SF's Castro Theatre to reopen after 2-year renovation with Sam Smith residency
SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) -- The iconic San Francisco Castro Theatre is set to reopen very soon with a well-known music artist headlining the first shows.
British singer Sam Smith posted a video on social media walking through the streets of the Castro, announcing an eight-night residency at the Castro Theatre after it was closed for two years for renovations.
The residency will run from February 10-21, 2026.
"It's going to be a huge game-changer," said Nate Bourg, President of the Castro Merchants Association. "Getting a huge artist like Sam Smith, I mean I had some idea of what was going on, but getting that news this morning was a huge shot of adrenaline of what is going to be an already exciting reopening."
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Bourg said the last two years of the theatre's shutdown have been tough for the neighborhood, with at least 15 storefronts closed right now.
"The emptiness of the theatre was felt for sure and so we are excited to see it reactivated," Bourg said.
Business owners are also hoping that more foot traffic will come soon. Another Planet Entertainment is promising a list of events that will bring more people to the Castro.
"We'll have concerts, podcasts, movies. Comedy. I think we'll be programmed for over 300 nights a year. It's going to be very active, and I think it's going to serve the community really well," said Allen Scott, President of Concerts and Festivals at Another Planet Entertainment.
Business owners like Rowan MacNiven, co-owner of Wooden Spoon Restaurant, woke up to the news that puts the spotlight on the Castro.
"It's going to be incredible; it's only going to help us. We are going to succeed together," MacNiven said. "I hope people come to the Castro Theatre, they see some music, they realize this is an awesome venue in literally their backyard."
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Another Planet Entertainment said they are very close to finishing the $41 million renovation of the iconic theatre that is more than 100 years old.
"We can't think of a better artist," Scott said. "We hope that this theatre is here for another 100-plus years. I mean, it's iconic, not only for San Francisco, but for the entire world."
Another Planet Entertainment said the venue's capacity is 1,400.
If you want to buy tickets the "Pre-sale" begins Monday, October 6 at 12 p.m. with the password: "hotcookie," the name of the iconic cookie shop next to the Castro Theatre.
The General ticket sale begins Tuesday, October 7 at 10 a.m.
