A concert in the Concert Hall
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Forbes Center for the Performing Arts

4.8
Β·284 reviewsΒ·Harrisonburg, United States

A premier campus arts complex featuring 5 theaters for music, dance, and drama performances.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Evenings

Best for live performances

CrowdMedium
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A concert in the Concert Hall

Forbes Center for the Performing Arts

Best Time

Evenings

Best for live performances

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A premier campus arts complex featuring 5 theaters for music, dance, and drama performances.

4.8
(284 reviews)

"A beautiful, modern fine arts venue and a real treasure on the campus of James Madison University."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎟️ Secure Your Seats Early

Popular shows sell out fast! Book tickets online in advance to guarantee your spot.

🎢 Check the Schedule

A wide variety of music, dance, and theater events. Plan your visit around your interests!

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Rating

4.8 Β· 284 reviews

Type

Performing Arts Theater

πŸ‘Ά Good for kidsβ™Ώ Wheelchair accessibleπŸ…ΏοΈ Accessible parking🚻 Accessible restroom

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Diverse Performing Arts

Diverse Performing Arts

Multiple Theaters

Experience a vibrant mix of music, dance, and drama performances, showcasing student and professional talent.

Instagram+1
Stunning Modern Venue

Stunning Modern Venue

Main Complex

Admire the beautiful, modern architecture and comfortable seating of this fine arts treasure.

Reddit
Student & Faculty Productions

Student & Faculty Productions

Various Stages

Witness the talent of James Madison University students and faculty in captivating theatrical and musical shows.

Instagram+1
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Planning Your Visit

Book Tickets in Advance

Popular performances at the Forbes Center for the Performing Arts often sell out. Booking your tickets online ahead of time ensures you get the best seats and avoids disappointment, especially for major productions. Instagram

Check Performance Schedules

The Forbes Center hosts a diverse range of events, from music and dance to theater and drama. Review the official schedule to find performances that match your interests and plan your visit accordingly. Instagram+1

Best Times

When
Evenings
Why
Best for live performances
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekends
Why
More showtimes available
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Forbes Center for the Performing Arts is a great place for students to perform at or watch live shows. Breeze TV’s Demi Magnini was out on the quad talking to students about their Forbes experiences. Story by: @demi_magnini_media #performingarts #jmu #journalism
jmubreezetv
97 likes β€’ 3K views

🎟️ Secure Your Seats Early

Popular shows sell out fast! Book tickets online in advance to guarantee your spot. InstagramReddit

🎢 Check the Schedule

A wide variety of music, dance, and theater events. Plan your visit around your interests! Instagram+1

πŸŽ“ Did you know?⁠ JMU is home to the Forbes Center for the Performing Arts, a hub for music, theater, and dance on campus! 🎭🎢⁠ But here’s a question:⁠ πŸ“ Which year did the Forbes Center for the Performing Arts officially open?⁠ A) 2003⁠ B) 2006⁠ C) 2010⁠ D) 2013⁠ πŸ’¬ Comment below and see if you’re a true Dukes fan!⁠ πŸ‘‡πŸ‘‡πŸ‘‡β  #JMUDukes #JMUArts #JMUTrivia #PurpleNation #GoDukes
your_purple_nation
10 likes β€’ 196 views
Only available for the new MB-5 Flex case. More models will be soon available. Come visit our booth at IHS, room 1115 of The Forbes Center for the Performing Arts #marcusbonnacases
marcusbonnacases
163 likes β€’ 7.7K views

πŸš— Convenient Parking

Parking is close by, with elevators and a short, covered walk to the center. Reddit

β™Ώ Accessible Venue

The Forbes Center is modern, clean, and offers excellent wheelchair accessibility. Reddit

We are so excited to be performing this weekend at Forbes Center For The Performing Arts and sharing the stage with @danceworkschicago and @jmudance. It’s going to be a great show. Conflux just keeps moving on up β€οΈπŸ‘πŸ‘ #jmu #confluxdancetheater #danceworks #harisonburg #va #dance #company πŸ“Έ- @narratography
confluxdancetheater
76 likes β€’ 2.2K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎟️ Secure Your Seats Early

Popular shows sell out fast! Book tickets online in advance to guarantee your spot. InstagramReddit

🎢 Check the Schedule

A wide variety of music, dance, and theater events. Plan your visit around your interests! Instagram+1

πŸš— Convenient Parking

Parking is close by, with elevators and a short, covered walk to the center. Reddit

β™Ώ Accessible Venue

The Forbes Center is modern, clean, and offers excellent wheelchair accessibility. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.8
(284 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors rave about the Forbes Center for the Performing Arts, calling it a beautiful, modern venue with comfortable seating and incredible acoustics. It's praised as a treasure on the JMU campus, offering a diverse range of well-executed music, theater, and dance performances. The venue's excellent accessibility and convenient parking are also significant pluses.

