For live tunage, I tend to go to the smaller, more intimate venues of the valley...you know, Crescent, Sail Inn, Martini Ranch, and even sometimes the dreaded Marquee. A few nights ago was my first visit to the Mesa Arts Center, to see Rodrigo y Gabriela. Holy crap, was I impressed! -The architecture is totally gorgeous inside and out -The venue itself had great acoustics -Parking was cheap ($5 garage) -Legit concessions offerings for decent prices (canned local beer for $6 - not bad...I'm actually surprised they serve beer considering it's Mesa! -Friendly staff and ushers (who looked to be in the 60-80 year old range) Guess who's signing up for concert updates for MAC?! read more

It had been a while since I had visited the Mesa Arts Center and since I live in North Scottsdale I don't venture down to Mesa that often. We had tickets to see Potted Potter at 7:30pm that evening. We arrived to a line of 5 cars waiting to enter the parking garage at 7:10pm. To my surprise they had run out of parking in the parking garage structure next to the arts center. The woman directiing traffic decided to park some cars along the driveway of the center. I was OK with this, but I was not OK paying $5 for not even parking in the parking garage. I find it very insulting for a venue to charge a parking fee when I have already purchased tickets to attend the event. I find it tacky and greedy. Anyhow I gave her the $5 and parked my truck along the curb while another 20 cars were also looking for parking I imagined they also were charged for parking along the street. We entered the venue and it's a little on the small side. The incline between rows doesn't allow for much incline to view over the person in front of you. So you're having to view the show from between the shoulders of anyone sitting in front of you. Front row was probably be best, but I feel that it's too close to the stage and you'll probably have a strained neck after the show is over. read more

The MAC rocks! It is a fully modern arts venue with great architecture and 4 (count 'em) four performing arts spaces. I've seen three shows at MAC and I've had a great time, every time. Add to this the fine arts education center and the museum (which I have yet to visit). The Store, as they call the gift shop, is full of the regularly gallery store crap. But it also has handmade ceramic, glass and jewelry pieces created by students in the education program. All are affordable, and some of the pieces are actually really good. Check it out next time you need a cool gift. read more

Who would have thought a place this nice would be in Mesa? (Sorry, city of Mesa) Saw fun. here a couple weeks ago, and it was the perfect venue for a show. Great sound, lighting, good space, comfortable seats...Big enough to have a lot of energy but not so big that you feel like you are in a sea of people. It's not the place for you if you want a crazy, mosh pit atmosphere, but I'm an old man now, and I've outgrown my mosh pit days. The space has high ceilings, and touches like acoustic tiles, that make it a really versatile venue. You could see a rock show, or a symphony, and the main hall is well equipped to handle it all. The show was incredible, fun. is amazing live, so that helped too, but I would happily return to this venue for a concert, classical, rock or anything in between. read more

Mesa? I went to Mesa? Yes, indeed I did. I went to a Bodybuilding show (don't ask) and was pleasantly surprised at how beautiful this facility it. Who knew? Apparantly people who run bodybuilding and fitness shows, that's who. The parking leaves much to be desired, but the inside of the facility is gorgeous. The ceilings and architechture overall make this an artistic place to see some great shows. I really liked how there was a great amount of space in the aisles so that you didn't have to climb all over people to come and go from your seats. Being as how I was there to watch incredibily in shape people strut around on stage, I opted not to to partake in the concessions which included alcohol and snacks. Who wants to chow on chips and beer and feel fat while watching people with zero body fat? ;) Ovreall this is a great little gem in Mesa... read more

This is a beautiful facility, inside and out. I love how they have multiple rooms of various size. I have been in a very small room which only holds about 75 people, and the play felt so intimate. I have also been in the big auditorium that holds hundreds of people, because it was a bigger production, and that has been a good experience too. I wish the big auditorium had better seating; I had a big man sitting in front of me and I couldn't see the speaker on stage at all without leaning way to the side. Not really sure this is fixable, but that's always the annoying part about going to see plays on a stage. I most recently saw The Moth there, but had been previously for the Southwest Shakespeare plays. Lion King was playing in another theatre the same night, and I wish I'd known about that because I totally would have gone! read more

I've been to Mesa Arts Center twice, and I love it! The level of attention to detail throughout the campus makes it look really classy, which I love. From landscaping to bathroom fixtures, this place deserves five stars. On both visits, I had to deal with the box office staff. In this day and age, one would hope that I could simply buy the tickets I need online and be done. But my group's plans changed (the first time) and the second time I stupidly bought tickets for the wrong date. The box office staff should get their own review - incredibly helpful and patient (both times), everything I could have hoped for. In conclusion, this place is great, you should find lots of things to attend here. read more

Oh Mesa Arts Center, how do I love thee, let me count the ways! A little homage their to the Southwest Shakespeare company that does shows out of the art center and that is only the tip of the iceberg for the wonderful and varied events you can catch at this repository of great art and culture. I only went a few times in the past, as I'm not a huge fan of driving unless I have to do so but now, after a wait of several years, you can catch the light rail to a stop right in front of the center. There are a number of good restaurants in the area for that pre-show meal or that post-show drinks and discussion and the art center has four different theaters. They also have a great set of volunteers (several hundred of them I believe) who help to keep things running smoothly. The bars are well located and you can take your drinks into the theater so make yourself at home and drive, or better yet catch the rail, to some of the finest cultural events in the valley. read more

This venue is fantastic. We need a theater like this downtown. Their staff is super friendly and helpful, they escort your to your seats. One of the better venues I've been to. read more

Here to see the Beatles rain, nice performing center. Lots of room not crammed from seating and good leg room. Seems like no matter where you sit you will have a good view read more

Mesa Arts Center - Performing Arts Near Me - Mesa, Arizona

I have no words other than perfection. I admire all the talent that went all shows I have attended. The hard work and dedication is nothing short of amazing. I cried happy tears several times. This is my favorite stop to date! read more

Mesa Arts Center - Me - Performing Arts Near Me - Mesa, Arizona

Beautiful building that has hosted great events like presidential debates, concerts and other local favorites. Seats are comfy and there's not a bad view anywhere! read more

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This is a beautiful theater. Just went and heard David Doubilet and Jennifer Hayes speak about underwater photography and there can't be a bad seat in the house! I could see and hear everything perfectly despite being in the upper left hand corner off to the side. Great talk, great theater and the people who work here are so nice and helpful. Two thumbs up! read more

Mesa Arts Center - Coral, Fire & Ice with David Doubilet and Jennifer Hayes. Such a great presentation on an amazing theater! - Performing Arts Near Me - Mesa, Arizona

I just went to my first show at the Mesa Arts Center, in the Ikeda Theatre. It is a beautiful venue with great acoustics. It clearly a great mix of technology and architectural style. I was very impressed. What is best to me is that it wasn't elbow to elbow with pretentious types of people which you would expect to be herded with in these types of venues. This is clearly a place to see great musicians and artists. The grounds and classrooms are very nice to walk and observe on a cool October evening. Look to see what they have coming, and go out and enjoy. read more

I think we have been here twice and both times were good experiences. Clean and comfortable seating, clean restrooms and decent acoustics. The parking garage doesn't have an elevator which in my opinion is strange. Otherwise it's s great venue. read more

We stumbled upon this place when we had some time to kill in downtown Mesa on a Friday afternoon. We were drawn in by the amazing architecture. We loved all the water features. The one that runs through the main outdoor area as a creek is really nice. We saw that the museum had free admission and decided to check it out. It was pretty small but it was really nice. They had some cool exhibits going on. I loved the Jeff Falk gallery which featured a lot of really interesting collage work. Then Offerings - Gifts for the Muse gallery was also great. If features some really unique sculptures made of a variety if materials. My favorite was entitled "Tiffany Box and Trophy Wife Ring." Awesome. Mesa has a real gem here and you can't beat free. read more

Honestly one of the most modern, beautiful, intricate architectures (both inside and out) in the Valley. The staff are very friendly and willing to resolve any discrepancies without hesitation. There is plenty of room to relax both inside and outside. One can walk freely out of the venue without worrying about reentry restrictions. The copper/wood aerodynamic and acoustically sound Ikeda Theater is a treat to enjoy live performances. The balcony seats are highly desirable. I enjoyed a box seat to watch Sufjan Stevens. The seats were spaced every few feet with an incredible elevated view (only a few feet from the ground). It allowed for a very personal experience. I saw Bon Iver from the regular seats and it was still enjoyable. The only pain was having people getting seated while the opening performer played. But this was hardly an issue. It makes for an excellent introspective evening, a date, a casual friendly outing, or for group entertainment. read more

The MAC is a lovely venue...with numerous theaters and a very eclectic schedule of events. It is the home of Southwest Shakespeare, Class 6 Theater, and Mesa Encore Theater, but it also has touring artists such as Lyle Lovett and Olivia Newton John. Parking is adequate and, unless there is a big name on stage, it is free. Be prepared, however, to have to pay....you never know when. There is some street parking available. The grounds are lovely and well maintained. My biggest issue has NOTHING to do with the MAC and everything to do with downtown Mesa. There are no after hours places to walk to after an event if you want to have a drink or even a coffee. read more

I've been to a number of shows here, and performed in a couple as well. The theaters are top notch - both front and back of house. The seating is a little close - for tall people like me it's a little rought when someone needs to cross in front of you - but that's nearly the same in every seated venue (a lot like a standard mpvie theater). It seems like every seat is decent. The only challenge I've had is that sometimes the volunteers can be a bit overzealous. The other problem is that downtown Mesa is pretty dead when the shows are over. There's nowhere to walk around and get a bite, etc. It's a bit like they roll the sidewalks up. Maybe as the area grows a bit that will change. read more

I attended the Penn & Teller performance here and thought it was a BEAUTIFUL venue. Very clean, easily accessible and there doesn't appear to be a bad seat in the house. The staff was very kind and not obnoxious. I'm equally impressed with the gift shop, the classes offered and the aesthetics of the venue itself. The only recommendation I have to offer is maybe bring in some better known acts. Mesa is one of the last areas of the valley to be impacted (or at least this part of Mesa) by gentrification, but it's coming! read more

Thanks for these moments "Two" of our family members have been treated very rudely by the box office woman today Friday August 28th. Both of these family members are kind gentle spirits who are deeply involved in the Mesa Arts community as performers and patrons. They just spent a great deal of money supporting your program and have been continuously buying tickets to your programs. This is very sad and very disconcerting. Thought you would want to know what is going on. Thanks again for these moments. Warmly and Sincerely William Young read more

Love this place and have been here several times. It's not so huge so even from the back you feel like you're at the show. Kudos tonight to the staff at Will Call. I ordered the tickets to print and never noticed that I didn't get the email so I could print them out - but I brought a printout of the receipt. They printed our tickets in no time - no sweat. I was in a wheelchair for this event, and the ushers were very helpful. Bothersome question: Why didn't I ever get the email so I could print the tickets? This may be something for them to work on. But still, love this place! read more

Purchased 3 tickets to the cirque nutcracker for over $200 and get told at the door that I need a separate ticket for a 6 week old infant. Super lame not even an airline requires a separate ticket for an infant. I will never purchase tickets again to anything at the Mesa Arts Center. read more

I come here a couple of times a year to see the SRB perform, and it's really an awesome venue (probably my favorite that I've seen in the Valley). The layout and architecture is really nice, and it's just a pleasant place to be in. The staff is always nice, parking isn't a pain, it's a great place to spend an afternoon or evening watching a performance. read more

I've been here twice, for Sufjan Stevens and the EVMCO Christmas Concert. I was impressed both times. This is a beautiful venue, like a smaller and nicer Gammage. It is still large enough to be epic, and the acoustics are stellar. Parking in the area isn't awful, though finding your entry door can be a bit stressful. Still, this is one of my favorite big venues in the valley, and a big reason why Downtown Mesa is a thing now. read more

Really cool place! Everywhere you look has something exciting to see, not to mention the impressive architecture! We came here for a Friday night free art exhibition and were very impressed by the set up, the entertainment, and the overall ambiance. They offer many classes here and also have shows as well! I love this place and will try to come to as many events as I can here as well as bring family! read more

Nice venue with great sound and plenty of free parking if you are willing to walk across Main Street. read more

Mesa Arts Center - Performing Arts Near Me - Mesa, Arizona

I bought tickets to the Sesame Street Live show for 5/3/17 on the Mesa Arts Center website. I selected the Gold seats and underneath that said Sunny Meet and Greet. It said to show up at lease an hour early for the meet and greet, so since my daughter absolutely loves Sesame Street its basically all she watches, we show up two hours early just so we could have a good spot in line for her to meet them all. We arrive there and I'm getting in line to be stopped by someone checking for tickets I show her them on my phone since I had them emailed to me. She stated that these aren't the meet and greet tickets and pointed me to a lady at a booth. I tell her I needed the meet and greet passes since we wasn't being allowed in the line. She stated the same that they were not meet and greet. I pulled up the Mesa Arts Center website and go to the area to purchase tickets where it stats on their own website that what I got had meet and greet included. She connected her manager and they talked for a bit and got off the phone. She stated that her manager said that must of been a technical error and that she was sorry that I should have looked at my tickets. I explained to her how would I know and look at my tickets since I wouldn't have seen then until I buy them?! The manager came over because I wanted nothing more then to see my daughter's face and to meet the characters she loves. I explained the same thing again and showed her the website saying they are including. I even took a screen shot of this for proof just in case. All she would say is that there website is incorrect and it was a technical error. I asked her she are you going to honor what your website was advertising? She said no. It was by far the worst customer service I have ever dealt with. The show was great and she loved it but the employees and the place was beyond terrible. read more

Mesa Arts Center - Performing Arts Near Me - Mesa, Arizona

Awesome venue. We have been there three times now. The seats are very comfortable, the acoustics world class, not a bad seat in the house and parking is a breeze. They have wine carafes you can take to your seat. We saw Aussie Floyd last night. They were a little disappointing. Self indulgent which made the concert far too long with too many tunes not on the hit list. They need to remember they are a cover band. read more

Amazing time at the Mesa Arts center. Dedicated docents that truly Love what they do, and that is educating the public on interesting Art. read more

Mesa Arts Center - Performing Arts Near Me - Mesa, Arizona

I attended the Mandy Patinkin concert on 1/15/2020 with my wife & 2 other couples. This in my opinion was the poorest excuse of a concert I & my friends have ever attended. Mr Patinkin I think was trying to tell stories in a monotone. As far as he being a singer, I do not think so. It seemed to me & others it was a dirge. From him lying on the stage, sitting on the edge of the stage, constantly fondling his towel, what was he trying to convey? He did try to spice things up with a few "f-bombs". As a courtesy to others in the audience, we stayed until Mr Patinkin took a short break at 90 minutes into the show, when there was a mass exodus by the audience. Obviously we were not the only patrons to find this a bizarre, ludicrous performance. read more

Went here during a 2nd Friday in Downtown Mesa that is held weekly. They had a special Ron Burns event in the big area downstairs. And there may have been some other event happening as there were ushers around. Nice location. Parking was hard only because there is huge construction going on Main St right now. But parking is free after 5pm weekdays. Nice. There is street parking available and the area isn't too bad that you need to worry about parking on the street. Parking in the garage is scarier cuz it is dark in there. And the spaces are skinny. I like parallel parking on the street. I was in the minority. read more

I took 25 classes in glass blowing making some 50 pieces and fulfilled a childhood dream. One reason I didn't continue with the hot shop as a more advanced student were the disparaging action and comment made by the instructors. In one case, the instructor saw fit to tell me what percentage of the work I had accomplished given its a team effort. He told me his percentage was the majority of the team effort. Mine was minimal. In another instance an instructor threw away pieces of a project. I retrieved a few parts from the garbage but lost a good portion to breakage. This statement and action left me uncertain of the direction of my work with the studio. When deciding whether to return I declined to buy more classes knowing my effort to develop was not always encouraged by the instructors. I realize the staff see many students come and go, but there should be a way to develop creatively without the road blocks of ego in the team classes. read more

This is a fine performing arts center ... acoustics are good, the seating is very comfortable, and the lobby area is spacious. I do not live in the area, so the production has to be worth the drive. read more

Its a beautiful facility they present fabulous entertainment but the concessions are a joke. $2 seemed really reasonable for a bag of pretzels yeah well it turned out to be a 0.92 ounce package yes less than an ounce. It was a 100 calorie pack. Please come on that's crazy. read more

I love this place so much. I use it for photography shoots! That's how beautiful the building and surrounding area is. Definitely would recommend. read more

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The Mesa Arts center was the perfect location to see Ina Garten speak. The venue holds a comfortable capacity of not being too crowded, while allowing for a nice sized audience. In addition, the aisle way in between seats was great! There was enough leg room to stretch out a little bit and people where able to pass by without needing to stand on the chair. read more

Saw a concert here and it was fantastic. Not too small or too big. Just comfortable seats and very clean and nice auditorium. Easy and available parking near by. read more

Comfortable seats, plenty of parking, clean and bright. I wish door two was better labeled. We had trouble finding it. The other doors were pretty easy to find in comparison. Also bring cash if you want want to park in the garage. It was cash only. read more

Piper Theater poor seating design. I really enjoy watching the back of the head of the person sotting in front of me. Stage is below seating level and seats are not sloped. I have been to movie theaters with better seating. read more