Klamath County history is rich in theaters and performing arts – in the 1940’s there were six theaters, some for movies – some for live performances. Shoot-’em-up westerns could be seen at the Vox, Rainbow, and Pine Tree theaters and more sophisticated offerings were shown at the elegant Pelican and the then newly constructed Art Déco Esquire and suburban Tower theater. A drive-in theater was also a popular hang-out in the 1970’s. Today, Klamath Falls has one movie theater and two performing arts theaters.
Public Arts
Pelicans on Parade
The Pelicans on Parade take flight! Much like the colorfully painted, fiberglass whales charming both residents and visitors along Victoria, B.C.’s scenic harbor front and bustling downtown streets, Klamath has an art of their own consisting of pelicans. The decorated pelicans began appearing in parks and downtown areas of Klamath Falls in 2005 at the cities centennial anniversary. Visit Pelicans on Parade online for latest updates and whereabouts of the pelicans
Mural Trail
As a part of the Downtown Walking Tour, visitors can experience the variety of early 1900’s Art Deco & Gothic architecture and murals depicting the history of the Klamath Basin and surrounding area. In addition to the historic murals you may notice a new wave of urban art is underfoot. Sprouting up around the downtown area are more modern pose-with-and-post-on Instagram murals drawing the attention of visitors and locals alike. Klamath Falls’ downtown isn’t the only place in Klamath County you can find artistic murals. Art is also alive in the towns of Bonanza, Chiloquin, Malin, and Merrill.
Klamath Piano Project
The Klamath Piano Project is about more than just placing a piano in a location in downtown Klamath Falls. It gives local artists a chance to show off their art in an extra-creative way. It gives the community and visitors a creative outlet to express themselves in a public space. And it brings joy and surprise to public spaces in the streets of downtown Klamath Falls by providing a space for people to gather, celebrate, and make spontaneous connections with each other. For more information on the project and locations of pianos visit Klamath Falls Downtown Association.
Bird Boxes
City of Sunshine, or City of Birds?? There’s no doubt that ‘birds’ are a theme in the City of Klamath Falls and the Klamath Basin, and rightfully so considering the area is home to the largest and oldest birding festivals in the nation, plus, has not just one but SIX National Wildlife Refuges in it’s area. Utility boxes in downtown Klamath Falls painted with various birds found in the Klamath Basin were recognized with the Excellence in Downtown Revitalization Award for Best Downtown Beautification Project by Oregon Main Street. The boxes are part of a beautification effort by the Klamath Falls Downtown Association in conjunction with a Klamath Basin Audubon Society.
Boxes painted in 2014 and 2015 by local artists feature more than one dozen species of bird found in the Klamath Basin: The Great Egret, Great Horned Owl, California Quail, Ring-necked Pheasant, American Avocet, Great Blue Heron, Bald Eagle, Pileated Woodpecker, Mallard Duck, Canada Goose, Sandhill Crane and Western Grebe.
