In Part Four, we explored four floors of incredible heritage at the Mount Airy Regional Museum. Among those historical treasures, one element stands out as the literal soundtrack of the Blue Ridge foothills.
In this chapter, we are taking our seats at a place where that heritage leaps off the museum walls and onto the live stage. Welcome to Part 5 of our journey, where we visit the historic Earle Theatre because in Mount Airy, we absolutely love music.
- The historic Earle Theatre has been a cultural landmark in downtown Mount Airy since 1938.
- The theater is home to the Old-Time Music Heritage Hall and celebrates Appalachian musical traditions.
- Merry-Go-Round, one of America’s longest-running live radio broadcasts, is held at the Earle every Saturday.
- Visitors can enjoy live bluegrass, old-time music, theatrical performances, concerts, and classic films throughout the year.
Part 5: The Rhythm of Life at the Historic Earle Theatre
Where the Marquee Lights Up the Night
Step onto Main Street after dark, and your eyes are immediately drawn to the warm, retro glow of the Earle Theatre’s historic marquee. Built in 1938, this beautifully restored Art Deco masterpiece has been the cultural heart of Mount Airy for nearly a century. Originally opened as a premier movie palace, it has evolved into a world-class performing arts venue and the home of the Old-Time Music Heritage Hall.
The Earle is world-renowned as a sanctuary for “Old-Time” mountain music, the rhythmic, fiddle-and-banjo-driven precursor to bluegrass and modern country. Every single Saturday morning, year-round, the theater hosts Merry-Go-Round, the second-longest-running live radio broadcast in the entire nation (surpassed only by the Grand Ole Opry). For just a few dollars, locals and visitors pack the auditorium to watch legendary masters and talented young musicians keep the regional string band tradition alive, broadcast live on WPAQ 740 AM.
Hollywood Premieres & Music Legends: Earle Fun Facts
Legends on the Stage
Over the decades, giants of bluegrass and country music have graced the stage or broadcast over WPAQ from the Earle, including Bill Monroe, Lester Flatt & Earl Scruggs, Mac Wiseman, and modern touring powerhouses like Rhonda Vincent and Balsam Range.Mount Airy’s Musical Pioneers
The Old-Time Music Heritage Hall inside the lobby honors regional icons who created the distinctive “Surry County Sound,” including National Heritage Fellow Tommy Jarrell, Fred Cockerham, Benton Flippen, and the beloved bluegrass gospel group The Easter Brothers.Andy’s Big Night
On May 30, 1957, the Earle hosted the premiere of A Face in the Crowd, Andy Griffith’s very first movie—following a massive, citywide “Andy Day” parade! As a young boy growing up in town, Andy regularly spent his afternoons watching movies at the Earle.A Southern Premiere
Back on March 22, 1940, the Earle was selected as one of the exclusive Southern venues to premiere Gone With the Wind simultaneously with Atlanta. The steep $1.00 ticket price ruffled plenty of local feathers before ticket prices returned to their normal 13 to 17 cents!The Basement Monster
In 1958, modern air conditioning was installed to replace the theater’s original, massive “squirrel-cage” ventilation fan. The historic fan is still sitting in the basement today because it is simply too big to fit through the exit doors!
More Than a Saturday Tradition
While Saturday mornings belong to the radio, the Earle Click to open side panel for more information ‘s calendar offers so much more. Managed by the vibrant Surry Arts Council, the theater hosts a diverse year-round lineup of national bluegrass touring acts, live theatrical productions, youth music classes, and classic film screenings on the big screen. Every Thursday evening, musicians of all skill levels gather in the theater for a free, open jam session where all are welcome to pick along or just sit back and listen.
Whether you are looking to tap your toes to a fast banjo breakdown or enjoy a vintage movie night, the Earle brings a high-caliber cultural life right to our small-town doorstep.
A Vibrant Retirement Soundtrack
One of the biggest concerns people have when moving to a smaller town for retirement is whether they will miss the arts, entertainment, and cultural opportunities of a major city. The Earle Theatre Click to open the side panel for more information single-handedly puts that worry to rest. Living in Mount Airy means you have an affordable, high-quality entertainment venue just a short stroll from downtown dining and boutique shopping.
Retiring here means your weekend plans are instantly taken care of. You can walk down Main Street, enjoy a fantastic dinner with neighbors, and head into the Earle for an evening of live music that draws fans from all over the globe. It serves as a gentle reminder that retirement is the ultimate time to let your creative side flourish, connect with fellow arts lovers, and enjoy a community that truly knows how to celebrate life.
Coming Up Next in the Series…
After exploring our town’s history, hiking our peaks, and tapping our toes to local music, there is only one way to cap off our ultimate tour of Mount Airy. Next week, we are raising a glass to the future! Get ready for our final installment, Part 6, where we wind down to explore the sophisticated flavor and relaxing atmosphere of our local wine scene.
Mount Airy Blog Series – Series Guide
- Part 1: Where Hometown Heart Meets Hollywood Magic
- Part 2: Highlighting Pilot Mountain, The Great Guide of the Piedmont
- Part 3: Savoring the Flavor of Community at Snappy Lunch
- Part 4: Taking a Trip to The Mount Airy Regional Museum
- Part 5: The Rhythm of Life at the Historic Earle Theatre
- Part 6: Raising a Glass at Round Peak Vineyards
Frequently Asked Questions About the Historic Earle Theatre
What is the Earle Theatre in Mount Airy?
The Earle Theatre is a historic Art Deco theater in downtown Mount Airy, North Carolina. Built in 1938, it serves as a performing arts venue and is home to the Old-Time Music Heritage Hall.
What is the Merry-Go-Round radio show?
Merry-Go-Round is a weekly live old-time and bluegrass music show broadcast from the Earle Theatre on WPAQ radio. It is one of the longest-running live radio broadcasts in the United States.
What type of music is featured at the Earle Theatre?
The Earle Theatre is best known for old-time mountain music, bluegrass, gospel, and traditional Appalachian performances. The venue also hosts concerts, theatrical productions, classic movie screenings, and special events throughout the year.
Where is the Earle Theatre located?
The Earle Theatre is located at 142 N Main St, Mt Airy, NC 27030 on Main Street in downtown Mount Airy, North Carolina, within walking distance of local restaurants, shops, and other popular attractions.
Guide to Retiring in Mount Airy
Read our guide to Mount Airy’s most beloved attractions, local restaurants, wineries, and hidden gems, and see why this charming Blue Ridge foothill town is an incredible place to retire and call home.
Learn more in our Guide to Retiring in Mount Airy.
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