Five-time Grammy winner Sam Smith began their 24-night To Be Free: San Francisco Residency on February 10, 2026, at The Castro, performing for the appreciative and enthusiastic sold-out audience that night and again on February 11. Smith previously had a “New York City” 24-show residency at the Warsaw in Brooklyn, and, like that series, is presenting intimate, stripped-down arrangements for the 1400-maximum capacity The Castro versus their bold and expansive arena tours.
Many who attended the opening night performance said that it was the best concert they had ever seen. Songs included an incredibly soulful “Lay Me Down,” a sexy version of “Unholy” with Smith wearing a full-length gown, and one of our team’s favorites: a jubilant take on Erasure’s “A Little Respect” with Smith wearing leather shorts, leather boots, a frilly shirt, and a trench coat on the rainy night in San Francisco that contrasted with The Castro’s warm and welcoming vibe.
Smith said, “I love San Francisco and The Castro especially has been so central to the queer community here over the years. These shows will also celebrate the official reopening, so it’s truly an honor to become part of this iconic venue’s history.”
Smith’s residency marks the start of concerts at The Castro following the venue’s reopening on February 6. Regarding this and other changes, Another Planet Entertainment CEO and Co-Founder Gregg Perloff said, “Our goal is to activate and reenergize the building with equity, inclusion, and community at the forefront. 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 evidences all of that and more, and especially with their song “To Be Free,” which explores how vulnerability can unlock bravery and freedom. It includes moving vocals by The TwoCity Chorus and has a joyous (LA)HORDE-directed music video that was filmed at the Warsaw. Watch it here: https://bit.ly/3O5vyWW
Smith is one of the most celebrated musical artists to emerge in recent history. In addition to earning the multiple Grammys, he holds two Guinness World Records: one for the most consecutive weeks in the U.K. Top 10 Album Chart (with their 2014 debut In the Lonely Hour), and one for having the first James Bond theme to reach number one on the U.K. charts (the Oscar and Golden Globe-winning “Writing’s on the Wall”).
Smith has amassed over 40 million equivalent album sales, 300 million single sales, and over 56 billion career streams across their catalog of critically acclaimed albums: In the Lonely Hour, The Thrill of It All, Love Goes, and Gloria, which Rolling Stone praised as “their deepest album yet” and includes the global smash “Unholy” featuring Kim Petras. The track spent three weeks at number one on the Billboard Hot 100 and four weeks at number one on the U.K. Official Singles Chart, making it their eighth to top the tally. In June 2025, Smith released the stunning live album BBC Proms at the Royal Albert Hall.
In May 2024, Smith confirmed that their partner is fashion designer Christian Cowan. The couple have attended prominent events together, such as Cowan’s fashion shows and the Met Gala. As for where they might go in San Francisco, Smith has indicated that he has shopped at Knobs in the Castro. During previous visits to the Bay Area, Smith enjoyed relaxing stops at 1951 Coffee in Berkeley. The couple like to support local small businesses, and we hope they enjoy the extended stay here in the Bay Area.
The initial 12-show run at The Castro sold out in just 3 hours, and the added shows sold out within hours too. Resale tickets are going for hundreds and even thousands of dollars, depending on the night and the type of ticket (General Admission, Loge, or Balcony). If you have one or more of these coveted tickets, you are probably very popular with your friends now! If the rest of the residency is as incredible as the initial two first shows, then the tickets will be more than well worth it. Priceless!
Arts & Entertainment
Published on February 12, 2026
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