Pleasanton Firehouse Arts Center To Reopen Soon

PLEASANTON, CA — The Firehouse Arts Center will reopen Saturday, May 1, the city announced.

The center at 4444 Railroad Ave., a pillar of downtown Pleasanton, has been closed since March amid the COVID-19 pandemic. It includes a 227-seat theater, classrooms, rehearsal space and the 2,000-square-foot Harrington Art Gallery, which will open at limited capacity Thursdays from 10 a.m. to noon, Fridays from 3 to 5 p.m., Saturdays 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and additional times by appointment.

“We’re excited to once again provide a place where friends and neighbors can gather safely and celebrate the joy of art, music and theater,” said Tamara Whitney, city recreation manager, in a statement. “The arts provide more than just entertainment; they are also essential to our mental and emotional well-being. We’re hopeful that by reopening our doors we can bring excitement and social connection to the many who have struggled during this difficult time.”

This summer, people can expect free and ticketed outdoor performances featuring local artists.

There will be drama camps — including teen intensives, improv and the Lil' Sparks program — and youth art classes in June. A new high school cabaret program will also make a debut.

Registration opens May 5 and programs will be posted here Sunday.

The city plans to continue reopening the center and adding additional programs and events when they can be safely executed, Whitney said.

"Providing a safe environment for Firehouse patrons and staff has been—and will continue to be—our number one priority throughout this phased reopening," she said. "This will guide every decision we make in the coming months.”