Big Sky Cinema in Dillon set to close after decades of business

DILLON, Mont. - Big Sky Cinema, a staple of the Dillon community for over 50 years, is set to shut its doors for good on Wednesday, April 29, the theater announced in a social media post. Its absence will leave both Dillon and Butte without a single indoor movie theater. The next closest options for both cities are located in Anaconda and Whitehall.

"It is with deep sadness that we announce the closure of Big Sky Cinema in Dillon, Montana," the theater's owners, the Pickerill family, wrote. "This decision was not made lightly.

The Pickerills cited the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on moviegoing as the primary reason for the closure. According to Variety, the U.S. has lost more than 5,700 movie screens since 2020, and box office numbers haven't rebounded to their pre-pandemic levels either.

"Like many small-town cinemas, patrons have not returned to the theatre in the same numbers following the COVID-19 pandemic," Big Sky Cinema's owners wrote. "Unfortunately, the theatre is not producing enough revenue to cover expenses, let alone justify further treatment."

According to websites Cinema History Around the World and Cinema Treasures, Big Sky Cinema opened its doors on October 27, 1973. The #1 movie at the time would have been the reissue of "Billy Jack," soon followed by "The Way We Were."

"We have loved being part of community traditions—weekend outings, family movie nights, first dates, fundraisers, school events, and countless shared memories," the owners wrote.

The Pickerill family concluded their statement "with sincere appreciation and heavy hearts."

The last day to see a movie at Big Sky Cinemas is April 29, 2026. Learn more on the theater's website.