Kirby Center for the Performing Arts Tickets

Complete Guide to Buying Tickets at the Kirby Center for the Performing Arts

Are you an avid live entertainment fan who is always keeping a keen eye on new shows and announcements in the Wilkes-Barre area? If you are, and like thousands of other fans like to make sure you go to the greatest events this decade has to offer, then you’d know all about Kirby Center for the Performing Arts. And you’d definitely know that it is up there when it comes to creating an atmosphere that makes any event a once in a lifetime experience. It guarantees that Wilkes-Barre will be transformed from “just another stop on a tour” to one of the busiest and most eclectic cities in the world. So for that reason you’ll be pleased to know that the phenomenal F.M. Kirby Center for the Performing Arts is opening its doors again, and all you need to do is secure your tickets.

The Kirby Center for the Performing Arts, a historic Art Deco theater in downtown Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, functions as a premier venue for live performances, including concerts, Broadway tours, symphony events, and educational programs. Originally opened in 1938 as the Comerford Movie Theater and later renamed the Paramount Theater, it was restored and reopened in 1986 following a $3.3 million fundraising effort led by local philanthropists. With a seating capacity of approximately 1,300 in its main auditorium, the center hosts over 80 events annually, drawing nearly three million guests since its revival and serving as a cultural anchor for the Wyoming Valley region. Its programming encompasses the Signature Series, offering affordable cultural experiences at $10 per ticket, and the Young Peoples’ Theater Series, providing free daytime performances for over 8,000 students from nearly 50 local schools each year.

The venue’s architecture, characterized by ornate brass doors, a grand chandelier in the foyer, and a proscenium stage framed in maroon, rose, and gold tones, ensures an immersive atmosphere with superior acoustics and unobstructed sightlines. Amenities include cashless concessions in the lobby featuring beverages and light snacks, full bars for select events, and accessibility features such as wheelchair seating, assisted listening devices, and elevator service compliant with Americans with Disabilities Act standards. Security measures involve walk-through magnetometers, a clear bag policy allowing transparent bags up to 12x12x6 inches or small clutches, and prohibitions on recording devices and outside food.

However, you are not the only one aware of the uniqueness of Kirby Center for the Performing Arts. Every fan up and down the state is reading event announcements and booking their tickets. To save you any disappointment we suggest booking as early as possible to secure your perfect seats.

This site is not affiliated or sponsored by Board of Directors or the F.M. Kirby Center for the Performing Arts and is not an official ticket seller of Board of Directors. This site links to resale tickets for events at the F.M. Kirby Center for the Performing Arts. See the Disclaimer page.

Click here to view the Kirby Center for the Performing Arts schedule or click here to purchase Kirby Center for the Performing Arts tickets.

