Background

The Bob Hope Theatre: Stockton's Sparkling Movie Palace

Experience the magic of a bygone era at Stockton's beautifully restored Bob Hope Theatre, a historic movie palace and vibrant performing arts venue.

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The Bob Hope Theatre, originally the Fox California Theatre, is a beautifully restored 1930s-era movie palace in downtown Stockton. It hosts a variety of live performances, concerts, classic film screenings, and community events, offering a glimpse into the golden age of cinema and vaudeville.

A brief summary to The Bob Hope Theatre

Local tips

  • Check the theatre's schedule online for upcoming events, including concerts, classic movies, and live performances.
  • Arrive early to admire the theatre's stunning interior, including the marble mosaic floor and the restored Robert Morton organ.
  • Consider attending a classic movie showing to experience the theatre's original purpose and hear the historic organ.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    The Bob Hope Theatre is located in downtown Stockton at 242 E Main St. If you are already in the downtown area, the theatre is easily accessible on foot from many nearby points of interest such as the Stockton Transit Center and the San Joaquin County Courthouse. From the Transit Center, head east on E Miner Ave, turn right onto N San Joaquin St, and then continue until you reach E Main St. The theatre will be on your left. Allow a few minutes to walk, depending on your starting point.

  • Public Transport

    The San Joaquin Regional Transit District (SJRTD) provides bus service to the Stockton Transit Center, a short walk from the Bob Hope Theatre. From the Transit Center, follow the walking directions. A single bus fare is approximately $2. Alternatively, Amtrak trains arrive at the Stockton Amtrak Station, about 1.5 miles from the theater. From there, you can transfer to an SJRTD bus or use a rideshare service.

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    Taxi and ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are readily available in Stockton. A ride from the Stockton Amtrak Station to the Bob Hope Theatre will cost approximately $5 to $10, depending on the time of day and demand. Expect a similar fare for a short trip from other downtown locations. Be sure to confirm the fare before you begin your trip.

  • Driving

    If driving, navigate to 242 E Main St, Stockton, CA 95202. Several parking options are available near the theater, including the Coy Garage at 130 N. Hunter Street. To reach the garage, move to the far right lane of El Dorado Street, travel 4 blocks and turn right on Miner Avenue, then turn right at the next block onto Hunter Street, and turn left into the parking garage. From the garage, walk south on Hunter Street, cross Weber Avenue, walk next to the San Joaquin County Courthouse, through Hunter Square, and turn left onto Main Street. The Bob Hope Theatre is on the right. Parking fees at nearby garages and lots typically range from $1 to $5 per hour.

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Discover more about The Bob Hope Theatre

The Bob Hope Theatre, a landmark in downtown Stockton, stands as a testament to the grandeur of early 20th-century movie palaces. Originally known as the Fox California Theatre, it opened in 1930 as one of the largest vaudeville houses in California. Designed in the Spanish Colonial Revival style, the theater quickly became a cultural hub, hosting film screenings and live performances. Inside, visitors are transported to a bygone era. The theater boasts 2,030 completely refurbished red velvet seats, state-of-the-art sound and lighting systems, and an exquisite marble mosaic floor crafted with Italian marble and designed by a Canadian artist. A highlight is the meticulously restored 1928 Robert Morton theater organ, originally from the Seattle Fox Theatre, which is played during classic movie showings. After falling into disrepair and even facing potential demolition, the theater was saved and lovingly renovated. In 2004, it was renamed in honor of the legendary entertainer Bob Hope, thanks to a generous donation from Alex G. Spanos. Today, the Bob Hope Theatre continues to enrich Stockton's cultural landscape, offering a diverse program of events ranging from concerts and Broadway shows to classic film screenings and community gatherings.

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