Another Planet Entertainment Announces Film Fests & Special Film Events Beginning March 2026 at the Castro Theatre
Another Planet Entertainment Announces Film Fests & Special Film Events Beginning March 2026 at the Castro Theatre
Select Events Will Go On sale This Friday, November 14 at 10 a.m. PT at
12 November 2025 — San Francisco: Following a $41 million renovation and careful historic restoration by the Bay Area’s Another Planet Entertainment (APE), the historic Castro Theatre will celebrate its grand reopening in February 2026, with international sensation, Sam Smith for their “To Be Free: San Francisco” twenty-night residency. The building is also ready to share its glory again as one of America’s most treasured movie palaces as today, November 12, APE is pleased to announce the film fests and special film events coming to The Castro starting March 2026. Tickets for all film events go on sale this Friday, November 14 at 10am PT at thecastro.com.
The Castro makes its grand return in a new era of programming that bridges cinematic tradition, live music, comedy, community gatherings and service to the LGBTQ+ communities for whom the venue is a treasured asset. Highlights include film festivals such as SF Film Festival, SF Silent Film Festival and Frameline 50 as well as special screenings like Clara Bow in It, Hedwig & The Angry Inch with special guest John Cameron Mitchell, The Last Black Man In San Francisco with special guest writer & director Joe Talbot and more. In January, look for the return of the Castro movie calendar, repertory film screenings, signalongs, 35mm & 70mm screenings and student and senior prices. Freshly popped popcorn is promised for all screenings.
Film Festivals and Special Film Events just announced:
March 19: Berlin and Beyond
March 22: SF Silent Film FestivalClara Bow in “IT”
April 1: A Deeper Love: The Story of Miss Peppermint With special guest Peppermint
April 9: Movies for Maniacs
April 12: The Last Black Man in San Francisco With special guest: Writer & Director Joe Talbot
April 24: SF Film Festival
May 6 – 10: SF Silent Film Festival
June 17 – 27: Frameline 50 LGBTQ International Film Festival
July 17: Hedwig & The Angry Inch
25th Anniversary Screening in 35mm with special guest John Cameron Mitchell
Under APE’s stewardship, the century-old venue has undergone a comprehensive renovation, restoring its architectural splendor while upgrading mechanical systems, accessibility, acoustics, and patron amenities. The refreshed neon blade & marquee, decorative ceiling, and restored chandelier signals the reborn destination for cultural life in the Castro neighborhood and beyond. Inside, the sloped auditorium floor has been reimagined with new telescoping tiers that allow for flexibility between seated shows, film screenings, and standing-room events. Meanwhile, upgraded HVAC, sound, lighting, video systems, additional public restrooms, and expanded ADA accessibility will enhance both the fan and artist experience.
The reopening of The Castro Theatre is poised to deliver meaningful economic gains to the surrounding neighborhood — especially for restaurants, retail, cafés, and bars that rely on cultural foot traffic. APE projects the venue will draw 200,000+ visitors annually, reenergizing business corridors and stimulating local employment.
For the LGBTQ+ community, the venue has long been a symbolic and literal gathering place. Its revival reaffirms its role as a beacon of queer culture, affirmation, and visibility — extending beyond film to performances, panels, and celebrations that reflect the diversity and resilience of the community. The reopening underscores APE’s commitment to preserving the venue’s roots in film and community. The theatre will welcome back music, comedy, film, community events, and private events that will diversify how The Castro Theatre serves San Francisco and its communities.
The Castro Theatre, courtesy of Another Planet Entertainment
About The Castro Theatre
The Castro Theatre is a world renowned iconic venue and cherished landmark. Located in the Castro Neighborhood, San Francisco’s LGTBQ+ cultural epicenter, this designated historic landmark is the heart of the community. The Castro’s captivating interior was designed by one of San Francisco’s most prominent architects, Timothy Pfleuger. Built in 1922, the movie palace features a lavish yet intimate interior with diverse architectural influences ranging between Spanish, Asian, Italian and Art Deco. A century later in 2022, Another Planet Entertainment entered into an exclusive partnership with the theatre to execute a significant $41 million rehabilitation of the building. This includes major renovations to accommodate a wider variety of entertainment; opening the venue for the first time to standing room musical performances while still maintaining the seated experience for cinema, comedy and more.
The re-opening will showcase the revitalization of the ceiling’s stunning original artwork along with the sgraffito murals and a long hidden historic proscenium, all masterfully restored by Evergreene Architectural Arts. Additionally, BuildIT, the world’s first LGBTQ construction advocacy organization, has played a major role providing specialized trade professionals to the project. Other key elements include modernizing the historic chandelier, revival of the iconic neon blade sign and marquee, and the installation of the world’s largest and most versatile digital organ. The building will feature modern amenities with a new HVAC system, additional restrooms, and for the first time a fully ADA accessible orchestra, stage and dressing rooms. Another Planet’s momentous effort will ensure this cultural gem will continue to serve as an inclusive global beacon for cultural expression to be enjoyed for generations to come.
Connect with The Castro Theatre
Website | Instagram | Facebook
About Another Planet Entertainment:
Established in 2003, Another Planet Entertainment (APE) is the largest independent promoter in the U.S. and has produced and promoted thousands of events with artists as diverse as Radiohead, Neil Young, Kendrick Lamar, Adele, Daft Punk, Lady Gaga, The Weeknd, Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers, Lizzo, Metallica, Bruno Mars, twenty one pilots, Bruce Springsteen, Mumford & Sons, Zedd, Paul McCartney, Fred again.. x Skrillex, Florence + The Machine and Olivia Rodrigo. Named Top Independent Promoter (U.S.) by Billboard Magazine in 2015 and 2016 and Top Independent Promoter (Worldwide) in 2017, APE is the exclusive promoter for the Greek Theatre in Berkeley, the Fox Theater in Oakland, the historic Bill Graham Civic Auditorium, The Independent and The Castro in San Francisco and Lake Tahoe Amphitheatre at Caesars Republic, as well as co-promoter of The Bellwether in Los Angeles. In April 2025, APE welcomed Channel 24, a new property in Sacramento to its portfolio. In addition, APE produces the award-winning festival Outside Lands (since 2008, ranked #4 on Billboard’s Top 50 Festivals of 2022) in San Francisco. In 2024, APE launched Golden Gate Park Concerts, an unprecedented standalone event series on the Polo Field in the iconic San Francisco park. The inaugural event with System Of A Down marked the first ever headline concert in the park after dark, preceded only by daytime events. APE also operates an artist management arm, Another Planet Entertainment Management, with a roster that includes two-time GRAMMY-nominated artist Tycho, and a private events division Another Planet Event Group.
Connect with Another Planet Entertainment
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For more information on Another Planet Entertainment & The Castro, contact:
Alexandra Greenberg / Falcon Publicity
agreenberg@falconpublicity.com
&
Liz Liles-Brown / Another Planet Entertainment
liz@anotherplanetent.com
&
David Perry / David Perry & Associates, Inc
news@davidperry.com / (415) 676-7007