THE STORY BEHIND
THE APOLLO ON EMMA
Once the crown jewel of downtown Springdale, The Apollo first opened its doors in 1949, dreamed into life by local theater builder Bill Sonneman. With its ornate lobby, velvet seats, art deco finishes, and the famously risqué marble statue of the god Apollo, the theater quickly became a beloved gathering place for movie-goers, couples, and families alike. It was a place where memories were made—matinees with friends, first dates, and golden-era glamour on Emma Avenue.
More than 70 years later, The Apollo has been lovingly restored to its original beauty. After a 3-year renovation, the space now shines again—this time as a stunning venue for weddings, galas, corporate events, private parties, and more. With its rich character, cinematic charm, and thoughtful updates (yes, we can still show movies!), The Apollo is once again a place for unforgettable moments. Where history meets celebration, and every event becomes part of the story.
1949
The Apollo Theater opened Sept. 29, 1949. Sonneman built the Apollo with elegance in mind. From its art deco finish, to the velvet curtains and seats in the theater and antiques in the lobby, the Apollo was stunning to its movie-going patrons. The theater thrived as a popular entertainment venue during its early years, drawing crowds and becoming a local favorite.
1994
Over time, however, its condition began to decline. After a brief reopening under different management, the theater once again closed its doors and remained vacant for several years. Though there were occasional discussions about restoring or repurposing the building, it continued to deteriorate until it was ultimately deemed unsafe for occupancy and closed for good.
2017
The theater reopens after an extensive restoration as "The Apollo on Emma", a modern venue and event space that celebrates its historic legacy. Its facade has been carefully restored to reflect its original character, bringing new life to the building. At the same time, new businesses are opening along Emma Avenue, contributing to the area’s growing sense of renewal and community revitalization.
2025
Today, The Apollo on Emma stands as a vibrant event venue, hosting weddings, family celebrations, corporate gatherings, and a variety of other special occasions. With its beautifully restored charm, the space offers a unique and elegant atmosphere. Welcoming people regularly from both nearby communities and afar, The Apollo on Emma has become a beloved destination where memories are made.
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Heidi-Ann | GM of Operations + Event Designer
With over 15 years in the wedding and event industry, my passion for planning and creating meaningful experiences has never wavered. I currently serve as the Lead Planner + Event Designer at The Apollo on Emma, a gorgeous, historic wedding and event venue in downtown Springdale, Arkansas.
I’ve called Northwest Arkansas home since 2009 and live just steps away from The Apollo with my husband of 18 years and our three beloved dogs. We’re deeply invested in the revitalization of downtown Springdale and have proudly contributed to its growth over the past decade. Whether I’m designing events or contributing to the community, I’m driven by a love for connection, creativity, and making spaces feel unforgettable.
I CAN'T WAIT
TO MEET YOU
FREQUENTLY ASKED
QUESTIONS
WHAT BUDGETS DO YOU WORK WITHIN?
We work with a range of budgets and customize packages to fit your event vision—whether it’s a simple venue rental or a full-service event with catering and AV support. Contact us to discuss what works best for you.
WHAT IS YOUR CAPACITY?
What is your capacity?
The Ballroom comfortably seats up to 400 guests. The other rooms accommodate smaller groups and can be arranged flexibly based on your event’s needs.
DO YOU ALLOW MULTIPLE EVENTS SIMULTANEOUSLY?
We typically focus on one main event at a time to maintain an exclusive and seamless experience. However, depending on event sizes and types, smaller gatherings can occasionally be scheduled alongside larger events in separate rooms like the Metropolis Room or Cocktail Lounge.
CAN YOU DESCRIBE EACH ROOM AND IT'S SIZING?
The Apollo on Emma offers a variety of beautifully restored spaces to suit different event needs:
The Ballroom: Our main event space, formerly the theater, seats up to 400 guests and features stunning Art Deco details alongside modern amenities—perfect for weddings, galas, and large corporate events.
Statue Foyer: The elegant entrance area, ideal for welcoming guests or intimate cocktail receptions.
Cocktail Lounge: A cozy, stylish spot for smaller gatherings or pre-event mingling.
Metropolis Room: Located upstairs, this versatile room works great for breakout sessions, meetings, or private parties.
The Garden Patio: An outdoor space providing a charming atmosphere for casual gatherings or fresh-air receptions.
Catering Kitchen: Fully equipped to support your catering needs with a commercial fridge, ice machine, dishwashing station, and more.
Exact room dimensions and layouts are available upon request to help you plan your event perfectly.
WHAT IS YOUR PARKING LIKE?
We have free parking for all events that are held with us. Please click HERE to download our parking map.
DO YOU HAVE FLOOR PLANS AVAILABLE?
We do! Our floor plans are available for download HERE.
READY TO MAKE YOUR NEXT EVENT UNFORGETTABLE?
