El Campanil Has Until November 30. Its Public Calendar Ends October 17.

The Antioch Herald reported that on Wednesday morning, September 30, a 60-day notice was posted on the front door of the El Campanil Theatre's ticket office at 602 W. 2nd Street. It ends the El Campanil Theatre Preservation Foundation's tenancy. The foundation responded with a clear promise: "all shows currently on the calendar through November 30 will take place."

That date makes it sound like there are two months left. The theatre's own box office tells a different story. Its public calendar on PatronBase lists two October events and nothing in November. If you want to see this stage under the group that has run it as a community arts venue since 2004, the confirmed chances right now are two Saturdays, October 10 and October 17.

The two dates on the box office calendar

Both listings add a 3.5% card processing fee and a $3 preservation fee per ticket, so the price on the chart isn't quite what you'll pay at checkout. The two shows suit different crowds. Dreams Come True is a daytime dance studio production. FOREJOUR is the only evening show on the list, and it's the one the theatre presents itself.

What "through November 30" covers, and what it doesn't

The foundation's promise covers shows "currently on the calendar." As of early October, the public calendar holds the two shows above. No November title, performer, or ticket link was found in the venue's listings or the other event calendars checked. Something may still be added, and the foundation says updates and tickets will be posted at ElCampanilTheatre.com. Until then, these are the open questions:

• Black Diamond Ballet's Nutcracker. The foundation says it is working with the company to see whether the production can move to an earlier date at El Campanil. As of this writing, the ballet's own page still lists its 14th annual production for December 4 to 13, 2026, with ticket prices "TBD."
• Nutcracker ticket sales. The ballet's homepage says tickets go on sale October 15. Its Nutcracker page says September 15. Check with the company directly before planning around either date.
• A new home for the foundation. Its October statement doesn't announce a move or a new venue.

For families who make the Nutcracker a December habit, this matters most. The December dates fall after November 30, so the show either moves earlier or the plan changes.

How the building reached this point

El Campanil opened on November 1, 1928. Ferdinand Stamm and Ralph Beede built it, owned it, and ran it. The name is Spanish for "tower of bells." Its original audience chamber held about 1,100 seats, and for years it ran as a single-screen cinema. Here's how ownership has changed since then:

1. 1928: Opened by the Stamm and Beede families.
2. July 2003: Bought by the El Campanil Theatre Preservation Foundation, which had incorporated in July 2002.
3. July 4, 2004: Reopened as a community performing arts venue after rehabilitation.
4. May 2023: The foundation sold the building and stayed on as a tenant. The Antioch Herald names the buyers as Tung and Tiffany Bui.
5. September 2026: Sold to Legendary Movement Church. The Antioch Herald reports that escrow closed September 25, which makes the church the building's fourth owner. Contra Costa News gives the sale date as September 24.

California requires a 60-day notice to end a commercial tenancy, which is why the foundation's window ends around the close of November. Back on August 20, before the sale closed, Board President Sharon Sobel Idul said it was "unlikely" the foundation could keep programming the theatre if the prospective buyer acquired it.

Both sides have made public statements about what comes next. At a downtown association meeting on September 29, Lead Pastor Eli Herrera couldn't attend, so a message from him was read aloud. It said:

The church is "not coming into downtown Antioch to diminish, erase, or destroy" but to "add to the incredible history."

The message also said the church planned to listen, take part in, and support community events in Rivertown. In an earlier interview, he said selling the building back to the foundation if the church outgrew it "could be a possibility," depending on what happens later. The foundation's message to audiences was simpler:

"Bring someone who has never been to El Campanil Theatre."

Saturday, October 10: the pier in the morning, the stage at midday

The first of the two Saturdays lines up with a free event a short walk from the theatre. The City Recreation Department's 38th annual Kids Fishing Derby takes place that day at Waldie Plaza and the U.E. "Compy" Compomizzo Fishing Pier. It's open to kids ages 4 to 15 who come with an adult. The 12:30 p.m. showing of Dreams Come True leaves time to finish at the waterfront first and then walk up to 2nd Street.

For breakfast or lunch in between, Monica's Riverview at One I Street serves scratch-made comfort food for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with daily hours. Cafe Miel, a newer Rivertown coffee shop, announced a grand opening for August 9. Its event listing gives the address as 101 H Street. Check its current hours before you plan around a coffee stop.

If you have younger kids, a separate event that afternoon is not in Rivertown. MOMS Club of East County is holding a free Trunk or Treat from 2 to 4:30 p.m. at the Antioch Community Center, 4703 Lone Tree Way. It's a drive from the theatre, but it fits after the midday show.

Saturday, October 17: dinner before the 7 p.m. show

FOREJOUR is the one evening show on the calendar, so it's the night for dinner first. The 4 Seasonings Steakhouse at 304 G Street serves steaks and premium meats with a cocktail bar, and it's open Thursday through Sunday, which covers that Saturday. Monica's Riverview serves dinner too and has a full bar. Celia's Mexican Restaurant serves home-style Mexican food with daily hours, which makes it a reliable option on a show night.

On the Sunday morning after either show, the Rivertown farmers market runs from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at I Street and West 3rd Street. The season opened May 10. Its operator hasn't posted a 2026 end date, so check before you assume it runs into November.

After October, F Street holds the calendar

Once the theatre's listed shows are done, the next big Rivertown gathering is a couple of blocks away. Antioch's fourth annual Día de los Muertos celebration is listed for November 1 at the Nick Rodriguez Community Center, 213 F Street. Altars will be on display Thursday, October 29, through Sunday, November 1, alongside performances, crafts, and local food. Event listings disagree on the start time. One says 3 to 7 p.m. and another says 1 to 5 p.m., so confirm with the City before you go.

If you want to help build a community altar, a free ofrenda workshop is listed for October 21 at the Antioch Community Center. It teaches the traditions behind the altars and creates a community installation.

If the foundation adds November shows, they'll appear on its site first. For now, the dates you can buy tickets for are October 10 and October 17. Base ticket prices top out at $25 before fees.

If following Rivertown's changes this fall has you thinking about your own place in Antioch, whether that means staying put, making room, or planning a move, I'm happy to talk through what it could look like for you. Deborah Maisterrena is here when you're ready. Let's Connect.

This article is general information, not legal, tax or financial advice. Consult a qualified professional about your situation.