Contributed/Jackson Theater Facebook

For the month of October, Jackson Theatre has been hosting several Halloween-themed films, with more screenings scheduled this week. Past showings have included “Practical Magic” (1998), “Hocus Pocus” (1993) and “Nosferatu” (1922).

Jackson Theatre first opened in the 1920s in the back of a furniture store in Jonesborough. Originally named the Blue Mouse Theatre, it changed its name in 1945.

“It became so popular that Broyles decided to close the furniture store and make it a full-time movie theater. And of course, they played silent movies at the time. And then they started playing talkies. They would have fun events that they would call like teen town where they would have dances for teenagers. They would come and just play music and dance in the theater,” said Amber Crumley, the theater’s operations manager.

The theater closed in 1960 and was divided into three businesses. In 2014, Jonesborough purchased all three buildings to restore the space as Jackson Theatre. After a decade of renovations, the theater reopened in November 2024.

Jackson Theatre continues to strengthen the Jonesborough community by participating in local events and partnering with community organizations. The venue hosts musicians and plays in addition to its own film programming.

This week, Jackson Theatre is continuing its Halloween celebrations with screenings Wednesday through Saturday, culminating in a double feature on Halloween night.

On Wednesday, the theater screened “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice” (2024) as part of its Wacky Wednesday series. The sequel to the 1988 classic follows Lydia Deetz and her daughter as they return to Winter River.

Thursday evening, the theater will screen “The Mummy” (1932) at 7 p.m. as part of its Cinema Classics series. The film follows a team of archaeologists who accidentally bring a mummy back to life.

On Friday, Oct. 30, following Jonesborough’s Haunts and Happenings event, the theater will screen “The Evil Dead” (1981) at 9 p.m. The film follows five friends who travel to a cabin in the woods and accidentally unleash demonic forces.

“The cabin from ‘The Evil Dead’ is in Morristown, Tennessee, so it’s fun to be able to show it at the theater,” Crumley said.

On Halloween, the theater will screen “Halloweentown” (1998) at 4 p.m. and “Halloween II” (1981) at 7 p.m. “Halloweentown” follows Marnie as she discovers she is a witch and must save the magical town. “Halloween II” continues the story of Michael Myers following the events of the original “Halloween” (1978).

“Halloweentown” will be part of Jackson Theatre’s Pay What You Can series, which offers two films each month with tickets starting at $1. Tickets for other films cost $8 for adults and $5 for children and seniors, plus a $1 fee.

The theater’s calendar and ticket links are available at thejacksontheatre.com.

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