One of Hopewell’s most visible landmarks, the Beacon Theatre opened in 1928 and captured the hearts of filmgoers until its closing in 1981. Today the Beacon has been restored and reopened as a performing arts venue, hosting a year-round schedule of concerts by nationally known musicians, artistic and performing arts events, as well as a wine festival, weddings, balls and corporate meetings. The Beacon features a 669-seat, art deco theatre.

The Beacon is also home to the Old Dominion Barn Dance featuring producer Donna Meade who is a former Mercury-Polygram recording artist and a member of Virginia’s Country Music Hall of Fame. Meade was married to Jimmy Dean. Since Dean’s passing in 2010, Donna is enjoying performing again as well as producing the Old Dominion Barn Dance. She is the writer of the Barn Dance theme, and her childhood sweetheart and husband of 8 years, Jayson Stevens, serves as production manager. Donna is proud to revive and preserve Virginia’s venerable country music show by presenting the best in traditional country and Bluegrass entertainment, and is honored to be serving as hostess!

The Beacon has two (2) beautifully appointed ballrooms for special events (weddings, reunions, receptions, socials, conferences, luncheons, corporate events, product launches, etc). The theater proper steadily features live music showcasing the intimacy of the venue and its status as a first-rate entertainment/corporate event facility.