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The Castro Is Back, Baby: Iconic Theater Gets a Fabulous Makeover

Castro Theatre

Photo by titanium22 | License

Get ready to pop the champagne, San Francisco! The legendary Castro Theatre is making its grand return in February 2026, and trust us, it’s going to be epic.

After a whopping $41 million renovation that felt longer than a pandemic lockdown, Another Planet Entertainment (APE) is finally breathing new life into this historic venue. Gone are the days of just movie screenings - this space is transforming into a multi-purpose entertainment hub that’ll make your Instagram followers seriously jealous.

More Than Just a Pretty Face

The renovations aren’t just cosmetic. We’re talking a fully restored gilded ceiling that’ll make you feel like Hollywood royalty, a brand new cocktail bar (because obvs), and a functioning neon marquee that screams vintage SF charm. While some film purists might be side-eyeing the temporary seating arrangements, let’s be real - a liquor license makes everything better.

Community Vibes

District Supervisor Rafael Mandelman is hyped, predicting a boost for local businesses that have been struggling since COVID. The theater’s reopening isn’t just about entertainment; it’s about revitalizing the Castro’s economic heartbeat.

A Few Asterisks

There are still some drama-filled details to iron out, like the potential displacement of the adjacent coffee shop and nail salon. But for now, let’s focus on the fabulous comeback of one of SF’s most iconic venues.

February 2026 can’t come soon enough, darlings!

AUTHOR: pw

SOURCE: SFist