Red Bluff, California, is preparing to celebrate a milestone: the 80th anniversary of the State Theatre on March 13, 2026. More than just a local landmark, the theatre represents a remarkable story of community ownership and restoration, having been lovingly revived through the support of residents and the non-profit State Theatre for the Arts. The celebration will feature a concert by the band “Decades” from Chico, California, with tickets available for $25 at www.statetheatreredbluff.com.
The State Theatre’s journey began in 1946, quickly becoming a central hub for entertainment and social life in Tehama County. Over the decades, it experienced periods of decline, but a dedicated community refused to let it fade away. Fifteen years ago, the building came under the stewardship of the State Theatre for the Arts, marking a turning point in its history. Today, the theatre stands as a testament to the power of collective effort, offering a diverse range of cultural and performing arts events to approximately 12,000 patrons annually.
A Community Investment in the Arts
The restoration of the State Theatre wasn’t simply a renovation; it was a community-wide undertaking. The theatre’s revitalization required $365,000 and support came in many forms. Visitors to the theatre are immediately reminded of this widespread backing. Names of supporters are prominently displayed on poster windows, at the box office, and on plaques throughout the building. Inside, the lobby, concession stand, auditorium, and even the stage bear the names of those who contributed financially. Even the seats themselves are sponsored, each with a nameplate recognizing the donor. The seat sponsorship program remains open to those wishing to contribute to the theatre’s continued success.
The recent upgrades included recent flooring and seating, enhancing the theatre’s art deco aesthetic while providing a more comfortable experience for attendees. The theatre’s mission, as stated on its website, is to “develop the historic State Theatre as a vibrant community center for innovative cultural arts programming and popular events that foster the cultural enrichment and economic sustainability of the historic downtown Red Bluff.”
Programming and a Potential Loss
The State Theatre hosts approximately 40-50 events each year, encompassing a wide array of performances and rentals. A significant portion of this programming includes around 25-30 rental events, many of which are geared towards children, fulfilling a key component of the theatre’s mission. The theatre also presents approximately a dozen high-quality Performance Series Concerts annually, featuring nationally recognized performers, supported by a dedicated group of sponsors.
However, a potential setback looms. The Tehama Concert Series, a long-standing organization that has provided subscription-based concerts at the theatre for nearly a century, is facing closure due to a lack of volunteer support and rising programming costs. The loss of the Tehama Concert Series would be a significant blow to both the theatre and the wider community.
Celebrating 80 Years with “Decades”
The 80th birthday celebration on March 13th promises to be a memorable event. In addition to the concert by “Decades,” attendees will receive free ice cream coupons courtesy of Baskin-Robbins and enjoy complimentary popcorn. The event is designed to be a thank you to the community for its unwavering support.
The State Theatre for the Arts is also celebrating its 15th anniversary of community ownership. The theatre’s success is a direct result of the dedication and generosity of the people of Red Bluff and Tehama County.
Looking ahead, the State Theatre remains committed to providing high-quality cultural experiences for the community. Updates on future events and the status of the Tehama Concert Series can be found on the theatre’s website at https://statetheatreredbluff.com. The theatre encourages community members to stay involved and continue supporting the arts in Red Bluff.
We invite you to share your memories of the State Theatre and join the conversation online.
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