The Suffolk in Riverhead

The Suffolk, long known as the Suffolk Theater, is a restored Art Deco performance venue in the heart of downtown Riverhead. One of the area’s best-known entertainment landmarks, it blends historic movie-palace character with a modern live-event atmosphere and regularly hosts concerts, comedy, tribute acts, themed shows, and special programs on eastern Long Island.

History & Restoration

The Suffolk opened on December 30, 1933, during the Great Depression, as an 800-seat movie palace serving Riverhead and communities across the East End. Designed by architect R. Thomas Short of the New York firm Harde & Short for the Century Theater circuit, the building was created in the Art Deco style that defined many of the era’s grand entertainment venues. More than 2,000 people reportedly attended its opening-night festivities.

The theater became a fixture of downtown Riverhead for more than five decades. During World War II, it served as an official issuing agent for U.S. war bonds, while community organizations also used the building for meetings and special events. The Suffolk is particularly significant today as the last surviving movie house designed by Short and the last remaining large Art Deco theater on Long Island.

Changing entertainment and shopping patterns, along with the rise of multiplex cinemas, eventually contributed to the theater’s closure in 1987. The Town of Riverhead purchased the shuttered building in 1994 with plans to restore it as a performing arts center, but the municipal project never came to fruition.

Bob and Dianne Castaldi purchased the theater from the town in 2005 for $707,000 and began the lengthy process of restoring the historic building. A major milestone came in September 2011 when the renovated marquee was illuminated again during a public celebration on East Main Street. After being dark for 26 years, The Suffolk officially reopened to the public on March 2, 2013, beginning its second life as a live performance and special-event venue.

Art Deco Landmark

The theater remains one of downtown Riverhead’s standout historic buildings:

• Its restored marquee, facade, and decorative Art Deco styling recall the glamour of the classic cinema era.
• Inside, the venue pairs vintage character with modern production upgrades, creating an intimate setting for live performances and special events.

Live Performances & Entertainment

The Suffolk’s calendar is built around a broad mix of entertainment:

• Music: National touring acts, tribute shows, jazz, rock, pop, Americana, and local performers appear throughout the year.
• Stage, Film & Variety: Programming may include theatrical productions, themed performances, classic entertainment formats, and select film or special-event screenings.
• Comedy & Seasonal Shows: Stand-up, holiday programming, and one-night-only events help keep the lineup fresh for returning visitors.

Dining & Seating Experience

A night at The Suffolk often feels more like an outing than a standard theater visit:

• Depending on the event, guests may find table seating, cabaret-style layouts, or more traditional theater-style seating.
• Food, drinks, and service options may be available for many performances, but offerings and seating formats can vary by show, so it is best to review your specific ticket details ahead of time.

Community Role

Beyond the stage, The Suffolk plays an important role in downtown Riverhead:

• It draws visitors from across Long Island and beyond, supporting nearby restaurants, shops, and the local evening economy.
• Its location on East Main Street makes it easy to pair a show with a walk through downtown Riverhead and nearby waterfront areas.

Visiting Information

• Location: 118 East Main Street, Riverhead, NY 11901
• Tickets & Schedule: Performance dates, seating formats, age guidance, and current venue policies are best confirmed on the official The Suffolk website or through the venue’s box office.
• Parking: Public parking is generally available in downtown Riverhead, though availability may vary on busy event nights and during special downtown events.
• Accessibility: Accessible accommodations may be available; contact the venue in advance for the most current information and event-specific seating details.
• Getting There: Most visitors arrive by car. Rail and regional bus connections to Riverhead may also be available, but schedules, service levels, and last-mile options can change, so check ahead before traveling.

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The Suffolk in Riverhead

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Quick Info

Feature	Details
Opened	December 30, 1933; reopened March 2, 2013
Original Architect	R. Thomas Short of Harde & Short
Original Capacity	Approximately 800 seats
Architectural Style	Art Deco
Historic Significance	Last surviving movie house designed by R. Thomas Short and the last remaining large Art Deco theater on Long Island
Years Closed	1987–2013
Venue Format	Historic live entertainment venue with seating layouts that may vary by event
Programming	Live music, comedy, theater, tribute shows, special events, and select film or community programs
Dining	Food and beverage service may be offered at many events; details vary by performance
Location	118 East Main Street, Riverhead, NY 11901
Fun Fact	More than 2,000 people reportedly attended the theater’s opening-night festivities in 1933

Whether you are planning dinner and a show, catching a favorite band, or simply looking for a memorable night out in Riverhead, The Suffolk offers one of the East End’s most distinctive entertainment settings. Its combination of 1930s Art Deco architecture, decades of local history, restored movie-palace character, and modern live entertainment makes it an important piece of Riverhead’s past as well as an active part of its downtown today. Because schedules, seating, dining service, and venue policies can change, it is smart to check ahead before visiting.