Voting for the 2022 Best Places in Local Government (aka the #ELGLKnope) Round of 32 opens on March 7, 2022 and closes at midnight PT on Friday, March 11, 2022. One vote per person. Learn more about this award online.
Vote in the #ELGLKnope Round of 32!
Historic West Bend Theatre
West Bend, Wisconsin 53095
- Online
- Year(s)/Era: 1929 and today
- Type of Place: Building, Site
- Nomination: The West Bend Historic Theatre (a.k.a. The Bend) was recently restored to its original 1929 Vaudeville glory. Located in downtown West Bend, The Bend serves as a boutique venue for the greater Milwaukee region, offering arts opportunities, music, theatre, comedy, movies, and an experience unlike any other. The Bend was closed for over a decade before reopening in March 2020 after its community-led renovation project. One day after its Grand Opening, the much-anticipated venue closed its doors due to the pandemic. Since then, The Bend reemerged and is now flourishing. It’s quickly become a destination in southeast Wisconsin—illuminating downtown West Bend.
- Most notable attribute(s): The historic 1929 details paired with present-day performers, musicians, comedians and award-winning artists make for an unforgettable experience.
- Special designations or recognitions: The Bend is listed on the State and National Registers of Historic Places. Over the decades, the theatre experienced many changes, but it always retained its rich history and iconic “West Bend” blade sign.
- Three words to describe: Fun, Destination, Iconic
- Anything else to share? The Bend is truly the heart of downtown West Bend. Check out a video celebrating its Grand Opening celebration at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QX2UVIcfFgs
Local Government:
City of West Bend
West Bend, Wisconsin 53095