ArtistDirect News
Tacomas Grand Cinema Cancels Sunday Shows After Credible Threat
The Grand Cinema in downtown Tacoma shut down all scheduled film screenings on Sunday, June 21, 2026, after receiving a credible threat of violence. The theater’s website announced the closure, citing an "ongoing threat and safety issue" and stated that the Tacoma Police Department was working to ensure the safety of patrons, volunteers, and staff.
The theater did not disclose the nature of the threat. According to the Grand Cinema’s statement, staff received a phone call at 8:20 p.m. Saturday night that warned of a potential bombing or shooting. The threat prompted the decision to cancel all four screens’ Sunday programming, which had included the independent feature Disclosure Day, the documentary Leviticus, the comedy I Love Boosters, and the classic action film Terminator 2: Judgment Day.
The Grand Cinema is a non‑profit, independent venue that has been part of Tacoma’s downtown revitalization since the 1990s. The four‑screen theater shows a mix of first‑run movies, independent and foreign films, and occasional repertory classics. It has been a fixture in the local film community and a venue for the annual Tacoma Film Festival.
In its announcement, the Grand Cinema urged ticket holders to be patient while refunds were processed. The theater said customers who had not received a refund by the end of the day should contact the venue directly. The policy is consistent with the theater’s standard practice of issuing refunds for canceled screenings.
The Tacoma Police Department confirmed that it had received the call and was investigating the threat. Police spokespersons said the department was coordinating with the theater’s security team and local emergency services to assess the situation. No arrests have been made, and no additional incidents have been reported.
The closure comes amid a broader context of public safety concerns for entertainment venues in the region. Tacoma, the county seat of Pierce County, has seen a rise in violent incidents in recent months, prompting increased police presence at public gatherings. The city’s police department has emphasized its commitment to protecting community spaces.
The Grand Cinema’s decision to cancel all shows was made to prioritize safety. The theater’s leadership stated that the venue’s “safety of our patrons, volunteers and staff” was the primary consideration. The theater’s website also noted that the decision was made after consultation with law enforcement.
The impact on the local film community is significant. The Grand Cinema has historically provided a venue for independent filmmakers and niche audiences that are not served by larger commercial theaters. The sudden cancellation of four screenings disrupted plans for several patrons and eliminated a scheduled opportunity for the theater to showcase new independent work.
The theater’s website will remain open for ticket inquiries and refund requests. The Grand Cinema has not yet announced a reschedule for the canceled films. The venue’s management has indicated that it will keep the public updated as the situation develops.
The incident underscores the vulnerability of small, independent theaters to security threats. While the Grand Cinema’s prompt response and cooperation with police mitigated potential harm, the event highlights the need for ongoing vigilance and preparedness in the entertainment sector.
As of now, the Grand Cinema remains closed for the day, and the Tacoma Police Department continues its investigation. No further details about the threat have been released, and the theater has not provided additional information about future screenings.
The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of safety protocols for venues that host public gatherings. The Grand Cinema’s swift action to cancel all showings and issue refunds reflects its commitment to protecting its community while maintaining transparency about the situation.
The theater’s closure is a temporary disruption, but the broader implications for independent cinema in Tacoma may prompt discussions about security measures and emergency response plans for similar venues across the region.
The theater did not disclose the nature of the threat. According to the Grand Cinema’s statement, staff received a phone call at 8:20 p.m. Saturday night that warned of a potential bombing or shooting. The threat prompted the decision to cancel all four screens’ Sunday programming, which had included the independent feature Disclosure Day, the documentary Leviticus, the comedy I Love Boosters, and the classic action film Terminator 2: Judgment Day.
The Grand Cinema is a non‑profit, independent venue that has been part of Tacoma’s downtown revitalization since the 1990s. The four‑screen theater shows a mix of first‑run movies, independent and foreign films, and occasional repertory classics. It has been a fixture in the local film community and a venue for the annual Tacoma Film Festival.
In its announcement, the Grand Cinema urged ticket holders to be patient while refunds were processed. The theater said customers who had not received a refund by the end of the day should contact the venue directly. The policy is consistent with the theater’s standard practice of issuing refunds for canceled screenings.
The Tacoma Police Department confirmed that it had received the call and was investigating the threat. Police spokespersons said the department was coordinating with the theater’s security team and local emergency services to assess the situation. No arrests have been made, and no additional incidents have been reported.
The closure comes amid a broader context of public safety concerns for entertainment venues in the region. Tacoma, the county seat of Pierce County, has seen a rise in violent incidents in recent months, prompting increased police presence at public gatherings. The city’s police department has emphasized its commitment to protecting community spaces.
The Grand Cinema’s decision to cancel all shows was made to prioritize safety. The theater’s leadership stated that the venue’s “safety of our patrons, volunteers and staff” was the primary consideration. The theater’s website also noted that the decision was made after consultation with law enforcement.
The impact on the local film community is significant. The Grand Cinema has historically provided a venue for independent filmmakers and niche audiences that are not served by larger commercial theaters. The sudden cancellation of four screenings disrupted plans for several patrons and eliminated a scheduled opportunity for the theater to showcase new independent work.
The theater’s website will remain open for ticket inquiries and refund requests. The Grand Cinema has not yet announced a reschedule for the canceled films. The venue’s management has indicated that it will keep the public updated as the situation develops.
The incident underscores the vulnerability of small, independent theaters to security threats. While the Grand Cinema’s prompt response and cooperation with police mitigated potential harm, the event highlights the need for ongoing vigilance and preparedness in the entertainment sector.
As of now, the Grand Cinema remains closed for the day, and the Tacoma Police Department continues its investigation. No further details about the threat have been released, and the theater has not provided additional information about future screenings.
The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of safety protocols for venues that host public gatherings. The Grand Cinema’s swift action to cancel all showings and issue refunds reflects its commitment to protecting its community while maintaining transparency about the situation.
The theater’s closure is a temporary disruption, but the broader implications for independent cinema in Tacoma may prompt discussions about security measures and emergency response plans for similar venues across the region.