Iconic Capri Theater reopens in north Minneapolis with free events all week long

It’s showtime at the new and improved Capri Theater in north Minneapolis.

After two decades of fundraising to raise around $13 million for renovations, nearly two years of construction and a bit of a pause because of the pandemic, the iconic theater had its grand reopening on Sunday.

“Today is going great, it’s going just great,” Kevin West, general manager and artistic associate for the Capri Theater, said at the celebration.

West calls the Capri the "beacon of hope on the bend of West Broadway."

“That’s what we see ourselves as,” West added. “This is a safe space for the community and we want the community to know that the doors are open.”

On Sunday, community members were able to take a free tour, listen to music, and enjoy local food trucks.

Some additions of the remodel include more than 20,000 square feet of new space, new seating and upgraded sound and lighting for the main stage and the multipurpose Paradise Community Hall, which can be rented for an array of events.

The renovation also includes the addition of the Best Buy Teen Tech Center, complete with new computers, a 3D printer, a recording studio and a green screen for creating video content.

The manager of the new tech center, Chuck Smith, is honored to be part of this fresh start as he credits his success to the Capri Theater. As a kid, Smith attended a camp at the theater that prepared him to be a successful student and productive part of the community.

“It’s very special because I’m from here,” Smith said.

“We want to change headlines in north Minneapolis to be positive and progressive and change the narrative of it being so sad and forbidden,” Smith added.

Sunday was just the beginning of the weeklong celebration. A full list of events, including free ones, can be found on the Capri Theater’s website.