The historic Balboa Theatre in downtown San Diego will turn 100 on March 28, 2024. A three-day centennial celebration is planned.
The Gaslamp Quarter theater has been in operation since 1924. It first operated during the Roaring ’20 as a high-end movie theater. During World War II, part of the theater served as a bunkhouse for sailor preparing to ship out overseas.
After falling on hard times, the Balboa shuttered for two decades. The City of San Diego designated it as a historic site and it was purchased by the city’s former redevelopment agency in 1985. Significant renovation occurred in 2008-09.
A modern-day kerfuffle arose when the exterior of the Balboa Theatre–which abuts the renovation of the former Horton Plaza–was repainted painted white in 2023. It previously was a burnt-orange hue, which some history buffs felt was more historically accurate. The paint job controversy seems to have subsided.
As part of a three-day anniversary gala (March 28-30), the theater will host a series of special performances. The festivities include:
March 28: Hershey Felder and the Great American Songbook, with 100 years of famous American music performed by the acclaimed pianist, playwright and actor.
March 29: Centennial Salute: Honoring San Diego’s Military at the Balboa Theatre, with a screening of the silent film The Flying Fleet, accompanied by the Wonder Morton theatre organ.
March 30: Toons & Tunes: A Morning of Family Fun for children and their families with a screening of classic cartoons. Before the show: a Roaring ‘20s costume parade for children.
March 30: Then San Diego Spotlight: A Night of Community Events with musicians, singers and dancers from around San Diego.
Proceeds from the gala will benefit the Balboa Theatre Grant Fund, which provides local nonprofit partners access to spaces and services at the theater at a reduced cost.
Tickets for the centennial shows will go on sale this month. For more information, go to: Balboa Theatre 100. SDSun
