Dallas Forest Theater Tower to Light Up This Weekend

The historic theater is set to illuminate its tower for the first time in over 60 years.

Updated on Oct. 27, 2026 in Cultural

Screen-print poster illustration of a historic theater tower illuminated against a twilight sky, marking its official restoration. — The historic Forest Theater in South Dallas will illuminate its restored tower this weekend, marking a milestone in a major $70 million revitalization project. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Live Poll

Do you believe multi-million dollar restorations of historic local theaters are a valuable community investment?

Following a $70 million renovation by the nonprofit Forest Forward, the Forest Theater is preparing to celebrate the restoration of its iconic tower. The structure will be illuminated this weekend for the first time in over six decades.

Why it matters

The project serves to revitalize a historic South Dallas landmark for use as a vibrant community hub for live concerts, stage performances, and movies. It marks a significant cultural investment in the area near Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard and the S.M. Wright Freeway.

The restoration project required a total investment of $70 million. The theater's tower has remained dark for more than 60 years.

The players

Forest Forward

This nonprofit organization is the primary entity responsible for leading the revitalization of the Forest Theater.

Forest Theater

Located at the intersection of Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard and S.M. Wright Freeway, this historic venue is being restored as a center for arts and performance.

The details

The revitalization effort preserved historic architectural elements, including the original black and white checkered floors, the ramp, and decorative medallions. Workers also expanded the facility by adding a new south lobby and a redesigned east lobby while integrating a modern sound system.

Over 60 years have passed since the theater tower was last illuminated.
The tower will be lit this weekend during a community celebration.

Industry Dynamics

This project mirrors successful urban renewal strategies like the 2010 restoration of the Dallas Majestic Theatre. Such efforts position historic venues as anchor sites that drive local cultural engagement and regional development.

Residents can soon access the site for live concerts, stage performances, and movies once the theater fully opens to the public. The illuminated tower will also serve as a visible landmark for those in the South Dallas area and Fair Park vicinity.

The takeaway

The restoration emphasizes the value of preserving historical architecture while updating facilities to meet modern performance needs. Residents can look forward to a new space for community gatherings that honors the cultural history of the neighborhood.