Harkins Camelview Movie Theater in Scottsdale is a movie destination and a lot more! With 14 theaters, reserved reclining seats and cutting edge film technology, a techno-retro vibe entices you — along with the Verité Lounge, outdoor rooftop terrace, gelato bar, gourmet snacks, and their famous popcorn. Here are tips for a great movie date at Harkins Theatres!
The New Harkins Camelview Theatre — An Epic Remake
Harkins Camelview Movie Theater in Scottsdale at Fashion Square has long been a fixture here, where the theater and the food court once shared the lower level. And, we had the vintage Camelview Plaza theaters across the street, for art and indie films.
But, premiering in 2015, Harkins Theatre stepped into the limelight, inviting moviegoers to the debut of their new showplace of pride in the mall’s east wing, facing Scottsdale Road. If you haven’t visited yet or it’s been a minute or a while since you’ve been here — it’s a whole new blockbuster experience in moviedom — for reels!
Going to the Movies and Getting Tickets at Harkins Camelview
Tips for Going to Harkins Camelview
Entrance to Gold parking garage on Scottsdale Road, under Harkins signs.
Harkins Camelview is located at the east end of the mall facing Scottsdale Road. They makes it easy to navigate with these directions, map and handy Parking Tips. Look down the left pane for the map and specifics.
My Personal Tips to Arrive with Sanity
Going to Camelview Theater in Scottsdale is easier in the summer and earlier on weekdays. If you’re flexible, you can beat the crowds. Or maybe you like crowds.
The mall is very hectic on weekends and in our cool season. Plan accordingly. If you’re going at a busy time, be prepared to park far, far away. You may not even find a parking space at the mall.
Arrive early and wear comfortable shoes. If distance walking isn’t possible, there is a drop-off and pick-up area near the theater’s entrance. It’s perfect for dropping off your movie date or arriving and leaving by a ride-share service like Lyft.
Handicapped accessible parking spaces are nearby and there is valet parking at the Gold garage on Saturdays 12pm-6pm. There is also underground self parking at this garage. The Gold garage is under the Harkins sign pictured above lot, with an entrance from Scottsdale Road.
The theaters are located on the 2nd level, with escalators and elevators for access, near the east entrance of the mall, under the big Harkins signs. If you’re inside the mall, here’s a map — make sure you select L2 for Level 2. Harkins is above Dick’s Sporting Goods on Level 1.
Take your time to get your bearings and ask for help if you need it. It’s worth the adventure to have a whole bunch of fun!
I’ve also devoted a post for you to navigate Downtown | Old Town with ease.
Getting Your Movie Tickets and Reserving Seats
You can purchase your tickets online at Harkin’s site in advance of the show. Select the movie show time and tap on it.
Seating is reserved, and you’ll see the seating ‘chart’ appear. You get to choose and reserve your luxury seat, which is pretty easy.
There are also options for accessible accommodations and viewing/listening devices you may need.
Take your time to navigate the seating and other amenities. Select your seat and continue through the process of purchasing your ticket(s).
Or, you can simply show up early to buy your ticket(s) at the theater, from a kiosk or a friendly human being at the box office who can step you through the process — your choice!
With either option, give yourself extra time if good and available seats are important to you. If you’re impulsive like I am, have a plan B, just in case the movie is full or your favorite seats are gone.
Your row and seat number are listed on your ticket and the theater is easily labeled and lighted for you to find your seats and get comfortable. If you need help, just ask a friendly staff member.
No seatbelts, so you can recline immediately – and let the snacking, sipping and viewing begin. Enjoy your movie in style!
Harkins Camelview Amenities
Splurge on G-rated beverages and the usual suspects of refreshments — like their famous fresh popcorn, candy, and gourmet treats.
The Vérité Lounge spotlights an in-lobby area and an outdoor rooftop terrace. Sip an adult-rated beverage and catch the sports scores at the bar. There’s even a stand-alone gelato bar! On the terrace, take in the bird’s eye view of downtown Scottsdale. Get some fresh air — no smoking or vaping — and relax to cool jazz tunes.
