Help raise the funds needed to restore and reopen the theater by Fall 2027

Since the El Rey Theater went on the market in April 2024, local volunteers have worked to save this historic Chico landmark and return it to public use. Together, we formed “El Rey Theater,” a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to purchasing, restoring, and operating the theater as a community cultural space.

After more than two years of organizing, and thanks to a transformational $2.5 million gift from the Lupine Legacy Foundation, our nonprofit now owns the building. Throughout this process, we heard the same thing again and again:

“I want to help, but I don’t want to donate until you own the building.”

We heard you. And now, we officially own it, but we need YOUR help to reopen it. We need to raise $1,910,740 to restore the building, equip the theater, and prepare the El Rey to reopen by Fall 2027. Lupine’s gift made ownership possible. Community support will make reopening possible.

The Work Can’t Wait

A hole in the auditorium ceiling and water damage to the El Rey’s historic fairy murals.

The El Rey has a failing roof and extensive mold damage. Roof repairs need to begin before the rainy season. More water intrusion could worsen the mold, increase restoration costs, and put even more of this historic building at risk.

That includes the El Rey’s beloved fairy murals, which cover the auditorium walls and have become one of the theater’s most recognizable features. Water and mold are already threatening these one-of-a-kind pieces of Chico history.

Every donation helps us move closer to a watertight roof, a safe building, and an open theater.

Where Your Donation Will Go

Now that we own the building, we are actively pursuing grants for historic preservation, accessibility, restoration, and arts programming. But grant funding is highly competitive and uncertain. At major federal arts and humanities funders, applicant success rates can be as low as 3%, with overall funding rates around 10% to 11%. Grants can also be restricted to specific projects and may not address urgent needs like the roof and mold remediation. That is why community donations are essential now.

Building Restoration — $1,090,740
Roof replacement, mold remediation, HVAC, electrical work, fire-safety improvements, plaster repair, painting, doors, permits, and other work necessary to make the El Rey safe and functional.

Equipment & Furnishings — $500,000
Projection equipment, cinema screen, sound systems, theater seating, stage lighting, curtains, communications equipment, security systems, and everything needed to operate a modern theater.

Staffing, Systems & Opening — $320,000
Staff hiring and training, ticketing and point-of-sale systems, utilities, professional services, marketing, insurance, audience development, opening supplies, and preparations for the El Rey’s first season.

The El Rey We’re Building

We don’t just want to save an old building. We want to fill it with people again. We want it to act as a hub for community again. Our vision is for the El Rey to become one of the first places people look when they want to know what’s happening in Downtown Chico, with something happening at the theater every day.

Imagine a week at the El Rey with classic and repertory films, current and independent releases, community-curated screenings, school matinees, Sunday family movies, live music and storytelling, comedy, lectures, special events, and late-night cult films. We plan to partner with local schools, Chico State, nonprofits, arts organizations, and community groups to create programming that reflects Chico and the North State.

And every person who comes downtown for a movie, performance, or event is also a potential customer for the restaurants, bars, shops, and businesses surrounding the theater. The goal isn’t simply to reopen the El Rey. It’s to make it a gathering place for Chico again.

Become a Founding Donor

We have the building. We have the plan. Now we need Chico to help us open the doors. Your gift can give you a lasting place in the El Rey’s next chapter.

Founding supporters can receive recognition and benefits ranging from postcards and website recognition to behind-the-scenes access, personalized plaques, and naming opportunities within the theater.

Choose the level of giving that’s right for you and become part of the group that brought the El Rey back.

For major gifts, personalized giving plans, or naming opportunities, please email info@savetheelrey.com

Other Ways to Give

The easiest way to support the El Rey is through this Givebutter campaign. If you would prefer your full donation to go directly to the El Rey without online processing fees, you may also donate by Venmo or check.

Venmo- @elreytheater

Make checks payable to:

El Rey Theater
488 E. 3rd St.
Chico, CA 95928

Please include your name and mailing address so we can send a written donation acknowledgment for your records.

For larger gifts, volunteer opportunities, or questions about the project, email info@savetheelrey.com

Learn More

Learn more about the project at www.savetheelrey.com. Follow us on social media at @SaveTheElRey.

Please give today and help us reopen the El Rey in Fall 2027.

We did it! The El Rey is Finally Owned by a Local Nonprofit

We own the building, but we still have a long way to go before we officially save the El Rey