Sam Smith Announces 2026 San Francisco To Be Free Residency

Sam Smith is expanding their "To Be Free" residency from New York City to the West Coast with an eight-night performance series at San Francisco's historic Castro Theatre in February 2026, marking the venue's official reopening after extensive renovations. The Castro Theatre, a landmark central to the LGBTQ+ community, underwent restorations including its iconic neon sign, new chandeliers, updated restrooms, and improved accessibility. Smith expressed deep admiration for San Francisco and the Castro's importance to the queer community, calling it an honor to be part of the theater's storied history. To celebrate the announcement, Smith released a cover of Bill Withers' "Ain't No Sunshine," featuring altered pronouns and a video filmed in the theater and Castro District. This San Francisco residency follows Smith's highly successful "To Be Free: New York City" residency at Brooklyn’s Warsaw Club, which sold out quickly, leading to added dates through December. Smith will also appear on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert to promote these engagements.