Media Contacts:
Andrea Aiello, Castro CBD / (415) 500 – 1181 / execdirector@castrocbd.org
David Perry, The Castro / (415) 676-7007 / news@davidperry.com
San Francisco’s Castro Theatre Hosts a Community Opening
Friday, February 6, 2026
First Public Event Following a $ 41 Million Renovation & Restoration Is a Fundraiser for the Nonprofit Castro Community Benefit District
8 January 2026 – San Francisco, CA: After years of anticipation and a $41 million renovation by Another Planet Entertainment, the historic Castro Theatre will have a Community Opening on February 6, 2026, welcoming the public for the very first time back for a sneak peek at the Theatre with a film screening and a celebration of the neighborhood’s cultural legacy.The night will feature a 35 mm showing of The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert, bringing the community together in the newly restored space while marking the 20th Anniversary fundraiser of the Castro Community Benefit District. The choice of film reflects the Castro’s long-standing identity as a cultural and LGBTQ+ landmark.
“The Castro CBD is the heart and soul of this community. More than keeping the district clean and safe, they are a constant advocate for our LGBTQ residents and visitors and the many small businesses, restaurants and bars that make this neighborhood special,” said Gregg W. Perloff, CEO Another Planet Entertainment. “It is so appropriate that our first event, a special 35mm screening of The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert is a benefit for them. We are grateful for their early and unwavering support of our efforts to restore, renovate and return to service this cultural landmark and LGBTQ icon.”
“This is more than a movie night; it is a homecoming,” said Andrea Aiello, Executive Director of the Castro CBD. “We are inviting the community to be the very first to experience the ‘New Castro’ while supporting the preservation of the queer history and culture that makes this neighborhood a global beacon.”As they enter the Theatre, guests will experience the extensive restoration, including the theatre’s ceiling returned to its original colors and detail, the fully restored 1937 Art Deco chandelier, Mezzanine, and newly designed seating created specifically for optimal film viewing in the multi-use space.
Reflecting on the milestone event, Aiello added, “I haven’t seen the interior yet, and I cannot wait to see the frescoes, the restored ceiling, the chandelier, and the mezzanine. And because this is the Castro, we’ve made sure the night is fun. You can’t show Priscilla without audience participation, so dress in your best Priscilla drag!”
Doordash is an early, strong sponsor for the event, followed by Alaska Airlines, and Zoox. Information on supporting this event and the Castro Community Benefit District’s Neighborhood Beautification Fund is available at www.castrocbd.org/theatre.
Doors open at 7 p.m. patrons can find a seat and explore the theatre, the stage show starts at 8 pm followed by the movie. Tickets for the event go on sale on Friday, January 9, 2026 and can be purchased at https://www.ticketweb.com/event/the-adventures-of-priscilla-queen-the-castro-theatre-tickets/14731873
About the Castro Community Benefit District (CCBD):
The CCBD is a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the quality of life in the Castro through clean-and-safe programs, economic development, and cultural preservation.
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
Web | Facebook | Instagram
# # #
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
news@davidperry.com
