5 Surprising Facts About The Two Rivers Theater: MCAS Cherry Point’s Entertainment Hub In 2025
Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Cherry Point’s Two Rivers Theater & Event Center remains a cornerstone of morale and community life for service members and their families as of late December 2025. While the base itself is undergoing a multi-billion dollar modernization to support future aviation platforms like the F-35, the Two Rivers Theater continues its essential mission: providing affordable entertainment, a central gathering place, and a venue for critical Marine Corps Community Services (MCCS) programs.
This iconic facility, located in Building 194 on Roosevelt Boulevard, is more than just a place to catch a film; it is the largest single-screen movie theater in all of Eastern North Carolina, routinely hosting large-scale military and community events that define the base's cultural calendar. The latest schedules for December 2025 demonstrate its continued relevance, featuring everything from holiday concerts to essential family workshops.
Two Rivers Theater & Event Center: Facility Profile and Key Facts
The Two Rivers Theater & Event Center serves as the primary entertainment and large-format meeting space for the entire MCAS Cherry Point installation. Its capacity and state-of-the-art features make it a vital asset for both the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing (2nd MAW) and the broader Craven County community.
- Official Name: Two Rivers Theater & Event Center
- Location: Building 194, Roosevelt Boulevard, MCAS Cherry Point, North Carolina.
- Primary Operator: Marine Corps Community Services (MCCS) Cherry Point.
- Key Distinction: It holds the title of the largest single-screen movie theater across the entire Eastern North Carolina region.
- Capacity: The facility can accommodate over 1,700 people, making it suitable for major base-wide formations, concerts, and ceremonies.
- Historical Renovation: The theater underwent extensive renovations, closing for approximately 10 months between 2003 and 2004, and reopened with brand new features to enhance the patron experience.
- Dual Function: It operates both as a traditional movie theater with low-cost entertainment and as a flexible event center for military and community programs.
- Unique Offering: The MCCS offers a unique birthday party package at the theater, which includes a private movie screening with bottomless popcorn and drinks for a group of up to 15 people.
The 2025 Event Calendar: More Than Just Movies
The true value of the Two Rivers Theater lies not only in its size but in its versatility, acting as a central hub for the diverse needs of the military community. The schedule for late 2025 highlights a strong focus on community engagement, morale, and family support programs, reflecting the MCCS mission to empower Marines and their families.
Recent and Upcoming Events (December 2025)
The theater's December 2025 calendar showcases a blend of entertainment and essential programming, proving its role as an indispensable base amenity. These events are crucial for boosting morale, especially during deployment cycles and the holiday season.
- 2nd MAW Band Christmas Concert: A major highlight, the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing Band invites the community to its annual Holiday Concert at the Two Rivers Theater & Event Center.
- EFMP's Grinch Event: The Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP) hosts a holiday-themed event, often featuring a free movie to provide fun for military families.
- Real Relationships Workshop: Reflecting the theater’s use as a community center, a "Real Relationships" workshop is scheduled to help service members and their spouses strengthen their bonds.
- Movie Showings: In addition to special events, the theater continues to offer affordable movie showtimes, such as a screening of "The Running Man" scheduled in December 2025.
- Historical Commemoration: The venue has been used to host significant historical discussions, such as a 2022 event focused on the history of the Montford Point Marines, preserving important Marine Corps heritage.
The ability to transition from a full-scale concert venue to a family workshop location underscores why the Two Rivers Theater is considered a critical piece of the MCCS infrastructure, directly supporting the quality of life for those stationed at MCAS Cherry Point.
The Theater's Role Amidst MCAS Cherry Point's Billion-Dollar Modernization
MCAS Cherry Point is currently in the midst of a massive, multi-faceted transformation. The base is undergoing a staggering modernization effort, with projects totaling billions of dollars aimed at preparing the installation for the next generation of Marine Corps aviation. This context is vital, as the Two Rivers Theater acts as a stable community anchor during a period of major construction and change across the air station.
A Base in Transformation
The modernization projects are extensive and include:
- F-35 Transition Program: A significant portion of the military construction (MILCON) funds are dedicated to preparing the base to host the F-35 Lightning II joint strike fighter, with the program's value projected at over $1.1 billion.
- Hurricane Florence Recovery Program: Following the devastating 2018 hurricane, a separate $600 million program is dedicated to rebuilding and fortifying facilities, ensuring future resilience.
- Fleet Readiness Center Optimization: Long-term plans for the Fleet Readiness Center East (FRC East) are projected to reach $12.6 billion over 20 years, focusing on sustaining the Marine Corps’ aviation assets.
While the Two Rivers Theater may not be the focus of the largest military construction contracts, its function as a central gathering point becomes even more crucial. It provides a necessary escape and a sense of normalcy for Marines and sailors who are working through the operational demands of this large-scale transition. Events hosted by the Single Marine Program (SMP) and MCCS at the theater are essential for maintaining unit cohesion and individual well-being during high-tempo periods.
The Future of Entertainment and Morale at Cherry Point
The Two Rivers Theater’s continued operation and use as a premier event venue confirm the Marine Corps’ commitment to the quality of life for its personnel. With its large seating capacity and ability to host diverse events—from free movie screenings to official military ceremonies—it remains an irreplaceable part of the base's social and cultural landscape.
As the massive construction projects at MCAS Cherry Point continue into the late 2020s, the theater will likely see its importance grow. It is a space where the history of the Montford Point Marines can be honored, where the 2nd MAW Band can perform, and where a Marine or family member can simply enjoy a new movie with affordable refreshments. This blend of entertainment, education, and community support solidifies the Two Rivers Theater's status as a vital part of the base’s future, ensuring that morale and welfare are not overlooked during a period of intense operational modernization. The facility stands as a testament to the enduring need for a central, high-quality venue that serves the entire military family.
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