This is a great theater, especially for comedy shows. I like that it is a little smaller than PPAC, it is more manageable and no bad seats in the house. It is a beautiful theater. There is a good amount of parking in the area, but definitely need to plan ahead to walk up the hill if you don't use their parking lot. Their parking lot is expensive in my opinion, so I always try to find street parking or use the mall garage. They get really great shows here too. My only complaint is that the shows NEVER start on time. read more

Veterans Memorial Auditorium - Performing Arts Near Me - Providence, Rhode Island

Great historic theatre in Providence! We most recently saw The Indigo Girls and Melissa Etheridge here and it was a sold out show. Even with a full house, there was no line to get in. We were greeted kindly by the ticket scanners and the ushers, and were led to our seats. There are adequate restrooms on both floors and we experienced very little wait time there as well. Our seats were awesome - Front row of the balcony all the way on the left, and the view was perfect. Taking a star off because the sound wasn't very balanced in this part of the venue, but it was still a great show. Seats here are comfortable, the theatre is beautiful, and there is a lot of street parking as well as a lot close by to the theatre. Vets is smaller than its sister theatre, PPAC, and a little more manageable. Great place for a concert or a theatre performance. read more

Veterans Memorial Auditorium - Indigo Girls at Vets - Performing Arts Near Me - Providence, Rhode Island

See all

The absolute worst concert experience I've ever been to. I went to the Ani concert and was yelled at for dancing (in an empty row with empty town in front and behind), whispering, singing along and even talking on the stairs on the way to the bathroom. It's great for the nutcracker but hell no for a concert. Absolutely awful. What a waste of $150 per ticket. So terribly disappointing. read more

I had the chance to see Avatar The Last Airbender In Concert, and it was absolutely amazing! The live orchestra brought the iconic soundtrack to life while scenes from all three seasons played on a full size screen. The way the music synced perfectly with the show made it such an immersive experience it truly felt like reliving the series in a whole new way. Definitely a must see for any Avatar fan! During intermission, I grabbed a pretzel and some drinks and wow they were strong, so you definitely get your money's worth! I can't wait to come back and see a different show!! read more

See all

Veterans Memorial is smaller than PPAC and not as elaborately decorated, but still a lovely venue in it's own right. A quick security scan of your bag is done outside the entrance. In the vestibule a box office is open for 'will call' tickets before the performance. A second set of doors opens onto the lower lobby when seating is open. There are three levels to the theater. Wide staircases on either side of the lower lobby and one elevator lead to the second level. The first and second levels have retails space for snacks and drinks. A bottle of spring water is $$ so you can imagine a beer or a cookie. It's the usual event night expense. The wall colors are rich and the carpeting plush. There is not much in the way of seating in the lobby. Public restrooms are on the first and second level. They are older, but well maintained. A single staircase in the center leads from the second level to the 'nose bleed' section. The stairs are steep here so no one's head will be 'in your way' and there is really nothing aesthetically pleasing in that area. The décor on the lower level of the auditorium is lovely. They have good sound and lighting systems throughout. When we were purchasing tickets the original selection came up as 'obstructed view', so we changed them. When we arrived at the theater, the obstruction is the metal railing above the entrance to the theater from the lobby. So not really obstructed for an average height person. If you are short, or a child, that rail may be in your line of sight. Parking is in a paid lot, mall parking garage or on street, which is free after 6pm. read more

See all

The place is nice. The staff is great. The food was over priced the pretzel was super stale. All the snacks and drinks were very expensive!!!!! If you are planning to go there for an event. Bring a jacket. It's very cold. read more

Veterans Memorial Auditorium - Performing Arts Near Me - Providence, Rhode Island

