Name

Celebration! Cinema

Legal name

Celebration! Cinema

Website

https://celebrationcinema.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1944

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

501–1,000 employees

Short description

Celebration! Cinema operates an 11-location movie theater chain across Michigan, offering standard and premium formats (IMAX, IMAX 70mm, C Premium, C Premium XL), concessions, a VIP subscription, and group/private event rentals for consumers, schools, and corporate clients.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Movie Theater & Cinema Entertainment

NAICS

Motion Picture Theaters (except Drive-Ins) (512131), Drive-In Motion Picture Theaters (512132), Motion Picture and Video Exhibition (51213)

SIC

Services-Motion Picture Theaters (7830)

akta.pro primary industry

Ticketing & Admissions Platforms (Cinema/Festival) (MPADAKAM)

akta.pro secondary industries

Cinema Concessions & On-site F&B Operations (MPADAKAN), Alternative Content Exhibition (Live Broadcasts, Concert Films, Sports, Opera) (MPADAKAG), Cinema & Movie Ticketing (HSACALAD)

Keywords

• Movie theater chain
• Cinema entertainment
• Premium cinema formats
• IMAX film exhibition
• Loyalty subscription programs

Headquarters

HQ city

Grand Rapids

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices11 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Supply Chain

Revenue model

1. Ticket Sales: Primary revenue from admission tickets across all 11 Michigan locations. Pricing varies by location, format (standard, IMAX, 3D, C Premium, D-BOX), and time (matinee vs evening, weekday vs weekend).
2. Concessions & Food & Beverage: In-theater dining, full bars at most locations, popcorn, snacks, and drinks delivered to seats. Includes full-service restaurants at some locations (Oscars Kitchen & Bar at Rivertown).
3. VIP Subscription: $23.95/month subscription offering 3 movies per week including IMAX, C Premium, and 3D, with no online convenience fees. Only 1 ticket per showtime allowed.
4. Gift Cards: Digital and physical gift cards sold in $10, $25, $50, and $100 denominations. Never expire and redeemable for tickets and concessions.
5. Gold Tickets (Bulk Sales): Bulk ticket purchases for corporate rewards, employee recognition, or gifting. Minimum 50 tickets at $10 each. Includes concession combos at $8.50 each.
6. Private Events & Corporate: Theater rentals for private screenings, corporate events, school groups, and special occasions. Includes meeting spaces, AV equipment, and catering options.
7. School Group Events: Educational field trips with Giant Screen and Traditional Screen Explore Series. Giant Screen $7-12 per student, Traditional Screen $6-10 per student. Minimum 25 students.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Celebration! Cinema operates 11 movie theater locations across Michigan, screening mainstream, IMAX, C Premium, anime, indie, and Met Opera Live in HD content with ticket, concession, and food & beverage sales. The company runs a tiered C Rewards loyalty program and a $23.95/month VIP subscription that delivers three movies per week across premium formats. It also offers private theater rentals, corporate events, school field trip programs, gift cards, and a bulk Gold Tickets program for B2B gifting.

Product overview

Celebration! Cinema operates a chain of movie theaters across Michigan with a multi-format portfolio. The core offering includes standard 2D and 3D screenings across 11 locations, complemented by premium experiences: C Premium (4K laser + Dolby Atmos + recliners), C Premium XL (dual 4K + 37.5 Atmos + 72ft screen), IMAX (at 3 locations), and the rare IMAX 70mm film format (at GR North only). The company runs loyalty programs: C Rewards (Silver/Gold/Platinum tiers) and VIP Subscription ($23.95/month for 3 movies/week). Additional revenue streams include theater rentals for private/corporate/school events, bulk Gold Tickets, gift cards, Popcorn Cards, and concession dining. Accessibility services span Sensory Showtimes, Audio Description, Closed Captioning, and TheaterEars Spanish language support. Seasonal/outdoor offerings include Getty Drive-In and Sunset Cinema outdoor series.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• C Premium: Premium luxury movie experience featuring 4K laser projection, Dolby Atmos spatial sound, and luxury heated recliners.
• IMAX 70mm