Kirby Center for the Performing Arts Upcoming Events

• 29th Nov 2025: Mannheim Steamroller Christmas (Tickets from $96 at TicketSqueeze.com)
• 05th Dec 2025: Becky Robinson (Tickets from $70 at TicketSqueeze.com)
• 07th Dec 2025: Cirque Musica Holiday Wonderland (Tickets from $60 at TicketSqueeze.com)
• 11th Dec 2025: Chris Young (Tickets from $85 at TicketSqueeze.com)
• 14th Dec 2025: Bored Teachers Comedy Tour (Tickets from $52 at TicketSqueeze.com)
• 15th Dec 2025: A Christmas Carol (Tickets from $47 at TicketSqueeze.com)
• 20th Dec 2025: Northeast Pennsylvania Philharmonic: The Snowman In Concert (Tickets from $74 at TicketSqueeze.com)
• 27th Dec 2025: Mike Miz and the Northeast Extension (Tickets from $42 at TicketSqueeze.com)
• 28th Dec 2025: Get The Led Out - Tribute Band (Tickets from $53 at TicketSqueeze.com)
• 09th Jan 2026: Josh Johnson (Tickets from $72 at TicketSqueeze.com)
• 30th Jan 2026: Jerry Seinfeld (Tickets from $153 at TicketSqueeze.com)
• 13th Feb 2026: Marty Stuart (Tickets at TicketSqueeze.com)
• 19th Feb 2026: Billy Gibbons (Tickets from $138 at TicketSqueeze.com)
• 24th Feb 2026: Dirty Dancing in Concert (Tickets at TicketSqueeze.com)
• 01st Mar 2026: National Geographic Live: Untold Story of Sharks With Jess Cramp (Tickets from $56 at TicketSqueeze.com)
• 02nd Mar 2026: Joe Bonamassa (Tickets from $124 at TicketSqueeze.com)
• 04th Mar 2026: Warren Haynes Band (Tickets from $62 at TicketSqueeze.com)
• 08th Mar 2026: Celtic Woman (Tickets from $70 at TicketSqueeze.com)
• 19th Mar 2026: The Goonies Screening with Corey Feldman & Kerri Green (Tickets from $122 at TicketSqueeze.com)
• 24th Mar 2026: The Cat In The Hat (Tickets at TicketSqueeze.com)
• 07th Apr 2026: Dance of Hope (Tickets at TicketSqueeze.com)
• 11th Apr 2026: Northeast Pennsylvania Philharmonic: Jurassic Park In Concert (Tickets from $73 at TicketSqueeze.com)
• 17th Apr 2026: Glenn Miller Orchestra (Tickets at TicketSqueeze.com)
• 10th May 2026: World Ballet Company: Swan Lake (Tickets at TicketSqueeze.com)
• 30th May 2026: Jim Jefferies (Tickets from $119 at TicketSqueeze.com)
• 21st Jun 2026: Daniel Tosh (Tickets from $111 at TicketSqueeze.com)
• 29th Jul 2026: Derek Hough (Tickets from $132 at TicketSqueeze.com)
• 17th Sep 2026: Brad Williams (Tickets from $110 at TicketSqueeze.com)

Kirby Center for the Performing Arts Venue Information

The Kirby Center for the Performing Arts traces its roots to the late 1930s, when Wilkes-Barre civic leaders sought to enhance the city’s entertainment infrastructure amid the Great Depression. Funded through the Public Works Administration, construction of the Comerford Theater commenced in 1937, designed in the Art Deco-Moderne style by local architects Eugene John Stern and the firm of George R. Wittenberg and Lawson F. Delony. The 1,300-seat auditorium opened on December 27, 1938, with the premiere of “Alexander’s Ragtime Band,” accommodating 2,074 patrons and establishing itself as one of three grand movie palaces in the area. Ownership transferred to the Penn Paramount Company in 1949 following antitrust rulings, prompting a brief closure for repairs before reopening as the Paramount Theater.

The venue flourished through the mid-20th century, hosting film premieres and live vaudeville, but faced decline after Hurricane Agnes flooded the region in 1972, reducing attendance. Operations ceased in 1977 upon sale to a new owner, leading to sporadic use for concerts and boxing matches. By the early 1980s, the theater stood vacant and deteriorated, its lobby gutted for commercial repurposing and historic elements like fluted lights and brass frames removed. Community advocacy through the “Save the Old Paramount” group, formed in the late 1970s, culminated in its listing on the National Register of Historic Places in 1980. Restoration efforts gained momentum in 1985, when philanthropists Albert Boscov, August L. Simms, and Fred M. Kirby II raised $3.3 million from over 1,000 donors. Construction began on December 21, 1985, and the facility reopened on September 19, 1986, as the F.M. Kirby Center for the Performing Arts, honoring Fred Morgan Kirby, a local industrialist and philanthropist.

The 1986 revival preserved the Art Deco aesthetic, featuring a restored proscenium frame, friezes, and the iconic Lavaliere chandelier in the foyer, while modernizing infrastructure for live performances. Spanning 71 Public Square, the center includes a 50-foot-wide stage with fly space and an orchestra pit, supporting configurations from full-seated concerts to intimate lobby events under the Chandelier Concert Series. As a nonprofit, it emphasizes accessibility, with the Signature Series delivering enriching performances at $10 per ticket and the Young Peoples’ Theater Series offering free educational shows since 1986. Annual attendance exceeds 150,000, contributing to the local economy through tourism and partnerships with the Northeastern Pennsylvania Philharmonic and Wilkes-Barre Ballet Theatre.

