How big is the Ridgefield Playhouse?

The Ridgefield Playhouse seats about 500. Even so, it books a huge number of well-known musicians, comedians, and tribute acts, almost every night.

What kind of shows does the Ridgefield Playhouse host?

A wide range: touring musicians in many genres, comedy, tribute acts, classic films, and broadcast events. It is known for landing big names in a 500-seat room where every seat is close to the stage.

What's the history of the Ridgefield Playhouse?

The building was the auditorium of Ridgefield's old high school, designed in the late 1930s. Local residents formed a nonprofit to restore it. It reopened as the Ridgefield Playhouse around 2000. It is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit performing-arts center.

How do I find shows at the Ridgefield Playhouse?

The free CT Concert Center app shows upcoming Ridgefield Playhouse shows, plus 40+ Connecticut venues, updated daily.

Venue guide

The Ridgefield Playhouse: A Complete Guide

Updated June 2026 · 5 min read

The short version

The Ridgefield Playhouse is a 500-seat nonprofit in southwestern Connecticut. It books big-name music, comedy, and tribute acts, often several a week. The room is so small there is no bad seat. It sits in a restored 1930s school auditorium. Few places in the state get you this close to a star.

Most small venues book local acts. The Ridgefield Playhouse is different. It books stars fit for a venue ten times its size. That is why Fairfield County loves it.

The Playhouse (~500 seats)

The Playhouse has about 500 seats. It runs one of the busiest calendars in the state. You get rock, folk, jazz, and pop acts. You also get stand-up comedy, tribute shows, classic films, and live broadcasts. You can see a famous act from a few rows back. It feels like a private show. It is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. Members and the community keep the lights on.

Best for: seeing big names up close in a small room.

Never miss a Ridgefield show

See every Playhouse show in the free CT Concert Center app. It covers 40+ Connecticut venues.

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From school auditorium to playhouse

This was once the town's old high school auditorium. It was designed in the late 1930s. It hosted school events, town meetings, and even wartime concerts. By the 1970s it sat unused. In 1994, local residents formed a nonprofit to save it. The Ridgefield Playhouse reopened around 2000. The room kept its original sound. It gained a modern stage, lights, and sound system.

Planning your visit

Getting there: Ridgefield is in the state's southwest corner, near New York. Plan to drive. There is parking nearby.
Pair it with the region: see our Fairfield County live-music guide. Also see the live Fairfield County events page.
More small rooms: explore the best small & intimate venues in CT.

Ridgefield Playhouse FAQ

How big is it?

About 500 seats.

What does it book?

Big-name music, comedy, tribute acts, and film. Often several shows a week.

What was the building?

The old Ridgefield High School auditorium. It reopened around 2000.

How do I find upcoming shows?

The free CT Concert Center app shows the Playhouse in one feed.