The Experience Venue

Our Mission

Our nonprofit’s mission is to connect people through entertainment, social and educational experiences. Our vision is to be a world-class historic, yet modern, experience venue providing a vital creative space for and with our community. The Bend is operated by a 501c3 organization – so we happily accept donations to fulfil our mission and vision. Contact us today for opportunities to support the creative arts in our community.

Frequently Asked Questions

To buy tickets for an upcoming event, simply find the event you are looking to attend on our site and click on the "Buy Tickets" button. Or visit https://thebend.simpletix.com
We’re a movie house, a concert venue, and sometimes home to charity events, so wear what’s comfortable. Like you are going to your best friend’s birthday party—at a really cool concert venue.
There are more than 400 parking stalls in downtown West Bend within a few blocks of The Bend. Our advice is to grab a spot across the river by the museum and enjoy the stroll to the theatre through downtown. We also recommend carpooling, drop offs, and designated drivers.
We retrofitted our 1929 building as best we could and opted for bathrooms on the main floor instead of a coat check. You’ll thank us later.
Sorry, we don’t have an elevator. Seating on the second floor (anything with a double letter eg: AA, MM) requires the use of stairs.

We have a full liquor license and we know how to use it. That said, we’re keeping things simple. Cash is accepted but credit is preferred. Tipping is highly encouraged as taking care of 300+ thirsty concertgoers is no easy job.

 

We have one main bar area on the main floor (opposite the bathrooms we mentioned under “Coat Check”) and on busy nights we will convert the movie concession area to a limited service bar. Those on the second floor (most of you) will be treated to an ingenious and efficient beverage station in the second floor historic lobby. Bubblers (we’re very proud of our Wisconsin heritage) are located opposite the bar by the restrooms. Stay hydrated.

 

If something spills, please alert an usher. Unruly guests will be escorted from the premises and not be allowed to return—ever.

 

Beer

Draft: We have four draft lines and two sizes of beer. These lines are dedicated to craft offerings—you’re likely to find Spotted Cow, something hoppy, something seasonal, and something weird.

 

Cans: We’re serving up tall boys (16 ounces of liquid joy). Please drink responsibly.

 

Wine

By the “glass”: We have a selection of house wines by the glass (no actual glass during concerts) at the main bar.

 

By the bottle: We’re working on a bottle program for those who like something a little nicer. Ask your bartender at the show and you’ll get a little nicer “glass.” Cheers.

 

Spirits

Mixers: Keep them simple—two ingredients at a time keeps the line moving for everyone.

 

Shots: Nope. We drink things neat (sometimes on the rocks).

 

Other

Soft drinks: Coke products.

Hard seltzer: For sure.

N/A beer: You bet.

Coffee: If we remember.

Special requests: Let us know.

To connect on social: #TheBend 

To support our cause: info@historicwestbendtheatre.org 

To get involved: volunteer@thebendwi.org

HIstory of the Bend

The Historic West Bend Theatre, Inc. (HWBT, 501(c)3), otherwise known as The Bend, is an experience venue in Downtown West Bend, WI. Our purpose is restoring the West Bend Theatre, located at 125 Main Street, West Bend, Wisconsin, to a safe and functional historic building for use by both public and private entities, and to create opportunities within that space to benefit the greater Washington County area in the form of education, entertainment, and the arts. Specifically, our organization will procure and promote opportunities for arts education designed to facilitate cultural awareness and build creative self-confidence for all who enjoy our venue, to present a broad and diverse array of performing and visual arts, and to act as a gathering place for and with the community around us.

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Get Involved Through Volunteer Opportunities


The Bend exists because of community support from people like you! One of the easiest ways to support our nonprofit is by volunteering. If you have never volunteered at The Bend before, you’ll need to sign up for an orientation before your first shift. If you’ve completed orientation check out our upcoming volunteer needs. Thank you!

Management & Staff

Bill Buettner

Executive Director

Megan Cox

Box Office & Events Director

Shaun Tanner

Marketing & Communications Director

Hannah Fitch

Bar Manager

Joe Polizzi

Technical Director

Board of Directors

Officers
Nic Novaczyk
President
Kine Torinus
Vice President
John Torinus, Jr.
Secretary
Pat O'Connor
Treasurer
Bill Buettner
Executive Director of The Bend Theater
Directors
Barry Bertram
Erin Burgess
Bob Devenport
Dan Dineen
Rick Fox
Kathleen Menter
Teri Milligan
Brooke Novaczyk
John Sancomb
Jay Tamez
Joe Zaremba
Advisory Council
Shawn Graff
Tonnie Schmidt
Sharon Ziegler
Chris Wenzel

Thank You to Our Sponsors