The Andy Griffith Playhouse, circa 1920, is Mount Airy’s first known site of a public school, the Rockford Street School. It is located at 218 Rockford St. Andy Griffith attended elementary school and performed on stage here during the 1930s and 1940s.

The Surry Arts Council leased the building in 1975 and renovated it into a theatre and arts center. The building was named in Andy Griffith’s honor during the early 1970s.

The Surry Arts Council programs the facility year-round with classes, community theatre productions, children’s theatre, lectures, art camps and musical concerts ranging from Bluegrass to classical. The playhouse is also home base for the arts council’s annual Mayberry Days festival, which is held in September, and the Blue Ridge & Beyond storytelling festival, which is held every spring. The Andy Griffith Playhouse also serves as a civic auditorium for the City of Mount Airy and Surry County.

Featuring a new amphitheatre made of Mount Airy Granite with a Summer Series.

The Surry Arts Council and Andy Griffith Playhouse is home to the new TV Land Landmark Statue "Andy & Opie" that was dedicated at the 2004 Mayberry Days.

Hours of operation: Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday at various times.