? Central Cinema is a casual, intimate 88-seat venue servicing a wide range of private & public rental needs. Birthday parties, film premieres, video gaming, company gatherings, sponsored documentaries, comedy shows, conferences, benefit screenings, live music… we can do it all.

Private Rentals

For private, invitation-only events we ask a facility rental fee (starting at $250) as well as a minimum spend at our snack bar (starting at $150), which features everything from Knoxville's alleged best popcorn to an array of quality beers & ciders.

We also offer special discounted rates for cast & crew short film premieres running one hour or less!

Rates vary according to the day, time and duration of the event. Standard rental length is 2h15m. All guest purchases of snacks, drinks and koozies/stickers count toward the minimum snack bar spend; media, apparel and membership purchases do not. Outside food and drinks are welcome. A $100 deposit may be required at time of scheduling.

Live Public Events

Want to present a live event at Central Cinema? Let us know what you've got in mind and we'll work from there! Our space features a small stage, lighting and a PA system, and regularly hosts live events such as stand-up comedy, poetry readings, musical performances and conference presentations.

Live Events are priced with a room fee (starting at $150) and a minimum spend at our snack bar, starting at $75 per hour... so the more your guests spend with us, the less you owe at the end of the night!

Rates vary according to the day, time and duration of the event. All guest purchases of snacks, drinks and koozies/stickers count toward the minimum snack bar spend; media, apparel and membership purchases do not. Ticketing and admission are generally executed by the event host, but Central Cinema can handle ticketing for a 20% fee. A $100 deposit may be required at time of scheduling. Burlesque-style shows are welcome but must abide by relevant blue law guidelines.

Custom Public Screenings

Got a specialty film screening in mind to help get the word out about your business, group or cause? Or maybe you've just finished your latest masterpiece and want to share it with the world? Central Cinema is Knoxville's premier venue for homegrown film events, and we'd love to have your event on our schedule, whether it's ticketed or free to the public.

Custom Screenings are priced on a minimum spend at our snack bar, starting at $125 per hour... so the more your guests spend with us, the less you owe at the end of the event! (Event hosts are also responsible for the cost and process of film licensing where applicable.)

Rates vary according to the day, time and duration of the event. All guest purchases of snacks, drinks and koozies/stickers count toward the minimum snack bar spend; media, apparel and membership purchases do not. Ticketing and admission are generally executed by the event host, but Central Cinema can handle ticketing for a 20% fee; if your event is free we still advise the use of an online RSVP to gauge promotional response and avoid filling the theater beyond capacity. A $100 deposit may be required at time of scheduling.

Partnered & Sponsored Screenings

Looking for a way to treat the people that keep your business/organization running while building awareness of your brand? Our Sponsored Screenings ($250, includes 15 free passes to any screening of the film) get you a presenter credit on an existing Central Cinema booking, while our Partnered Screenings (starting at $350, with 20 free passes) let youchoose the movie you'd like to present!

Both Sponsored and Partnered screenings include: your logo and/or name on promotional materials; a quantity of free passes you can use for employees, clients or giveaways;  a 30-second video advertisement run prior the film; and the option to make a key showtime into an "event" screening featuring an introduction, Q&A, information table, promotional giveaways and/or anything else within reason.

Fee is due upon booking confirmation. Some restrictions may apply, and not all films are available for booking. Central Cinema may opt to schedule additional showings of Partnered films at no further cost to you, continuing use of logo/materials unless otherwise arranged.

A note on booking: Though we’re sometimes able to squeeze people in on shorter notice, we recommend scheduling a month or two in advance for broadest date/time availability. (We also ask your patience as we prepare a response… we are a small and busy team!) Fill out the form below to get the ball rolling, including as much information as possible about your event!

Rental Inquiry Form

ANNUAL MEMBERSHIPS

Our $89 Deluxe Annual Membership package offers movie fans a chance to show their support for Central Cinema while enjoying discounts and special perks, including:

  • Everyday savings ($3 off your ticket, $1 off popcorn, 20% off merchandise)
  • $5 “Member Monday” tickets every Monday
  • Free pinback button with every visit
  • Enrollment in our Central Cinema Loyalty Program
  • Discounted series & special event passes
  • Reduced rental & advertising rates
  • Custom membership card featuring a film of your choice
  • Access to members-only screenings and events

You can now purchase your Annual Membership via our VTix portal. Sign up now and start enjoying member perks today!

Already a member? Log in here to confirm your online account, check your points balance or adjust your information.