For the first time in over a year, the marquee lights on Caracas Avenue are ready to shine. The historic Hershey Theatre has officially completed its massive, 13-month infrastructure and restoration project and is set to welcome audiences back starting March 5, 2026.
The 93-year-old “Sweetest Place on Earth” landmark closed its doors in January 2025 for its most significant overhaul since opening in 1933. While the theatre’s iconic “starlit sky” ceiling and ornate Mediterranean decor remain untouched, the building’s internal systems have been brought firmly into the 21st century.
The most anticipated upgrade for regular patrons is the installation of a state-of-the-art HVAC system, bringing modern air conditioning to the venue for the first time in its history. Previously, the theatre relied on 1930s-era cooling technology that struggled during Central Pennsylvania’s humid summer months.
Other major improvements include:
All-New Seating: All 1,904 seats have been replaced with new, wider chairs that offer modern comfort while maintaining the original 1930s aesthetic.
Aesthetic Restoration: New carpeting featuring the original 1933 pattern was custom-woven and installed throughout the auditorium and lobbies.
Tech Upgrades: The theatre now features enhanced high-speed Wi-Fi, a modernized assisted-listening system, and energy-efficient LED lighting.
Behind the Scenes: A reconfigured orchestra pit, a new loading dock to streamline Broadway “load-ins,” and a total replacement of the building’s electrical wiring.
“Preserving Mr. Hershey’s iconic theater has been our utmost priority,” said Don Papson, Executive Director of The M.S. Hershey Foundation. “We have honored his legacy by ensuring this venue remains a vibrant, world-class destination for the next generation of theatergoers.”
The theatre will kick off its 2026 season with a diverse lineup of comedy, science, and music before the return of the beloved Broadway series.
| Date | Headlining Act |
| March 5 | Dr. Neil deGrasse Tyson (Grand Reopening) |
| March 13 | Comedian Jim Jefferies |
| March 14 | Steve Martin & Martin Short |
| March 21 | Hershey Symphony: Carousel In Concert |
| March 24-29 | TINA – The Tina Turner Musical |
