The Castro Theatre

Arts & Culture · San Francisco, CA

LGBTQ-owned

About

Don't expect a standard multiplex experience at the Castro Theatre. This iconic 1922 building, reopening in 2026 as a music and live entertainment venue, has been a cornerstone of San Francisco's Castro neighborhood since its founding. It's LGBTQ-owned and shows classic films, first-run movies, and hosts film festivals like the gay and lesbian film festival. The two-story theater offers plenty of seats and cheap refreshments, including hot tea and coffee. Live performances from celebrities like Barbara Eden have graced its stage.

For a truly special experience, visit on a Friday or Saturday when a classic film is showing. That's when the organist plays the Wurlitzer organ, always ending with "San Francisco." Late night movie specials also draw crowds. The theater's artistic architecture stands out, making it worth a visit even just to admire the space.

The Castro Theatre sits in the heart of The Castro, San Francisco's historic gay neighborhood, surrounded by LGBTQ-friendly bars, restaurants, and shops.

Features

✓Watch the Wurlitzer organist on classic film nights
✓Cheap refreshments including hot tea and coffee
✓Two-story seating with artistic architecture
✓Hosts gay and lesbian film festival
✓Late night movie specials

Practical

✓Trans Friendly✓Mixed Gay/Straight✓LGBTQ Owned✓Theater✓Gallery✓Cinema

What people say

409 community ratings.

From the community

“Love Castro - Love the Theatre and what it offers”

I enjoy attending shows here whenever I'm in town and am hoping to meet some friends to go with.

A visitor · Over a year ago

“It's really the most beautiful theater in SF”

Or any location.

A guest · Over a year ago

“A big historic movie theatre”

The Castro Theatre is a well-known theater in the Castro neighborhood. It shows classic films along with a few newer releases. The theater has two levels and plenty of seating. Film festivals like the gay and lesbian film festival and the Jewish film festival are held here. There are also live performances by celebrities such as Barbara Eden. Concessions are reasonably priced, and you can get hot tea and coffee. Don't expect hot dogs, chicken fingers, or nachos.

A recent visitor · Over a year ago

“Best place for oldies”

This iconic theater now occasionally shows first-run movies, but it's best to visit on a Friday or Saturday when a classic film is playing. That's when the organist performs on the Wurlitzer organ, always ending with the song Jeanette MacDonald made famous, 'San Francisco'. It's a uniquely San Francisco experience.

A local visitor · Over a year ago

“Classic”

I went last Saturday to see Metropolis. The artistic style and especially the architecture were very nice. It's a great place to go, particularly for the late-night movie specials they offer.

A visitor · Over a year ago