About the Fox

Located in the heart of downtown Redwood City; the Fox Theatre is the premier live entertainment and rental venue in Silicon Valley. Downtown Redwood City has numerous dining options within walking distance of the Fox for pre or post-event dining. The theater seating capacity of the Fox Theatre is 1,100 amongst its two floors and 250 in a banquet seating layout. Club Fox capacity is 240 and is right next door to the Fox Theatre, allowing for endless possibilities for public or private events. 

History

The Fox Theatre opened its door to the public on January 2, 1929 as The New Sequoia Theater by Ellis John Arkursh to show motion pictures. Touring Europe Arkush gathered all of his favorite architectural details from various venues to create the Moorish feel and style on the inside and the gothic feel on the exterior which was executed beautifully by the Reid Brothers of San Francisco.

Used mainly for motion pictures the theater was purchased by the Fox West Coast Chain only a few months after the opening and it continued to be used for movie attractions for a number of years until the theater was closed for renovations in June of 1950 for 4 months before re-opening its doors September of 1950 for live performances and shows. In 1993 the theater was inducted to the National Register of Historic Places.

After its renovations the theater became a popular venue for many incredible artists such as Vanessa Williams, Etta James, Neil Young, Melissa Ethridge, BB King and many others and more recently President Barack Obama, Oprah Winfrey, the late Joan Rivers and more.

Since 2010 the entire Theatre District that is downtown Redwood City, has experienced a renaissance. Downtown Redwood City is now arguably the most happening entertainment mecca in between San Francisco and San Jose. The Fox Theatre is successfully booking its venue for over 150 public and private events per year, drawing over 100,000 patrons. Club Fox has experienced similar success in hosting 100 to 150 public shows per year to well over 25,000 patrons. Combined with the drawing power of Century Theatres across the street (1,000,000 patrons per year), the San Mateo History Museum, Parks & Rec produced events in the Courthouse Plaza (over 100,000 people annually), and the incredible success of the many restaurants, and other fine retail establishments, downtown Redwood City is the new place to dine and be entertained on the Peninsula. The Fox Theatre invites you all to buy tickets to an upcoming show and experience all that the heart of Downtown Redwood City has to offer.

The Original New Sequoia Theatre

Original Marquee, Early 1930s

Photos are courtesy of the Redwood City Library.