Antioch's Campanil Theatre Seeks Donations to Stay Open Through 2026

The near-century-old venue faces financial challenges but remains a downtown anchor for the city's arts scene.

Published on Feb. 20, 2026

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The historic El Campanil Theatre in Antioch, California, which has served as a center for the performing arts in the city's Rivertown district for nearly a century, is seeking donations to continue operations through 2026. With ticket revenue and rental income not providing enough funding, the nonprofit El Campanil Theatre Preservation Foundation has launched a 'Keep the Arts Alive in Antioch' campaign to raise $50,000 from individual donors.

Why it matters

El Campanil Theatre has been a downtown anchor and hub for the arts in Antioch for decades, hosting a variety of performances and events. As the city has faced economic challenges over the years, keeping the historic theater open and thriving has been a priority for the local community. The theater's financial struggles highlight the broader challenge of sustaining arts and cultural institutions in smaller cities.

The details

El Campanil Theatre opened in 1928 and has hosted a range of performances over the decades, from vaudeville shows and film screenings to appearances by stars like Mary Pickford and Roy Rogers. After falling into disrepair, the nonprofit El Campanil Theatre Preservation Foundation was formed in 2001 to revitalize and maintain the theater as a local performing arts center. The theater underwent renovations and reopened in 2004, but has continued to face funding challenges in recent years, relying on donations and rental income in addition to ticket sales.

  • El Campanil Theatre opened on November 1, 1928.
  • The El Campanil Theatre Preservation Foundation was created in 2001 to revitalize the theater.
  • The theater underwent renovations and reopened in 2004.
  • The 'Keep the Arts Alive in Antioch' fundraising campaign was launched in October 2025.

The players

El Campanil Theatre

A historic performing arts venue that has served as a downtown anchor for the city of Antioch, California since 1928.

El Campanil Theatre Preservation Foundation

A nonprofit organization dedicated to revitalizing and maintaining the El Campanil Theatre as a local center for the performing arts.

Sharon Sobel Idul

The president of the El Campanil Theatre Preservation Foundation.

Joshua Price

The executive director of the El Campanil Theatre.

Rick Carraher

The former executive director of the El Campanil Theatre and president of the Rivertown Business Association.

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What they’re saying

“Thank you from all of us here at the El Campanil for keeping the arts alive in Antioch.”

— Sharon Sobel Idul, President, El Campanil Theatre Preservation Foundation (Contra Costa Youth Journalism)

“We need sustainability to maintain operations, and receiving this support will allow us to continue improving and rebuilding our practices effectively. If we are to reach our goal, this would propel us into 2026, allowing us to continue being a downtown anchor and keeping the arts alive in Antioch.”

— Joshua Price, Executive Director, El Campanil Theatre (Contra Costa Youth Journalism)

“This is a gem of a community. There's a lot of people in Antioch who only commute to work and don't realize what's here.”

— Kathy (Contra Costa Youth Journalism)

What’s next

The El Campanil Theatre Preservation Foundation will continue to seek additional funding partners and improve marketing efforts to reach their $50,000 fundraising goal and ensure the theater can remain open through 2026.

The takeaway

The financial struggles of the historic El Campanil Theatre highlight the broader challenge of sustaining arts and cultural institutions in smaller cities like Antioch. However, the community's commitment to preserving this downtown anchor and hub for the performing arts demonstrates the value that residents place on having access to live entertainment and cultural experiences.