Grand Return will mark the Forest Theater’s homecoming to South Dallas, culminating in the relighting of its iconic tower and marquee for the first time in more than 50 years
DALLAS – September 1, 2026 – On Sunday, Nov. 1, the historic Forest Theater will reopen its doors to South Dallas with the Grand Return, a community-wide homecoming celebrating one of Dallas’ most significant cultural landmarks and marking a new chapter for the historic Forest Theater and the neighborhood it has called home for generations.
Taking place at 5:30 p.m., the Grand Return will feature live entertainment, musical guests, local businesses in Vendor Village, food trucks and opportunities to experience the restored Forest Theater. The evening will culminate in the ceremonial relighting of the Theater’s iconic tower and marquee for the first time in more than 50 years.
“The Grand Return is more than a celebration – it’s a homecoming,” said Elizabeth Wattley, CEO of Forest Forward. “For generations, the Forest Theater was a place where South Dallas gathered, celebrated and saw itself reflected. On Nov. 1, after more than 50 years, we will light the tower again and invite the entire city through these doors to experience what comes next.”
The anticipation surrounding the Theater’s return is palpable across South Dallas, reflecting not only the return of a beloved landmark, but a growing sense of pride, possibility and momentum around the neighborhood’s future.
Since opening in 1949, the Forest Theater has mirrored the evolution of South Dallas. The venue became one of Dallas’ premier live entertainment destinations, hosting legendary performers including Prince, B.B. King, Gladys Knight, Ike & Tina Turner, Wilson Pickett and Dallas native Erykah Badu before closing in 2008. Its reopening represents both the preservation of an important cultural institution and a significant investment in the future of South Dallas.
MORE THAN A THEATER
The restored Forest Theater serves as the cultural anchor of Forest Forward’s broader neighborhood revitalization strategy, connecting arts and culture with investments in education, housing and economic mobility to help strengthen the future of South Dallas.
Forest Forward’s work is built on the belief that the future of a neighborhood is shaped by interconnected investments in people and place. The Forest Theater serves as a catalyst for economic development, bringing arts and culture together with education, entrepreneurship, job creation and community connection.
The expanded Forest Theater campus will include a 1,000-person concert hall, 200-seat black box theater, 13,000 square foot creative education lab, recording and podcast studios, rooftop gathering space, artist classrooms and community meeting areas – creating a destination designed to serve both residents and the broader Dallas community.
“Even while closed, The Forest Theater has always been bigger than a building,” said Wattley. “It is part of the identity of South Dallas and a reminder of what is possible when we invest in people and place. Its return is about honoring that legacy while creating new opportunities, new economic activity and a place where generations can imagine what is possible—and have the opportunity to make it possible.”
GRAND RETURN ENTRY
Advance registration is required to attend the Grand Return.
Guests are invited to make a contribution meaningful to them in support of lighting the tower. Each guest must register individually to reserve their place at the celebration. For Grand Return information and registration, visit: Grand Return of the Forest Theater Tickets
LIGHT THE TOWER
The Grand Return also marks a defining moment for Forest Forward’s Light the Tower campaign, a $2.5 million fundraising effort inviting the community to invest in the Forest Theater’s historic return and its future.
Inspired by the relighting of the theater’s iconic tower and marquee, Light the Tower gives individuals, families, businesses and organizations opportunities to become part of the Forest Theater’s next chapter – from Grand Return participation and founding recognition to commemorative pavers, permanent Founders Wall recognition and signature naming opportunities.
Every contribution lights the tower.
The campaign is designed not only to celebrate the return of a Dallas landmark, but to invite the community to help write what comes next.
For more information about Light the Tower and recognition opportunities, visit: https://www.forestforward.org/light-the-tower/
