The Castle Theatre

209 E Washington St #1, Bloomington, IL 61701, USA

Address:	209 E Washington St #1, Bloomington, IL 61701, USA
Phone:	+1 309-820-0352
Site:	thecastletheatre.com
Rating:	4.3

Location

Photos 100

Reviews 12

Gabriel H

First off, I will start with the few good things that The Castle has going for it. The Castle is able to bring in some pretty decent shows into Central Illinois. The Castle also has really good sound equipment and sound throughout the building. On the downside of the good shows that they bring to town is the venue floor. The Castle brings in a lot of metalcore bands, which usually leads to mosh pits.. But at The Castle one can hardly begin to mosh without running into the big metal poles that are all throughout the venue floor about every 25 feet. The floor is just a terrible layout for anything outside of an opera. Another thing is the entry. The line moves slow because of the one person checking tickets. And if you didnt preorder your ticket online, youll end up holding up the line because The Castle has no box office like it should. Speaking of preordering your tickets, I would not recommend it. I was recently at The Castle, despite hating it, to see Taking Back Sunday. (Id rather support a band I love than hate a terrible venue.) On my ticket, which I preordered, it says "All ages access to floor: 21+ reserved to drinking balcony". So when I arrive, I was informed that my friends could NOT go onto the main floor, but we had to go the the balcony. I am 21 but several people I was with were 19 and 20, so I went because I didnt want to split up from the group I came with. They informed me that they had changed that a couple hours prior to the show. How terrible is that? You show up to see a band that you want to see, expecting to be up close because your ticket grants you that access, but when you arrive they refuse to let you do that. That is terrible, and horribly planned by the management at The Castle. After asking a security guard multiple questions regarding my accessibility I realized talking to him was as worthless as this venue itself, so I asked to speak to someone else. He sent me to head of security where I proceeded to ask the same questions as I did the previous guy. He came up with a hundred lame excuses which contradicted themselves half the time and basically said "if you dont like it... I dont know what to tell you." He was as useless as the first guy. So I asked to speak to the manager, and was told "Shes in there wearing a black shirt and gold chain." What kind of explanation is that? Needless-to-say I never found her. But it was just a terrible experience, and things like that always seem to happen when I go there. The only reason I return is to support bands I love. I would not recommend going to The Castle if there is another venue that you could see a show at.

Angus Kroll

Its an old, historic building so dont expect modern amenities. Staff was nice, security did their jobs without inconveniencing. I didnt drink so cant comment on prices and service at any of the bars. Sound was good. I dont really have any complaints and thought the show went off without a hitch. Parking was odd. There are many lots very nearby but they are all marked for local businesses. There is a public parking garage about 2 blocks away that I ended up in. I guess you pay by the hour during weekday work hours because although I had a time stamped ticket, by the time the show was over, they were no longer charging to exit.

Flocka Rada

Security needs better training. Beer selection is very limited. Could you maybe get some local beers? The employees seem like they hate their jobs. Main concern is security. Is the goal to see how many people you can throw out or is the goal to ensure the concerts safe and enjoyable for all patrons. Hands off. Respect. WHAT IN THE WORLD are the ticket fees. We psid 13 at the door but ended up with a $5.20 fee for two tickets. I dont mind paying that fee if it helps keep the building in good shape but get the employees some training on conflict intervention. This is not the wild west.

A Private User

Cool place, but the sound and security was horrible. I got kicked out for nothing. just happened to be standing in the vicinity of other people pushing. If I did not demand to talk to the manager, I would have wasted my money. Luckily, he was understanding and let me back on the balcony. Unfortunately, this was away from the group I was with. My experience was ruined thanks to the poor decision made by security. Also, expect to wait a long time to get in the doors. They have a horrible entry system. Only one person taking tickets. I will NOT go back if I can help it.

Janis Noone

Ive never been there but so far my experience is terrible. I paid for two tickets to see Suzy Bogguss on Dec 4 and asked to have them emailed to me. I have been charged for them but never got them and its been a week. I have called there no less than 10 times in 3 days and always get a message that the voicemail is full. Poor Suzy...I cant imagine how many other people this is happening to. Id love to see her play but will need to have my credit card stop payment.

Alex Slusser

Honestly this is my favorite concert venue in Bloomington. Ive never had a bad experience here. From sitting up in the balcony along the edge to standing against the stage, Ive seen dozens of shows here. The staff is always helpful and keeps everyone safe. With it being so small it makes for an intimate concert experience. There really isnt a bad seat in the house.

Michael McClure

Ive heard good and bad things ,but everytime I go there is have the time of life,they could work on the entry but everywhere is a good place to see the stage ,great people to be around ,great environment, the bands are amazing ,if you have a bad time you brought it on yourself,be a adult, and enjoy the music because thats what its about in the first place.m/

Brent Crossland

Weve been to 8 or 10 shows at The Castle in the past two years and have enjoyed rack performance. Admittedly Im probably not going to the same shows as some reviewers but the blues artists have been great! They keep working on the place and I wish them luck - its nice to have a smaller venue to see some of these acts.

Brooke Freeman

This venue gets a top rating from me. I love visiting small music venues in the Midwest and this is probably my favorite one so far. I love the layout. Theres no bad spot in the house. Sound quality was on point. Overall great concert experience. I hope to visit this venue for a show again in the future!

Seth D. Meyers

Ive seen two shows here. Excellent experience both times. Security staff has been very friendly and efficient with processing large crowds and keeping everyone safe while still allowing us to have a ton of fun in the mosh pit. Beautiful venue with really cool atmosphere inside.

Marissa Fandel

And 4 hearts. Saw the mountain goats on this eve, which you may understand is quite an experience in itself. The Castle is a small enough venue that I could see the stage (as Im incredibly short) and the sound was well balanced. One of my best concert going experiences.

Dana Black

Annoying railings in the way for crowded shows, charge people under 21 extra money to get in, older guy that looked like he was running the place was nice to people he recognized, but extremely rude to anyone he didnt.