Products and services

• VIP Subscription Monthly subscription at $23.95/month giving members three movies per week including IMAX, C Premium, and 3D formats with no online convenience fees. Limited to one ticket per showtime and not valid for Fathom Events, IMAX 70mm, or select special events. Designed for frequent individual moviegoers.
• C Rewards Loyalty Program Multi-tiered loyalty program with Silver, Gold, and Platinum tiers offering points on purchases, $5 vouchers, and exclusive member-only discounts such as TACO Tuesday ($6) and Sunday Discount Movie ($6). Drives retention and frequent visits from individual consumers.
• C Premium Premium cinema format featuring 4K laser projection, Dolby Atmos spatial sound, and luxury heated recliners. Available at GR South, Studio Park, and other locations with a $3.00 surcharge over standard tickets.
• C Premium XL Enhanced large-format cinema experience at the Lansing location featuring dual 4K laser projectors, 37.5 Dolby Atmos surround sound speakers, latest 3D technology, 72ft wide high-gain screen, and zero gravity heated recliners. Premium add-on of $5.75 over standard tickets.
• IMAX Digital Large-format digital cinema experience with crystal-clear images, earth-shaking surround sound, and a gently curved screen from floor to ceiling. Available at the GR North, Lansing, and Crossroads locations with a $5.00-$5.50 surcharge.
• IMAX 70mm Film Projection Authentic 70MM film projection at GR North featuring 1.43:1 aspect ratio, estimated 12K resolution, 52-foot screen height, and 70-foot screen width. One of only 40 theaters globally capable of this format. Used for exclusive screenings such as Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey in IMAX 70mm.
• Private Showtimes Private theater rental service allowing customers to rent entire auditoriums for exclusive screenings with custom film selection, flexible scheduling, and optional food packages. Targeted at private parties and special occasions.
• Corporate Events Corporate event hosting including company meetings, presentations, staff celebrations, and team-building activities with AV equipment and catering options. Sold via dedicated group events team.
• School Groups / Educational Field Trips Educational field trip program for K-12 schools featuring Giant Screen (IMAX, $7-$12 per student) and Traditional Screen ($6-$10 per student) Explore Series documentaries aligned with STEM curriculum. Minimum 25 students per booking.
• Gold Tickets (Bulk Purchase) Bulk discount ticket program for corporate rewards, employee recognition, or customer gifting. Non-restricted tickets at $10 each with a minimum of 50 tickets, plus regular popcorn combos at $8.50 each. Must be purchased in increments of 10 after the minimum.
• Gift Cards Digital and physical gift cards available in $10, $25, $50, and $100 denominations. Never expire and are redeemable for movie tickets and concessions at any Celebration Cinema location.
• Popcorn Card Refillable popcorn bucket program for $50 offering one large popcorn with refill per day. Card must be present and scanned in the theater.
• Getty Drive-In Classic outdoor movie experience in Muskegon featuring four giant screens, double features, FM radio sound, and concessions. Operating 83 seasons since 1943. Adult tickets $13.00; Child (6-12) $8.00; Senior/Military/College $9.00.
• The Metropolitan Opera Live in HD Live-streamed Metropolitan Opera performances from New York in high definition with surround sound and behind-the-scenes content, broadcast to Celebration Cinema locations as part of an exclusive screening partnership.
• Anime Films Series Anime film screenings including Studio Ghibli Fest, Demon Slayer, and other anime movies at select locations with subbed and dubbed formats. Part of an exclusive distribution partnership with Studio Ghibli.
• Indie Film Series Arthouse, independent, and documentary film series showcasing bold and thought-provoking stories overlooked by mainstream audiences, screened at select Celebration Cinema locations.
• Sensory Showtimes Accessibility-friendly screenings with lights up, sound down, open captioning, and limited previews for guests with sensory sensitivities.
• Accessibility Services (Audio Description & Closed Captioning) Audio description service providing verbal narration of key visual aspects of movies for visually impaired guests, plus personal open caption devices that sit in cupholders for hearing-impaired guests. Available at most showtimes.
• T.A.C.O. Tuesday Discount Program Weekly Tuesday discount program offering $6 movie tickets exclusively for C Rewards loyalty members.
• Sunday Discount Movie Weekly $6 Sunday discount movie exclusively for C Rewards members at participating cinemas.
• Flick's Family Film Series Family film series with $6 tickets and free admission for kids 12 and under, featuring family-friendly films at select locations.
• Mystery Movie Monday Secret unreleased movie screenings for $6 where the title remains mystery until showtime, with ratings posted in advance.
• Special Events (Live Concerts & Sports) Live-streamed concerts, sporting events, and other special screenings shown at Celebration Cinema locations.
• Studio Park Dining & Entertainment (Oscar's Kitchen & Bar) Full-service restaurant and bar offerings at Studio Park (Grand Rapids) and Rivertown locations (Oscar's Kitchen & Bar), including in-theater dining and full bars at most locations. Popcorn is also deliverable via Uber Eats within 5 miles of select locations.

