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.
Celebrate the beauty of Hispanic culture through dance! For children ages 8 to 12, this class dives deeper into the world of Folklorico dance with more advanced steps and routines. Meeting twice a week, students will build on their foundational knowledge, learning complex footwork, beautiful choreography, and the rich history behind each regional dance. This class is perfect for those who want to grow their skills and passion for Mexica...
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Celebrate the beauty of Hispanic culture through dance!
Introduce your little one to the beauty of traditional Mexican Folklorico dance! This beginner class is designed specifically for children ages 5 to 7 and will meet once a week. In this class, students will learn basic Folklorico movements, simple rhythms, and the cultural significance behind the dances. It's a fun and engaging way for young children to explore their Mexican herit...
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Join us at the historic Farr Best Theater for a special evening honoring our nation’s heroes and celebrating the 250th Birthday of the United States Marine Corps. This event pays tribute to the courage, dedication, and sacrifice of our veterans while commemorating the proud legacy of the Marines.
Whether you served, know someone who did, or simply want to express your gratitude, this celebration is an opportunity for our community to c...
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Celebrate the beauty of Hispanic culture through dance! For children ages 8 to 12, this class dives deeper into the world of Folklorico dance with more advanced steps and routines. Meeting twice a week, students will build on their foundational knowledge, learning complex footwork, beautiful choreography, and the rich history behind each regional dance. This class is perfect for those who want to grow their skills and passion for Mexica...
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Get ready to be amazed as Will Baffle's Show of Wonders takes center stage at Farr Best Theater this fall! Known for his incredible blend of magic, illusion, and comedy, Will Baffle will transport the audience into a world of wonder and surprise. From mind-bending tricks to jaw-dropping sleight of hand, this family-friendly performance promises an evening of entertainment that will leave you questioning reality and laughing out loud.
Th...
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48 Hr Sparks is a quarterly short film challenge designed to ignite creativity, foster collaboration, and build a stronger local filmmaking community across all ages and experience levels.
Hosted in partnership with the City of Mansfield, this event empowers filmmakers to create original short films in just 48 hours—from concept to final cut. Each season, teams receive a surprise genre, a prop, and a line of dialogue at kickoff, then r...
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"Santa is Going Digital" is a musical melodrama that highlights Santa's competitive struggles with big box stores as he explores technology solutions that improve every detail necessary for a successful Christmas Event. Santa has retained the services of a technology consultant, but this is not working as planned because the consultant has decided that Santa should sell Christmas! And of course, the consultant is now standing at the fro...
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"Santa is Going Digital" is a musical melodrama that highlights Santa's competitive struggles with big box stores as he explores technology solutions that improve every detail necessary for a successful Christmas Event. Santa has retained the services of a technology consultant, but this is not working as planned because the consultant has decided that Santa should sell Christmas! And of course, the consultant is now standing at the fro...
Read More
"Santa is Going Digital" is a musical melodrama that highlights Santa's competitive struggles with big box stores as he explores technology solutions that improve every detail necessary for a successful Christmas Event. Santa has retained the services of a technology consultant, but this is not working as planned because the consultant has decided that Santa should sell Christmas! And of course, the consultant is now standing at the fro...
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Enter a winter wonderland of whimsy with Engelbert Humperdink's classic opera "Hansel & Gretel". Inspired by the rich tradition of German Christmas markets, Opera Arlington's production will be sure to delight the senses and satisfy your sweet tooth. Guaranteed to be fun for the whole family, this 90 minute fairytale is performed with piano and sung in English with English supertitles.
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