Sam Smith at The Castro Theater

While not a traditional Mardi Gras event, Sam Smith’s performance on Tuesday, February 17, 2026 (doors 7:00 PM, show 8:00 PM) at the historic Castro Theatre makes for an excellent evening alternative after Cajun dining in the city. Part of their 20-night “To Be Free” residency reopening the iconic venue, this all-ages show features the five-time GRAMMY winner’s powerful vocals and catalog of hits. Sam has sold over 40 million albums, 300 million singles, and billions of streams, with standout achievements like the longest U.K. Top 10 album run, the James Bond theme “Writing’s on the Wall” (Oscar/Golden Globe winner), and the global smash “Unholy” (No. 1 on Billboard Hot 100 and U.K. charts). Recent releases include the live album from BBC Proms at Royal Albert Hall. It’s a stunning, intimate pop/soul experience in one of San Francisco’s most celebrated theaters—perfect for wrapping up Fat Tuesday with world-class entertainment (note: many dates sell out quickly).