- Attraction: Fireside Dinner Theatre
- Location: 1131 Janesville Ave, Fort Atkinson, WI 53538
- Industry: Dinner Theatre
- Website: https://www.firesidetheatre.com
Wisconsin’s entertainment crown jewel awaits in the charming small town of Fort Atkinson, where three generations of the Klopcic family have perfected the art of dinner theatre since 1964.
The Fireside Dinner Theatre stands as the only Actor’s Equity dinner theatre in Wisconsin, drawing visitors from across the Midwest with its irresistible combination of Broadway-caliber performances, exceptional dining, and delightful shopping experiences all under one remarkable roof.
What began as Dick and Betty Klopcic’s pyramid-shaped restaurant for 120 diners has evolved into a nationally recognized entertainment destination that welcomes over 200,000 guests annually.
You’ll discover that this isn’t just dinner and a show – it’s a complete theatrical adventure that transforms an ordinary evening into something truly memorable. Whether you’re celebrating an anniversary, planning a family outing, or organizing a group excursion, the Fireside delivers experiences that exceed every expectation.
Broadway-Quality Productions & Intimate Theatre Experience
Professional Equity Performers: Every show features talented actors recruited directly from Broadway, national tours, and prestigious regional theatres through auditions held in New York City. You’ll witness performances that rival anything you’d see in major metropolitan theatres, yet in an intimate setting where no seat is more than five rows from the stage.
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Keep Exploring →Theatre-in-the-Round Magic: The unique circular staging puts you right in the middle of the action, creating an immersive experience where performers literally surround you. The state-of-the-art facility features excellent sightlines from every angle, ensuring you’ll catch every nuance of the performance whether you’re seated on the main floor or in the balcony sections.
Diverse Show Selection: The 2025 season showcases everything from Disney’s “The Little Mermaid” to classics like “West Side Story” and “Oklahoma!” You’ll also enjoy special tribute concerts and original productions that span multiple musical genres, ensuring there’s something perfect for every taste and age group.
Exceptional Production Values: Elaborate costumes, stunning set designs, and professional lighting create visual spectacles that transport you completely into each story. The revolving center stage adds another dynamic element to many productions, keeping you engaged throughout every scene.
Award-Winning Culinary Excellence
Legendary Friday Fish Fry: The Fireside’s Friday evening fish fry has achieved near-mythical status throughout Wisconsin, featuring both deep-fried beer-battered Norwegian cod and steamed cod with an absolutely divine peppercorn beurre blanc sauce.
You’ll understand why food critics consistently rank this among the state’s finest fish fries when you taste the perfectly crispy exterior and flaky interior of the fried version, paired with their famous German potato pancakes.
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Discover MoreSignature Thursday Buffet: The evening buffet presents an impressive spread of Fireside favorites including barbecued pork ribs, chicken tenderloin tempura, fresh Atlantic salmon, and prime beef tenderloin from the carving station. You’ll appreciate the variety and quality as you sample everything from shrimp and scallop fusilli to their decadent sweet potato soufflé.
Featured Menu Experiences: Each show comes with carefully crafted menus that complement the theatrical experience, featuring options like seared pork ribeye, chicken cordon bleu, and tempura shrimp. The multi-course dining experience includes fresh salads, choice of entrees, and signature desserts that are all prepared from scratch in their on-site kitchens.
Sunday Brunch Buffet: The weekend brunch offers an elegant spread with carved ham and turkey, eggs Benedict, fresh Atlantic salmon, and buttermilk pancakes alongside Jones bacon and sausage. You’ll start with pastries from their in-house bakery and fresh fruit medley before exploring the extensive hot buffet options.
Four Spectacular Gift Shops
Unique Shopping Experience: The Fireside houses four distinct specialty shops featuring over 50,000 creative gifts and collectibles, from popular lines like Willow Tree and Jim Shore to home décor, candles, and seasonal items. You’ll find yourself browsing through carefully curated collections that offer something special for everyone on your list.
Reasonable Pricing: Unlike typical tourist attractions, the gift shops maintain fair pricing that makes it easy to treat yourself or find perfect souvenirs without feeling guilty about the expense. You’ll discover quality items at prices that encourage multiple purchases.
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Keep Exploring →Fresh Bakery Goods: Their on-site bakery produces an impressive variety of artisanal breads including seven-grain maple walnut, cheddar cheese, and Asiago varieties that you can purchase to take home. The aroma alone will have you planning return visits just for the bread.
Collectibles & Home Décor: The shops specialize in distinctive items for those who prefer unique finds over mass-produced merchandise, featuring everything from garden accessories to distinctive artwork that adds character to any home.
Atmosphere & Setting
Historic Charm: The original pyramid-shaped building creates a distinctive architectural experience with multiple themed rooms that feel like exploring a wonderland. You’ll wander through the Forest Room, Fire Room, and upstairs areas decorated with miniature hot-air balloons, creating an almost fairy-tale atmosphere.
Intimate Dining Rooms: The newly renovated dining areas feature linen tablecloths and professional table settings that create an upscale yet comfortable environment. The sound-dampening ceiling tiles ensure easy conversation even when the restaurant is at full capacity with several hundred diners.
Sunken Lounge Area: The unique bar setup places bartenders at eye level while you’re seated, creating an intimate social space perfect for pre-show cocktails. You might find yourself ordering colorful specialty drinks complete with decorative fans and tropical garnishes.
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Discover MoreProfessional Organization: The entire operation runs with clockwork precision that becomes apparent from the moment you arrive, with clearly defined arrival times, efficient seating procedures, and seamless transitions between dining and theatre experiences.
Other Considerations
Excellent Value Pricing: At approximately $100 per person for the complete dinner theatre experience, you’ll receive exceptional value considering the professional entertainment quality, multi-course dining, and comprehensive experience. The youth packages at $57.95 make it accessible for families with children under 14.
Accessibility Features: The facility offers complete wheelchair accessibility throughout, including designated theatre seating and a hearing loop system for guests with hearing aids. You’ll find that mobility challenges don’t prevent anyone from enjoying the full experience.
Group Benefits: Parties of 13 or more receive significant discounts plus complimentary tickets, making it an ideal choice for church groups, family reunions, or corporate outings. The motorcoach-friendly setup includes ample free parking and special group pricing structures.
Convenient Location: Situated just off Business Highway 26, the Fireside sits within 1.5 hours of major Wisconsin destinations including Wisconsin Dells, Milwaukee, Madison, and Lake Geneva. You’ll find it makes an perfect day trip or weekend getaway destination.
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Keep Exploring →Seven Shows Weekly: With performances Thursday through Sunday year-round, you’ll have multiple opportunities to experience different shows throughout their season. The consistent schedule makes planning visits convenient for both local and traveling guests.
Celebration Packages: Special birthday and anniversary recognition services, complete with cupcakes, specialty drinks, and stage announcements, transform ordinary occasions into memorable celebrations that you’ll treasure for years.
Fireside Dinner Theatre
📍 1131 Janesville Ave, Fort Atkinson, WI 53538