The Veterans Memorial Auditorium also known as The VETS is located on the Avenue of the Arts across from the Rhode Island State House. In 2015, The VETS completed a multi-million dollar renovation that turned the theater into a state of the art performance facility and created multipurpose event spaces throughout the building that can be used for pre-show or post-show gatherings, business functions, and a variety of special events. It is a beautiful theater with a ceiling featuring the shields of Rhode Island's original 39 communities. The VETS On-Site Box Office is only open on show days. I usually go to the PPAC Box Office to purchase tickets for shows at The VETS. I've seen Lewis Black, Taylor Tomlinson, Ballet RI presents Cinderella at The VETS. Before the show and during intermission, there are concessions and products for sale. The lobby smells like freshly baked chocolate chip cookies so I couldn't resist in purchasing one. The chocolate chip cookie is a good size, freshly baked, and warm. I also purchased a pretzel and water. Water and soft drinks were $4.50. If you have an opportunity to walk inside or watch a show at The VETS, it is definitely worth it. read more

See all

Great venue with a rich history...located right off Rt 95 & 146, very close to Rt 6 & 195. read more

Veterans Memorial Auditorium - Waiting for David Spade! - Performing Arts Near Me - Providence, Rhode Island

Brit Floyd was amazing, light show was sick. it is 2nd time seeing them at the vets and they did not disappoint. If you like Pink Floyd I recommend, even if you're not a big fan check it out next time around just for light show. read more

See all

During the pandemic, the Vets has done an excellent job asking for vaccination cards and requiring all the staff and ushers to be fully vaccinated (and now...boostered). The venue is one of the pretties in RI. With a dome that has all the state's code of arms, it creates a colorful and rich decor that you can enjoy just by looking up. Depending on the production, you might have 1, 2 or 3 bars open. Restrooms are located in the mezzanine or lower floors, none on the main floor that you enter. This last time, I saw the Nutcracker ballet and it was Wonderful ! One of the best I've seen. The choreography, the colors, the set...all were just magical. Great place to spend a few hours of entertainment and culture. read more

See all

Recently visited for the Ted x Providence event. It is a great venue with ample seating. Lots of bathrooms and concession spaces to keep lines moving. Beautiful interior designs. read more

Veterans Memorial Auditorium - Performing Arts Near Me - Providence, Rhode Island

Gorgeous venue! We have gone multiple times for different events, but our go to is the nutcracker! The security to enter is effortless and there are always plenty of staff to help you find your way to your seat. They offer light snacks and drinks, expect to pay $$. We always do the mezzanine, which offers excellent views of the main floor. They offer valet or a paid parking lot, which we did for 20 dollars. Absolutely worth it because it is directly across from the door. Other than that you can try for street parking or the mall parking, but expect large lines for that. read more

Beautiful old theater , not a bad seat in the house. Restrooms are super clean ! Would definitely see a show here again. They offer Valet parking for 20 bucks ! read more

See all

Great theater. We're in the very last row. Sound was great. Really pretty. Everyone was so kind.

My Husband and I are born and raised Rhode Islanders and had never seen a show here at The Veterans Memorial Auditorium until last evening. We had tickets to see Brit Floyd, A Pink Floyd Tribute band which was absolutely phenomenal!!!! Upon arriving there were many concert goers waiting at the entrance to get inside. The lines moved pretty swiftly which was a plus. The employees at the entrances were very friendly and polite as were the bar staff. We were sat at Row H seats 107 & 108 directly in the middle of the isle. Perfect distance from the stage especially for this particular show. The seating is a bit of a tight squeeze. It's almost impossible not to touch the guests sitting beside you. It seemed people were pretty understanding of this fact though. Should you have to use the bathroom or get drinks while the show is going unfortunately you will have to have the other guest down the isle stand up and no matter what you will physically bump into each one along the way. For those who might be uncomfortable with being tightly squeezed in with other guests, need a restroom break or order more drinks, you might want to consider purchasing an isle seat. The auditorium is absolutely gorgeous and very clean. Overall we had a wonderful experience seeing a show here and would definitely visit again. read more

Veterans Memorial Auditorium - Auditorium - Performing Arts Near Me - Providence, Rhode Island

