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    Tempe Center for the Arts

    4.5 (105 reviews)
    Closed • 10:00 am - 5:00 pm

    Tempe Center for the Arts Photos

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    Vlad V.

    As the self-appointed king of events in Phoenix, I've been to pretty much every major event venue in Phoenix and surrounding areas over the past 10 months. And it's safe to say that Tempe Center for the Arts is one of my favorites. First off, you can either park in the parking garage a few minutes away from the venue by foot or you can park in the gravel lot that is a minute or two farther away. If you park in the garage, they will validate your ticket. Guaranteed parking is always a big win in my book. I've been to the Tempe Center for the Arts (TCFTA) twice. Once for a concert and once for a play put on by the Arizona Theater Company. Both have been A+ experiences. First off, the venue is located right by Tempe Towne Lake which makes for a picturesque location. The venue itself is just as beautiful with stunning architecture, both inside and out. It's clean. It's comfortable. The ushers are friendly. There is plenty of seating to hang out outside before the show, during intermission, or after. You can also hang out on the patio where there's a fire pit and seating. On a certain day of the week that's escaping me, they do an open mic night out there. I haven't tried any of the concessions, but they have a bar and some snacks. There's complimentary water. The theater is pretty intimate which makes for a better experience. It's designed well. There are even often some art installations you can check out. Overall, you can't ask for much better than this when it comes to an event experience! I've become a season ticket holder of the Arizona Theater Company, so I can't wait to be back!

    Great access ability for all. Water availability
    Susan E.

    This is an amazing facility. The design and lay out is quite stunning. The small cafe and outdoor seating area is grand to enjoy a snack and adult beverage before the show. The theater was comfy. We did not care for balcony 2 - if you have height issues might stick to main level. Parking easy and validated. Restrooms spacious and on 2 levels.

    Tempe Town Lake Pedestrian Bridge
    Travis T.

    This is such a beautiful visual arts center. I love when I am walking or skateboarding around Tempe Town Lake and pass by this place at night. You can see the neon signs through the window from the outside by the waterfall. Tempe Center for the Arts is both a theater and an art gallery. They are located on the southwest side of Tempe Town Lake near the dam and the pedestrian bridge. Tempe Center for the Arts is not even twenty years old yet. It still looks brand new. I have a seen a few shows here that were put on by Arizona Theatre Company in the 600-seat proscenium theater. They also have another theater that hosts orchestra concerts and other live events. The art gallery is free to check out. It hosts different large and small-scale art exhibitions from various artists each season. Outside is a sculpture garden. Arizona Theatre Company has been around for over fifty years and always put on a good show. Ticket prices are what you would pay at any small theater. You can find a list of their shows on the Tempe Center for the Arts website. Sometimes they host free Ballet Under the Stars nights just outside on the lawn by the lake. We have gotten groups together and set up lawn chairs and have always had a good time. They have open-mic nights on Walk-In Wednesdays and pianists that come in and perform for free in their Lakeside Room. There is a bar that serves drinks and light bites during nights that they have a show. If you don't have an opportunity to catch a theater show here, at least come by and enjoy one of their free events that they offer and check out the art gallery. This is a beautiful place to visit. There is a parking garage to the west or park a little farther in the dirt lot for free.

    Norm W.

    First concert at Tempe Center for the Arts. Excellent venue, sound and scenery. Drop off, parking and access were easy. Ticket pricing was reasonable and student tickets. They also validate your parking.. I like it! Saw Kandice Springs September 24, 2024. Loved it!!

    Brooke P.

    Love this beautiful venue. Been here multiple times for dance shows. So thankful for the comfortable seating! It's also right next to Tempe town lake and a walking bridge so if you have time go walk around near by and enjoy the views. If you park in the garage near by bring in your parking ticket because they might be able to validate it depending on the show.

    TCA is a terrific location for this blood drive to rebuild the blood supply for every hospital in Maricopa County after the holidays.

    Beautiful location to save lives with each blood donation. Plenty of parking. Vital timing to rebuild blood supply for every hospital in Maricopa County .

    Beth B.

    I regularly receive City of Tempe emails and was excited to hear about a free Backstage Pass event put on by the Tempe Center for the Arts and Tempe councilwoman, Doreen Garlid. My boyfriend and I have attended performances at the Tempe Center for the Arts in the past, but we were excited to have a chance to tour the facility and learn more about its architecture. This was a fun event on 3/2/2022. We parked in their new covered parking lot and were able to have our parking ticket validated for this event. The tour started at 5:30 pm and was led by Tempe Center for the Arts staff and one of the architects who designed the building. We got to explore the Lakeside Room, gallery, sculpture garden (I didn't even know they had a sculpture garden!), and backstage area. The information was fascinating and we were able to ask lots of questions. The evening ended with a reception at 6:30 pm outside on the patio, overlooking the picturesque Tempe Town Lake. Councilwoman Doreen Garlid answered questions and chatted with the crowd. We even got to hear about a friendly ghost that inhabits the Tempe Center for the Arts. It was truly a fantastic event!

    Pre-concert.
    Martha C.

    I've been here several times in the past few months. It is once of the most spectacular venues in the East Valley. It is iconic in the City of Tempe with its pitched roof soaring toward the skies. You've probably seen in the Sky Harbor Airport. I attended a concert there this past weekend and the acoustics are great. The sound resonates throughout the entire auditorium and it's lovely. The seats are really comfy too. For this concert, the parking was complimentary. My guess is that not many folks knew that since many parked in the adjacent dirt lot. I was going to a pay to park in the structure regardless. What I love about the large auditorium is the wood on the walls. It warms the place and give is such an elegant look. I was told my the architect that the wood is cherry stained oak. There is a rooftop space as well that I was able to tour as part of my leadership group in Tempe. Also there is a wonderful venue in the space located near the negative edge pool. My goal is to be a regular patron. I love being there!

    Gallery
    Daleena R.

    My daughter and I attended Barefoot in the Park this afternoon. We were very impressed with everything from the parking to the venue to the views , staff were so friendly, and the production was just adorable. We will definitely keep an eye on upcoming performances and go again.

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    Page 1 of 3

    Ask the Community - Tempe Center for the Arts

    Is it Walker accessible to the seats?

    Is there parking on site? If not, is parking difficult?

    Yes, there is free parking, and it is a bit dusty in the lot due to construction.

    Don’t See Your Question? Ask Away!

    Review Highlights - Tempe Center for the Arts

    “. The venue is situated on Tempe Town Lake and the views from the large windows at the back are breath taking”

    Mentioned in 14 reviews

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    Marquee Theatre - Silverstein - January 2025

    Marquee Theatre

    2.7(536 reviews)
    0.5 mi
    •$$

    Been enjoying shows at the Marquee Theatre since I was a teenager, but last nights show was the…read morefirst time I sat on their balcony. The balcony has been there for a while now, but I could just never bring myself to pay the balcony prices. Last night show with Silverstein/Story of the Year, ruined that for me forever. With a bar and bathrooms upstairs the only thing missing is a merch booth up there! Even if it's just a couple of shirts from each band playing, come on Marquee! We got in line around 6:30p for the show and got in pretty quickly. No problem with security, I had my clear fanny pack and was good to go. Look up their bag policies online and you shouldn't have a problem! Bartender was friendly and the drinks were good, the view was great from the balcony and the bands on stage killed it. Bathroom was a little gross, but that's the other concert goers for sure. Be considerate people! 10/10, I love this place.

    Awful! I would NEVER go to this venue again. I rarely write bad reviews, this place was an…read moreabsolute hazard! For starters, parking is a joke! They offer one tiny little lot by the venue. Then there are other lots down by the water which fill up quickly, if you're a woman who doesn't want to walk up a giant hill in heels avoid this lot at all costs. I saw multiple women struggling. There is a parking garage across the street which is a way easier walk than the lots by the water. The most important thing to mention is that they sold waaaaaaay too many tickets. Once inside the venue. You could not even see the singers on the stage. People were stuck and unable to move. One wrong incident and a stampede was bound to happen where a lot of people could have gotten hurt. This is such a hazard and so wrong for the venue to allow this. This was a miserable experience. I had to leave before the show was over as I was getting crushed by too many people trying to move. It was giving "Travis Scott's incident". I had multiple friends tell me how bad this venue was but I thought they were being dramatic as some people can be, I wish I took their WARNINGS SERIOUSLY! Do not waste your money. There are waaaay better venues in Arizona that don't oversell their tickets just to make a quick buck while concert goers suffer. I would NEVER come back here again. I hope they get in trouble for how hazardous this experience was. Unless you're a big tall man that can push people out of the way, it's not worth it. Avoid at all costs!

    Photos
    Marquee Theatre - Silverstein

    Silverstein

    Marquee Theatre - Inside , bar

    Inside , bar

    Marquee Theatre - Inside

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    Inside

    The Van Buren - San Holo performing at The Van Buren!    The Reel Moment  (2021)

    The Van Buren

    3.5(472 reviews)
    7.6 mi
    •$$

    I really love the venue size. It's small and intimate, so you get a decent view no matter where you…read moresit. I went for a comedy show, and having actual seating set up was nice. They don't have a designated parking garage, so to eliminate any hassle, I parked where I knew it was free downtown and popped into a Waymo for the last leg. There are multiple food and drink areas available. Prices are inflated, as expected for an event venue, but nothing out of the ordinary. Keep an eye on what you bring. My friend had a standard writing pen that security wouldn't let him bring inside! Overall, I'd definitely return. Smaller, cozy venues like this are right up my alley.

    Standing room concert venue (honestly my preferred venue style). This venue is on the smaller side…read moreto what I've personally been to in comparison to venues in Milwaukee and Chicago. It has similar feel to the Rave and Aragon but definitely a much more updated/new venue. Check-in security process was smooth, drinks were good we ordered the margaritas in the refillable cups but never got refills because I'm not the person that leaves there spot at the concert and it's also a fairly large drink! We were right up at the stage and during the opening act and main they actually had a beverage/bar cart come through at the security fence which I thought was pretty smart. Great sound, wonderful view from where we managed to stand, and good crowd.

    Photos
    The Van Buren - Inside bar

    Inside bar

    The Van Buren - The Maine Night One 2024

    The Maine Night One 2024

    The Van Buren - Inside

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    Inside

    Ravenscroft - Main stage auditorium filming a commercial for Ravenscroft with talented ASU Ravenscroft scholarship recipients

    Ravenscroft

    4.3(28 reviews)
    14.7 mi

    Beautiful venue with friendly staff, excellent meal catering and unbelievably talented musicians…read more Plus, Bob Ravenscroft is a generous philanthropist! ps. Brownies at intermission!

    Went to the Jazzbird venue. Very disappointed. It's a venue that has no identity. It's not a…read morerestaurant. It's not a bar. It's not a nightclub. It's not a music venue. It tries to be those things and fails in all. The layout: It's a long narrow room. The stage is on the smaller far end. The tables are arranged going back along the long direction. If you're sitting more than halfway back you'll be disappointed in the seating. In the back are high-top tables which are very small. The "bar" is along the long wall. The "restaurant" is catered food ( I don't think the venue has a kitchen). It's arranged buffet style on portable tables in the lobby. You go in a line and chose your dinner and they hand it to you in a plastic to-go container. You eat at your table and then bus your leftovers and trash to the trash can. There is no wait service. Just like eating at a fast food restaurant. If your sitting at a small high-top table there's not enough room for more than two people to eat. You'll be seated with strangers and they'll be right in your face as you eat. The "bar" only has beer and wine for alcohol. Or you could get a canned mixed drink. Stand in line and wait your turn at the end of the bar. The bar seats are reserved for the show. Remember no wait service. So if you want a drink during the show you have to go to the bar. Music was not Jazz. Very slow, boring folk. The crowd was 70+ year olds. And they charge for this experience? Won't be going back.

    Photos
    Ravenscroft - Nash Trio

    Nash Trio

    Ravenscroft - Ravenscroft building

    Ravenscroft building

    Ravenscroft - Ravenscroft Hall

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    Ravenscroft Hall

    Crescent Ballroom

    Crescent Ballroom

    4.1(731 reviews)
    7.5 mi
    •$$

    Crescent Ballroom has to be in my top 5 venues! I've been…read moreto numerous shows here and they have always been great! Can't wait to go back soon!

    I've been to Crescent Ballroom a bunch of times for various shows over the years. Guess I never…read morereviewed it. I can only speak to it as a bar & music venue, not sure if they have food items. It's a great, small intimate space to see an artist you know well or discover something new. Last time we were there was to see one of our favorites, Black Pistol Fire, this past spring. We love that band and have seen them perform many times, we were happy they played at crescent. They have such great energy during shows and the lead singer always gets into the crowd, last time he went over to the back bar and played guitar on it. Was pretty awesome! This recent time we went to see rapper Intuition from LA. He was opening for Wax & Dj Hoppa. They were new to me, but it was a great hip hop show. Generally the sound is good in the venue and they have a bar up front with some seating. Behind the curtain where the stage is, there's a bar back too. There are also bleachers but I usually don't sit on them, but they are there if needed. Cocktails are like regular bar prices, and good thing, they are quality drinks. I had the whiskey sour and old fashioned. Both were very good with quality spirits. At $16, they should be good and not some afterthought cocktail. They also have beers on tap for like $8. I'll definitely be back for another show at some point. Until then, cheers!

    Photos
    Crescent Ballroom - Cool decor indoor front bar area

    Cool decor indoor front bar area

    Crescent Ballroom - Two tacos: Al Pastor Taco & Carne Asada Taco

    Two tacos: Al Pastor Taco & Carne Asada Taco

    Crescent Ballroom

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    Tempe Center for the Arts - galleries - Updated October 2026

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