Summary
The Phantom Returns Dinner Theater brings Texarkana’s infamous Phantom Killer story to life inside the underground 1923 Banana Club, a speakeasy-style venue known for its craft cocktails and immersive atmosphere. Just a short drive from Shreveport, Little Rock, Tyler, or Hot Springs, this October event pairs a chilling true-crime tale with fine dining in one of Texarkana’s coolest venues. Can’t make the show? The Banana Club is worth the trip year-round.

Looking for a fall experience that’s as unique as it is unforgettable? The Phantom Returns Dinner Theater is back this October at one of Texarkana’s coolest hidden gems—the 1923 Banana Club. Just a short drive from Shreveport, Little Rock, Tyler, or Hot Springs, this immersive dinner theater brings Texarkana’s most infamous legend to life in a way you won’t find anywhere else.
A True-Crime Tale in a Two-State City
Inspired by the chilling story of the Phantom Killer, which shook Texarkana in 1946 and later inspired the film The Town That Dreaded Sundown, this locally produced show puts you right in the middle of the action. Actors weave through the intimate speakeasy setting, turning the entire venue into the stage. Unlike traditional theater, you don’t just watch—you feel like you’re part of the story.
Why the Venue Matters: The 1923 Banana Club
The Phantom tale is thrilling enough, but the setting makes the experience unforgettable. The 1923 Banana Club is a speakeasy-style lounge hidden beneath a historic downtown building on the Arkansas side of Texarkana. With exposed brick walls, moody lighting, and a Prohibition-era vibe, it feels like stepping back in time. Known for its craft cocktails, themed events, and eclectic energy, it’s one of Texarkana’s most talked-about nightlife spots.
Even if you can’t make it for the October performances, the Banana Club is worth the trip all on its own. From live music and comedy nights to specialty drinks you won’t find anywhere else in town, this underground venue is the kind of place visitors love to “discover” and locals return to again and again.
Dinner and a Show with Style
Guests can choose from show-only tickets ($35) or the full dinner theater package ($75), which includes a four-course meal. With the Banana Club’s reputation for creative dining and inventive cocktails, the food is as much a highlight as the performance itself.
Event Details
Dates: October 23, 24, 25 & 30, 2025
Location: 1923 Banana Club, downtown Texarkana, Arkansas
Doors Open: 6:00 p.m.
Dinner: 6:30 p.m.
Showtime: 7:30 p.m.
Tickets:
- Show Only – $35 per person
- Dinner Theater – $75 per person (includes four-course meal)
Get Tickets: 1923BananaClub.square.site
or email 1923bananaclub@gmail.com
Make It a Weekend in Texarkana
If you’re visiting from nearby cities, extend your trip and explore more of what downtown Texarkana, Arkansas, has to offer. Snap your photo on the famous State Line at the Post Office and Courthouse, explore local murals, and grab a bite at other Arkansas-side favorites.
Whether you’re drawn by the true-crime mystery of the Phantom Killer or simply want to enjoy one of the most atmospheric venues in the region, Texarkana’s 1923 Banana Club delivers. Book your tickets now—or add the Banana Club to your must-visit list the next time you plan a night out in Texarkana.


