
Forbes Center for the Performing Arts
A premier campus arts complex featuring 5 theaters for music, dance, and drama performances.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Best for live performances

Forbes Center for the Performing Arts
Best Time
Best for live performances

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A premier campus arts complex featuring 5 theaters for music, dance, and drama performances.
"A beautiful, modern fine arts venue and a real treasure on the campus of James Madison University."

🎟️ 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!

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Diverse Performing Arts
Multiple Theaters
Experience a vibrant mix of music, dance, and drama performances, showcasing student and professional talent.

Stunning Modern Venue
Main Complex
Admire the beautiful, modern architecture and comfortable seating of this fine arts treasure.

Student & Faculty Productions
Various Stages
Witness the talent of James Madison University students and faculty in captivating theatrical and musical shows.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Tickets in Advance
Check Performance Schedules
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎟️ 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!
🚗 Convenient Parking
Parking is close by, with elevators and a short, covered walk to the center.
♿ Accessible Venue
The Forbes Center is modern, clean, and offers excellent wheelchair accessibility.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎟️ 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!
🚗 Convenient Parking
Parking is close by, with elevators and a short, covered walk to the center.
♿ Accessible Venue
The Forbes Center is modern, clean, and offers excellent wheelchair accessibility.
What Travellers Say
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
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ 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.
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.
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.
🎫 🎫 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.
The Forbes Center for the Performing Arts officially opened in 2010.
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.
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.
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.
🎫 🎭 Onsite Experience
The Forbes Center hosts a wide array of performances including music (orchestral, band, vocal), theater, dance, and drama.
The seating at the Forbes Center is described as comfortable and modern, contributing to a positive viewing experience.
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.
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.
The atmosphere is generally enthusiastic and appreciative, with audiences enjoying well-done productions and talented performers.
🍽️ 🍽️ 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.
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.
📸 📸 Photography
Generally, photography and videography are prohibited during live performances to avoid distracting the performers and audience. Check specific event policies.
Yes, taking photos of the Forbes Center's modern architecture and interior spaces is usually permitted when there isn't a performance in progress.
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.
Daylight hours will offer the best natural light for architectural photography. Consider visiting before or after a performance.
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.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider checking the schedule for family-friendly shows or performances by JMU's music and theater departments, which often feature accessible and engaging content. The venue's accessibility features also make it a comfortable choice for families with strollers or young children who may need assistance.
🎶 Music Aficionados
Keep an eye on the schedule for specific concerts, recitals, and potentially larger musical theater productions. The International Horn Society's presence also indicates the caliber of musical events that can be found here. Whether you're interested in classical, contemporary, or jazz, the Forbes Center offers a rich musical program.
🎭 Theater & Dance Enthusiasts
Look for listings that include dramatic plays, musicals, and dance showcases. The intimate nature of some of the performance spaces within the Forbes Center can make for a particularly engaging theatrical or dance experience, allowing audiences to connect closely with the performers.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Hub for JMU Arts
With multiple theaters and performance spaces within the complex, the Forbes Center can accommodate diverse productions, from intimate recitals to large-scale theatrical events. This versatility makes it a dynamic hub for both the university community and the wider public. The venue is lauded for its modern design and excellent acoustics, contributing to a high-quality experience for both performers and audiences.
Events hosted at the Forbes Center range from student ensembles like the JMU Symphony Orchestra and Wind Symphony to professional touring companies and academic conferences, such as the International Horn Society (IHS) event. This broad spectrum of programming ensures there's always something of interest for art enthusiasts. The center's commitment to the arts makes it a significant cultural asset for Harrisonburg and the Shenandoah Valley.
Venue Features and Visitor Experience
A significant advantage highlighted by visitors is the venue's excellent accessibility. It features wheelchair access and convenient parking nearby, complete with elevators and a short, covered walk to the center, making it easy for everyone to attend. This thoughtful design ensures that the performing arts are accessible to a broad audience.
The acoustics at the Forbes Center are also a major draw, particularly for musical performances. Reviewers have described the sound as incredible, especially when the stage is filled with musicians, indicating a superior auditory experience. This makes it an ideal location for concerts and other sound-intensive productions.






Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit