Since The Chabot Theater opened in 1950, it has been a pillar of art, entertainment, and culture within Castro Valley and its surrounding areas; long-time residents and recent transplants alike have a story or memory of time spent in its auditorium. For some, a movie at The Chabot was the first date with their now longtime spouse. For other community members, The Chabot is where they began their everlasting love affair with cinema. Over the years, the significance of The Chabot’s presence has been woven into the very fabric of our community; the marquee and its neon lights have become an irreplaceable landmark on Castro Valley Boulevard.
In June of 2019, FirstPres and local arts organization, Smalltown Society, purchased the theater in an effort to preserve and build upon its historic legacy, continuing to make it a community asset for years to come.
Today, The Chabot remains the only independent, single-screen theater offering first-run films within the East Bay. This unique legacy is a source of pride for our community, and is one that The Chabot aims to continue. Alongside brand new films from Hollywood, The Chabot also seeks to bring local stories, works of art, and cultural events to our community.
Our goal is to tell stories and create experiences that connect us to ourselves, each other, and our world.