Way over capacity, unsafe levels of bodies and heat, there were small kids in the audience to. I tried my best to ride it out and get to the band I came for but I felt more and more like I could not breathe and then you have people stepping on you, nearly knocking you over. Some chick vomited all over the floor and on the women next to me. I get it it's a business it's all about making money but not at the expense of any one's safety. Not coming here again. read more

Not like the poor reviews. I was worried and arrived late. The security were kind and actually did not prevent a few people from walking in without totally hearing them out (when not crowded). It was cool and easy to walk to the front or sides if you wanted to meet the band. There was a place to meet the opening act in the main room after the show. The bathrooms were large and uncrowded. read more

Caught fit for a king here last night and really loved it. Can't comment on the heat that others do as it was cold outside. Acoustics were great and you get a great view no matter where you're at. Employees were very friendly and parking is way easy here. Enjoyed myself. read more

They appear to bring a good variety of bands in and the staff seemed friendly enough, but poor sound makes this a so-so venue. Just a large rectangular room, reminiscent of a high school gymnasium and all the acoustics to match. This is a venue you go to because you want to see the band, not to find a new band you might like, whatever they sound like here is not what they sound like in an actual music venue. read more

I'm going to be VERY blunt, here. This place is dangerous. Full stop. I've been to shows here three times, but last night (5/12/2023) was one of the worst experiences I've EVER had at a concert. Even at 6:00pm (when did the doors actually open if there were that many people already inside??), it seemed ridiculously overcrowded, and just continued to get worse by the minute. You'll never, ever convince me that this show wasn't WILDLY oversold. The first band played, and by the time they went offstage, I was DONE. I left. It was absolutely packed, to the point where I felt so unsafe and hot and crowded in, it was giving me anxiety. Everyone just seemed so unhappy? The vibe in the air felt straight up hostile. I've been going to metal shows for well over 20 years, I'm not a kid, I know how things go. This venue is a terrible accident waiting to happen (for example, a massive crowd crush wouldn't surprise me in the least). It is NOT. SAFE. The staff working the door were incredibly rude and unpleasant, and apparently DID NOT want people going outside to get some air or have a smoke or anything at all. Speaking of, what exactly was with the lighter situation? That gigantic pile of lighters on the table out front that the staff demanded everyone give up? What exactly did you think you were going to do with those, just take them and sell them inside for 5 bucks a pop? When I left I retrieved mine from the table (easy to spot, it was super brightly colored/patterned) and bluntly told the guy standing there that it was MINE, I paid for it, I came with it, and I was leaving with it. I don't think he was happy (understatement), but I really don't care. What are you going to do? Call the cops on me for retrieving an item that was already mine? You might be able to demand my things from me because I genuinely did want to go inside and see the show, but you can't tell me I can't take them with me when I Ieave. To be honest, it might have actually been NICE had the cops shown up. All it would have taken was for them to just stand in the doorway to see how dangerously, horribly overcrowded it actually was in there. The $3 water here is NOT cold. They're just going to hand you a room temperature bottle of cheap Wal-mart water, and well, I guess you're lucky to get it. There is no place to sit, no place to catch your breath, especially since I suppose you're just really not allowed to go outside anymore without the staff getting hostile about it. There is NO PATIO of any kind. I will never, EVER go back to this venue. Avoid this place. (I'm not at all "sorry" for this review, or how blunt I'm being. I am, quite simply, just telling the truth.) read more

Neat venue, gives you a personal experience! Overall enjoyed the service, location and drinks were good. The bathroom could use some updatint read more

Where do I start? I've been going to this place since the 90's, and wasn't a fan even then, but lately it's become this place where they treat you like you've done something wrong just for showing up. It's dehumanizing walking up and having people start shouting demands of you and going through your stuff. They make you bring a clear bag like it's a visit to someone in prison. They seem to be all hopped up on power over there like it makes them all puffed up to bully people who are just there to see a band or whatever. It's Mesa, people need to calm down. This ain't some trendy exclusive Hollywood venue, it's MESA! I had to miss my own friends play there, the Chats because I didn't want to get yelled at for being on the guest list, or worse have them deny me just for the hell of it. One time a friend was playing there and went to buy a beer to have with him on stage, and they denied it to him because he wasn't finished with the other one. Total control freaks, man! Like get over yourselves! You're in a suburb trying to remain relevant. I'll probably get yelled at by the overlords who work there just for writing this; but fuck that place. read more

Over the years I have seen a lot of bands preform here, as of late, this venue has gone DOWNHILL. I keep buying tickets trying to give the venue another chance and they continually disappoint me. The staff and management are the WORST. They treat their patrons very poorly. Somehow every employee is on a major power trip and think that they own the place. Lately, I have not been to a show where their staff hasn't been rude to me or someone in my group. And despite them replacing the cooling system during the pandemic, every show I have attended is ridiculously hot and not ventilated. Stop attending shows here and stop booking the Nile. read more

