The Castro is back. After a $41 million top-to-bottom renovation led by Another Planet Entertainment (APE), San Francisco’s beloved Castro Theatre will reopen in February 2026, and it’s coming back with a bang. International superstar Sam Smith will christen the stage with an eight-night residency, To Be Free: San Francisco, running February 10, 11, 13, 14, 17, 18, 20, and 21.
For a city hungry to see its historic cultural landmarks thrive again, the return of the Castro marks more than just a reopening it’s the rebirth of a queer cultural anchor. APE CEO Gregg Perloff says the project was designed with “equity, inclusion, and community at the forefront,” ensuring the venue continues to serve as a beacon for San Francisco’s LGBTQ+ communities while broadening its scope to include concerts, comedy, community gatherings, and, of course, film.
The renovations blend preservation with reinvention. The theatre’s iconic neon blade and chandelier have been restored, while state-of-the-art upgrades in sound, lighting, HVAC, and accessibility reimagine the space for the next century. A new telescoping floor system allows the room to shift seamlessly between seated screenings, standing-room concerts, and everything in between.
