# South Dallas Historic Forest Theater Reopens

> South Dallas’ historic Forest Theater hosts first Beats Under the Stars event after $8m city funding restoration.
- Title: South Dallas Historic Forest Theater Reopens · Dallas Express
- Summary: South Dallas’ historic Forest Theater hosts first Beats Under the Stars event after $8m city funding restoration.
- Keywords: south dallas, forest theater, beats under the stars, dallas city council, forest forward, municipal funding, redevelopment project, Dallas Express
- Source: Dallas Express — https://dallasexpress.com/city/south-dallas-takes-center-stage-historic-forest-theater-begins-a-new-era
- Author: Dallas Express
- Published: 2026-11-13T16:00:06+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: south dallas, forest theater, beats under the stars, dallas city council, forest forward, municipal funding, redevelopment project, news, politics
## Historic Forest Theater Reopens
South Dallas’ historic Forest Theater begins new era with first Beats Under the Stars event Friday night.

> Tonight, together, we make history
## First Beats Under the Stars Event
The theater hosts its first Beats Under the Stars series at 8 p.m. Friday, November 13, 2026.
## Municipal Funding for Redevelopment
Dallas City Council approved up to $8 million in municipal funding for the theater’s redevelopment two years ago.
## Reopening Celebration
An estimated 2,500 people attended the November 1 Grand Return celebration with performances by Grammy winners Erykah Badu and Tamela Mann.
## Theater History and Expansion
The venue originally opened in 1949 as a movie theater and now offers a concert hall, black box theater, arts education facility, and recording studios.
## Future Events and Programming
Friday’s rooftop event features DJ music, food, and cocktails with a second installment on November 27 at 8 p.m.
## Key takeaway

South Dallas’ Forest Theater begins new era with Beats Under the Stars series after $8m city funding restoration.