Quantifiable outcome

• Only 40 IMAX 70MM theaters exist globally, with Celebration Cinema GR North being the sole Michigan location
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers1 record

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration4 records

Feature6 records

Partnerships

Ten partnerships are on record, tiered flagship, core and minor.

• Christopher Nolan / SyncopyflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerExclusive screening partnership for The Odyssey in IMAX 70MM format. Christopher Nolan's films are specifically shot for this format, and Celebration Cinema GR North is one of only 40 venues globally capable of projection.
• IMAX CorporationcoreTechnology or IntegrationLicensed IMAX technology including both digital and 70MM film projection systems. GR North, Lansing, and Crossroads locations feature IMAX auditoriums.
• Dolby LaboratoriescoreTechnology or IntegrationDolby Atmos spatial sound systems installed in C Premium and C Premium XL auditoriums across multiple locations.
• Museums and Research InstitutionsminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerEducational content partnerships for Explore Series documentaries. Films created in partnership with museums and research institutions, filmed using 3D cameras.
• The Metropolitan OperaminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerMet Opera Live in HD broadcast partnership bringing world-class opera performances to Celebration Cinema locations in high definition.
• Studio GhibliminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorStudio Ghibli Fest annual screening series featuring beloved animated films in theatrical re-release.
• NASAminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerNASA-affiliated educational documentaries including Hubble 3D, Deep Sky, and Secrets of the Universe 3D screened through school group programs.
• FandangominorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorThird-party ticketing partnership. C Rewards, VIP, and concessions are NOT connected through Fandango. All refunds processed through Fandango.
• Atom TicketsminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorThird-party ticketing partnership. C Rewards, VIP, and concessions are NOT connected through Atom. All refunds processed through Atom.
• Uber EatsminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorFood delivery partnership within 5 miles of select theater locations including Celebration Cinema Lansing.

Scale indicators9 records

Recent moves8 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Marcus Theatres: Midwest-focused regional cinema chain with comparable scale (~10+ locations) and similar premium format offering including UltraScreen, IMAX, and DreamLounger seating. Closest direct comparable by geography and operational model, now private under Blackstone ownership.
• Emagine Entertainment: Michigan-based regional cinema chain operating luxury theaters with premium formats (Emagine Luxury, IMAX, D-BOX). Most direct comparable competitor given overlapping Michigan geography and similar premium positioning targeting family and date-night audiences.
• B&B Theatres: Privately held family-owned regional chain operating across the Midwest and South with comparable scale and premium format offering including Marquee Suites and IMAX. Direct comparable by family-ownership structure and regional chain profile.
• Malco Theatres: Privately held family-owned regional cinema chain operating across the South and Midwest with similar scale and commitment to premium formats including IMAX, luxury recliners, and dine-in theaters. Direct comparable as a multi-generational family business.
• Goodrich Quality Theaters: Michigan-based regional cinema chain with similar scale, family ownership profile, and premium format investment including IMAX and recliner seating. Highly comparable regional competitor in overlapping Michigan markets.

Broad incumbents

• Cinemark Holdings: Third-largest U.S. theater chain with strong Midwest presence. Operates XD premium auditorium format and Movie Club subscription program. Comparable premium-format strategy and subscription/loyalty model approach; broad incumbent with public-company transparency.
• AMC Entertainment: Largest U.S. movie theater chain with thousands of locations nationwide, including IMAX, Dolby Cinema, and proprietary premium formats. Competes with Celebration in Michigan markets and across Midwest; broad incumbent with significantly greater scale, marketing budget, and A-List subscription program.
• Regal Cinemas: Second-largest U.S. theater chain (subsidiary of Cineworld), operates RPX premium format and 4DX motion seating. Competes in broader Midwest markets; broad incumbent with national footprint and scale advantages despite recent bankruptcy emergence.

Emerging players

• Alamo Drafthouse Cinema: Premium dine-in cinema chain with cult following for curated programming, strict no-talking policy, and themed events. Comparable on premium positioning and F&B integration, though operates in different markets; emerging/specialty player focused on experiential differentiation.

Regional players

• Harkins Theatres: Privately held family-owned regional cinema chain based in Arizona with similar premium format commitment (CineXperts, IMAX, Luxury Loungers). Comparable by family ownership and premium format positioning, though primarily serves the Southwest rather than Midwest markets.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/celebrationcnma
• Facebookfacebook.com/celebrationcinema

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles2 records

Subsidiaries2 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Celebration! Cinema