Published by New Jersey Stage
originally published: 12/09/2019

2020 marks 35 years since Paul Reuben’s classic, quirky sensation Pee-wee’s Big Adventure hit theaters. A critical and financial triumph at the box office, the 1985 comedy, starring and co-written by Reubens grossed over $40M domestically and made Pee-wee Herman a household name. The movie marked the feature film directorial debut of Tim Burton and the first major studio film for composer Danny Elfman, beginning the now legendary filmmaking duo’s partnership which has resulted in 16 films over the last three decades. The movie is a timeless classic that continues to entertain and enthrall generations of fans to this day.
The film involves Pee-wee Herman as an eccentric man-child who gets his beloved bike stolen in broad daylight, he sets out across the U.S. on the adventure of his life. Additional cast members included Elizabeth Daily, Mark Holton, Diane Salinger, and Judd Omen.
The 35th anniversary of the film is being celebrated with Pee-wee’s Big Adventure 35th Anniversary Tour with Paul Reubens. Each event will include a special screening of the film, followed by amazing stories about the making of the movie told by Paul Reubens. The 20-city outing kicks off February 14th in Portland, Oregon and will make stops in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Atlanta, and more, before wrapping March 29th in Washington, D.C. Locally, the tour comes to the Beacon Theatre in NYC on March 26 and The Met Philadelphia on March 27.
Tickets go on sale to the general public Friday, December 13 at 10am local time at Ticketmaster.com. Three levels of exclusive VIP packages will be available that include a ticket as well as a super secret gift, plus photo opportunity as well as a signed print. For further details visit peewee.com.
After the breakout success of Pee-wee’s Big Adventure, Reubens went on to create, co-write and co-direct Pee-wee’s Playhouse on CBS. The series earned 22 Emmy® Awards during its five year run. Reubens has personally been nominated for 14 Emmy® Awards, with two wins.
Pee-wee’s Big Adventure 35th Anniversary Tour with Paul Reubens
February 14 – Portland, OR – Newmark Theatre
February 15 – Seattle, WA – Moore Theatre
February 21 – Denver, CO – Paramount Theatre
February 22 – Salt Lake City, UT – Kingsbury Hall
February 27 – Los Angeles, CA – The Wiltern
February 28 – San Francisco, CA – The Masonic
February 29 – San Diego, CA – Spreckels Theatre
March 5 – San Antonio, TX – The Aztec Theatre
March 6 – Austin, TX – ACL Live at the Moody Theater
March 8 – Dallas, TX – Majestic Theatre
March 12 – Atlanta, GA – The Tabernacle
March 13 – Tampa, FL – Tampa Theatre*
March 14 – Coral Springs, FL – Coral Springs Center for the Arts*
March 20 – Chicago, IL – The Chicago Theatre
March 21 – Minneapolis, MN – State Theatre
March 22 – Detroit, MI – The Fillmore Detroit
March 26 – New York, NY – The Beacon Theatre
March 27 – Philadelphia, PA – The Met Philadelphia
March 28 – Boston, MA – Orpheum Theater
March 29 – Washington, DC – Warner Theatre


Rocky In Concert: Celebrating The 50 Anniversary Of Rocky
Tuesday, November 10, 2026 @ 7:00pm
Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC)
100 South Street, Morristown, NJExperience the underdog story that defined a generation. Now bigger, bolder, and brought to life with a live symphony orchestra. Watch the original Rocky film on the big screen while the iconic Bill Conti score is performed live, delivering every triumph, every heartbreak, and every adrenaline-fueled moment with knockout power.

Joe Versus The Volcano Movies On Mainstreet
Tuesday, November 10, 2026 @ 7:00pm
Lizzie Rose Music Room
217 E. Main Street, Tuckerton, NJCritics were baffled. Audiences stayed away. Now many consider it one of Tom Hanks' and Meg Ryan' most charming and philosophical comedies. Funny, romantic, and surprisingly profound.

Sunday Film Series – Rebel Without A Cause In 35mm (1955)
Sunday, November 15, 2026 @ 2:00pm
Union County Performing Arts Center (UCPAC) - Main Stage
1601 Irving Street, Rahway, NJJoin us for a 35mm screening of 1955’s iconic film “Rebel Without a Cause” starring James Dean, Natalie Wood (Academy Award Nominee, Best Supporting Actress), and Sal Mineo (Academy Award Nominee, Best Supporting Actor).

Senior Student Movie Day – Hamlet (2018)
Monday, November 16, 2026 @ 8:00pm
Union County Performing Arts Center (UCPAC) - Main Stage
1601 Irving Street, Rahway, NJUCPAC invites Seniors (ages 55 and up) to join local students for a digital matinee film screening of 2018’s “Hamlet,” starring Andrew Scott as the troubled Prince of Denmark.

The Exorcist Ii: The Heretic Movies On Mainstreet
Tuesday, November 17, 2026 @ 7:00pm
Lizzie Rose Music Room
217 E. Main Street, Tuckerton, NJForget what you’ve heard. This is one of those movies that begs to be seen at our micro cinema. Strange, hypnotic, ambitious and completely unlike the original. A notorious misfire—or a misunderstood cult classic? You decide!
EVENT PREVIEWS
Teaneck International Film Festival Names Katie Camosy Recipient of 2026 Emerging Filmmaker Activist Award for "Gaslit"
(TEANECK, NJ) -- The Teaneck International Film Festival (TIFF) and The Puffin Foundation have selected director Katie Camosy as the recipient of the 2nd Annual Emerging Filmmaker Activist Award for her documentary Gaslit. The award includes a $5,000 cash prize and trophy and recognizes emerging filmmakers whose work embodies TIFF's guiding theme, "Activism: Making Change."
James R. Halsey Foundation Student Film Showcase to Take Place November 12th
(TRENTON, NJ) -- The James R. Halsey Foundation of the Arts (JRH), a 501c3 non-profit agency dedicated to providing quality arts education and mentoring to youth in the City of Trenton and greater New Jersey area presents the 2026 Student Film Showcase. Taking place on November 12th at the New Jersey State Museum Auditorium from 5:00pm - 8:00pm, this event features three films, written, directed, and produced by students, as well as a documentary focused on raising awareness on men's mental health, featuring authentic student voices and professional interviews.
Count Basie Center for the Arts to Celebrate Centennial with an immersive re-enactment of its opening night
(RED BANK, NJ) -- Count Basie Center for the Arts will cap its Centennial Celebration with an immersive re-enactment of its opening night on Saturday, November 14, 2026 at 6:00pm. Patrons can expect an immersive theatrical presentation from the moment they approach the venue – from 'stars' of the era arriving in classic cars, Gatsby-esque fashion and flair, an authentic speakeasy experience with custom, era-specific cocktails and mocktails, 1920s hot jazz and more.
Learn about producing films with "Producing 101: From Script to Set with The Gig Media"
(JERSEY CITY, NJ) -- Interested in filmmaking? You can learn how to produce a film like a pro at "Producing 101: From Script to Set with The Gig Media" on Saturday, November 14, 2026 at Miraley Studios in Jersey City.
The Clairidge hosts Indie Film Showcase on November 21st
(MONTCLAIR, NJ) -- On Saturday, November 21, 2026, The Clairidge hosts a film showcase featuring three indie films - Wedding Night, Lady in the Mirror, and End of the Line: Brotherhood. Dive into three epic tales, one screen, and endless vibes at The Official Film Showcase. Showtime is 1:30pm.