DENVER, June 19, 2025
Federal Theatre Set to Shine Again
Denver’s federal Theatre, a historic venue, is set to reopen as a mid-size music and entertainment space this summer, bringing a fresh vibe to teh city’s northwest side.
- The 650-capacity theatre,built in 1923,is being restored.
- Co-owner Scott Happel envisions the space as a revived public venue.
- The grand opening is planned for September.
After years in the dark, the Federal Theatre at 3830 Federal Blvd. is poised to reignite its neon sign this summer, transforming into Denver’s newest mid-size music and entertainment venue, offering a unique space for local acts. The theater, which first opened in 1923 as a movie house, stopped showing films in the mid-1970s.
Flashback: The federal Theatre’s early days as a movie house coincided wiht the golden age of cinema, offering a glimpse into the entertainment preferences of the 1920s-1970s.
The building, which co-owner Scott Happel first saw in November 2023, was in surprisingly good shape. this finding helped him imagine its future as a revived public space for Denver’s northwest side. Happel also co-owns the Oriental Theater at 4335 W. 44th Ave. and the South Broadway rock club HQ.
“A church had been utilizing the space off and on for quite a while, but to what degree? We don’t really know,” Happel said. “But it’s great for us because during busy season in the spring and fall, we’re turning shows away from the Oriental, so this could catch some of that spillover.”
Final inspections and liquor license approval are expected by mid-August. Happel, along with co-owners Andy Bercaw and Peter Ore, who also operate the Delorean, an ’80s-themed bar that opened in 2024, consider the Federal Theater a companion to the Oriental Theater.Their plans include a grand opening in September, with the restored marquee shining once again.
Venue Synergy: The Federal Theater’s connection to the Oriental Theater and The Delorean creates a network of entertainment options for Denver residents.
The Sager family, which has owned both the Oriental and Federal properties for decades, has confidence in Happel’s team to restart the venue. Happel declined to share the lease terms, but mentioned that the Sager family and the zoning of the Federal Theatre have allowed his team to restore it without spending massive amounts of money.
Happel compared the Federal to othre historic Denver movie houses-turned-music venues, such as the Bluebird, Gothic, Ogden, and Paramount theaters.While the Federal lacks the elaborate art deco design of the Paramount and Mayan Theatres, it still showcases the marks of a 1948 art deco remodel that makes it one of the most beautiful theaters in the city.
“there’s a cool recess in the lobby ceiling that has neon in it, and when you first enter the theater, the ceiling has neon in it,” he said. However, “we haven’t been able to find a single photo of the interior when it was a movie theater.” Morry’s Neon, a family-owned business that worked on the Oriental Theater’s sign, is restoring the neon sign.
Illuminating the Past: The restoration of the neon sign by Morry’s Neon is a symbolic act, bringing back a piece of the theater’s vibrant history.
happel is also focused on building strong relationships with local businesses, neighbors, and artists. The venue’s team of 12 to 15 staff members plans to start with weekend shows and experiment with performances like dance, circus, and comedy, in addition to music.
“We are local and independent and we love this city, and we’re making a point of telling people that,” Happel stated, reflecting on his talks with residents and businesses. “So many national tours come through denver that it’s become harder and harder for local acts to even find a space. I think we’re in a position to change that.”
Did you know? The Federal Theatre’s reopening aims to provide a platform for local acts, addressing the challenge posed by numerous national tours coming to Denver, according to Happel.
The owners are also launching a founder’s club called Club Fed, which offers various membership levels from $50 to $1,000 per person. Club Fed includes front-of-line privileges, exclusive merchandise designed and made by local artists, presales, discounts, and other perks.
Community Impact and Beyond: Denver’s Revived Entertainment Scene
The reopening of the Federal Theater is more than just the restoration of a building; it’s the rejuvenation of a community space. Beyond providing a venue for local talent, the Federal Theatre’s revival signifies a broader shift in Denver’s entertainment landscape. The team, led by Scott Happel, is prioritizing community engagement, seeking to cultivate a space that benefits both artists and residents.
Community-Driven Approach: The Federal Theatre aims to establish a strong connection with local businesses and resident, reflecting a commitment to local involvement and entertainment diversity.
Happel and his co-owners are actively collaborating with local businesses, ensuring that the Federal Theatre becomes an integral part of the neighborhood. This approach extends beyond partnerships and includes actively listening to the needs of the community. They plan to offer diverse programming, moving beyond just music and considering comedy, circus acts, and dance performances. this breadth of offerings reflects a desire to cater to a wide range of interests and create a vibrant cultural hub. They aim to embrace local culture, fostering a space to showcase Denver’s unique character.
The efforts to create a strong community connection are not unique to the Federal Theatre. Denver, known for its vibrant arts scene, has many examples of prosperous community-focused venues.The Gothic Theatre, like the Federal, also offers a variety of acts, including music, comedy, and other performances, illustrating a trend of venues catering to diverse tastes. Likewise, the Bluebird Theater has a longstanding reputation for showcasing both local and national talent in an intimate setting.
What is Club Fed, and how does it work? Club Fed, the theater’s founder’s club, offers memberships at diffrent levels, providing exclusive benefits to its members. These perks include front-of-line access, merchandise crafted by local artists, advance ticket sales, and special discounts.
The Federal Theatre’s commitment to the community should also stimulate the local economy. By providing a venue for local artists, the theatre is supporting their careers and encouraging more locally made merchandise. Beyond the economic benefits, showcasing local talent fosters a sense of community pride and provides opportunities for artistic expression. The Federal Theatre’s focus on local acts will help to establish a stronger creative ecosystem within Denver.
Why is it significant to support local venues? Support for venues like the Federal Theatre ensures creative expressions have a platform, and local economies support local acts, fostering Denver’s vibrant arts scene.
Happel’s team have also set goals to expand beyond the confines of the Federal Theatre. they are considering expanding into food and beverage options at the theater so residents can further savor their experience. By aiming to change the local entertainment model, the revitalized federal Theatre can serve as a model for community-focused venues and demonstrate how historic spaces can be repurposed for new creative eras.
