After a two-year, $41 million renovation, the landmark Castro Theatre is ready for prime time. Reopening in early 2026, the century-old venue will kick off its new era with an eight-night, “To Be Free: San Francisco” residency by Grammy winner Sam Smith; beginning February 10th.
Tickets for these first shows go on sale October 7th.
October 13 Update: Sam Smith added another additional four dates to their “To Be Free: San Francisco” residency at The Castro Theatre due to demand. The dates are March 10, 11, 13 & 14, now 20 shows in total. Tickets go on sale October 14) at 10am.
The series is a continuation of Sam’s upcoming residency, “To Be Free: New York City,” which begins at Brooklyn’s historic Warsaw Club. To mark the announcement, Sam shared a sizzling cover of the 1971 Bill Withers classic, “Ain’t No Sunshine” set to a video filmed at the beloved theater and in the surrounding Castro District neighborhood.
Led by Another Planet Entertainment, the restoration of the theatre, built in 1922, blends architectural grandeur with modern upgrades, including flexible seating tiers, enhanced sound and lighting, expanded ADA access, a refreshed marquee and updated interior. BuildIT, an LGBTQ+ construction advocacy group, contributed to the project.
The Castro Theatre’s revival will reestablish its role as a cultural anchor of The Castro District. Expect additional film, music, comedy, and community events announcements over the next few weeks, as anticipation builds for the cherished venue’s reopening.