The Hippodrome Theatre has invited the community to celebrate and learn about the organization’s past, present and future at an open house from 1 to 5 p.m. on Saturday.  

It’s been a banner year for the theatre, hitting its 50th season, and the open house will feature photos from past seasons and give a backstage view of how the Hippodrome plans to move forward. The theater is located at 25 SE 2nd Place in Gainesville.

Participants can participate in a scavenger hunt throughout the theatre’s historic location and enjoy live music, cocktails and asking questions of staff in the basement.  

Different floors will hold exhibits. On the first floor, visitors can check out a photography exhibit of past shows and changes to the building façade and interior. In the cinema, short films and vintage pictures will be shown. On the second floor, staff will walk through how it creates shows on the main stage. On the third floor, visitors can learn how to create costumes, look into a rehearsal room and even participate in an improv show.  

Cake and scavenger hunt prizes will also be available.