Outdoors and in, you’re surrounded with klieg lights and neon. There’s a vintage film projected on an interior wall, along with glitzy coming attractions. Or perhaps a sunset cityscape view outside. It’s a heady atmosphere onscreen and off.
Rest Rooms like Posh Dressing Rooms
Arrive early to enjoy the star treatment. The womens’ rooms are of Kim Novac starlet quality and I’m guessing the leading mens’ rooms don’t disappoint. Is Cary Grant spiffing up in there? Enquiring minds want to know who’s ready for their cameo! Seriously, these are beautiful, spacious and well-appointed facilities.
Accessibility
Delivering on the Harkins mission to always give each guest the best in movie going experiences, Accessibility gets special attention.
In addition to accessible theaters, their list of accessibility services and devices is impressive.
They provide assistive listening devices for deaf or hard of hearing guests, as well as closed captioning technology hearing and audio description for the visually impaired.
When you get to the theater, stop at the Guest Services counter with your questions and to get hooked up with your devices.
Not yet at Camelview movie theater in Scottsdale, but at other valley Harkins locations, are Sensory Friendly Screenings for guests with autism and sensory processing disorders.
Other Harkins Camelview Offerings
Harkins Camelview hosts the annual Scottsdale International Film Festival in early November. And, they now have Moonlight Cinema®outdoors on the rooftop! There are many other amenities, events, and services offered by our hometown theater including My Harkins Awards rewards program, Tuesday Night Classics, and group events.
Harkins Theatre History and Red Harkin’s Vision
With its corporate offices in Scottsdale, Harkins is a family-owned business, started by Red Harkins during the Great Depression. His first theater, the infamous Valley Art college theater in Tempe opened in 1933. It’s still running today! Red’s is quite a story of grit and innovation.
Spanning 88+ years, Red handed down his passion for movies and entrepreneurship as his family legacy. It’s a story for the movies — the hometown kid and his offspring made good!
As kids, we often went to the Harkins theater on Shea and 32nd Street, and my first date was at Harkins Christown Mall — ‘The Duchess and the Dirtwater Fox.’ I remember seeing ‘Koyaanisqatsi’ at the Valley Art when I was at ASU, and I still blame my cousin for the trauma of ‘Eraserhead!’
Later, we enjoyed many jaunts to see indie and art films at Harkins Camelview 5 at Camelview Plaza. My last viewing there was ‘Frances Ha,’ a few years before the quirky movie house was demo’d.
A remnant of the old Camelview history — the Cinema sign — was salvaged and has a new home on the rooftop terrace of the luxe new Camelview movie theater in Scottsdale.
Red’s son Dan Harkins is the heir apparent to Harkins’ proud legacy, with much success and many awards and charitable deeds to his and the company’s credit.
The Harkins tradition endures as a Scottsdale success story that reaches beyond our boundaries, now in 5 states and over 30 theater complexes, with 400 + screens.
I’m grateful to the Harkins family and team for the enrichment and entertainment they have brought to my life for many years, which continues.
Wrap Up — Rave Reviews from Critic’s Corner
Harkins Camelview Theatre delivers a ‘two thumbs up’ movie-going experience — to quote old-school film critics, Siskel and Ebert. The stellar cast-mates serve up movie tickets and refreshments, keeping the theaters and facilities clean. And, they provide great service with big smiles.
Splicing film history with creativity and innovation, for an entertaining escape, critics agree — Harkins Camelview Theater at Scottsdale Fashion Square delivers an award-winning cinematic experience. It’s just the ticket — I’ll see you there!
April Halstead
Scottsdale Lifestyle Blogger
I’m a 5th generation native Arizona gal who loves showing and telling what makes Scottsdale an amazing place to visit and make home! I hope you enjoy our city through my lens, making your own discoveries and memories here!
