The mile-high town of Idyllwild provides an escape from the desert’s vernal swelter. Hike its scenic mountain trails. Browse the funky shops. Dine alfresco under the pines. And if you’re staying a while, take a tip from Gail Sutherland, who owns The Rustic Theatre & Entertainment Center with her husband, Graham: “Get out of your cabin and come watch a movie or see a show,” she insists.
Built by Nina and Glenn Froehlich in 1952, the iconic indie theater changed hands many times before the Sutherlands discovered it was for sale. The couple had frequented Idyllwild during the COVID-19 pandemic while living in Bermuda Dunes. Graham had a background in production, so the purchase seemed like a natural progression.
“We thought, ‘All right, the world is going to return to normal eventually,’ ” Gail says. If they moved to Idyllwild and revived the historic hangout, people would come.
The Rustic Theatre in winter 1948.
Photo courtesy idyllwild historical society
Honoring the theater’s history and architectural integrity, the Sutherlands made only subtle upgrades to the structure but significantly elevated the experience it offered. “This isn’t your AMC or Regal [outing],” Gail says.
The space features 110 luxury seats and a single screen, plus a 15-foot-by-24-foot stage for intimate live events. In addition to rotating first-run and family-oriented films, see stand-up comedy sets (Comedy Supreme is the main presenter) and all styles of musical performances, from the Native American band Blue Mountain Tribe to tributes of Patsy Cline and Ray Charles. It’s also the springtime hub of the Idyllwild International Festival of Cinema.
Behind the theater is The Back Lot, an outdoor event space with a big stage that accommodates festival-size crowds for community events. Reggae Under the Pines (Aug. 30–31), Idyllwild Honky Tonk (June 22), and Oktoberfest (Sept. 20–Oct. 5) are just a few annual favorites.
Rustic Tavern
Tucked in the theater is a tavern serving up a bevy of spirited and nonalcoholic beverages, plus comfort foods like pizza and pulled-pork sandwiches. Purchase a meal for your movie experience or kick back on the patio (seats about 30 people) and watch the mountaintop glow at sunset.
