The Castro Theater is an iconic landmark, not just for the neighborhood, but for the entire city. The historic theater sits in the center of the neighborhood on the main commercial corridor, surrounded by lively shops and bars.
The theater has been closed since early 2024 for major renovations, costing an impressive $41 million. Now, two years after temporarily closing its doors, the iconic theater will reopen in February 2026. The theater’s first performance is a sold-out residency by Sam Smith, followed by an impressive lineup.
The theater was built more than 100 years ago, opening in 1922 with an exclusive screening of the film Across the Continent before the public opening. It was built in the Spanish-Baroque style, and an Art Deco-style marquee and massive neon sign were added a few years after the initial opening. The theater became a beloved venue over the years in San Francisco, hosting many film screenings.
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Viewers will notice that the renovations include restoring the original artwork on the ceiling and the sgraffito murals. Outside, the marquee and iconic neon sign have also been restored.
In 2022, local entertainment group Another Planet Entertainment began leasing the theater from the owners and announced plans to renovate the theater, including upgrades to the sound and lighting. While Another Planet has many concerts on the schedule, they still plan to host a variety of events in the iconic theater.
” …We want to present all sorts of programming in the theater – comedy, music, film, community and private events, and more. We look forward to further contributing to the culture and economy of this vibrant and diverse neighborhood, and involving the community in our planning,” said Gregg Perloff, Another Planet Entertainment, CEO and Co-Founder, in a recent statement.
In addition to the lineup of music acts San Franciscans expected from Another Planet, the theater will continue to host the San Francisco Film Festival in the spring, along with other film screenings and live shows. In March, the theater will host the opening celebration for the Berlin & Beyond Film festival, along with a screening of the iconic silent film It, presented by the SF Silent Film Festival. You can expect to see a special 35mm screening for the 40th anniversary of The Return To Oz and a comedy show from Robby Hoffman in April.
You can book tickets to upcoming shows and learn more about the Castro Theater here.