Top Gun movie to be shown at retro rate during its 40th anniversary
By Rachael Baber, Martinez Chamber of Commerce
Martinez, CA —The Martinez Chamber of Commerce, alongside local dignitaries, business leaders, and community members, will host a ceremonial ribbon cutting celebrating the 40th anniversary of Contra Costa Cinema, a longtime cornerstone of entertainment in Martinez.
The celebration will take place on Wednesday, May 13, 2026, at Contra Costa Cinema in Martinez.
Event Schedule
- 5:30 PM – Anniversary celebration begins
- 6:00 PM – Ceremonial ribbon cutting
- 6:30 PM – Special screening of Top Gun 40th Anniversary presentation
To commemorate both the theater’s 40th anniversary and the 40th anniversary of the iconic 1986 film Top Gun, all Top Gun screenings that evening will be offered at a special retro admission price of $3.75. Tickets are available to purchase now. Guests can also enjoy classic concession pricing inspired by 1986, including:
- Large Popcorn — $3.25
- Large Beverage — $2.75
The event will feature a red-carpet entrance experience, a step-and-repeat backdrop for photos and testimonials, commemorative promotions, and community festivities honoring four decades of cinematic history in Contra Costa County.
Source: Contra Costa Cinema
Originally opened on June 27, 1986, as the Contra Costa Cinemas under Festival Enterprises Theatres, the theater has served generations of moviegoers through several ownership transitions, including operations by Mann Theatres, Signature Theatres, and Cinema West Theatres. Signature Theatres operated the venue until 2001, while Cinema West later expanded the complex from five screens to ten screens with upgraded stadium seating.
Notably, Top Gun was one of the original five films showing when the theater first opened in 1986, making the anniversary screening especially meaningful for longtime moviegoers and the Martinez community.
In December 2021, the theater became independently operated and today continues serving the community as Contra Costa Cinema under owner Kyle Conner, who also owns the Alameda Theatre & Cineplex. Conner has worked in the movie theater industry since the age of 15 and remains committed to preserving the community cinema experience.
“This anniversary is more than a celebration of a theater — it’s a celebration of community memories spanning four decades,” said Joe Fitzpatrick, General Manager of Contra Costa Cinema. “We’re excited to partner with the Martinez Chamber of Commerce to honor the theater’s legacy while creating new memories for movie fans of all ages.”
The Martinez Chamber of Commerce recognizes Contra Costa Cinema as an enduring part of the local business community and cultural landscape, continuing to bring entertainment, connection, and economic vitality to the city of Martinez.
Promotional support for the anniversary celebration will include social media campaigns across TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, and Facebook, website and newsletter promotions, on-screen advertising, poster displays, menu board promotions, point-of-sale messaging, exterior marquee advertising, and outreach to regional news media.
The event is open to the public.
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