The Farr Best Theater, an intimate, 158-seat venue in downtown Mansfield, is a gem of Mansfield history.
It was first opened on October 10, 1917, by Milton May Farr. He became one of the city's most prominent citizens and oversaw the installation of the first electric lights in the city and a modernized water system. He named the theatre the Best Farr Theatre, and then in 1950, it became known as the Farr Best Theater. For 58 continuous years, it was operated by Milton and Annie Farr and their nine children.
The Farr Best Theater has seen several owners and uses since then but was most recently purchased in 2017 by the City of Mansfield to preserve the building and return it to its intended use as a theater. It is currently undergoing a revitalization to retain and enhance much of the original historic charm. It operates as a community arts venue hosting concerts, movies, theatrical productions, lectures, dance, magic, and various community events.
The theater was placed on the National Register of Historic Places on September 12, 1996.
Located:
109 N. Main St., Mansfield, TX 76063
Rental Inquiries:
Rates are $50/hour for non-profit organizations and $60/hour for commercial/Individual rentals. A/V equipment can be rented for $120/day. "Prime time" rentals (Thursday-Sunday) require a 6-hour minimum; all other days require a 4-hour minimum.
Rental requests are currently being accepted through September 30, 2026.
For more information, contact us at 817-728-3339 or [email protected]
Are you an artist, arts organization or cultural leader? Is your organization looking for a space to call home? If so, you may be eligible for our Cultural Incubator Program which provides special rental rates and benefits for accepted participants.
Welcome to the MiniFilm "Mini Film Festival"— where big ideas come in small runtimes! Filmmakers will compete with bold, creative short films between 2–10 minutes, proving you don’t need a blockbuster budget to make movie magic! You can attend in person, or virtually!
Presented by MiniFilm- A next-gen platform where creatives connect to produce, sell, and share short form content—mini shows, music, and films under 10 minutes.
The Cont...
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Welcome to the MiniFilm "Mini Film Festival"— where big ideas come in small runtimes! Filmmakers will compete with bold, creative short films between 2–10 minutes, proving you don’t need a blockbuster budget to make movie magic! You can attend in person, or virtually!
Presented by MiniFilm- A next-gen platform where creatives connect to produce, sell, and share short form content—mini shows, music, and films under 10 minutes.
The Cont...
Read More
The world's longest-running play!
After a local woman is murdered, the guests and staff at Monkswell Manor find themselves stranded during a snowstorm. It soon becomes clear that the killer is among them, and the seven strangers grow increasingly suspicious of one another. A police detective, arriving on skis, interrogates the suspects: the newlyweds running the house; a spinster with a curious background; an architect who seems better...
Read More
The world's longest-running play!
After a local woman is murdered, the guests and staff at Monkswell Manor find themselves stranded during a snowstorm. It soon becomes clear that the killer is among them, and the seven strangers grow increasingly suspicious of one another. A police detective, arriving on skis, interrogates the suspects: the newlyweds running the house; a spinster with a curious background; an architect who seems better...
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The Farr Best Open Mic is an all-ages, family-friendly mic showcase. It is a platform that encourages artists to show up and be supported, and it takes place in downtown Mansfield, Texas. It is guided by a Grammy voting member, award-winning poet, and MC, Mike Guinn.
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The world's longest-running play!
After a local woman is murdered, the guests and staff at Monkswell Manor find themselves stranded during a snowstorm. It soon becomes clear that the killer is among them, and the seven strangers grow increasingly suspicious of one another. A police detective, arriving on skis, interrogates the suspects: the newlyweds running the house; a spinster with a curious background; an architect who seems better...
Read More
The world's longest-running play!
After a local woman is murdered, the guests and staff at Monkswell Manor find themselves stranded during a snowstorm. It soon becomes clear that the killer is among them, and the seven strangers grow increasingly suspicious of one another. A police detective, arriving on skis, interrogates the suspects: the newlyweds running the house; a spinster with a curious background; an architect who seems better...
Read More
The world's longest-running play!
After a local woman is murdered, the guests and staff at Monkswell Manor find themselves stranded during a snowstorm. It soon becomes clear that the killer is among them, and the seven strangers grow increasingly suspicious of one another. A police detective, arriving on skis, interrogates the suspects: the newlyweds running the house; a spinster with a curious background; an architect who seems better...
Read More
Will Baffle's Magic Show is a high-energy, family-friendly experience filled with astonishing magic, mind-blowing illusions, and interactive comedy. Audiences of all ages become part of the action as Will combines sleight of hand, laughter, and impossible feats that leave guests amazed and entertained. This unforgettable show creates lasting memories and plenty of surprises.
There will be 3 shows during the evening at 6:30 pm, 7:30 pm,...
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Step beyond the curtain and into the shadows of the Historic Farr Best Theatre with Wandering Soul Paranormal. Once filled with the voices of performers and patrons, this historic landmark is said to hold echoes of its past that refuse to be forgotten. Join us for a paranormal investigation as we explore the theatre after dark, searching for unexplained activity and possible evidence of those who may still linger within its walls.
Guest...
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