Hippodrome Cinema events & schedule

About Hippodrome Cinema

The Hippodrome Cinema is the 75-seat cinema inside the Hippodrome State Theatre, which occupies the historic Federal Building in the heart of downtown Gainesville. The building is listed on the National Registry of Historic Places and also holds a 276-seat thrust-stage theatre, rehearsal space, a scene shop, an art gallery, a bar and the box office. The cinema screens first-run foreign, limited-release and avant-garde films alongside indie titles and classics, and its series runs more than 700 screenings a year. The theatre was founded in 1972 and designated a State Theatre of Florida in 1981.

The room

A 75-seat cinema inside the Hippodrome State Theatre.

The building

The historic Federal Building, listed on the National Registry of Historic Places, in the heart of downtown Gainesville. It also holds a 276 seat thrust-stage theatre with rehearsal space and a scene shop, an art gallery, a bar, the box office and administrative offices.

What it screens

First-run foreign, limited-release and avant-garde films. The cinema's own page describes the screen as a home for indie gems through timeless classics.

How much it runs

The Hippodrome Cinema Series has 1,000 members and 20,000 patrons, and more than 700 screenings per year.

Cinema membership

$25 per year. It gives $2 off a ticket for every Hippodrome Cinema programmed movie, available only through the box office or by phone reservation, plus one complimentary small popcorn.

The theatre around it

Founded in 1972 by six artists, moved into the Federal Building in 1979, and designated a State Theatre of Florida in 1981.

Art gallery

The Hippodrome houses an art gallery available, by invitation, to Florida artists at no charge.

Verified August 11, 2026 against thehipp.org, the venue's own site. Policies change, so confirm before you go. Event listings below update nightly.