The Genesee first opened on Christmas day in 1927 as a luxurious movie palace, hosting several world premieres and showing classic films during their initial releases for over 60 years. The Genesee closed in 1989 due to competition from major multiplexes. The theatre reopened in 2004 after a 5-year $23 million renovation. Many improvements were made to the theatre including new lighting and sound systems, a Broadway-sized stage and rigging system, reproduction of the original 1927 marquee, installation of chandeliers which include those seen in the Grand Lobby and main Auditorium, and so much more.
The Genesee offers a variety of national and local live performances year-round, which include music, comedy, ballet, movies and more. In addition, the theatre and surrounding lounges can be rented for private events.
The Grand Auditorium, as well as the surrounding lobbies and lounges, are available for rent, accommodating any event from showers, corporate outings and cocktail parties, to business meetings, trainings and seminars. Private events in the beautiful lounges become even more memorable when coupled with tickets to an amazing show. Group sales of 15 tickets or more are eligible for a free lounge rental.
Prices for single lounges and full floor rentals vary depending on weekday vs. weekend. Lounges are available in 4 hour and 8 hour increments. Please contact Events@GeneseeTheatre.com or call (847) 406-3056 for pricing details.
Entrance fees vary depending on the show. To avoid Ticketmaster fees, tickets should be purchased directly through the Box Office.
The Genesee Theatre offers a membership program: A one-time donation of $500 grants access to exclusive Headliner Member-Only benefits from January – December, including waived Ticketmaster fees, first access to tickets and more.
By purchasing 20 tickets throughout the year, membership is automatically elevated to Encore Status, giving the member even more perks! A portion of each annual membership fee is also a tax-deductible contribution to The Friends of the Historic Genesee Theatre, a 501(c)(3) not for profit organization.
The Genesee is easily accessible via the UP-N Metra Rail, with just a 10 minute walk to the theatre.
The Genesee Theatre strives to have events for families and children and is in full swing this fall with the following performances perfect for family entertainment:
October 11, 2025 | MasterChef All-Stars Live
October 19, 2025 | iLuminate
November 14, 2025 | Swan Lake
December 7, 2025 | RAIN: A Beatles Christmas Tribute
December 18 & 19, 2025 | The Magic of The Nutcracker
December 20, 2025 | Lindsey Stirling
December 27, 2025 | Michael Carbonaro
The box office is open Tuesday to Friday 11AM to 5:30PM and Saturday 10AM to 3PM. It is closed on Sundays and Mondays. If a show is performing, the box office is always open 90 minutes before the start of the show. (By purchasing directly from the box office, either in-person or over the phone (847) 263-6300, patrons can avoid Ticketmaster fees and save $10+ per ticket.)
Genesee Theater
203 N. Genesee St.Waukegan, IL 60085
(847) 263-6300www.geneseetheatre.com
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