Operational amenities prioritize patron convenience: the box office opens Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., extending to showtime on event days, with doors admitting guests 90 minutes prior. Concessions operate cashlessly, offering items from $3-$10, and alcohol service is restricted to those 21 and older with identification. A smoke-free policy applies throughout, with no re-entry permitted. The venue’s downtown location facilitates access via Interstate 81, with nearby hotels like the Genetti and dining options in the River Common District. For 2025-2026, the 39th season brochure announces a record 53 events, including Mannheim Steamroller’s Christmas tour on November 29, 2025, and Joe Bonamassa on March 2, 2026, alongside classics like Nutcracker! Magical Christmas Ballet. These attributes affirm the Kirby Center’s enduring role as a community hub, merging historical preservation with contemporary cultural programming.

Kirby Center for the Performing Arts Seating Chart

Kirby Center for the Performing Arts Seating Options

Seating at the Kirby Center for the Performing Arts is arranged in a classic theater configuration across Orchestra, Mezzanine, Balcony, and Pit levels, totaling 1,300 fixed chairback seats designed for comfort and acoustic optimization. Interactive charts on Ticketmaster and the venue website detail rows A-ZZ and seats 1-60 per row, with central sections ensuring minimal obstructions from the proscenium arch. Cushioned black seats with armrests and cup holders, renovated in 1986, promote endurance for two-act performances, while the steep rake in upper levels enhances visibility. Wheelchair-accessible spaces with companion seating are available in Orchestra rear and Mezzanine front, with elevators providing access. Event-specific setups, such as pit extensions for symphonies, may adjust capacities.

Balcony

Balcony seating, rows AA-JJ in Sections 301-320, accommodates approximately 400 patrons at 40-50 feet elevation, offering panoramic views of the stage and ornate ceiling details. Central sections (310, seats 15-45) align with the proscenium for balanced perspectives, ideal for orchestral events like the 2025 Northeastern Pennsylvania Philharmonic performances. The incline mitigates sightline issues, though distance slightly softens audio immediacy. End sections (301-305, 316-320) provide value at $20-$50 for 2025 shows such as The Fab Four on October 11, 2025, with railings ensuring safety and dedicated restrooms enhancing convenience. This level suits budget-conscious groups, filling quickly for family-oriented productions.

Mezzanine

Mezzanine seating, rows U-Z in Sections 201-220, seats about 300 at a mid-level height of 20-30 feet, blending proximity and overview for comprehensive stage appreciation. Central placements (210-214, seats 20-40) minimize angles, excelling for Broadway tours like the anticipated 2026 Hamilton previews, with partial overhang shielding from lighting glare. Rear rows (X-Z) offer shaded comfort, supported by renovated legroom. Tickets average $40-$90 for 2025 concerts such as REPRISE on October 10, 2025, appealing to attendees valuing elevation and elevator accessibility without balcony distance.

Orchestra

Orchestra seating, rows A-T across Sections 101-120, comprises 500 seats on the ground level, delivering intimate immersion within 10-40 feet of the stage. Midfield seats (110-114, seats 20-40) provide optimal sightlines and acoustics for intimate acts like Rob Schneider on October 9, 2025, balancing detail for solos and ensembles. Front rows (A-D) heighten engagement for symphonies, while mid-rows (G-M) suit extended viewings with aisle access. Side sections (101-105, 116-120) angle modestly but preserve clarity. Pricing ranges $50-$150, positioning this tier as premium for those prioritizing proximity and ramps.

Pit

Pit seating, deployed for select orchestral and musical events, occupies the orchestra pit extended to floor level, accommodating 50-100 in rows A-E directly before the stage. This configuration, within 5-15 feet, offers unparalleled closeness for conductor cues and instrumental nuances in 2025 philharmonic series. Access requires specific tickets, often bundled with premiums, and enforces barriers for safety. For events like Mannheim Steamroller on November 29, 2025, pit options command $100-$200, ideal for enthusiasts seeking immersion, though availability is limited by promoter setups.

VIP Packages

VIP packages enhance experiences with exclusive Orchestra or Mezzanine allocations, totaling 50-100 seats per event, including front-row access, backstage photos, and merchandise. For 2025 tours like Chicago on August 11, 2025, packages feature on-stage pictures and commemorative items at $200-$500. Chandelier Series VIPs incorporate lobby standing with private bars. Reservable via Ticketmaster, these cater to small groups desiring refinement, with concierge service ensuring discretion in the venue’s historic ambiance.

Kirby Center for the Performing Arts Ticket Sources

Procuring tickets for the Kirby Center for the Performing Arts demands official platforms to guarantee validity, as unauthorized resales are invalid per venue policy.

