Update April 2, 2026: The City of San Luis Obispo has reopened Monterey Street in front of the historic Fremont Theater after determining it is safe to restore vehicle traffic in the area. The sidewalk directly in front of the Fremont will remain closed, however, until the structure is confirmed safe. Engineering and preservation consultants for the Fremont provided information to the city that supported re-opening the street, but the condition of the internal steel structure of the Fremont’s sign still needs to be determined. Limited sections of the sign are being removed in the coming days. SLO community development director Timothea Tway is encouraging the community to continue to visit nearby businesses and county offices that remain open and accessible.
Update March 25, 2026: According to City of San Luis Obispo spokesperson Whitney Szentesi, organizers of the “No Kings” rally say the event will be held as scheduled outside the courthouse on Saturday, March 28 from 10 a.m. to noon. During events such as this, the street is normally closed to vehicle traffic.
March 22, 2026: It’s been nearly a month since the historic Fremont Theater in San Luis Obispo closed due to winter storm damage as repair/restoration work on its iconic sign and marquee is being planned.
Building co-owner Rob Rossi says it’s likely to remain shut down until at least early/mid-April, with management awaiting historical and engineering reports from consultants before proceeding with repair work.
A security guard at the theater last week confirmed that while scaffolding and barricades are in place, no reconstruction was yet underway.
The art deco theater is a historic structure that opened as a movie house in 1942. Upcoming concerts and comedy shows there are being postponed or moved to SLO Brew Rock.
The much-anticipated Nick Lowe concert on Saturday, March 28 will go on at the Aerovista Place event center, SLO Brew entertainment director Ryan Orr confirmed. Check both venue websites and social media for updates.
City of SLO public communications manager Whitney Szentesi said that the Fremont’s certificate of occupancy was temporarily suspended in late February. “Our main concern is safety for theater patrons and visitors walking or driving past it.” She added that engineering inspections need to be done to verify its structural integrity before the theater can be reopened.
According to Szentesi, the sidewalk in front of the theater, as well as vehicle traffic along Monterey Street between Santa Rosa and Osos, remains closed. But she also reminded people visiting downtown SLO that cafes and stores on either side of the Fremont remain open for business as usual—in addition to the county courthouse across the street.
Rossi bought out co-owner John King’s Fremont Theater share in 2017, transforming it into a multi-use entertainment venue featuring concerts, comedy shows and movie events like the popular San Luis Obispo International Film Festival. Skye McLennan, SLO Film Fest executive director, says the festival is putting together contingency plans if the theater is not ready in time for this year’s event, scheduled April 23-28.
Editor’s Note: SLO Review will continue to update the situation as more details become available.