By Donna Sachet—
The long-awaited reopening weekend of The Castro Theatre lived up to all expectations! On Friday, February 6, 2026, Mayor Daniel Lurie, State Senator Scott Wiener, City Board of Supervisors President Rafael Mandelman, and other city officials and key figures from Another Planet Entertainment gathered for the ceremonial ribbon-cutting in front of the theatre jammed by hundreds of witnesses to history as this next chapter of The Castro Theatre and the Castro Community began.
We were fortunate to be asked by Paul Miller of The Academy SF to be among the many Drag Queens, including Mx GAPA KiKi Krunch, Bebe Sweetbriar, Mahlae Balenciaga, Juicy Liu, Mercedez Munro, and Katya Smirnoff Skyy, lined up behind Mayor Lurie for that ceremony and later assembled on stage for an epic group Drag number. The concession area immediately inside was a full bar and a VIP bar served drinks and hors d’oeuvres upstairs, where we met for the first time Dirty Carol, sponsor of the Community Opening and a whirlwind of energy. (Don’t miss her engagements at Martuni’s on February 21 and 22 at 7 pm.)
The faces of those entering The Castro Theatre said it all! Eyes bulged, smiles beamed, and hearts pounded as the results of two years of loving restoration were unveiled. The domed ceiling with elaborate painting and decorative trim centered by a dazzling Art Deco chandelier, beautifully detailed tapestry-styled wall art amazingly restored, a huge golden proscenium arch hidden from view for decades … all this awaits inside.
The hotly debated seating alterations will probably continue to be controversial until you sit in a spacious theatre seat with clear stage views or attend a packed concert and stand mere feet from the starring performer. But something about the familiarity of the space and its rich restoration blurs any objections, unifying the community in welcoming back this legendary venue.
The Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence were in dramatic attendance with the ever-witty Sister Roma co-emceeing the on-stage action, including a wildly popular “sainting” of the resident organist of The Castro Theatre for over 45 years David Hegarty. He’ll soon be playing a brand-new instrument: the largest digital pipe organ in the world, which will once again rise from below the stage to begin many film and other events.
Preceding the Saturday night wild D’Arcy Drollinger & Disco party at the Castro Theatre was the first-ever Castro Street Cam Pub Crawl, organized by the San Francisco Bay Times’ Betty Sullivan and Jennifer Viegas and that we hosted with well-known party organizer Gary Virginia with music provided by violinist Kippy Marks. A festive crowd, starting at around 20 and growing to over 40, popped into Lookout, Rikki’s, Twin Peaks Tavern, and 440 Castro with a quick stop in front of The Castro Theatre to wave up to the street camera above SoulCycle that joins Cliff’s Variety and Orphan Andy’s in sponsoring this eye on the neighborhood. Every bar was welcoming (with a hosted round of drinks at Rikki’s, thanks to columnist Nandini Novarr), and every participant enjoyed a rollicking good time, including Andrea Aiello, Michelle Jester, Ralph Hibbs, Susan Berston, Sister Dana van Iquity, Kate Brown, Ryan MacCarrigan, and many others.
Not to be overshadowed by a landmark with 100 years of history, the 60-year-old Imperial Court of San Francisco invites one and all to Imperial Coronation: The Power of Cultural Excellence. Saturday, February 21, starting at 5 pm at the Hyatt Regency SOMA, 50 Third Street. Reigning Emperor Ashlé Blow and Reigning Empress Afrika America have enjoyed a spectacular year, both here and out among the over 70 courts across Canada, the United States, and Mexico, and attendance promises to be record-breaking. You’ll be breathless with amazement at the entertainment, costumes, jewelry, regalia, and history that this annual event brings. At the conclusion of the night, the new Emperor and Empress of San Francisco will be crowned with all the pageantry for which the Imperial Court is known.
As you’ll see from the latest calendar, many related events occur leading up to and immediately after Imperial Coronation, some with somber significance, many with campy references. Pick and choose, but don’t miss out on these many opportunities to see royalty in action in San Francisco! As Absolute Empress XXX of San Francisco, we look forward to seeing you all week, dressed in your finest and giving homage to Our Beloved Founder Empress I José Sarria.
Wednesday, February 18
In Town Show & Awards
Reigning Monarchs
recognize local support
Beaux, 2344 Market Street
6 pm Free!
www.sfimperialcouncil.org
Thursday, February 19
Anniversary Monarchs’ Reception
Hosted by Emperor John Carrillo & Empress Misty Blue
The HA-RA Club,
875 Geary Street
6:30 pm Free!
www.sfimperialcouncil.org
Friday, February 20
Out of Town Show
Performances by Imperial talents across the continent
Hyatt Regency Downtown, 50 Third Street
5 pm $25
www.sfimperialcouncil.org
Saturday, February 21
Imperial Coronation 61: Diaspora, The Power
of Cultural Excellence
Step-down & Crowning
of new Monarchs
Hyatt Regency Downtown,
50 Third Street
6 pm $70
www.sfimperialcouncil.org
Sunday, February 22
Annual Pilgrimage to Colma
Visitation to graves of Emperor Joshua Norton & José Sarria
Hosted by Donna Sachet
Buses leave Hyatt Regency Downtown
at 8 am Free!
www.sfimperialcouncil.org
Sunday, February 22
Victory Brunch
Official changing of the guard
Hyatt Regency Downtown
50 Third Street
11 am $33.85
www.sfimperialcouncil.org
Donna Sachet is a celebrated performer, fundraiser, activist, and philanthropist who has dedicated over two decades to the LGBTQ Community in San Francisco. Contact her at empsachet@gmail.com
Donna’s Chronicles
Published on February 12, 2026
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