Colonial Presents
Colonial Presents is an independent Sacramento-based live entertainment company dedicated to building inclusive, community-centered experiences through music, comedy, and cultural programming.
We operate two core venues on Stockton Boulevard, Cafe Colonial (189 capacity) and the historic Colonial Theater (560 capacity), while also producing events across the capital city.
For more than two decades, Cafe Colonial has served as a vital incubator for emerging artists and a safe, all-ages space for Sacramento’s creative community. Today, Colonial Presents builds on that foundation, expanding the scale and diversity of programming while staying rooted in the same values: accessibility, artist advocacy, and community connection.
Our team brings decades of experience from some of the most respected venues in the country, applying that knowledge to support local artists, host touring talent, and create memorable live experiences.
At its core, Colonial Presents exists to listen to the community and deliver the kinds of shows and events Sacramento wants to see more of.
Venue History
The Colonial Theater is a historic neighborhood landmark with deep roots in Sacramento’s Latino community. Originally built in the 1940s to show Spanish-language films, it quickly became a cultural gathering place for local families. Next door, Cafe Colonial was established as a supper club where guests could dine before attending screenings, creating a shared entertainment destination along Stockton Boulevard.
The theater’s legacy continued under the current owners the Santillan family, whose father, a local Mexican radio DJ, purchased the venue after his original theater on Franklin Boulevard was lost to a fire. He acquired the Colonial Theater and reclaimed it for the community, transforming the space by building a stage and introducing live programming, including wrestling and music.
Today, the Colonial Theater remains a vital cultural space, carrying forward its legacy as a place where community, culture, and live entertainment come together.
