Article Contributed by Shore Fire Media
Published on 2026-07-28
Photo Credit: The Capitol Theatre
The Capitol Theatre, a cornerstone of music and culture in Westchester County, is celebrating its ninth consecutive year of recognition in Westchester Magazine’s prestigious Best of Westchester Awards.
This year, the historic Port Chester venue was named Best Music Venue (Touring Acts) and Best Event Space, while its adjoining music club, Garcia’s, was recognized as Best Music Venue (Local Acts).
The latest honors celebrate The Capitol Theatre’s continued legacy as one of the Hudson Valley’s premier destinations for live entertainment and unforgettable events, while also spotlighting Garcia’s role as a vibrant home for live music and local artists.
From its legendary history of hosting icons including the Grateful Dead, Pink Floyd, and Janis Joplin to the major touring acts that have taken the stage this year—including Dropkick Murphys, The Black Keys, Jason Mraz, Jack White, Chelsea Handler, and Trey Anastasio—The Capitol Theatre continues to bring unforgettable performances to the heart of Port Chester.
This year’s recognition also marks an exciting milestone for Garcia’s, which was named Best Music Venue (Local Acts). Named for Jerry Garcia in partnership with his family, the intimate, 250-capacity venue has become a destination of its own, creating a space for audiences to discover live music and connect with artists from across the musical spectrum.
The award highlights Garcia’s continued impact on Westchester’s local music community and its place within The Capitol Theatre’s broader live entertainment legacy.
Beyond the stage, The Capitol Theatre continues to play a vital role in strengthening the local community. Recent efforts include The Rye Arts Center’s fourth annual Studio 51 fundraiser, Musicians United for ALS: The Blues & More benefit, and #TheCapCares, an internal volunteer initiative launched as part of the venue’s 100th anniversary celebration.
Together, these efforts showcase The Capitol Theatre’s continued commitment to bringing people together, supporting meaningful causes, and making a lasting impact throughout the Westchester community.
The venue’s versatility remains unmatched in the Hudson Valley. With a main hall that accommodates up to 2,000 guests and the adjoining 250-person Garcia’s, The Capitol Theatre is a go-to destination for weddings, mitzvahs, milestone birthdays, holiday parties, pre-show gatherings, and private events.
The venue also hosts corporate meetings and branded events for organizations including Spotify, Numerix, and the Westchester Hotel Association, as well as film, television, and commercial productions for Netflix, Amazon Prime, The CW, and Sony Pictures.
Its additional uses include benefit concerts, nonprofit fundraisers, virtual events, and live streams.
As The Capitol Theatre approaches its centennial this fall, the venue continues to serve as a center for storytelling, memory-making, and the creation of music history.
Its ninth consecutive year of Best of Westchester recognition—now joined by Garcia’s honor as a standout destination for local live music—celebrates both the venue’s storied past and its continued impact on Westchester’s music and cultural community.
About The Capitol Theatre
Designed by celebrated architect Thomas Lamb in 1926 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, The Capitol Theatre is located 30 miles from New York City.
The 2,000-capacity theater, known as “the original rock palace,” has showcased legends including Traffic, the Grateful Dead, Black Sabbath, Chuck Berry, David Bowie, Janis Joplin, Pink Floyd, and The Rolling Stones. Jerry Garcia called it one of his two favorite venues in the United States.
In 2012, the theater underwent a major renovation under the guidance of music entrepreneur Peter Shapiro. Since then, it has hosted major performers including Bob Dylan, Phil Lesh, Ringo Starr, Joan Baez, Skrillex, Bonnie Raitt, Snoop Dogg, Kacey Musgraves, The Strokes, Tom Petty, Cyndi Lauper, and Willie Nelson, as well as comedians including Kevin Hart and Amy Schumer.
The New York Times wrote, “A rock theater that looks and sounds as good as the Capitol is something to celebrate.”
The Capitol Theatre’s inner-sanctum bar and music club, Garcia’s, was named for Jerry Garcia in partnership with his family. A venue of its own, Garcia’s showcases local artists and nationally touring acts from across the musical spectrum.