Ticketmaster (Primary Tickets)

Ticketmaster serves as the primary distributor, accessible through ticketmaster.com or the venue portal, handling single, group, and season tickets for 2025-2026 offerings like Dusty Slay on September 20, 2025 ($40-$100). Interactive charts facilitate selections, with dynamic pricing for surges. Fees of 15-25 percent apply, balanced by guarantees for authenticity and refunds on cancellations, plus ADA bookings.

Box Office

The box office at 71 Public Square operates Monday-Friday 10 a.m.-5 p.m., extending to showtime on event days for will-call, walk-ups, and modifications, processing cashless payments without fees. Ideal for locals securing tickets to 2025 classics like Nutcracker! Magical Christmas Ballet, it requires photo ID for pickups and assists group discounts (10+ at 10-20 percent off). Contact 570-826-1100 for inquiries.

Ticket Squeeze (Resale Tickets)

Ticket Squeeze (www.ticketsqueeze.com) is a trusted resale platform for tickets, offering low fees and a 100% buyer guarantee. This source is ideal for sold-out shows or when seeking specific seats not available through primary channels. Ticket Squeeze provides group-friendly options with guaranteed side-by-side seating and detailed seating charts for each event. Prices vary depending on the seat location and event popularity, with options ranging from front-row to mid-tier seats. The platform’s secure checkout ensures a reliable purchasing experience, making it a convenient choice for last-minute or hard-to-find tickets.

Ticket Squeeze 4.6/5 rating and highly trusted marketplace

Kirby Center for the Performing Arts Ticket Types

Ticket classifications adapt to formats, from reserved concerts to general admission lobby series, all requiring scannable presentation. Refunds follow promoter directives, with exchanges via box office originals.

Concert Tickets

Concert tickets encompass reserved seating for musical events, priced $20-$150 for 2025 acts like Mannheim Steamroller ($50 average). Mini-plans ($150-$300) bundle series, with configurations optimizing the 1,300-seat auditorium’s acoustics.

VIP Packages

VIP packages augment seating with exclusives like backstage access ($200-$500) for 2025 events such as Chicago, including merchandise and photos. Artist-directed, they attach to fronts via Ticketmaster premiums.

Seating Tickets

Seating tickets assign positions across levels, from $20 in Balcony to $150 in Orchestra midfield. ADA equivalents preserve parity, bookable with companions, covering 1,300 capacities.

General Admission

General admission enables unassigned entry ($15-$40) for Chandelier Series 2025 events, up to 200 in the lobby; first-come dictates placement, with standing options.

Resale Tickets

Resale tickets are available through platforms like Ticket Squeeze, ideal for sold-out shows or when seeking specific seats. Prices may be above face value, depending on demand and seat location. These tickets are guaranteed to be side-by-side unless otherwise stated, and platforms like Ticket Squeeze offer low fees and secure transactions.

Ticket Squeeze

We are working with a new partner; Ticket Squeeze to meet the high demand of ticket sales and ensure our readers are never disappointed. The new system allows customers a much smoother and straightforward booking experience so that you can be closer to the action – faster and easier.

Ticket Squeeze is well-known in the live event industry as one of the most reliable and secure ticketing systems anywhere in the world. That is the exact reason we’ve teamed up to deliver our visitors the best experience when using our site and booking tickets to your favorite shows. This has also allowed us to now offer never before seen benefits and perks which are free and included within the ticket sale. So next time you come to book tickets to see your favorite artists, you’ll have a much easier, faster, and beneficial experience than ever! All of the artists we have secured tickets for, both present and future, will be available for you to view so you can plan your next visits throughout the year that much easier.

Included in the policies which are outlined below, we strive to give you the simplest and most secure experience possible, giving you complete authenticity and simplicity throughout your live event experience from start to finish. After all, getting tickets to a show is part of the process, so why shouldn’t that be enjoyable too?

In the past, you may have purchased tickets from various different online sites, but when you buy here direct from the F.M. Kirby Center for the Performing Arts website, you’ll receive all the benefits a customer buying direct from the ticket booth would, including the prices, but also with added security.

PLEASE NOTE: if you make a booking via another website, we will not be able to guarantee the authenticity of the Kirby Center for the Performing Arts tickets.

Low Prices & no fees

By working with our new partner, Ticket Squeeze, we can now help you find the best possible price for the tickets to the show you need to see. We know trying to find tickets to a big name event is difficult, which is often why other ticket providers can charge significantly higher prices for the exact same tickets in order to meet the demand. But we guarantee that when you purchase through Ticket Squeeze, you’re going to get anywhere between 5% and 45% cheaper tickets than any other provider, meaning you can see your favorite performer at Kirby Center for the Performing Arts without having to break the bank.

Last minute downloadable tickets

We are a company built around people who love live events. Whether it’s music, comedy, theater, or anything else. And that means that we know better than anyone that sometimes buying tickets can be a last minute thing, especially in Wilkes-Barre. All of our tickets are available from the second they go on sale, all the way through to a few hours before the event. You’ll then receive an email with your purchase along with the downloadable ticket, and all you need to do then is show the barcode when you arrive at the venue. So, say goodbye to the last minute ticket stress, running around to find printers, and just relax and enjoy the show.

Side-by-side seating

What is the hardest thing about booking a group of tickets for you and a group of friends? Is it trying to decide on the show? Is it everyone trying to get the time off of work? With so many aspects to organize already, let us make one thing easier, we guarantee that for your booking you can be 100% sure of receiving side by side seating, so your whole group is sat together to enjoy the show. All you need to do is select the show, the number of tickets, and what part of the venue you want to be in, and Ticket Squeeze will handle the rest. Sound simple enough?

Event Cancellation and Refund Policy

As someone who loves to go to events, we know there is no worse feeling than a show getting cancelled which you have been planning and looking forward to for months. But sometimes, there is nothing that can be done, and things are simply out of your hands. The fact of the matter is it happens from time to time, but it’s how the issue gets resolved which is what’s important, and that’s why we have put in place a cancellation and refund policy which has you fully covered.

When you book tickets through Ticket Squeeze and an event gets cancelled or postponed, we automatically validate your ticket for the rescheduled date so that you can still go and see the show you’ve been planning and waiting for. All you have to do is hold onto your ticket whether it’s printable or downloadable, and simply use it for the rescheduled date. In the rare case an event gets cancelled, we issue a full refund no questions asked. You’ll automatically receive the refund, so there’s no need to spend time contacting our team, just check your bank account.

Authenticity Guarantees

One of the most stressful parts of booking event tickets online is guaranteeing their authenticity. Well worry no more, because Ticket Squeeze makes authentic tickets a certainty. Unfortunately, the ticketing industry has become flooded with fraud ticket vendors, so knowing your buying from a reputable and reliable vendor is key. That’s where Ticket Squeeze steps in, guaranteeing you a 100% authentic ticket.

Should the unlikely happen, we have a strict refund policy which will issue a full refund of your ticket price, but with our strict ticket verification system these issues are few and far between. Ticket Squeeze always have their customers at heart, and strive to give them the best experience possible, and never stop working to ensure any tickets purchased are 100% valid and will gain entrance to the chosen show.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Parking Included in the Ticket?

Parking is not included in standard Kirby Center for the Performing Arts tickets; however, ample facilities include the James F. Conahan Intermodal Transportation Center garage (752 spaces) at $5 flat rate for events, accessible via South Washington Street and steps from the venue. Additional options encompass Park & Lock East ($5) at East Market and North Washington, Genetti Hotel lot two blocks away, and metered street parking on Main and Washington Streets (free after 6 p.m., $1/hour otherwise). Handicap spots prioritize placard holders, with rideshare zones at Public Square.

Where Are the Best Seats at Kirby Center for the Performing Arts?

Optimal seats vary by event, but Orchestra center (rows G-M, seats 20-40) consistently delivers superior proximity and acoustics for 2025 concerts like REPRISE, per seating charts. Mezzanine midfield (rows U-X, seats 15-45) balances overview, while Balcony centers (rows CC-GG) afford value panoramas. Pit immerses for symphonies; avoid sides for angles.

Are There Any Age Restrictions?

The Kirby Center for the Performing Arts requires tickets for guests aged two and older for most events, with children under two admitted free on laps without occupying seats. Age limits vary by promoter—e.g., all-ages for family shows like How to Survive Middle School on October 6, 2025, but 18+ for select comedy; verify via box office at 570-826-1100.