"Attended a music department production of Beatrice et Benedict, which was very well done! Principals had beautiful voices, supported by a strong cast and well-staged. The Forbes Center is a great facility!"

John Ross

"Summer Band Camp performance concert band. the Forbes center is simply amazing! Then fill the stage with musicians the sound is incredible."

Michael Tollison

"I've been to some of the performances at the Forbes Center and I absolutely loved them!!! I've recently been to their Winter Solstice Concert and it was a real treat!!! They always have some good shows, whether it's theater, musicals and even opera.. I'll definitely go again!"

Lucia Rossi

What People Like

Beautiful modern venue
Incredible acoustics
Comfortable seating

What People Dislike

Limited dining options onsite

Frequently Asked Questions

πŸš‡ πŸ—ΊοΈ Getting There

The Forbes Center is located on the campus of James Madison University in Harrisonburg, VA. Visitors can typically find parking in lots near the center, with easy access and a short walk. Reddit

Yes, there is a parking lot conveniently located near the Forbes Center. It offers elevators and a short, covered walk to the venue, making it accessible. Reddit

Driving directions will depend on your starting point, but the Forbes Center is a prominent landmark on the JMU campus. Using a GPS with 'Forbes Center for the Performing Arts, Harrisonburg, VA' should provide accurate routes.

Information on public transportation options to JMU and the Forbes Center may vary. It's best to check local transit schedules for Harrisonburg, VA, if you plan to use public transport.

Absolutely. The Forbes Center is described as modern, clean, and having wheelchair accessible access, including nearby parking with elevators. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Tickets can typically be purchased online through the official Forbes Center for the Performing Arts website or JMU's ticketing portal. Some tickets may also be available at the box office. Instagram

The Forbes Center for the Performing Arts officially opened in 2010. Instagram

Ticket prices vary depending on the performance, seating location, and any applicable discounts. It's best to check the specific event listing for current pricing. Instagram

JMU students and potentially other students may be eligible for discounted ticket prices. Check the ticketing information for each event or inquire with the box office. Instagram

While some tickets might be available on the day of the performance, it's highly recommended to purchase them in advance, as popular shows often sell out. Instagram

🎫 🎭 Onsite Experience

The Forbes Center hosts a wide array of performances including music (orchestral, band, vocal), theater, dance, and drama. Instagram+3

The seating at the Forbes Center is described as comfortable and modern, contributing to a positive viewing experience. Reddit

Yes, the sound quality is frequently praised, especially for musical performances, with one reviewer noting the sound is incredible when the stage is filled with musicians. Reddit

The Forbes Center hosts various events throughout the year, including university productions, guest artist performances, and potentially conferences like the International Horn Society (IHS) event. Instagram

The atmosphere is generally enthusiastic and appreciative, with audiences enjoying well-done productions and talented performers. InstagramReddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Specific dining options within the Forbes Center itself are not detailed, but being on the JMU campus, there are likely dining facilities available on campus or in the surrounding Harrisonburg area. Instagram

Typically, outside food and beverages are not permitted inside performance halls. It's best to consume any food or drinks before entering the venue. Check the venue's specific policies.

JMU's campus offers a variety of dining options, including cafes, dining halls, and eateries that cater to different tastes. These are usually accessible to visitors.

Harrisonburg, VA, has a range of restaurants, from casual to more upscale, located a short drive from the JMU campus and the Forbes Center. Exploring local recommendations is advised.

While not explicitly mentioned, many performing arts centers have concession stands for snacks and beverages. It's advisable to check the Forbes Center's amenities or inquire upon arrival.

πŸ“Έ πŸ“Έ Photography

Generally, photography and videography are prohibited during live performances to avoid distracting the performers and audience. Check specific event policies. Instagram

Yes, taking photos of the Forbes Center's modern architecture and interior spaces is usually permitted when there isn't a performance in progress. Instagram

The modern design of the Forbes Center itself offers great photo opportunities. You might also find scenic spots on the JMU campus surrounding the venue. Instagram

Daylight hours will offer the best natural light for architectural photography. Consider visiting before or after a performance. Instagram

Flash photography is almost always prohibited during performances and often discouraged even in public areas of venues to protect artwork and avoid disturbing others. Always check signage or ask staff.

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