The Historic Forest Theater Lit Up The South Dallas Skyline During 'The Grand Return' For The First Time in More Than 50 Years

Forest Forward welcomed an estimated 2,500 South Dallas residents, leaders, DFW-based Grammy-Award Winning singers Erykah Badu and Tamela Mann, Dallas rapper Big Tuck and more to commemorate the homecoming celebration

DALLAS, Nov. 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The lights are officially back on in "Sunny South Dallas." On Sunday, Nov. 1, an estimated 2,500 community members, civic leaders and special guests gathered along Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard near S.M. Wright Freeway for "The Grand Return," a historic block party celebrating the reopening of the Forest Theater. Hosted by Forest Forward, the celebration culminated in the ceremonial relighting of the theater's iconic tower and marquee for the first time in more than 50 years, creating an unforgettable evening of nostalgia, excitement and renewed pride in South Dallas.

The evening paid homage to the layered past of the Forest Theater, affectionately known as the "Apollo of the South," while ushering in a new era of possibilities for the 75215 ZIP code. Attendees enjoyed live entertainment, food trucks, local businesses featured in the Vendor Village and opportunities to explore the restored theater supported by corporate sponsors Wells Fargo and Target, whose involvement helped honor this occasion.

"So many of us have imagined this moment for so long. So many of us have drove by the Forest Theater and imagined the possibilities for this neighborhood, if the theater could come back to life. Tonight, together, we make history," said Elizabeth Wattley, president and CEO of Forest Forward. "You know, when we think about making history, we often think about one person, one extraordinary leader, one defining moment, but I would argue that it takes many to make history that was resound through generations."

Among the special guests was Grammy Award-winning singer and South Dallas native Erykah Badu, whose connection to the historic landmark runs generations deep. Badu previously worked to revive the venue as the Black Forest Theater in the early 2000s, while her grandfather owned the Green Parrot, a restaurant and jazz lounge formerly located in the theater's adjoining strip center. In a historic and deeply personal moment, Badu delivered a multi-song performance beneath the Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard street sign, celebrating her roots and the South Dallas community that has played such a significant role in her life and legacy.

"Right down the street at Martin Luther King and Pennsylvania down here, I grew up in the Martin Luther King recreation center. At that recreation center we got to travel all over the world without leaving the gymnasium. They brought art programs, theater programs, music programs, African dance, African language even, Harambee, right down the street. That's how I learned what I know today. I have South Dallas to thank for it. This is my home right here, this geographical space right here. I feel the most comfortable here. I'll never leave Dallas."

Originally opened in 1949, the Forest Theater became a cornerstone of entertainment and community life in South Dallas, welcoming legendary performers such as Prince, B.B. King, Gladys Knight, Ike & Tina Turner and Wilson Pickett, among others. Its reopening represents the preservation of that rich cultural legacy and a renewed investment in the community's future. Led by Forest Forward, the restored and expanded theater will serve as a destination for arts, education and community engagement, featuring a 1,000-person concert hall, 200-seat black box theater, 13,000-square-foot creative education lab, recording and podcast studios, rooftop gathering space and community meeting areas.

The evening also featured a line-up of DFW musical greats, including Grammy Award-winning gospel singer Tamela Mann, who sang "God Provides." South Dallas rapper Big Tuck rocked the crowd with "Not A Stain on Me" and the South Dallas anthem "Southside Da Realist," which was followed by rising hip-hop artist Da'Raja Superstar bringing together local talent and nationally recognized artists to honor the theater's celebrated musical legacy. DJ Bowtie provided the music while media personality Lady Jade served as host of The Grand Return, who brought an exciting Times Square type feel to South Dallas, guiding attendees through the historic evening of music, entertainment and community.

The historic occasion also brought together Dallas city officials and philanthropists, including Forest Forward Board Chair Matrice Ellis-Kirk, Senator Royce West, District 7 Dallas City Council member Adam Bazaldua, Dallas City Manager Kimberly Tolbert, and Forest Forward board members Jon and Linda Halbert (founders of the Jon and Linda Halbert Family Foundation), who delivered remarks recognizing the Forest Theater's return and its significance to the surrounding community.

"What an extraordinary night for South Dallas, y'all! And what a powerful reminder of what is possible when a community comes together around a shared vision," said Ellis-Kirk, who spoke on behalf of the Forest Forward board. "Take a look around. Tonight, we are surrounded by neighbors, civic leaders, artists, philanthropists, partners, families and friends. We represent different backgrounds and contributions, but we are united by one common purpose. A vision this big was never meant to be carried by one person."

State Senator Royce West addressed the crowd and shared his own personal experiences growing up in the area. "When I think about this institution, I think about it as a kid actually going up and down Forest Avenue delivering newspapers, attending Phyllis Wheatley Elementary School, living on Lenway Street, and oftentimes coming here to watch movies like Ben-Hur and other movies," said Senator West. "The Forest Theater fell in decay for 20/30 years, but guess what y'all? The Forest Theater is back, and we're opening it up again tonight. We need to make certain we bring our children, some of us our grandchildren and some of our great grandchildren to make sure they understand the significance of this institution."

Following The Grand Return, the Forest Theater is launching a slate of arts, entertainment and community programming beginning Tuesday, Nov. 3, with guided Art Walk Tours showcasing works by local and national artists. Additional November highlights include Venue Tours (Nov. 10, 17 and 24), Beats Under the Stars rooftop DJ parties (Nov. 13 and 27), and the SZN's Change Music Video Film Festival (Nov. 21). The momentum continues into December with the Winter in Color activation beginning Dec. 1, a screening of Unexpected Christmas featuring a cast talkback with Lil Rel and others (Dec. 3), Rise Weekend presented by The Creative Mind LA (Dec. 5), Soulful Murder Mystery's Christmas-themed dinner theater experience (Dec. 12 and 13), and MLK Arts Academy's winter production of Willy Wonka Jr. (Dec. 17 and 18). The upcoming programming reflects Forest Forward's vision of establishing the restored theater as a vibrant destination for arts, culture, entertainment and community engagement in South Dallas.

"We're bringing Forest Theater to life through programming that celebrates creativity, culture, and sense of belonging," said Jiles King, Interim Executive & Artistic Director of the Forest Theater. "From live music and film to theatrical productions and art experiences, we want people to see this as more than a historic building. We want the theater to be a place where creatives thrive, generations connect, and the South Dallas community continues to see itself reflected."

Beyond the reopening, "The Grand Return" marked a new chapter in Forest Forward's broader mission to strengthen South Dallas through arts and culture, education, economic development and opportunities for residents.

Relive The Grand Return
Event Photos: https://kwesithethird.pixieset.com/foresttheater/ 
Event Livestream: https://www.youtube.com/live/OaxLSXbg_ss?si=On53p5ilEROnIDR1 
Event b-roll: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/14cztjAhT8y1JjU12pir2hrkAsr4q8PgP?usp=drive_link                                                             
Photo/B-roll Credit: Kwesi Yanful and Perry Peprah of Tiny Hawk Media

To learn more about the Forest Theater, upcoming programming and ways to support its future, visit www.forestforward.org.

MEDIA CONTACTS: KTA Media Group:
Kayla Tucker Adams, 214-403-9852
Candace Ledbetter, 770-709-1509
Aria Bell, 817-501-0140
Bliss Mack, 469-274-6356
Aleira Martin, 817-705-5047
Email: [email protected]

SOURCE Forest Theater