See all

I've been to a couple of events at the Vets (as it's called by folks in these parts), and have been impressed and delighted every time. It's basically the low key younger sibling of Providence Performing Arts Center, and both are managed by the same company. The space is lovely and very well restored, but you can tell they've done a wonderful job of preserving the history of the building, which was completed in the early 1950's. The seats are quite comfortable, and even though you'll have to get up to let others scoot into the row, there is enough space so that they won't be on top of you, so I guess that's a plus. The most recent event that I attended here was the Best of Rhode Island Awards gala, sponsored by Rhode Island Monthly magazine. The company I work for won an award (!!), and we got to attend the party. I had an amazing time, and thought the venue was a nice location, but the theatre's lobbies, where most of the food and beverages were offered, were a bit crowded and congested with the 700+ guests that were invited. However, it was super fun to dance to live music on the stage of the theatre, and I took many, many photos! Kudos to both the RI Monthly staff & the Vets Auditorium staff for organizing a great event to celebrate local businesses in our little state. I look forward to attending more shows and events here in the future! read more

The Veterans Memorial Auditorium is home to a host of entertaining shows, concerts, speakers, and so much more. Located just across from the Rhode Island State House, this location feels likes it is at the center of it all. Friendly staff greet you at the door (or in the times of Covid... also quickly and efficiently check your vaccination cards). On my most recent visit, it was quite brisk outside, and I was grateful for the speed with which they scanned tickets and directed guests on entry. The interior of this location is beautifully ornate. On the register of historical places, renovations have ensured crowds can appreciate the sights in years to come. Feeling both large and intimate at the same time (how is this possible?), I have yet to find a bad seat in the house. The seating is quite comfortable and the views of the stage are expansive. While there are many different acts that grace the stage, I have visited most often for its institutions - the Rhode Island Philharmonic Orchestra and the Festival Ballet. Give yourself plenty of time to figure out parking. While they have a pay-lot at just outside the front door, it fills fast. I often opt to park at the mall or utilize street parking in the area. Also plan time to find your seats and get settled in as it can be quite dark during the performances - I watched many people struggle to find their seats for the first time once the house lights went down. Staff were very helpful to these guests but do yourself a favor and plan ahead. read more

Great experience! First of all the entire staff from the gentlemen at the entrance and the will call window to all the ushers and the concession workers. So helpful. The auditorium is beautiful, the seats for even a tall like me were just about right also padded. Acoustics, lighting and sight lines are very good. Concession prices were very reasonable. Restrooms were clean and well maintained. As for parking. Awesome! Parking is less expensive since it's near the mall. If you park at the mall park near the north elevator or on P2 or P1, Park only a block away, $2 for the first 5 hours or in front of the Vet for around $15. I won tickets through a raffle for The Queen Tribute with Marc Martel. That was a great show. Thank you Yelp Providence. read more

Yelp Elite sure pays off! I won tickets to Cruel Intentions the musical through Providence's local Elite. Thanks! It was only my 2nd time at Vets and the first time on the ground level. We picked up the tickets easily at will call, entered effiiciently and the usher as much as she kept telling us where our seats were sent ended up walking us all the way there. We sat in tow M. We had a great view! The theatre is a sight to see, similar to PPAC design. The acoustic are good. At first felt like air wasn't moving around but that got better. The play was hysterical! They followed the script but added in classic 90's popular songs into the plot. I was surprised it wasn't original music but honestly the classics made the play that much better! The songs ranged from pop to grunge. A wide array of 90's nostalgia. The group of performers delivered it in stage. Good voices, played their characters well and what a butt! read more

Veterans Memorial Auditorium - Row M - Performing Arts Near Me - Providence, Rhode Island

Useful and exciting staff and accommodating for our concert(straight no chaser) comfortable arena. Crowd was spot on. First time coming here, if another show comes here will stay at the renaissance (closer and helpful to know. Nice weather helped in walking from Omni hotel. read more

