On Tuesday, Another Planet Entertainment (APE) announced that Grammy-winning singer Sam Smith will kick off the reopening of The Castro (previously The Castro Theatre) with an 8-show residency in February 2026.
Last week, we learned that The Castro would reopen in February and that APE had rebranded The Castro Theatre to 'The Castro' - ditching 'theatre' from the historic 103-year-old movie palace.
It didn't take long for APE to roll out its first big-name act. Last month, Smith was spotted shooting a video around the Castro neighborhood and the marquee at The Castro was also briefly changed to say "Coming Soon."
Smith then teased the announcement on Monday with a TikTok post. As first reported by the SF Chronicle, on Tuesday, they officially announced the residency.
Smith's "Too Be Free: San Francisco" 8-night residency is set for February 10, 11, 13, 14, 17, 18, 20, and 21. Presale tickets go on sale Monday, October 6. Ticket pricing has not been released.
February 2026 is shaping up to be a busy month. Smith's residency will come two days after San Francisco hosts Super Bowl LX.
“Our goal is to activate and re-energize the building with equity, inclusion, and community at the forefront,” said Gregg Perloff, APE CEO and Co-Founder, in a prepared statement. “We look forward to contributing to the vibrancy and economic health of the Castro while honoring its legacy as an LGBTQ+ landmark and cultural anchor.”
Smith last performed in San Francisco at The Chase Center in August 2023 as part of their "Gloria The Tour."
Speaking to the crowd at the performance, Smith said, “I first came here to San Francisco when I was 20 years old. I was a very confused queer kid."
"This city made me feel so at home when I was younger," added Smith.
With an estimated capacity of 1,400 attendees, Smith's eight shows at The Castro will top out at approximately 11,200 tickets - well below one night at the Chase Center, which holds approximately 19,500 for concerts.
APE's $40 million renovations included removing the orchestra-level seating and replacing it with four tiered sections of platforms with removable seats on a motorized raked floor. Smith's residency will start a new era for the theatre in a shift away from repertory film to live performances.
According to APE, more events will be announced through October.
