Bijou by the Bay - Traverse City, Michigan

Erik C.

Great little arthouse theater. Created in the space of a now defunct museum, this 160-seat auditorium is host to great independent and art flicks, is a venue for the Traverse City Film Festival, and is staffed by volunteers from the surrounding area. Owned by the TCFF, this little gem is a non-profit and a great part of the Grand Traverse Bay community.

Dari S.

A great place for a fun night out!

Really great theater and friendly staff. There was a long line that went out the door for the movie we wanted to watch, but it went very quickly and smoothly. The staff (a man with glasses and several ladies) were very fast and efficient, but above all... were extremely friendly.

Thats kinda hard to pull off working customer service when it gets busy, but they did it. It was such a good experience we'll be back. Thanks for making our memory of seeing "Wonka" in theaters a really sweet one!

Dru D.

We love this little theater. It's a very cool setting, and a great spot to watch a good film. Everyone who volunteers at Bijou is smiling and friendly.

John H.

I am very disappointed that this theater is under-utilized. I was looking forward to seeing films during my visit. What a gem!

Dallas D.

Absolutely amazing crowds who are respectful and an integral part of traverse city I love there location but make sure to park and walk over because the marina parking requires a marina pass to park. The Park Mobile App will help you alot in traverse city <3

Kyle C.

I recently moved to Traverse City from Detroit and had to check out this theater. I am used to those large chain theaters with the extremely comfortable recliner seats, and even bars that let you get pre-movie drinks.

This theater was quaint. Affordable ticket prices and even more affordable snacks! The theater has a nice charm, with the walls being painted with murals of Traverse City.

The chairs are standard movie theater chairs; nothing special but not awful.

Bathrooms are in the front of the theater which is different, but not bad.

Overall I'd say 9/10! Staff was extremely friendly as well.

Sabrina J.

The Bijou is my go-to theater for new movies. I won't even go to the other theaters in town anymore. The Bijou is much more comfortable. The seats are cushier and fairly large, and the arm rests can be put up (and the underside is padded) if you want to hold hands with your movie partner. The popcorn and pop is really reasonably priced compared to the other theaters in town. When I last went, as I recall, the couple's combo (2 med drinks and a large popcorn?) was around $7. I think you pay $20 or more at the others. The other reviewer mentioned no butter, but I didn't think the popcorn was dry at all! They also have some flavor powders you can put on it. I guess if you want it drenched in oil, you're not going to get that, but to me that's not worth another $8 for your popcorn.
The sound and video is good quality, and with the exception of some opening nights (like Avengers: Age of Ultron), the climate control is great too.
You might wait to get some of the newer movies, because the Bijou seems to run a week or two behind the releases, but the theater is less crowded, more comfortable, and less expensive, so it's worth the wait for me.

Lynn ?.

Just went to a wonderful documentary here tonight, Faces Places, for the Film Festival. Love this volunteer-run cozy theater with the hand painted murals on the walls. Fantastic setting right on West Bay. Close to several great restaurants and bars as well. Comfy seats, not bad view in the house. Highly recommend.