Are concessions allowed inside the cave?

No. Concessions are not permitted to protect cave surfaces and ecosystems.

Is the event wheelchair accessible?

No. The route to Cathedral Hall includes uneven terrain and multiple stairs and is not ADA accessible.

How early should I arrive?

Seating begins 45 minutes before showtime; arriving early helps secure better seating and complete the short guided stroll before the screening.

What is the ticket price and cancellation policy?

Tickets are $20 per person in advance or day of show. There are no refunds or exchanges within 24 hours of showtime.

What age is appropriate for this event?

The experience is recommended for ages three and up.

Can I bring my own chair?

Yes—small camp chairs are allowed, but no oversized lounge chairs or loveseats due to limited space.

Subterranean Cinema at Grand Caverns: Underground Movie Night in Cathedral Hall

Step out of the summer heat and into the cool depths of Grand Caverns for an evening that turns moviegoing into an expedition. Subterranean Cinema drops you into Cathedral Hall—about a ten-minute walk from the cave entrance—where a large screen, hush-dark rock, and the cave’s steady 55°F create an intimate underground theater. Seats are provided, but seating opens 45 minutes before showtime; many guests bring a small camp chair and a blanket to stave off the chill.

This is not a typical multiplex. The program begins with a short guided stroll through the cavern, a chance to feel the uneven flagstone and descend multiple stairs before the lights dim. Concessions are not permitted inside the cave to protect delicate cave surfaces and ecosystems, and the event is not ADA accessible; patrons with mobility concerns should plan accordingly. The cinema experience is designed for ages three and up and usually runs about two hours total, combining the short tour with the film screening. Tickets are $20 per person when available in advance or day of show.

What makes Subterranean Cinema special is the setting: a vaulted, echoing chamber called Cathedral Hall whose scale and hush transform film into a shared, almost ceremonial event. The cave’s cool, steady temperature keeps the air crisp and the crowd small. Lighting for the screening is careful and minimal to preserve the cave environment, so bring a headlamp for the walk in and a compact flashlight for the path afterward if you like—though be mindful of other visitors.

Practicalities matter here. Wear sturdy shoes with good traction; the route includes stairs and uneven ground. Dress in layers; the cave is about 55°F year-round, so even summer nights can feel brisk. Chairs supplied are standard folding types, but guests are welcome to bring a small comfortable camp chair (no oversized lounge chairs) and a blanket. The cave’s layout and policy mean late arrivals can’t be accommodated, and refunds are not issued within 24 hours of showtime, so plan travel and timing carefully.

Beyond the film, Subterranean Cinema offers a rare chance to experience Grand Caverns after dark in a way that keeps disturbance low and curiosity high. It’s a short, theatrical way to deepen a visit to Grottoes—drop by the meeting point at 5 Grand Caverns Drive, Grottoes, VA 24441, and trade a sidewalk for stalagmite shadows and a movie beneath the rock. Families with children age three and older will find the experience accessible as a special evening activity; the organizers cap crowds by the space and suggest younger kids bring ear protection for echoing corridors. Photo opportunities are dramatic but low-light—use wide apertures and steady hands. Book early for popular showings and arrive prepared: the cave rewards curiosity and careful company.

About Grand Caverns

Grand Caverns is America’s oldest show cave and a nationally recognized natural attraction that offers a diverse mix of guided tours, seasonal events, adventure excursions, and shelter rentals. Visitors can join leisurely mile-long walking tours that explore dramatic formations at a cool 54°F, or choose themed experiences such as Subterranean Cinema screenings staged in Cathedral Hall. History-focused candlelight tours recount 1800s stories along original pathways, while Grottoes Crawl and Historic Trails tours invite explorers to climb, crawl, and discover routes first used in 1804. Thrill-seekers can book high-adrenaline experiences like The Gauntlet and Rock Bottom Adventure tours in nearby Fountain Cave, which require athleticism and no artificial lights. The site also hosts seasonal musical events—Caroling in the Caverns—with local ensembles and handbell groups, bringing performances to a breathtaking underground setting. On-site shelter rentals accommodate gatherings from intimate picnics to parties of up to 200 guests, and John E. Painter Park offers additional shelters for groups up to 64. Grand Caverns supports private group bookings and offers multiple accessibility notes: tours include stairs and a mile of walking, so guests with mobility concerns are encouraged to check details before visiting. Staff-led programs emphasize safety, historical accuracy, and conservation. With documented use since the early 1800s, Grand Caverns combines proven stewardship, trained guides, and unique underground venues to deliver memorable educational and recreational experiences for families, adventurers, and event organizers. Reservations are recommended for special events, private tours, and shelter rentals to guarantee availability and personalized group planning. Contact staff for details.

Subterranean Cinema at Grand Caverns: Underground Movie Night in Cathedral Hall

Adventure Brief

Keep the Adventure Going

Trip Details from the Operator

Frequently Asked Questions

Key Highlights

Local Insights

Related Adventures & Guides

Operated By

About Grand Caverns

Reserve a Spot Underground

Adventure Tips

Recommended Gear