Staff is mean and disrespectful. Security is on a power trip because they suck at life. They also illegally required vaccine passports to enter their events during the scamdemic read more

Hm, this place brings back memories I graduated high school here back in 2009 and it still looks the same. ( Not a bad thing ). The arena is beautiful inside they keep it very up to date I don't see peeling off the walls or uncomfortable chairs , everything is still in a nice order and it's so beautiful inside this place. The workers here from the box office , to the ticket handlers , to the ushers , to the bartenders are all super pleasant I really did enjoy how nice the workers were. They deserve some credit! I came here recently to see a concert ; Ladies Night Out ( which didn't even know they did concerts ). But it was well put together ( but not the best place for a concert, they had security which is great, the usher showed us to our seats. A little issue was there was no lighting around the seats or floor area so it was hard for me to find my exact seats , I didn't want to use my phone flashlight that's rude but I also have to squint and still can't see a thing. Another thing was they only had 1 full bar and that was on the 2nd level and my seats were on the first level , and once we got to the 2nd level the line was down the stairs ( my only real complaint here ) , they had a section downstairs with just wine but no other options besides snacks. They also charge for parking 15.00 this night , or you can do street parking and now street parking you have to pay as well even on Saturday's. Someone said there's valet but there isn't , the valet is only available for the hotel next door. But give this place a go it's very beautiful and well put together. read more

I haven't been here in years, but went last month to the Rush Hour Series of the Philharmonic. We heard Beethoven's 7th. The tickets were actually a bonus ticket with my Trinity Rep subscription so I don't know how much it would cost to buy them. I had my car valet parked at the restaurant in the Renaissance Hotel, Public Kitchen and Bar because I had a reservation for dinner afterwards. The venue is ornate and beautiful in the lower sections, but up at the top it feels like it's another building almost like an addition, very plain. The acoustics were awesome and the performance which only lasted about 45 minutes was quite good. I would definitely try it again. read more

See all

This theater is pretty easy to access, and the sound is good. But, Christ, not only were those seats tight, but the little metal cup holder in front of my seat was jammed into my knee the whole time. On the bright side, I sat next to another big guy, and we became intimate friends - who knows what adventures might await you here! read more

Came for Aziz Ansari- Security clearance was ridiculous-you can get into the White House easier. We were herded like cattle and screamed at by the head of security for 15 minutes. Dude it's a 1900 seat venue-you're not Justin Timberlake's personal body guard....get over it... Extremely disorganized. Ushers didn't have a clue-sent us to the wrong door. Lines super long for beverages. $24 for a wine and a flat can of soda/ still not over it. No food or beverage can be brought in- even PPAC allows this. They made me throw out a sealed water. We thought we were being punkd or that a flash mob was going to start at any moment. Weird weird place. I'll stick to other venues- not impressed. Aziz rocked read more

Parked in the mall garage. There is beer and wine served in reusable cuts with the vets logo. read more

Veterans Memorial Auditorium - Performing Arts Near Me - Providence, Rhode Island

Here to see Rudolph the red nosed reindeer, so cute. The theatre is nice seats are def more comfortable then PPAC. Drink prices are the same, here due to a yelp elite event put together by mike (great job!!! Thank you) would def see something here again read more

This place is just absolutely gorgeous. Sitting above Providence like the jewel it is, you can't get more elegant, decorative or regal than the VMA. I had the pleasure of coming here to see the Philharmonic, and the acoustics were outstanding. We sat in total captivation as we took in the concert; listening to the symphony surrounded by such beautiful architecture and opulent decor made me feel all growds up. While parking can get tricky, there's valet offered occasionally and the staff are always so nice and accommodating. This is one place in the PVD that's not to be missed! read more

Came here to see the Aaron Tveit concert which was great! There are two big theaters in town: this one here as well as the Providence Performing Arts Center. Despite this being my first time here, I loved coming here. Much easier parking (same cost) and less craziness. I feel that every time I go to PPAC, you have to have nerves of steel to get through all the people. The seating is great and comparable to the other theater and in my opinion much more comfortable. Most of the musicals seem to be hosted at PPAC while VMA takes the rest. A great experience. Parking is available right across the street. Pull up to the gate and someone will let you in after you pay ($15!). read more

