New Castle combines theater history and art with the recreational offerings of Cascade Park. The Historic Warner Cascade Theatre Museum focuses on the site of the first Warner Brothers theater; galleries, stage productions and classes round out the cultural offerings. Cascade Park offers a different focus, with trails, fishing opportunities and picnic areas. These varied attractions make it easy to tailor your trip to your interests.
Theater History and Stages in New Castle
The Historic Warner Cascade Theatre Museum is located at the actual site of the first Warner Brothers theater in downtown New Castle. A tour includes an introduction to the history of the Warner family and a short film at the Cascade Theatre. This experience brings together family history and film in two forms: an introduction and a short film in the theater.
The Scottish Rite Cathedral serves several purposes: it continues to be used as a Masonic temple, a public banquet facility and an auditorium with 2,800 seats. This sets it apart from the museum, whose tour focuses on the historic theater site and the Warner family.
In the City of New Castle, the New Castle Playhouse was founded in 1958 to promote the theatrical arts. Each year, it presents six full-length main-stage productions, as well as various music, dance and theater productions. Alongside film and theater history, the program also features stage productions and other performing arts.
Art and Changing Exhibitions
Arts & Education at the Hoyt is located in New Castle’s North Hill Historic District. The Hoyt Arts Center offers art workshops, music lessons and hands-on classes for all ages and skill levels. If you’d like to experience art beyond exhibitions, you’ll also find classes here suited to different levels of prior experience.
The Hoyt Arts Center’s galleries feature permanent collections and traveling exhibitions. The latter change every 8 to 12 weeks. If you’re traveling to see a particular exhibition, it’s best to check before your trip whether it will be on view during your desired dates.
Cascade Park: Trails, Play and Picnics
The former amusement park Cascade Park is located in New Castle. In the City of New Castle, Cascade Park covers 72.26 acres and is designed for families and groups. Offerings at Cascade Park in the City of New Castle include hiking trails, fishing opportunities, bocce and horseshoe courts, and playground equipment. For group breaks, Cascade Park in the City of New Castle has large picnic areas and picnic pavilions; the park also includes a dance pavilion and ballroom. This brings together different ways to enjoy the park, from exercise and play to picnicking.
Events are also part of the City of New Castle’s summer offerings. The Fireworks Festival is held annually, along with the Back To The Fifties Car Cruise and a summer concert series at Cascade Park. Cascade Park also hosts the annual “Back to the 50’s” event. Check current event dates before your trip.
New Castle and Its Fireworks History
New Castle is associated with the designation “Fireworks Capital of America.” Its historical background dates back to the early 20th century, when the town was home to fireworks companies S. Vitale Pyrotechnic Industries, Inc. (Pyrotecnico) and Zambelli Internationale, which are considered internationally significant. This history adds another cultural point of interest to the theater and art offerings as you plan your trip.
For the broader travel overview: Lawrence County.
