After undergoing an extensive $41 million renovation that kept the historic venue dark for two years, San Francisco’s iconic Castro Theatre is set to reopen in February 2026 with Grammy-winning artist Sam Smith‘s eight-night residency, “To Be Free: San Francisco.” The residency, scheduled for February 10, 11, 13, 14, 17, 18, 20, and 21, marks a significant milestone as the inaugural entertainment event in the newly restored cultural landmark.
The renovation, led by Another Planet Entertainment (APE), which took over booking responsibilities in 2022, includes thorough architectural restoration of the venue’s iconic elements, including the neon blade sign, marquee, decorative ceiling, and chandelier. The project also delivered substantial upgrades to mechanical systems, acoustics, and accessibility features while preserving the theater’s historic character and significance. The 103-year-old theatre represents a vital piece of San Francisco’s architectural and cultural heritage.
Smith’s residency, named after their single “To Be Free,” represents a symbolic alignment with the Castro Theatre’s long-standing role as a safe and celebratory space for the LGBTQ+ community. Smith, who identifies as nonbinary, has been a prominent voice within the LGBTQ+ community throughout their career. Tickets for the highly anticipated shows went on sale October 7, 2025, with strong interest reflecting both Smith’s popularity and the venue’s importance to San Francisco’s cultural landscape.
The Castro’s transformation from primarily a cinema to a mixed-use entertainment venue has not been without controversy. Some film enthusiasts expressed concern about changes to the traditional programming focus and physical alterations, including the flattening of the auditorium floor and removal of orchestra seats. However, APE maintains that film screenings will continue alongside the expanded roster of live events.
Technical enhancements to the 100-year-old venue include state-of-the-art sound systems, improved lighting, and infrastructure upgrades capable of supporting more complex production requirements. Smith’s team will benefit from these improvements during their extensive sound checking process, ensuring optimal acoustics throughout the historic space. These improvements aim to guarantee the theater remains viable for decades to come while contributing to the economic vibrancy of the Castro neighborhood.
The Smith residency and reopening arrive at an essential time for San Francisco’s arts scene, with city officials hoping the revitalized venue will help boost local businesses, attract cultural tourism, and reaffirm the Castro Theatre’s significance as an LGBTQ+ landmark and community anchor. Smith’s team has been exploring potential sync licensing deals for performance footage captured during the residency, which could provide additional revenue streams while showcasing the renovated venue to global audiences.
