Originally opened in 1949, the Forest Theater has a history that stretches far beyond its movie-house beginnings. Over the years, it became a celebrated live entertainment destination, hosting artists including B.B. King, Gladys Knight, Ike & Tina Turner, Prince, and Dallas’ own Erykah Badu.
Its future wasn’t always assured. The theater closed in 2008 and faced the prospect of demolition in 2015, when Preservation Dallas advocated for its historical significance. Its revival has since become a central project for Forest Forward, the nonprofit working to reconnect the landmark with the surrounding South Dallas community.
“The Grand Return is more than a celebration—it’s a homecoming,” Forest Forward CEO Elizabeth Wattley said in a statement announcing the reopening. “For generations, the Forest Theater was a place where South Dallas gathered, celebrated, and saw itself reflected.”
What’s inside the transformed Forest Theater?
This isn’t simply a fresh coat of paint. The restoration and expansion have turned the property into a 66,000-square-foot campus designed for performances, creative education, and community gatherings.
The expanded venue includes:
- A 1,000-person concert hall and a 200-seat black box theater.
- A 13,000-square-foot creative education lab.
- Recording and podcast studios.
- Artist classrooms and community meeting areas.
- A rooftop gathering space.
NBC 5 also reports that the renovation includes a redesigned east lobby and a newly created south lobby, with the theater equipped to accommodate live concerts, stage performances, and movies.
For Forest Forward, the ambition extends beyond the stage. The organization sees the theater as a cultural anchor for a wider neighborhood revitalization effort connecting the arts with education, housing, and economic opportunity.
How to attend the Grand Return
The November 1 celebration will feature live entertainment, musical guests, a Vendor Village, food trucks, and opportunities to explore the restored venue. The evening will culminate in the tower and marquee lighting—a fitting way to announce the landmark’s return to the Dallas skyline.
Here’s what to know before heading over:
- Where: Forest Theater, 1918 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Dallas.
- When: Sunday, November 1, 2026, from 5:30–9 p.m.
- Admission: Pay-what-you-can, with advance registration required through Eventbrite. Each guest must register individually.
- Optional contributions: Add-ons support the theater’s Light the Tower campaign.
