The landmark art deco building that houses the Latchis Theatre (50 Main St., 802/254-6300, www.latchis.com [1], $7.50 adults, $5.50 children and seniors, $5.50 matinees) is as much a part of the show as anything on the screen. Its 750-seat main theater has an iridescent mural of the zodiac on the ceiling and frolicking Greeks along the walls. Three movie theaters show a mix of first-run and independent films. The 1938 building is also a hotel.
On the other end of the spectrum, patrons of the Hooker-Dunham Theater & Gallery (139 Main St., 802/ 254-9276, www.hookerdunham.org [2], 8:30 a.m.–4 p.m. Mon.–Fri., events $$5–20, gallery admission free) will be forgiven for thinking they’ve been buried alive in a funky crypt-like performance space that showcases art-house films and avant-garde theater.
Singer-songwriters and experimental bands perform at Mole’s Eye Cafe (4 High St., 802/257-0771, www.moleseyecafe.com [3], 3 p.m.–midnight, Mon. and Tues.; 11:30 a.m.–2 a.m. Wed.–Sat.; noon–5 p.m. Sun.), a lively subterranean spot that is your best bet for discovering local music. The first Thursday of every month is open mic night.
Brattleboro’s other local music showcase, WeatherVane Gallery & Club (19 Elliot St., 802/258-6529, www.theweathervanemusichall.com [4], 5 p.m.–2 a.m. nightly) is the quintessential Vermont coffeehouse, and has a relaxed vibe for conversation, with used books and games piled on the tables and live performances nightly.
Links:
[1] http://www.latchis.com
[2] http://www.hookerdunham.org
[3] http://www.moleseyecafe.com
[4] http://www.theweathervanemusichall.com