A desire for dance, a passion for theatre and a love of infectious music are easily satisfied in Tempe. Those looking for a bit of culture during their Tempe vacation won't be disappointed with our annual Broadway shows, museum exhibits, local theatre productions and more.
MUSEUMS AND GALLERIES
THEATRE
ART
MUSIC
Museums and Galleries
- There are over 20 free museums and galleries at the Arizona State University Tempe Campus. You can see everything from the most cutting edge contemporary art at the ASU Art Museum to photography exhibits at the Northlight Gallery.
- The Gallery at TCA features rotating themed exhibits throughout the year. Admission is free and it is open Tuesday-Saturday.
- The Tempe History Museum was newly reopened in 2010 after a total renovation. Visitors can explore Tempe’s history through four thematic areas. It is open Tuesday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is free.
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Theatre
- ASU Gammage, designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, is home to the annual Progressive Broadway Across America - Arizona series. Recent shows have included blockbusters such as Mamma Mia, Disney's THE LION KING and Wicked.
- If you're seeking even more ground breaking works, Stray Cat Theatre is not to be missed. This left-of-center company presents the most contemporary material, hoping to inspire the next generation of theatre lovers. Performances are held at the Tempe Performing Arts Center.
- The newest jewel in Tempe's arts crown is the Tempe Center for the Arts (TCA), a visually striking facility located on the shore of Tempe Town Lake. Resident artists at the TCA include the Tempe Symphony Orchestra, Childsplay and Desert Dance Theatre. Childsplay, Arizona's professional theatre company for young audiences, offers a full season of productions that range from hilariously funny to thought provoking.
- Laugh the night away with friends at the Tempe Improv. The Improv is an 18+ comedy club that hosts some of the funniest comedians in the country. Come enjoy a night of food, drinks, and laughter.
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Art
- The Tempe Festivals of the Arts are among the largest arts and entertainment festivals in the Southwest. Artisans exhibit and sell hand-made works of art ranging from photography to sculpture to jewelry and everything in between. The festivals are held annually in December and March/April.
- Tempe's streets and sidewalks are venues for an array of public art. ASU also has one of the best collections of public art from Depression-era murals to contemporary sculpture. ASU's public art collection can easily be explored during a self-guided tour.
- Check out one of the newest additions to Mill Ave., the Montage Art Studio. Montage is a shared studio space where you can observe artists as they paint, sculpt, and create new art. It is open to the public Third Thursdays, and Fridays and Saturdays from 5 p.m.-9 p.m.
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Music
- Live music from funky local bands wafts from many nightclubs and taverns throughout the Mill Avenue District. Tempe Marketplace features both acoustic musicians and energizing bands Friday and Saturday evenings in The District.
- Located just north of the Mill Avenue district, Marquee Theatre is the premiere location for live music in Tempe. With space for 1,000 guests, Marquee is an intimate venue known for featuring big name artists.
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