We love a shimmy down memory lane. Downtown San Diego’s Balboa Theatre turns 100 in 2024 — let’s run through the landmark’s history and centennial celebrations. Raise the curtains, it’s showtime.

✨ Showstopping moments

Designed by architect William H. Wheeler, the $800,000 venue debuted in late March 1924 as a vaudeville and movie theater. The building’s design was partly inspired by the Spanish Colonial Revival architecture seen about a decade prior in the construction of Balboa Park — we thought that tiled dome looked familiar.

1934: After remodeling, the venue reopened as Teatro Balboa, with a focus on films from Mexico City and Latino stars.
Early 1940s: During World War II, the office space served as housing for US military soldiers.
1959: The Russo family bought the theater, saving it from demolition. It reopened as an “action movie house.”
1972: The theater was placed on the local Historic Register.

1985: The city’s redevelopment agency acquired the site.
1996: It was added to the National Register of Historic Places.
2002: The City of San Diego committed to preserving the site as a community asset; renovations began a few years later.
2008: With a $26.5 million renovation, the 1,339-capacity venue reopened.

🎟️ Modern times

Today, Balboa Theatre features a robust, year-round events lineup — from live music and dance to stand-up comedy and podcast tours.

The site’s centennial celebration is planned for Thursday, March 28-Saturday, March 30, with four special events:

100th Anniversary Gala | Acclaimed pianist and playwright Hershey Felder will lead this show inspired by 100 years of famous American music.
Centennial Salute | This tribute will honor the venue’s ties to San Diego’s military with a screening of the silent film, “The Flying Fleet,” accompanied by organist Ken Double.
Toons and Tunes | Bring the kids to this one — classic cartoons will play on the big screen while Ken Double plays the organ; wear your Roaring 1920s attire.
San Diego Spotlight | The 100th anniversary celebration culminates with performances from local arts organizations from all of the city’s districts.