Take a Tour of Tempe’s Top Stages
Tempe’s arts & culture scene offers an ever-evolving ecosystem of creative inspiration, outlets for expression and opportunities for appreciation around every corner. These encounters are small enough to feel personal, but diverse enough to continually offer new perspectives. The landscape is alive with color, sound and movement, and the medium is yours to choose.
Whether your idea of adding entertainment to an itinerary means joining a group of friends at the theatre, having a comedian break the ice on a date night or taking in the energy that only live music can provide, you’ll find it here. Tempe invites you to explore these stages — from legendary music venues to storied playhouses and beyond.
PERFORMING ARTS
ASU Gammage
Designed by famed architect Frank Lloyd Wright in 1959, ASU Gammage is a world-class arts presenting organization and venue that hosts the best touring Broadway shows each season — in addition to producing new works, artist residencies and education programs.
Upcoming productions at ASU Gammage.
1200 S. Forest Ave., Tempe, AZ | 480-965-3434
Arizona Theatre Company
Recognized as the official State Theatre of Arizona, this professional nonprofit theatre company has been inspiring curiosity and creativity, sparking empathy and joy through the power of theatre since 1966. Each season, ATC brings world-class theatre to Tempe Center for the Arts (from October to June), with shows centered on what it means to be alive today.
Upcoming Arizona Theatre Company productions.
700 W. Rio Salado Parkway, Tempe, AZ | 833-282-7328
Stray Cat Theatre
For over 20 years, this award-winning indie theatre has been bringing quirky, edgy and irreverent productions to life. From October through May, audiences at Tempe Center for the Arts will be provoked, challenged and jolted out of conventional responses – sparking them to look at the live theatre experience through a fresher lens.
Upcoming Stray Cat Theatre productions.
700 W. Rio Salado Parkway, Tempe, AZ | 480-227-1766
Tempe Center for the Arts
Perched on the waterfront of Tempe Town Lake, this stunning arts center features a theater, studio, gallery, box office, lounge, 17-acre art park and more. In addition to housing the performance groups listed above, TCA also hosts a variety of events:
48 LIVE: Dedicated to giving emerging artists a stage, the series features musical, theatrical, dance, and visual artists from across the 48th state.
Performance with a view: Complimentary mid-morning music, featuring Arizona State University guest artists, take place in the Lakeside Room overlooking Tempe Town Lake.
Tempe Symphony Orchestra: A dedicated ensemble of over 80 local musician volunteers who come together to create exceptional musical experiences.
Walk-In Wednesdays: Open mic night hosted by Walt Richardson that welcomes musicians and poets and audiences who appreciate both.
Upcoming events at Tempe Center for the Arts.
700 W. Rio Salado Parkway, Tempe, AZ | 480-350-2822
LIVE MUSIC
Low Key Piano Bar
Step inside Mill Avenue’s only underground lounge for an evening of live entertainment. While a variety of bands and musicians grace this stage, it’s the dueling pianos — where two talented pianists battle against each other — that is most sought after by guests.
501 S. Mill Ave., B101, Tempe, AZ | 480-355-1705
Marquee Theatre
With over 150 musical acts each year, Marquee Theatre is one of Tempe’s premier entertainment venues. Designed for the true concertgoer, this standing-room-only venue is home to a sloped floor for improved visibility across the first floor, and an upper balcony for additional access.
Upcoming concerts at Marquee Theatre.
730 N. Mill Ave., Tempe, AZ | 480-829-0607
Mullett Arena
This 5,000-seat venue hosts a roster of events and concerts throughout the year. And because no seat is too far from the action, every ticket holder is in for an exceptional viewing experience.
Upcoming concerts at Mullett Arena.
411 S. Packard Drive, Tempe, AZ | 480-564-3497
Sunbar
More than an aesthetic spot for dining, Sunbar was voted “Best Nightclub” in the Valley by Phoenix New Times. As a world-class event venue, Sunbar is known for bringing some of the moment’s hottest DJs to Tempe.
Upcoming DJ sets at Sunbar.
24 W. 5th St., Tempe, AZ | 480-408-5010
The Chill Room
The Chill Room is an alcohol-free concept that serves spirit-free cocktails, CBD wine, herbal teas, Fijian extracts, botanical root teas and coffees — along with weekly open mic nights, live music and DJs.
Upcoming events at The Chill Room.
1320 E. Broadway Road, Suite 108, Tempe, AZ | 480-687-1088
Yucca Tap Room
Tempe’s original live music venue, Yucca has showcased live music in an intimate setting for over 40 years. Artists and bands of all genres take the stage here.
Upcoming concerts at Yucca Tap Room.
29 W. Southern Ave., Tempe, AZ | 480-967-4777
COMEDY SHOWS
Tempe Improv Comedy Theatre
This legendary venue brings some of the hottest stand-up talents from around the country — both big-name comedians and rising stars — to the stage. The high-energy venue includes a full bar and food.
Upcoming concerts at Tempe Improv Comedy Theatre.
930 E. University Drive, Tempe, AZ | 480-921-9877
SIGNATURE & SEASONAL EVENTS
Looking for a little more to add to you after-dark itinerary? Tempe hosts a wide variety of signature events and annual festivities all year long. Depending on the season, you’ll find festivals, concerts, dance floors, sporting events and other pop-ups among our nightlife offerings. Visit our Events Calendar to start exploring.
