The Lincoln Information

From Silver Screen to Center Stage: The Story Behind Cheyenne’s Historic Lincoln Theater

The Lincoln stands as a testament to Cheyenne’s rich cultural heritage, with roots stretching back nearly a century. This iconic venue has witnessed the evolution of entertainment in Wyoming’s capital city, transforming alongside the changing tastes and technologies of successive generations.

The Early Years (1920s to 1980s)

The Lincoln Cheyenne dates back to 1928 when it was originally constructed as a venue for live theatrical performances. As motion pictures gained popularity, The Lincoln adapted to changing entertainment preferences. By the 1980s, the venue had transitioned to operating as a full-time movie theater, serving generations of Cheyenne residents until 2018.

Revival and Renovation (2018 to 2020)

In 2020, new ownership took over with a vision to transform the historic space into a live music venue that would serve as a cultural anchor for downtown Cheyenne. The renovation process balanced several key priorities:

• » Preserving historic elements that maintain the architectural integrity and character of the original 1928 structure

• » Modernizing technical capabilities by installing contemporary sound and lighting systems to meet the expectations of touring artists

• » Enhancing the audience experience by reconfiguring spaces to optimize sightlines and acoustics

• » Increasing versatility by creating a flexible venue capable of hosting diverse event types

• » Supporting community needs by designing spaces that could serve local cultural initiatives and educational programs

The Grand Reopening 

The Lincoln Cheyenne officially reopened as a concert venue in August 2020, with Wyoming native Jalan Crossland performing the sold-out inaugural show. Since its reopening, The Lincoln has hosted a diverse array of performers spanning multiple genres. The venue has created opportunities for national touring acts and local artists, becoming an integral part of Wyoming’s concert scene and contributing to downtown Cheyenne’s cultural renaissance.

Inside Wyoming’s Most Electrifying Concert Experience

The Lincoln has quickly established itself as a centerpiece of Wyoming’s entertainment landscape. This historic venue offers a distinctive combination of vintage charm and modern amenities that creates a unique concert experience in the heart of downtown Cheyenne. From its architectural character to its state-of-the-art sound system, every aspect of The Lincoln has been designed to enhance the enjoyment of live music.

Venue Design and Atmosphere

Walking into The Lincoln, visitors are immediately struck by the blend of historical elements and contemporary updates. The venue maintains many of its original architectural features while incorporating modern improvements for comfort and functionality. The space creates an intimate atmosphere that fosters connection between performers and audience members, regardless of the show’s size.

The Lincoln’s reputation continues to grow among artists and concertgoers for several reasons:

• Acoustic excellence:
  The theater’s original design provides natural sound enhancements that modern venues often lack.

• Intimate performance space:
  Even at full capacity, the venue maintains a close connection between artists and their audiences.

• Historic ambiance:
  Original architectural details create a unique atmosphere that cannot be replicated in newer venues.

• Central location:
  Situated in the heart of downtown Cheyenne, the venue is accessible in a convenient way that helps energize the surrounding area.

Musical Genres and Performances

The Lincoln Cheyenne presents a diverse calendar of musical performances throughout the year, accommodating virtually every taste and preference. The programming team works to balance mainstream appeal with eclectic offerings that might not otherwise reach Wyoming audiences.

You can see:

• » Regional and national country artists performing traditional and contemporary music reflecting Wyoming’s heritage
• » Rock bands spanning from classic favorites to emerging indie artists and alternative sounds
• » DJs and electronic music producers creating immersive audio-visual experiences
• » Blues and jazz performances showcasing traditional and innovative approaches
• » Tribute shows celebrating legendary artists and iconic musical eras

Beyond Music Programming

While concerts form the core of The Lincoln’s identity, the venue extends its cultural impact through diverse non-musical events that serve various community interests. These include:

• » Comedy showcases featuring touring comedians and regional talent
• » Community fundraising events and charity functions supporting local causes
• » Private events, weddings, and special occasions utilizing the historic space

Technical Capabilities and Production Quality

The renovation of The Lincoln prioritized not only preserving historical elements but also installing modern technical infrastructure that meets the demands of contemporary live performances. Behind the vintage façade lies a sophisticated setup that enables high-quality productions across diverse event types.

The sound system represents a significant investment, featuring professional-grade equipment that delivers clear, balanced audio throughout the venue. The lighting rig combines traditional theatrical elements with modern concert lighting capabilities, allowing for customized visual experiences that complement each performance’s unique character.

Amenities and Guest Services

For attendees, The Lincoln offers a range of amenities designed to enhance the concert experience. The venue features two fully stocked bars, one on the main floor and another in the balcony area, serving a variety of beverages including specialty cocktails, beer, wine, and non-alcoholic options.

While The Lincoln does not operate a full kitchen, a selection of snacks is available for purchase. The focus remains primarily on the music experience, with many concertgoers choosing to dine at downtown restaurants before or after shows. The proximity to dining options creates a natural flow between the venue and other downtown establishments, contributing to the vibrant Cheyenne nightlife scene.

