Showtime starts at the Castro (castrotheatre.com) when the mighty organ rises – and no, that's not a euphemism. Before curtains open at this 1922 deco-fabulous theater, a vintage Wurlitzer organ rises from the orchestra pit to play show tunes, ending with a crowd sing-along to the Judy Garland anthem "San Francisco."
For all-star drag revues, A-list queer comedy and film-festival premieres – including the world's biggest LGBTIQ+ film fest, Frameline Film Festival – you'll be cheering too.
At audience-participation events, everyone is given kits containing glow sticks, bubbles and noisemakers to punctuate the movie's most dramatic moments. When the Castro bursts with bubbles and wisecracks, it's quintessential San Francisco – and a cinema experience like no other. This is not your typical movie-going experience, but more like Rocky Horror Picture Show – only without rules or a script.
The Castro Theatre's neon marquee and entry window displays announce upcoming features, including silver-screen classics and film-festival premieres. For weekend shows, book well ahead online and arrive 45 minutes early to score good seats. You'll want time to admire architect Timothy Pflueger's Spanish-Moorish-Asian decor, which inspired the Wizard of Oz sets – but you'll notice that earthquake-shy San Franciscans avoid sitting under his pointy metal chandelier.
