We spent a musical movie night in Fresno’s Tower District. What we got for $25

As a dedicated movie fan, I rarely pass up an opportunity to see a film on the big screen.

A Fresno Bee reader suggested that I check out Fresno’s Tower Theatre as part of On a Budget, a monthly series where Fresno Bee reporters try reader-suggested foods, drinks and activities around Fresno County on a $25 budget.

Fresno Bee reporter Erik Galicia and I visited the 85-year-old movie theater to watch the classic movie “Grease” — and see how far we could stretch our $25 budget.

Here’s how it went:

What is Fresno’s Tower District like?

Location: 815 East Olive Ave, Fresno,

Erik and I arrived in Fresno’s Tower District around 6 p.m. on recent Saturday.

After watching the David Lynch movie “Blue Velvet” at the Tower Theatre in January, I was eager to return for another screening.

The doors to the movie theater were slated to open at 7 p.m. so we decided to get some dinner first.

After debating our choices, including Mexican restaurant CDT Cocina, Irene’s Cafe and The Lincoln Pub & Grub, we settled on Mamma Mia Pizzeria, an Italian restaurant that serves up pizza, calzones, sandwiches and more.

“Two musicals in one day,” I joked.

I ordered bow tie pasta in marinara sauce for $18.95, while while Erik got spaghetti with meat sauce for the same price. Each order came with one bread roll.

By the time we headed over to the Tower Theatre, there was a long line of moviegoers waiting to get in I wasn’t worried because I had already bought our tickets online for $11.02 each

When the doors opened promptly at 7 p.m., Erik and I went inside the theater and hit the snack bar.

What we got at Tower Theatre for $25

We were very excited when we saw the snacks available at Tower Theatre snack bar, which had everything a moviegoer would want at affordable prices.

I got a bottle of water for $2, a bag of Lays potato chips for $3, a package of Sourpatch Kids candy for $4 and a soda for $3, for a grand total of $13.80.

Erik bought a can of Coca-Cola and a popcorn for $8.80.

After grabbing food and drinks, Erik and I took our seats close to the screen and spent some time admiring the beautiful interior of the Tower Theatre and its old-school vibe.

The theater, which is capable of seating 900 moviegoers at a time, has circular murals positioned above sculptured aluminum sconces, according to its website

When the screening of “Grease” started at about 8:15 p.m., we cheered with the crowd whooped and hollered They sang along with the characters and applauded after every musical number.

I hadn’t seen “Grease” since I was in my teens and really enjoyed seeing the 1978 movie musical on the big screen.

My favorite song from the movie was “Greased Lightnin’. ” I loved watching Danny Zuko (John Travolta) and Kenickie Murdoch (Jeff Conaway) dance as they worked to fix up the title hot rod.

I love “Grease” because it is such a nostalgic, fun movie that you can sing and dance along to no matter how old you are.

Here’s what Erik had to say about his experience:

“Watching Grease on the big screen at the Tower Theatre was nothing short of a great Saturday night. The prices were low enough for me to enjoy two sodas and a small bag of popcorn. And the best part of the night? Being surrounded by fellow fans of the classic musical who clapped and cheered after each memorable song.”

Is movie night in Fresno’s Tower District affordable?

Cheap movie tickets and affordable snacks made it easy to stay on budget during our visit to Fresno’s Tower District.

Overall, this was a very affordable outing that Erik and I enjoyed very much.

Mamma Mia Pizzeria’s menu offered several options below $20, including pizza by the slice for $9.95, a calzone for $19.95 and pasta and hot sandwiches for $18.95. Salads cost $8.95 to $17.95.

Tickets for special movie screenings at Fresno’s Tower Theatre cost $11.02, while concert tickets range in price from $30 to $50.

At the Tower Theatre snack bar, you can get a bag of chips or a Nature Valley granola bar for $3.

The snack bar also has an assortment of sweets, including Starbursts, Skittles and Airheads, for $4 each.

Drinks cost $2 for bottled water, $3 for soda and $5 for energy drinks.

A can of beer costs $10, while a glass of wine is $9 and a mixed drink costs $14.

You can also pick up a pair of earplugs for $2.

Which concerts, movie screenings are coming to Tower Theatre?

Multiple concerts, movie screenings and other special events are coming to the Tower Theatre in coming weeks.

There will be a screening of the documentary “No Other Land” on Saturday, July 5.

The band Broken Compass Bluegrass will perform at the Tower Theatre on Thursday, July 10.

The Latine Film Fest takes place on Friday, July 11, and classic comedy “Clueless” will be shown on the big screen on Saturday, July 19.

You can buy tickets in person at Tower Theatre’s box office or online at towertheatrefresno.com

Where should I go next?

Have any ideas on where I should visit next in the Fresno area on a budget?

Send me recommendations at fgalan@fresnobee.com or by filling out the form below

This story was originally published July 2, 2025 at 5:00 AM.

Fernanda Galan

The Fresno Bee

559-441-6005

Fernanda Galan covers Central Valley and California news as The Fresno Bee’s service journalism reporter. Before joining The Bee in 2024, she reported in Milwaukee, Arizona and Los Angeles. She is a graduate of Arizona State’s Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication.