Background

The Bob Hope Theatre: A Historic Movie Palace

Experience the grandeur of a restored 1930s movie palace, hosting live performances, concerts, and classic films in downtown Stockton.

4.6

The Bob Hope Theatre, originally known as the Fox California Theatre, is a beautifully restored movie palace in downtown Stockton. Built in 1930, it's one of the few remaining theaters of its kind in California, hosting a variety of live performances, concerts, and classic film screenings.

A brief summary to The Bob Hope Theatre

Local tips

  • Check the Stockton Live website for the most up-to-date event schedule and ticket information.
  • Arrive early for events to allow time for parking, especially since street parking is free after 6 PM and on weekends.
  • Consider attending a classic movie showing to experience the restored 1928 Robert Morton organ.
widget icon

Getting There

  • Walking

    From the Downtown Transit Center, walk east on Weber Avenue toward N San Joaquin Street. Turn right onto N San Joaquin Street, then turn left onto E Main Street. The theater will be on your left, a few blocks down. This is approximately a 5-10 minute walk.

  • Public Transport

    Several bus lines serve the area around the Bob Hope Theatre. Check the Stockton RTD (Regional Transit District) bus schedule for routes that stop near E Main Street and San Joaquin Street. The closest bus stop is located at San Joaquin St & Market St FS/SB, a short walk to the theater. A single ride fare costs approximately $2.

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are readily available in Stockton. A ride from a central location in downtown Stockton, such as the Amtrak San Joaquin Street Station, to the Bob Hope Theatre typically costs between $8 and $15, depending on demand and traffic. The designated pick-up and drop-off location is at 242 E. Main Street.

  • Driving

    If driving, use GPS navigation to 242 E Main St, Stockton, CA 95202. Parking is available in nearby garages and surface lots. The Arena Garage, located next to the Adventist Health Arena on Fremont Street, is a convenient option. Hourly parking rates typically range from $1.50 to $5, while daily rates can range from $5 to $12. Special event parking may cost between $10 and $25. Street parking is free after 6 pm and on weekends.

Unlock the Best of The Bob Hope Theatre

Buy tickets

    No tickets available

Book tours with entry

    No tours available

Book tours without entry

    No tours available

Discover more about The Bob Hope Theatre

The Bob Hope Theatre, located in Stockton, California, stands as a testament to the grandeur of early 20th-century movie palaces. Originally named the Fox California Theatre, it opened in 1930 as one of the largest vaudeville houses in California. Designed by Balch & Stanberry, the theater showcases a Spanish Colonial Revival style, decorated by Anthony Heinsbergen, featuring a lavish interior with a marble mosaic floor imported from Italy and designed by a Canadian artist. In its early years, the Fox California was a premier entertainment venue, hosting first-run movies and vaudeville acts. The theater could evacuate guests within two minutes, and opening night was a major event, drawing over 20,000 people. After a period of decline and closure in 1973, the building was saved from destruction and added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1979. Following an extensive renovation completed in 2004, the theater was renamed in honor of Bob Hope, thanks to a significant contribution from Alex G. Spanos. Today, the Bob Hope Theatre continues to serve as a cultural hub in Stockton, offering a diverse program of live theater, musicals, concerts, classic film screenings, and community events. The theater is also home to a restored 1928 Robert Morton organ, originally from the Seattle Fox Theatre, which is featured during classic movie showings.

Popular Experiences near The Bob Hope Theatre

Popular Hotels near The Bob Hope Theatre

Select Currency