04/24/2026
From our friends at the Garden Oaks Theater:
Join us on Tuesday, April 28 at the DeLUXE Theater for a special evening dedicated to preserving one of Houston’s historic cinema landmarks. This fundraiser, film screening, and community visioning session comes at a critical moment, with only a month to secure the future of the Garden Oaks Theater.
We are launching an urgent capital campaign to save and reopen the theater as a nonprofit cinema and community space. Through Arthouse Houston, we are calling on individuals, organizations, and supporters of all sizes to contribute to the Preservation Fund. This is a pay-what-you-can event, with a suggested donation of $50. All donations are tax-deductible and will go directly toward the purchase and restoration of this beloved cultural site.
RSVP LINK IN BIO
The evening will feature the Houston premiere of The Last Picture Shows, a new documentary by Rustin Thompson, with the filmmaker in attendance. The film traces a journey across the American West, uncovering the fading and resilient legacy of small-town movie theaters. Blending contemporary footage with reflections inspired by Peter Bogdanovich’s The Last Picture Show, the documentary offers a poignant look at an industry in transition, and a reminder of the vital role cinemas play as spaces for connection, memory, and community.
In addition to the screening, the event will include a community-led information and visioning session, inviting attendees to imagine the future of the Garden Oaks Theater together. The night will also feature:
* Local vendors, including a DVD swap hosted by
* 16mm film projections
* Banner and sign-making activities
* Drinks and popcorn
This is more than a film screening. It’s a call to action. Join us in building a future where Houston’s historic theaters continue to thrive, and communities come together to share and create stories.
