Watch a Show at Pickleville Playhouse - Bear Lake
Pickleville Playhouse is a family theater and grill at 2049 S Bear Lake Blvd in Garden City, Utah, that's been staging live musicals and melodrama since 1977. The season typically runs late May through late October with a rotating lineup, usually a comedic melodrama parody, a big family musical, and a fall production, plus a dinner option served before the show. It's one of the most talked-about traditions on Bear Lake and a short drive from Legacy Beach Resort.
The shows and what to expect:
Pickleville built its reputation on melodrama parodies, the kind where the audience is encouraged to boo the villain and cheer the hero, alongside full family musicals like Beauty and the Beast, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, and The Addams Family in recent seasons. Shows run around two hours including a 15-minute intermission, and they're written to work for grandparents and little kids in the same seat. Concessions include popcorn, box candy, cookies, and pickles for a few dollars each, and the Pickleville Grill (catered by Cafe Sabor) serves dinner before performances, with gluten-free, vegetarian, vegan, and dairy-free options available if you ask staff when ordering.
Hours and price range:
Dinner is typically served from 5 to 8pm Monday through Thursday and 3 to 8pm Friday and Saturday during the season, with showtimes varying by production. Tickets generally run in the $25 to $35 range per person, with premium pricing on Friday and Saturday evening shows in July and August. Outside the summer season, the box office runs limited hours (roughly Monday to Wednesday 11am to 2pm and Thursday to Saturday 11am to 7pm), so it's worth calling (435) 946-2918 or checking their site before planning a visit outside peak summer.
Location and parking:
2049 S Bear Lake Blvd, Garden City, UT 84028, right on the main strip and an easy drive from most homes in the resort. There's a parking lot on site, though it fills up on weekend evenings during peak summer, so arriving 30 minutes before curtain (when will-call tickets are released) gives you time to park and grab a spot before the show.
Local take:
This is one of those things that shows up on every "what to do at Bear Lake" list for a reason, it's been running since 1977 and locals still take out-of-town guests here every summer. Book ahead for Friday and Saturday shows in July and August, they sell out. If you're traveling with young kids who might not sit through a full musical, the melodrama nights tend to be shorter and more interactive.
Tie back:
It's an easy evening plan after a day on the water, close enough to reach from most homes in the resort, including BearBNB 38 and Bunker 31. Browse the full collection of Bear Lake vacation rentals if you're still deciding where to stay.
Pickleville Playhouse FAQ:
-
What kind of shows does Pickleville Playhouse put on? A rotating summer lineup that usually includes a comedic melodrama parody, a full family musical, and a fall production. Shows run about two hours with a 15-minute intermission.
-
Does Pickleville Playhouse serve dinner? Yes, dinner is served before performances (roughly 5 to 8pm weekdays, 3 to 8pm weekends in season), catered by Cafe Sabor, with allergy-friendly options available.
-
How much are tickets and should I book ahead? Tickets typically run $25 to $35, with premium pricing for Friday and Saturday summer evenings. Weekend shows in July and August sell out, so book in advance.
Related: Things To Do in Bear Lake, Utah · Top Restaurants & Dining in Bear Lake · Bear Lake Vacation Rentals