After a lengthy and £31 million renovation, San Francisco’s iconic Castro Theatre is set to make its grand return in February 2026. This beloved cultural landmark, which has stood as a heart of the city’s gay community since 1922, is poised to reopen with a bold new programming slate that blends its cinematic heritage with live music, comedy, and community events.
The reopening will be headlined by an extensive 20-night residency from Grammy-winning non-binary artist Sam Smith, kicking off the celebration with what is expected to be a sold-out run. The presence of a high-profile performer like Sam Smith underscores the theatre’s renewed ambition to be a significant cultural hub, drawing in a wide range of audiences. Following this inaugural stint, the venue will showcase an eclectic mix of concerts, comedy shows, film screenings, and community gatherings, featuring acts such as Lucy Dacus, The Breeders, Father John Misty, Perfume Genius, Santigold, and queer icon Jonathan Van Ness. Notably, the respected Frameline Film Festival will also return for its 50th anniversary in June, reinforcing the theatre’s long-standing commitment to LGBTQ+ cultural expression.
The renovation, overseen by Another Planet Entertainment, an experienced operator of venues like the Bill Graham Civic Auditorium and the Greek Theatre in Berkeley, has transformed the old movie palace into a versatile, modern venue while preserving its historic charm. The 1,400-seat auditorium now boasts a sophisticated motorized seating system that allows it to switch seamlessly between seated film screenings and standing concerts or drag shows, enhancing flexibility without compromising the iconic interior design. Key aesthetic features such as the reinstalled chandelier and restored ceiling artwork have been lovingly preserved to maintain the theatre’s distinctive atmosphere.
The upgrade also incorporates modern necessities, including enhanced sound and lighting systems, expanded ADA accessibility, and a refreshed marquee, addressing long-standing technical and inclusivity needs. After being closed since early 2024, the theatre’s revival is anticipated to bring an annual influx of over 200,000 visitors, which local businesses hope will invigorate the surrounding Castro neighbourhood, long regarded as a vibrant gay enclave.
Beyond entertainment, the Castro Theatre will serve as a hub for community events and support emerging LGBTQ+ performers through a new grant programme that will be launched alongside its reopening. This aligns with the venue’s broader vision of being more than just a performance space but a cultural beacon that nurtures diversity and artistic innovation.
Tickets for the newly announced 2026 shows went on presale on November 6, 2025, with public sales following a day later. As the Castro Theatre prepares to welcome audiences back, it promises a refreshed yet familiar space where history and contemporary culture intersect, reaffirming its place as an essential part of San Francisco’s identity and LGBTQ+ heritage.
Source: Noah Wire Services
