About The Badgett Playhouse

Badgett Playhouse has been part of Grand Rivers since 2004, when the town opened a new theater built specifically for live entertainment. The project grew from the vision of Bill and Sara Minihan, who came to Grand Rivers in 2002 looking for a place to establish their own theater. The Grand Rivers Tourism Commission and local community supported the idea, leading to construction of what was originally called Grand Rivers Playhouse. A substantial contribution from the Badgett family helped reduce the construction debt, and the venue was renamed Badgett Playhouse before its first performance on November 26, 2004.

Today, the stage hosts a broad mix of live performances. The schedule regularly includes tribute concerts built around well-known rock, country, pop, and soul artists, along with variety shows, comedy, and other specialty acts. The theater also works with touring performers and tribute artists from outside the region, giving Grand Rivers an entertainment calendar that extends well beyond the summer lake season.

Inside, the auditorium provides traditional theater seating with accessible seating available along the back row. A full concession area serves popcorn, candy, and soft drinks, and beginning with the 2026 season the theater also added a limited selection of beer, wine, and frozen beverages. Doors generally open 45 minutes before performances.

The location is a large part of the experience. Badgett Playhouse sits along JH O'Bryan Avenue in downtown Grand Rivers, close to Patti's 1880's Settlement, local restaurants, shops, and lodging. Green Turtle Bay and Lighthouse Landing anchor opposite sides of the community, while Kentucky Lake, Lake Barkley, and the northern entrance to Land Between the Lakes are only a short distance away. That setting makes it easy to pair an evening performance with a day spent boating, hiking, shopping, or exploring the lakes region.

More than two decades after opening, Badgett Playhouse remains one of Grand Rivers' signature indoor attractions. It adds another dimension to a community best known for the water, giving visitors a reason to stay in town after the boats are tied up and the day's lake activities are finished.