Civic Theatre 60th Anniversary Celebration
In celebration of the Civic Theatre’s 60th Diamond Anniversary, the iconic theatre and surrounding plaza continue to undergo extensive upgrades designed to elevate our patron experience. In lobby areas, expect new color tones inspired by San Diego’s trademark coast, where the blue sea and sky meet sandy beaches. Exterior updates to the theatre and plaza are inspired by the Civic’s mid-century modern origins and create an inviting gathering space for our show patrons.
Upgrades continue through mid-September and will officially be revealed as part of the Civic Theatre’s 60th Anniversary Open House on September 26 from 3:00 - 6:00 PM. This free open house will grant the community a chance to explore all the recent updates through a guided tour of the venue, as well as enjoy food, live music and a variety of activities for all ages on the plaza.
The evening is capped off with a special ticketed event, Rodgers & Hammerstein's The Sound of Music Sing-A-Long! Join us for a screening of this smash-hit 1965 movie musical, complete with onscreen lyrics so that everyone in the audience can join the show. Costumes are not obligatory…but we do encourage you to grab your lederhosen and practice your best Maria von Trapp impression!
Civic Theatre & Plaza Upgrades
Get a sneak peek below of recently completed improvements as well as renderings of additional updates in progress. These and more await you on your next visit to the Civic Theatre this Fall.
Civic Theatre History
The San Diego Civic Theatre is the region’s largest and greatest attended performing arts venue.
- The San Diego Civic Theatre opened in 1965, designed by visionary Lloyd Ruocco, one of San Diego’s most influential architects.
- The 2,967 seat Civic Theatre was proposed early in 1962 as a part of a project to catalyze Downtown development to include a new City Hall, a convention center (now the San Diego Concourse), and a parking garage. Spearheaded by Mayor Charles C. Dail, the construction was quickly followed by office buildings, hotels, and other businesses.
- The January 12, 1965 opening performance featured the San Diego Symphony with soloists Dorothy Kirsten and Brian Sullivan.
- Since opening, the Civic Theatre stage has been graced by notable and legendary performers such as Frank Sinatra, Diana Ross, Renee Fleming, Dame Joan Sutherland, Jerry Seinfeld, Conan O’Brien, Luther Vandross, Jerry Lewis, Patti LaBelle, Tony Bennett, Carole King, Bob Dylan, Robin Williams, David Byrne and Bruce Springsteen, plus hosted movie world premieres, including Cowboys & Aliens and Top Gun: Maverick.
- Today, the Civic Theatre is the region’s largest and most attended performing arts center and is home to cultural gems San Diego Opera and Broadway San Diego, while also hosting presentations by La Jolla Music Society, Goldenvoice, Live Nation, Nederlander Concerts, AEG Presents and other local, national and international groups.
Rodgers & Hammerstein's The Sound of Music Sing-A-Long
Fri, September 26 @ 7:00 PMGrab your lederhosen, practice your best Maria von Trapp impression and cap off the Civic Theatre's 60th Anniversary celebration on September 26 by enjoying Rodgers & Hammerstein's The Sound of Music Sing-A-Long!