The Lincoln has been thoughtfully adapted to accommodate modern expectations while honoring its architectural heritage. This balance creates a venue experience that feels simultaneously fresh and timeless.

Drinks, Eats, and Treats: Food and Beverage Options

The Lincoln focuses primarily on providing quality beverages and basic snacks while encouraging patrons to explore nearby dining options before and after performances. Understanding the available offerings helps visitors plan accordingly for their night of live music in Cheyenne.

Main Floor Bar Selections

The primary bar at The Lincoln offers a comprehensive selection of beverages to suit various preferences:

• » Spirits and cocktails: A full range of premium liquors and signature mixed drinks
• » Beer options: Craft beers, domestic favorites, and local Wyoming brews
• » Wine selections: Red, white, and sparkling varieties by the glass
• » Non-alcoholic beverages: Sodas, energy drinks, and bottled water
• » Specialty drinks: Event-themed cocktails for select performances
• » Payment methods: Cash and credit cards

Balcony Bar Options

The secondary bar located in the balcony area provides a more streamlined selection focused on efficiency:

• » Canned beverages: Pre-packaged beers and seltzers
• » Basic mixed drinks: A limited selection of popular spirits and mixers
• » Non-alcoholic options: Bottled water and canned sodas

Designed for shorter lines during peak times, the balcony bar prevents the need to navigate to the main floor during performances.

Available Snack Options

While The Lincoln Cheyenne doesn’t operate a full kitchen, basic snack options are available for purchase during events. The venue offers standard concert fare, including packaged chips, pretzels, and similar items designed for easy consumption during performances. These options provide basic sustenance but are not intended to replace a meal before or after the show.

The Lincoln’s approach to food service reflects its focus on the music experience, with the understanding that downtown Cheyenne offers numerous dining options within walking distance of the venue.

Outside Food and Beverage Policies

The Lincoln maintains strict policies regarding outside food and beverages to ensure venue cleanliness and to comply with licensing requirements. No outside food or drinks are permitted to be brought into the venue. This includes sealed water bottles, though empty reusable water bottles are allowed and can be filled at the water station provided within the venue.

The only exceptions to this policy are for medical necessities, which should be communicated to staff upon entry. The venue reserves the right to inspect any containers brought in for medical purposes.

Beyond the Music: The Lincoln’s Community Contributions

The Lincoln extends its impact beyond performances to become a cultural hub within Wyoming’s capital city. The venue’s initiatives reflect a commitment to developing Cheyenne’s arts scene and supporting the next generation of musicians through education and community engagement.

The Alternative Arts Project

The Alternative Arts Project represents one of The Lincoln’s most significant community contributions. This 501(c)(3) charitable organization operates with the mission of providing teenagers access to live music experiences while building a community of musicians in Cheyenne.

The project offers free guitar lessons for teens, creating accessible opportunities for musical education regardless of economic background. These weekly sessions provide instruction and instruments, removing barriers to participation and fostering creative development among Cheyenne’s youth.

Through this initiative, The Lincoln demonstrates a commitment to nurturing local talent and ensuring the sustainability of Wyoming’s music culture. The program illustrates how The Lincoln has evolved beyond simply hosting performances to actively cultivating the next generation of artists.

Supporting Local Musicians

While national touring acts draw large crowds to The Lincoln, the venue maintains a deliberate focus on showcasing Wyoming talent. Local and regional performers regularly appear as headliners and as opening acts for larger shows, providing valuable exposure and professional performance opportunities.

The Lincoln’s approach to programming reflects the understanding that a vibrant local music scene requires infrastructure and platforms for artists at various career stages. By offering a professional-grade venue for Wyoming musicians, The Lincoln contributes to talent retention within the state and helps elevate the profile of homegrown artists.

Educational Initiatives

In addition to ongoing programs like the Alternative Arts Project, The Lincoln hosts various educational events and workshops throughout the year. These initiatives cover everything from the technical aspects of music production to performance skills development, creating learning opportunities for community members interested in various aspects of the music industry.

The venue occasionally offers behind-the-scenes tours for school groups and community organizations, providing insights into the theater’s history and operations. These educational components extend The Lincoln’s impact beyond entertainment, establishing it as a resource for cultural and historical learning in downtown Cheyenne.

Private Event Capabilities

The Lincoln Cheyenne makes its distinctive space available for private functions, allowing community members to host events in a venue with unique historical character. The theater accommodates various event types, from fundraisers for local causes to corporate gatherings and private celebrations.

The availability of space for community use enhances downtown Cheyenne’s options for special events and creates additional avenues for residents to engage with the historic building. The versatility of the venue allows it to serve diverse community needs beyond its primary function as a concert space.

For more information on the The Lincoln Cheyene see the pages below:

The Lincoln Parking:
Read parking information and directions for the The Lincoln.

Ticket Policies:
Read ticket policies, ticket verification and refund policies.

The Lincoln Seating Chart:
View the The Lincoln Cheyene seating map and read related seating information.