12 ideas for experiencing Tempe’s famous nightlife scene.

Tempe is home to 330 days of sunshine each year … and 365 reasons to check out the nightlife this city is widely known for.

Before you call yourself an Uber and make your way to Tempe for a night out, check out all the entertainment and flavor options — from local brews to touring concerts — we have you covered with this guide to coolest scenes and hottest for after the sun starts to set.

ARTS, CULTURE & LIVE MUSIC

You’ll discover the arts at every turn in Tempe. From Broadway and local productions at ASU Gammage or Tempe Center for the Arts to lit rock and reggae concerts at Marquee Theatre and Tempe Marketplace, or Electronic Dance Music and Live DJs at Sunbar, you will find something to suit your artistic bent. 

Music Venues

Marquee Theatre
730 N. Mill Ave., Tempe, AZ 85281 | (480) 829-060
You haven’t experienced heart-pumping live music in Tempe until you have gone to Marquee Theatre. Designed for the true concertgoer, Marquee Theatre is a standing-room-only music venue featuring the biggest names in the music industry today. Located on Mill Avenue, north of Tempe Town Lake, the Marquee Theatre brings in over 1,500 national touring artists, including Adele, Prince, Katy Perry and Selena Gomez, to name a few. For tickets and upcoming performances, visit the Marquee Theatre event website.

Yucca Tap Room
29 W. Southern Ave., Tempe, AZ 85282 | (480) 967-4777
Looking for an intimate music venue with tons of history? Yucca Tap Room is for you! Since the 1970s, this Tempe landmark has delivered incredible musical talent from local and national touring acts of all genres.
Concertgoers will enjoy the venue’s windowless and wood-paneled ambiance equipped with an extensive craft beer collection. For a true musical experience, visit Yucca Tap Room every Monday night for Open Mic Night, or visit their calendar for all upcoming performances.

Tempe Marketplace – District Stage
2000 E. Rio Salado Pkwy., Tempe, AZ 85281 | (480) 966-9338
There’s nothing like listening to live music while enjoying the beautiful Arizona weather year-round. Every Friday and Saturday night, head to Tempe’s premier outdoor shopping destination, Tempe Marketplace, for FREE concerts at the District Stage, located in the heart of the shopping complex. Before or after the show, stick around for shopping galore or enjoy one of the many nearby restaurants. For a complete list of upcoming performances, visit the Tempe Marketplace event website.

Sunbar Tempe
24 W. 5th St., Tempe, AZ 85281 | (480) 687-8409
There is no party like a Sunbar party! Situated off 5th Street and Mill Avenue in Downtown Tempe, Sunbar is not your average outdoor bar and eatery. At first glance, you would never guess this location also has the best hidden indoor music venue in Tempe. From live bands to electronic music, Sunbar brings the latest and greatest to Downtown Tempe. You will likely catch a show here on any given weekend, but feel free to visit the Sunbar event calendar to plan ahead.

Low Key Piano Bar
501 S. Mill Ave., Suite B101, Tempe, AZ 85281 | (480) 355-1705
Low Key Piano Bar is a one-of-a-kind underground piano bar featuring dueling piano players playing familiar tunes that we all know and love. Located in Downtown Tempe, Low Key Piano Bar is a real crowd-pleaser on the ever-so-popular Mill Avenue. Don’t just sit and enjoy the show; get involved, as the musicians will lead the audience in singing along. Pro tip: come prepared with musical requests of your own – this will add to the fun and festive ambiance!

NIGHTLIFE HOTSPOTS

Downtown Tempe

College students, young professionals, ASU alumni and sports fans can all find the perfect spot for a night on the town in Downtown Tempe. Explore the many cool cocktail bars, sports bars and craft breweries like Culinary Dropout, Postino Annex, Shady Park and more.

The true night owls, however, will find their bliss at one of Downtown Tempe’s nightclubs. From Aura and C.A.S.A. to Varsity Tavern and Anoche Cantina (to name a few), the energy here is unmatched.

Visit the Downtown Tempe website for more information.

Breweries & Beer Pubs

Some of Arizona’s favorite local beers are made right here in Tempe. From Tempe’s original microbrewery, Four Peaks Brewing Company, to newer breweries such as Pedal Haus Brewery, Huss Brewing Company and The Shop Beer Co., you could say craft beer is “in-grained” in Tempe’s culture. Tap into Tempe’s craft beer scene by visiting our blog.

Cinemas After Dark

Need a place to keep cool this summer? Seeing a summer flick will do the trick! Catch the latest blockbuster, independent and classic films at Majestic Phoenix, Harkins Tempe Marketplace or Harkins Theatres Arizona Mills. Enjoy state-of-the-art amenities, power recliners, endless amounts of popcorn and the best summer movies on the big screen!

Comedy Shows

If you feel like tickling your funny bone, head over to the legendary Tempe Improv Comedy Theatre. Tempe Improv brings some of the hottest talents from around the country and puts them center stage right here in Tempe.

Cheers to Happy Hour

Celebrate the best part of your week with happy hour in Tempe! Nothing beats a glass of bubbly and light bites at a discounted price. Some of our favorites include Social Hall and Mill’s Modern Social for a fun atmosphere filled with games, billiards and specials seven days a week. Check out where to plan your next happy hour outing with co-workers or friends.

Ready, Set, Play!

Play your way through Tempe! Test your axe throwing skills at Hotshots Axe Throwing Tempe or Lumberjaxes Axe Throwing; smash things to bits at Simply Smashing; plot your escape at Inferno Escape Room, or combine board games and a meal at Snakes & Lattes. And, don’t miss the endless classic video and virtual reality games at Tilt Studio, Dave & Buster’s and Main Event. There are tons of nighttime activities for the whole family!

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, performing arts, sporting events, pop-ups among our nightlife offerings. Visit our Events Calendar to start exploring.

For the best views of Tempe’s city lights after dusk, head to Canopy Tempe Downtown, The Westin Tempe or Omni Tempe Hotel at ASU for exquisite ambiance and even some of their own signature event programming. Arrive early and stay late to allow for ample time for dinner reservations (ground floor restaurants) and sunset cocktailing (rooftops). Bask in the panoramic views from their rooftop pools and enjoy live music, cocktails, movie nights and more!