Sam Smith Announces Eight-Night San Francisco Residency at the Castro Theatre

Sam Smith is bringing something special to San Francisco. The multi-Platinum, GRAMMY®, BRIT, Golden Globe, and Oscar-winning artist has announced “To Be Free: San Francisco” — an intimate, eight-night residency at the historic Castro Theatre.

Sam Smith To Be Free Tour

The run begins February 10, 2026, marking not just Smith’s rare up-close performances but also the official reopening of the Castro after two years of renovations.

To celebrate the announcement, Smith released a moving cover of Bill Withers’ 1971 classic “Ain’t No Sunshine”, filmed inside the newly restored venue and around the Castro District. The video captures both the theatre’s grandeur and the warmth of the surrounding community, ending with Smith leading a joyful parade back to the marquee.

Tickets for “To Be Free: San Francisco” go on sale Tuesday, October 7 at 10 a.m. PT via samsmithworld.com.

From New York to San Francisco

The San Francisco residency follows the New York edition of “To Be Free”, which kicks off this October at Warsaw in Brooklyn. Demand has been so high that Smith doubled the shows — from 12 to 24 dates — all of which sold out immediately.

Smith is also set to appear on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert with both an interview and live performance this week to celebrate the New York run.

Why “To Be Free” Matters

Both residencies take their name from Smith’s latest single, “To Be Free.” The stripped-down, acoustic song carries powerful vocals from The TwoCity Chorus and explores the beauty of vulnerability as a path to freedom. Critics have praised the track as one of Smith’s most stirring releases in years, with Rolling Stone calling it “light as a feather” and Stereogum describing it as “immensely powerful.”

Speaking on the track, Smith shared:

“It’s one vocal-and-guitar take from start to finish. I wrote it five years ago while working on Gloria but knew it wasn’t meant for that album. This song has been with me in every mood — happy, sad, lonely, angry. It feels like family to me, and I hope it can be that for someone else too.”

A Historic Venue, Reborn

The Castro Theatre — built in 1922 and newly restored with a $40 million renovation — is one of San Francisco’s most iconic cultural landmarks. Known for its breathtaking murals, ornate chandeliers, and stunning architecture, the space is now equipped for live music, complete with “the world’s largest and most versatile digital organ.”

Smith reflected on the venue’s significance:

“I love San Francisco, and The Castro has been so central to the Queer community here. These shows will celebrate the reopening, and it’s an honor to be part of the theatre’s history.”

Residency Dates

Sam Smith – “To Be Free: San Francisco” Residency (Castro Theatre, 2026):

• Tue, Feb 10

• Wed, Feb 11

• Fri, Feb 13

• Sat, Feb 14

• Tue, Feb 17

• Wed, Feb 18

• Fri, Feb 20

• Sat, Feb 21

This residency promises to be both a celebration of music and a tribute to community — a perfect pairing of Sam Smith’s artistry and the Castro Theatre’s legacy.