"We've been hard at work giving the venue a glow up,"
"All of the things people have come to expect - the singalongs and music events made possible by flexible seating"
"The first film we show will have [organist David Hegarty] rising out of the pit... I'm hoping after all of the understandable community concern, people will understan"
The Castro Theatre will reopen in February 2026 following a contentious renovation that ran $20 million over budget. Another Planet Entertainment, the Berkeley promoter that operates the century-old venue, is recruiting management staff. Renovations include restoration of the neon sign, leatherette ceiling and chandelier; installation of a new heating and cooling system; additional bathrooms; and improved ADA accessibility. Controversial alterations include removal of permanent seating on the orchestra level and leveling the raked auditorium floor to create flexible seating. Programming will expand beyond daily double features to include more live music and comedy. Longtime festivals SFFILM, Frameline and nonprofit Oasis Arts are set to return, and the opening presentation will feature organist David Hegarty rising from the pit.
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