Birthday Street Party celebrates Saenger Theatre at 100

The Saenger Theatre, located on Palafox Street in downtown Pensacola. [Photo by Stephen Saks Photography}

The Saenger Theatre, known as the “Grand Dame of Palafox,” will mark its 100th anniversary with a free Birthday Street Party open to the entire community in downtown Pensacola on Saturday, May 24.

Portions of Palafox and Intendencia streets will be closed to traffic from noon to 6 p.m., creating a festive atmosphere reminiscent of a mini-Gallery Night. The free, family-friendly event will feature food trucks, other vendors, street entertainers, live music, giveaways and activities.

A highlight will be Saenger screenings at 4 and 7 p.m. of the 1925 silent classic “The Phantom of the Opera,” starring Lon Chaney. These showings will feature live musical accompaniment on the theater’s 1925 Saenger pipe organ.

The screenings are free, but seating is limited. Claim tickets in advance at the Saenger box office, or pick them up at the door May 24 while supplies last.

For more information about the celebration and screening tickets, visit www.pensacolasaenger.com, or call 850-595-3880.