Located in downtown Sacramento, California, the historic Crest Theatre is a captivating multi-purpose venue perfect for arts and entertainment lovers. Originally opening in 1912 as the Empress Theatre—a vaudeville palace that later became the Hippodrome—the building underwent a major transformation in 1949 to become the Crest Theatre. Following a complete refurbishment finished by late 1995, you can step into its main auditorium, which retains its unaltered post-1946 charm.
Today, when you visit, you can catch classic revival and specialty films, as well as occasional live shows and lectures. Over the years, the Crest Theatre has also built a rich tradition of hosting diverse community gatherings and major festivals. It has served as a venue for notable annual events like the Sacramento French Film Festival, the Sacramento Jewish Film Festival, and the Sacramento Film and Music Festival.
Music fans will appreciate its stellar concert history, as the Crest has hosted iconic acts ranging from Cab Calloway, Guns N' Roses, and Nirvana to Cyndi Lauper and Shawn Mendes. Whether you are taking in a classic film, attending an international festival, or soaking up local history, a trip to the Crest Theatre offers a uniquely atmospheric Sacramento experience.
What to see at Crest Theatre
- Historic downtown venue originally opened in 1912 as a vaudeville palace
- Main auditorium features an unaltered post-1946 historic design
- Host venue for the Sacramento French, Jewish, and Film and Music festivals
- Concert history includes legendary acts like Nirvana, Guns N' Roses, and Cyndi Lauper
Visiting tips
Plan your visit around one of the annual events hosted at the theatre, such as the Sacramento French Film Festival in July or the Sacramento Jewish Film Festival.
How long: 2-3 hours · Best time: Evening
How to get there & what’s nearby
Crest Theatre is easy to reach on Sacramento’s public transport, and pairs naturally with Crocker Art Museum and The California Museum. For where to stay, the weather and full itineraries, see our Sacramento travel guide.
See the full Sacramento travel guide for where to stay, the best time to visit and the top things to do.