The Apollo will relight its historic marquee and blade on the evening of Wednesday, June 10, 2026. The event marks the first major public milestone in the modernization and restoration of the historic theater.
This project is the first full-scale renovation in the institution’s history of more than 90 years. The venue first opened in 1914 and became The Apollo in 1934, when its marquee was first illuminated.
The June 10 ceremony will also feature a posthumous Walk of Fame induction for Kiki Shepard. Shepard co-hosted the Showtime at the Apollo television series for more than 15 years alongside hosts like Steve Harvey, Sinbad, and Mo’Nique.
The celebration begins with a private reception at The Renaissance Ballroom. Apollo Historian Billy Mitchell, Shepard’s sister Von Gretchen McAlpin, and representatives from her sickle cell advocacy organization, The KIS Foundation, will share remarks.
Longtime friends and artists will also attend the reception, including Carol Maillard, George Falson, and Dawnn Lewis. The Grammy-nominated a cappella ensemble Sweet Honey in the Rock is scheduled to perform.
Following the reception, the Marching Cobras drumline and dance group will lead a musical procession down 125th Street. The public marquee relighting ceremony will take place across from the Historic Theater.
Apollo President and CEO Michelle Ebanks and Board Chair Charles Phillips will open the public portion with remarks.
“The relighting of our marquee represents the rekindling of one of the world’s most recognizable cultural symbols and the beginning of a bold new chapter for The Apollo,” Ebanks said.
The ongoing construction work officially started in 2025. The project preserves the historic character of the building while upgrading production systems, improving acoustics, adding flexible seating, and expanding backstage spaces.
The renovation is taking place in phases. The institution anticipates a phased reopening starting in late 2026, followed by a public opening in the spring of 2027.
Shepard’s spot on the Walk of Fame will position her alongside previous inductees including Ella Fitzgerald, James Brown, Aretha Franklin, and Prince. The most recent induction before Shepard honored Clive Davis in 2025.
Members of the public can read more details about the upcoming relighting ceremony by visiting the official website at https://www.apollotheater.org/light-up-two-fifth.
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