Goodbye, Movie Tavern Aurora. You Were More Than Just a Movie Theater.

Movie Tavern in Aurora, Colorado, is permanently closing on October 31, 2026, and I'm genuinely sad to see it go.

I know it's just a movie theater, but if you've ever had a little place in your neighborhood that felt like your own, I think you'll understand. For me, Movie Tavern on Hampden Avenue was exactly that. It was practically down the street from my house, and over the years it became one of my favorite places to spend time with my kids, enjoy a movie alone, or simply escape for a couple of hours.

The funny thing is, I had just recommended Movie Tavern in my guide to getting out of the house with a baby in Aurora. I was talking about how comfortable and easygoing it was, especially for an earlier showing when you wanted somewhere to relax with your little one. Then, almost immediately afterward, I received an email explaining that my tickets for the rest of the month were being refunded because the theater was permanently closing.

Well, that recommendation certainly didn't age the way I expected.

There Was Just Something About That Place

Movie Tavern wasn't a huge, overwhelming theater. It was small, comfortable, and had those wonderful reclining chairs with plenty of space around you. I honestly don't think there was a bad seat in the house.

I remember when they started offering food and beverage service right to your chair. You'd turn on a little light when you needed something, and someone would come take your order. Later, during COVID, they worked to adapt, eventually moving to app-based ordering. I actually loved that system. You could settle into your chair, order dinner from your phone, and have everything delivered without interrupting the movie.

They even offered private theater rentals for groups during that time. I never took advantage of it, but I remember appreciating how hard they were trying to keep the movie-going experience alive.

And can we talk about the food? Because their Caesar salad was one of my favorite things. Always crisp, with those big chunks of cheese. I don't know what made it so good, but it was. Their popcorn was a must, too, and the fried pickles, burgers, and pizzas were surprisingly delicious. There was something wonderful about being able to enjoy an actual meal while watching a movie in a comfortable reclining chair.

A Little Independence for My Girls, and a Little Time for Me

One of my favorite things about Movie Tavern was how it fit into different stages of our family life.

When my girls were younger, it was a fun family outing. As they got older, it became somewhere I could give them a little independence while still being nearby. Sometimes they'd want to see a movie I'd already watched, so I'd get them settled in their theater and hang out at the bar while they enjoyed the show. They got to feel a little grown-up, and I was still right there if they needed me.

I loved those moments. Watching your children become a little more independent is such a funny part of parenting. You want to give them room to grow, but you also love knowing you're close enough if they need you.

And sometimes, I went without them.

I love my girls dearly, but I also love a good R-rated movie, and Movie Tavern was one of my favorite places to go by myself. I'd order my food, recline my chair, and enjoy a couple of hours where nobody needed anything from me. There's something pretty wonderful about being comfortable enough to take yourself to the movies.

I think that's part of why this closing makes me sad. When I photograph newborns, I'm always thinking about how quickly those tiny babies grow into children with their own personalities, interests, and independence. And then I look at my own girls and realize that some of our favorite little family traditions have already become memories.

Movie Tavern was part of those memories for us.

To the Staff, Thank You. And Also, I'm Sorry About the Popcorn.

I really loved the people who worked at Movie Tavern. I went often enough that I recognized the staff, and I was always happy to tell someone when I'd had a wonderful experience.

I remember once complimenting an employee to a manager, and she told me, "I know, you always say that." I remember laughing because I didn't think that was entirely true. I just went there so often that she probably heard me compliment a whole lot of different people!

But while we're talking about the staff, I do have a confession.

I spilled my popcorn. Every. Single. Time.

I don't know how someone can visit a theater that frequently and never develop the basic skill of keeping popcorn in its container, but apparently I managed it. I always tried to pick up what I could, but I am fully aware that I was part of the problem.

So to every employee who ever cleaned up after me, I'm sorry. And thank you. Not just for the popcorn, but for making that little theater such a wonderful place to visit.

One Last Goodbye to Movie Tavern Aurora

Movie Tavern is scheduled to close on Halloween, October 31, 2026, after nearly two decades under the Movie Tavern name. It feels especially sad to lose it around a holiday when so many families are out making memories together.

I know Aurora has other movie theaters, and I'm sure we'll find new places to enjoy. But there's something about losing a familiar neighborhood spot that feels different. It wasn't just the movies. It was the comfortable chairs, the good food, the friendly faces, and knowing exactly what kind of afternoon you were going to have when you walked through the doors.

If you loved Movie Tavern too, there's still a little time to visit before it closes. Maybe enjoy one more movie, order your favorite meal, and thank someone who works there.

And if you happen to see a ridiculous amount of popcorn on the floor near one of those reclining chairs, well, I may have been there.

Key Takeaways

Movie Tavern Aurora, located at 18605 E. Hampden Avenue, is scheduled to close permanently on October 31, 2026. For nearly two decades, it has been a familiar neighborhood destination for movies, meals, and family outings.

For me, it was a place where I watched my girls grow a little more independent, enjoyed time to myself, and made countless little memories. I'm going to miss it, and I'm especially grateful to the people who made it such a welcoming place.

A Little About Me

I'm Jen, a mom of two and a newborn photographer here in Aurora, Colorado. I spend my days capturing the very beginning of family stories, but I love sharing the places, experiences, and little moments that make raising a family in our community so special.

These Aurora guides and stories are simply one neighbor sharing what she loves, what she's learned, and sometimes what she's going to miss.

And Movie Tavern? I'm really going to miss that one.