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, AEG Nederlander Concerts, AEG Presents and other local, national and international groups.
ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION & OPEN HOUSE EVENT ON SEPTEMBER 26, 2025
In celebration of the Civic Theatre’s 60th Diamond Anniversary, San Diego Theatres has refreshed the venues exterior and lobby spaces and enhanced the public plaza, designed to honor its midcentury roots. To mark this milestone, we invited media and community members to experience the transformation at the Civic Theatre’s 60th Anniversary Open House on Friday, September 26, from 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM. with a FREE, family-friendly event and an exclusive first look at the beautifully refreshed Civic Theatre and the surrounding Civic Plaza cultivating in a special ticketed screening of The Sound of Music sing-along inside the venue.
Guests at the Open House enjoyed live music, guided tours of the renovated theatre, games and activities for all ages with San Diego Theatres’ presenters and partners as well as delicious food and beverage on the outdoor plaza. Having the opportunity to explore the theatre like never before—to then step inside for a beloved cinematic classic.
The Hills Are Alive...
The celebration concluded with a ticketed screening and sing-along of The Sound of Music, also celebrating its 60th Diamond Anniversary. The smash-hit 1965 movie musical will be enjoyed in glorious, full-screen technicolor, complete with onscreen lyrics. Based on the amazing true story of The Trapp Family Singers, The Sound of Music is a cinematic landmark and winner of five Academy Awards®, including Best Picture. Starring Julie Andrews and Christopher Plummer, the film features timeless songs by Rodgers & Hammerstein including "My Favorite Things," "Do-Re-Mi," "Edelweiss,” "Climb Ev'ry Mountain”, amongst others
The San Diego Civic Theatre is managed, along with the historic Balboa Theatre, by San Diego Theatres, a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to enriching the region through exceptional performing arts and education experiences.