Theaters & Performance
Mattie Kelly Arts Center
Guided Tours
Live Performances
Wheelchair Accessible
About
The Mattie Kelly Arts Center is the largest performing arts venue on the Emerald Coast, marking its 30th season in 2026. The Mainstage Theater seats 1,650 and hosts touring Broadway, symphony and dance, while the 195-seat Sprint Theater handles smaller, more experimental shows. An outdoor amphitheater holds up to 2,000 people on its seats and lawn.
Inside, two galleries are free to visit on weekdays: the McIlroy Gallery, with tall ceilings and natural light, and the Holzhauer Gallery, home to a permanent collection donated by artist Emil Holzhauer. The center is on the college campus in Niceville, about 30 minutes from Destin, so leave time for traffic over the Mid-Bay Bridge on show nights.
Good to know
Free galleries
Gallery admission is free, and guided tours can be booked by appointment at (850) 729-6044.
Pick your venue
Check whether your show is on the Mainstage, in the Sprint Theater or outdoors at the amphitheater before you go.
Lawn seating
Amphitheater shows include lawn space, so a blanket or low chair can be handy.