Last night I took my daughter to see Peppa pig! I haven't been here in a very long time, and I don't remember a thing. So for basically a first time experience, it was perfect! A beautiful and clean theatre. The ushers were extremely nice & beyond helpful! Personally, I really liked the fact that they didn't offer too much of a snack selection! With kids... it can get tricky! Especially when popcorn is involved I don't know if that varies by performances but that's ok with me! Water and a big soft pretzel The performance was well done and we left with a great memory! 6:00-7:15 with intermission, an interactive audience... didn't plan on it, but we had perfect seats up close and center and we found the perfect parking spot in the garage. However- we did arrive about 45 minutes early which gave us plenty of time to settle in. I hope to able to enjoy this theater again ... maybe something a little more adult friendly read more

Beautiful Building but it is missing something crucial. I'm a fan of the beauty of the building and Valet parking makes the last minute dash to beat the two minute warning less of a nail biting experience. So then why Toby did you only give it 3 stars. NO FULL BAR & SNACKS THAT BELONG AT THE CINEMA! I just paid $60 to see a performance that was amazing "We Dance Together" and now it is intermission. "Honey will you get me a drink and something to snack on?" "Of Course" I arrive back with wine that should have only been served during communion and boxed candy. I felt like the night right there had taken a HUGE step back. If they could please address this I will give this place a solid five stars ... just as I did the performance. read more

The VMA is PPAC's little sister of a theater and much like its larger sister, it has been meticulously maintained since efforts were made to save the building in the 80s and 90s. If you can't find on street parking, try and park in the stateside garage, one would assume you wouldn't be at the Vets for longer than 2-4 hours, and that will run you about $4. Plus, if you already have your tickets there is a door you can enter along the backside of the building going up the hill towards the front of the theater. The box office layout I think is a little bothersome, one side is if you need to buy and another is if you have will call....a lot of people were just looking at if there was a line or not and then had to get shuffled around by the ticketing staff to the appropriate place. I will say the lobby seemed awfully shallow for them to be selling merch there, perhaps they should set that up on the hospitality level. I found the volume in the auditorium to be a bit loud for my liking. For the first few songs of the play I was at, it was overwhelming in my row N seats. Eventually it seems as though the person doing the mixing evened everything out. read more

Thanks to Yelp I scored a set of free tickets to see Ghost Brothers of Darkland County. I enjoyed the show and would definitely come back to this space if they were showing a specific play or theater group I really wanted to see... That being said I can't help but point out that this space can't hold a candle to PPAC 1. You're not downtown so you can't walk to have dinner/drinks before of after the show 2. The bathrooms are tiny and can't comfortable accommodate the intermission rush 3. I am a petite lady and I felt cramped in the mezzanine seats and I almost kicked someone in the head when I tried to uncross my legs. 4. Sound was a bit wonky at the beginning, it kept sounding like it was building up to make that awful shriek that happens at concert sometimes. 5. I didn't find this space that ornate or beautiful Based on my experience I would not come here to see a concert. If you go to a music venue in Providence chance are it's gonna be a little tight, but you can stand up and move about. Here it would be tight and you don't have the luxury of moving your body. read more

I was at the VETS last night for Tap Dogs (If you get the chance to see them you must. Like stomp, but with tap dancing!) The auditorium is beautiful and restored to its early 20th century glory. They have an eclectic group of traveling musicians, performances and theater shows come through. It is also the home of the RI philharmonic and a few RI film festivals. The seats are original and very narrow. Big and tall people beware. We sat in the mezzanine for a wonderful view of the show. read more

I recently went to the Vets to hear the RI Phil perform works by Dvorak, Paganini, and Bartok. The performances were not sparkling, but then again this is not the LA, NY or Boston Phil so I didn't expect that level. Competent but not uplifting. However, the sound of the hall seemed to be on the dead side. Looking at the stage it looked like the acoustic treatment was plain old acoustic tilling! And not a very attractive design at that. My guess would be that the reverberation time is well under a second. This is way too short. Symphony orchestras need more reverberant energy in the hall to augment their playing energy. This point was driven home to me when before the concert the assistant music director, giving a talk about the music to be heard, played some excerpts from a recording of the music through the hall's sound system. It sounded terrific. But that was because the recording had the requisite amount of reverb either added or recorded naturally. If the hall cannot be adjusted to increase reverb time, then perhaps some small amount of artificial reverb can be added electronically. The former is expensive, the latter, not at all. read more

I love Vets! This spot is very nostalgic, as it is where I performed my first orchestra concert when I was 11 and continued to perform all throughout high school. I remember staring out from the stage at the seemingly endless rows of seats trying to spot my family, and my awe at how amazing our pieces sounded in a concert hall versus the cramped high school band rooms we practiced in. I also remember feeling so fancy being there because the seats were upholstered in (albeit a bit drab) velvet, and the ceilings and walls were elaborately decorated in fancy plaster and paint. Also, the glass dome at the top shows the flag and name of each RI town and I remember thinking, "there are THAT many towns in RI?!? Where is Greenville?!? Wyoming????" I went back recently for a RI Phil concert, and it was lookin' good! The new driveway out front was fancy! I hadn't been since the Renaissance Hotel was renovated (it used to be falling down, boarded up, and covered with vines and graffiti). Everything inside was very clean, the seats were new, and the decorations had been touched up. I still got the same excited feeling, though: that this was somewhere special and that the performance I was about to experience was going to be amazing. And it was. And that makes me happy :) read more

This is a top notch Rhode Island venue. The auditorium is really beautiful and has been kept up well. The ceiling has every town in Rhode Island and its crest. The acoustics are in fact outstanding. There is more room between the rows than any theatre on Broadway. They also have multiple stairwells on each side meaning it clears out quite quickly. I cannot comment on the snack bar; but I can tell you they sell cheap American beer as people didn't take their trash out with them. The bathrooms were also pristine, often something that is not up-kept at a large venue. A few things you should know: 1. Parking is not great, and if you aren't going to pay for valet, you should show up early. 2. This is a very causal venue. You will see a lot of jeans so don't worry about being under dressed. 3. There really is not a bad seat in the house. read more

I enjoyed visiting the VETs very much. A very ornate building right in the heart of Providence. The layout is excellent, there isn't a bad seat in the house. My only criticism is that the bathrooms are incredibly small. during intermissions the lines were down the hall, which is a big complication when you are on a time crunch. The building seems to be original so i'm doubtful that the restrooms will be renovated to hold a greater capacity. I would still give it 4 stars because it was clean, excellent staff and beautiful. read more

I adore going to the ballet or a play but i'm just not jazzed about it being it at the VMA. The walls and high ceilings are very pretty with ornate moldings & paintings. The lobby is simple. Restrooms are small and clean. The seats are tiny and my knees (i'm 5'6) bump up against the seat backs in the row in front of me. When I was shown my seat I was eager to take off my coat but it was too drafty and I had to put it back on. The speaker/sound system was plenty loud. I sat in the mezzanine/balcony section. The parking is very limited. Most people park in the Providence Place Mall and walk over. By the way none of this will stop me from attending another event. I rather deal with these minor issues than drive to another city, I am glad we have the VMA, PPAC, & Trinity here in Providence. read more

We try and see Brit Floyd every time they come around. They never disappoint us. If you're big Pink Floyd fan as we are this is the band to see. This year they played more of the instrumental Pink Floyd songs. The band is incredible. Every song sounded as if you were at a Pink Floyd concert. The light show only enhanced the entire experience. Looking forward to next year's show!! read more