Castro Theatre Reopens After $41 Million Renovation

Iconic San Francisco venue to host both movies and live music events under new management

Published on Feb. 6, 2026

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The historic 104-year-old Castro Theatre in San Francisco has undergone a $41 million renovation and is set to reopen on February 6, 2026. The refurbished theater will now host both movie screenings and live music events, programmed and promoted by Another Planet Presents, a major Bay Area concert organizer. The restoration has brought the theater back to its original 1922 design by architect Timothy Pfleuger, while also adding modern amenities like air conditioning and more comfortable seating.

Why it matters

The Castro Theatre has long been a cultural landmark and the heart of San Francisco's LGBTQ community. The renovation and new programming direction have drawn some controversy, as the theater transitions from solely showing movies to also hosting live music performances. However, the project aims to revitalize the historic venue and draw more visitors to the surrounding Castro neighborhood businesses.

The details

The $41 million renovation, which is $26 million more than originally budgeted, was fully funded by Another Planet Entertainment, which also took over management of the theater in 2022. The restoration has removed decades of grime, allowing the original Spanish, Asian, Italian, and Art Deco design elements to shine. While the theater's capacity has been reduced slightly to 1,150 seated or 1,400 standing to comply with ADA regulations, the new seating is more comfortable. Other upgrades include the addition of heating and air conditioning, as well as a new concession stand that can be moved to accommodate both movie screenings and live music events.

  • The Castro Theatre will reopen on Friday, February 6, 2026 with a sold-out screening of 'The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert'.
  • Multiplatinum-selling singer Sam Smith will be the first musical act to perform at the newly renovated theater, kicking off a 20-show run on Tuesday, February 11, 2026.

The players

Another Planet Entertainment

A Bay Area concert powerhouse that books and promotes events at venues like the Fox Theater in Oakland, the Greek Theatre in Berkeley, and the annual Outside Lands festival.

Timothy Pfleuger

The architect and interior designer who originally designed the Castro Theatre, which opened in 1922. Pfleuger's other notable works include the Paramount Theatre in Oakland and the Pacific Telephone & Telegraph Company Building in San Francisco.

David Perry

A representative for Another Planet Entertainment who provided a tour of the renovated Castro Theatre.

Sam Smith

A multiplatinum-selling British singer-songwriter known for hits like 'Stay With Me' and 'I'm Not the Only One'.

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What they’re saying

“It's exactly as Timothy Pfleuger designed it back when it originally opened in 1922. (The Castro) was Pfleuger's first theater and he really went all out.”

— David Perry, Another Planet Entertainment representative (santacruzsentinel.com)

“These are original 1922 seats. They are historic and they are very uncomfortable. You may quote me on that.”

— David Perry, Another Planet Entertainment representative (santacruzsentinel.com)

What’s next

The Castro Theatre's first movie screening since the renovation will be a sold-out showing of 'The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert' on Friday, February 6, 2026. This event will serve as a fundraiser for the Castro Community Benefit District.

The takeaway

The $41 million renovation of the iconic Castro Theatre has restored the historic venue to its original 1922 splendor, while also adding modern amenities and transitioning the space to host both movie screenings and live music events. This transformation aims to revitalize the theater and the surrounding Castro neighborhood, though it has drawn some controversy from the community.