Sam Smith to Reopen San Francisco’s Castro Theater with Eight-Show Residency Next Year

Sam Smith to Open San Francisco’s Refreshed Castro Theater with a 2026 Residency

September 30, 2025

San Francisco’s storied Castro Theater will reopen in 2026 following an extensive renovation, and the venue has tapped Sam Smith to headline the reopening with a special residency.

Announced on Tuesday, September 30, Smith and Another Planet Entertainment revealed an eight-show run titled To Be Free: San Francisco. The residency begins on February 10, 2026 and concludes on February 21, 2026. Tickets go on sale October 7 via Smith’s official site.

Reflecting on the announcement, Smith praised the Castro’s importance to the queer community and described it as an honor to help usher in the theater’s next chapter. The singer noted these performances will celebrate the venue’s return as a cultural home.

To mark the news, Smith shared an intimate acoustic cover of Bill Withers’ 1971 classic “Ain’t No Sunshine.” The video, shot around the Castro neighborhood, culminates with Smith guiding a crowd into the theater and distributing tickets to the new shows.

The San Francisco residency follows Smith’s upcoming New York engagement: a 24-date takeover at Brooklyn’s Warsaw running from October 8, 2025 through December 13, 2025. Both residencies take their name from Smith’s recent single “To Be Free,” which signals a return to the singer’s adult contemporary style.

Below you can watch Smith’s Castro-filmed clip and view related footage from the announcement.

For ticket information and the full list of dates, visit Sam Smith’s official live page. Attendance details and official sale times will be posted there when on-sale information goes live on October 7.

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