An awesome repurposing of an old building. Only downsides is that it is super hot in there and with general admission it is hard to see the stage action unless you are really tall or right up front. read more

Nile Theater - Super hard to see the stage. We were in the middle of the pack but had to move back to the rear of the crowd because it was sooooo hot. - Music Venues Near Me - Mesa, Arizona

Went to a show just recently and it started off great, got there early enough to make sure I was going to be able to get comfortable because I'm in a wheelchair but need to consistently take stand breaks and breaks to sit unfortunately. Well that did not last.. ADA got infested by inconsiderate individuals who invaded the ADA area making the show less enjoyable, may I add I bought presale tickets to this show and am a huge fan of the artist. Staff was pretty nice and I'm sure they would of done something if I had complained but the place was already packed and me trying to look for someone to complain to in a wheelchair would of probably been impossible. I ended up leaving early which I never do ever because I became very uncomfortable. Luckily, the artist was live streaming and I caught the end of the show on Instagram live in bed. I've been going to these shows for over a decade and now I am unfortunately ADA, wished ppl would be more considerate of their surroundings and the disabled. We love live music just S much as you but unlike y'all we aren't capable of standing for long periods that's why ADA sections exist. read more

Nile Theater - Living legends! Huge fan! - Music Venues Near Me - Mesa, Arizona

Cool little theater. Sounds great! My only complaint is when shows sellout. It's way too packed. Can hardly move. It takes a good 20 minutes to get to the bar and/or bathroom. Really doesn't seem safe if there were a emergency. Also the door kid made me throw my lighter away. I've been to hundreds of shows and not once had to do that. I'm I really going to light a brick building down with a little bic lighter?‍ read more

Beware, for there is a short and rotund female security guard wearing glasses on a power trip who may decide to ruin your night and deny you entry on a whim. From now on I will refer to said rotund lady guard as "short stuff". It's a shame that such individuals are given fake authority, and unfortunately I know from experience that it is nearly impossible to get rid of such an incompetent employee. My wife was falsely and lazily accused of being intoxicated by short stuff while we were going through the security check outside because apparently my wife took five seconds too long to retrieve her ID from her purse. As a result we were denied entry. The decision was so swift and thoughtless my wife and I were taken aback by the accusation. Due to the bizarre nature of what just happened, we decided to get back in line just to see what would happen. About three minutes later we encountered short stuff once again, who failed to recognize the people she just turned away, and we made it inside the venue. Who is the intoxicated one here again? This just proves that paying guests are turned away on a whim without much thought. A different security guy did catch on to us very soon after entering and realized we slipped by after being previously turned away, so we were then escorted out of the venue. We tried to plead our case but unfortunately short stuff is too powerful and had the final say. Let me summarize the story once more. My wife and I are a couple approaching our 40's, we caused no trouble whatsoever, yet we were kicked out by a power hungry teletubby named short stuff. I have been to well over 100+ shows at the Nile theater since 2012 and I never had this kind of experience with security before. I have certainly seen some questionable behavior by security staff over the years but I never had a negative personal encounter myself until recently. Staff seems to change often so hopefully there is a brighter future. This experience makes me want to avoid Nile Theater as much as possible, but unfortunately almost all of the metal bands I listen to seem to perform there. I already refunded tickets for two shows I feel like I do not absolutely need to see. My advice for concert goers at this time is to keep your head down in line and avoid communicating with security if you can to avoid being accused of being intoxicated and turned away. Do not show any emotion or excitement in line or you may be accused of being intoxicated and turned away. Only use basic responses such as "yes sir/maam, no sir/maam, ok sir/maam". For the love of god have your ID ready at the security check or you may be accused of being intoxicated and turned away. Think twice about having a drink before the show because god forbid you appear to be relaxed. Do not tell short stuff that alcohol is served inside the venue or everyone will get kicked out including the bar tenders. And most importantly my friends, don't let short stuff bring you down. If you're accused of being intoxicated and kick out, you may as well journey over to one of the many magnificent local bars to give those accusations some legitimacy. read more

I am currently trying to listen to the band Oly and Kings Kaleidoscope and the noise from the band on the lower stage is disrupting the experience! Poor planning! Also, your air conditioning isn't working in the middle of the summer read more

Forcing people to vaccinate or test prior to entry is wrong! People who are vaccinated can still spread Covid to the unvaccinated! The unvaccinated are been treated as second class citizens. The Nile blocked me on their Instagram because they didn't want to hear a former patrons friendly perspective of the situation. I've been coming to the Nile for over a decade for shows. If I don't want to vaccinate then that's my choice and I KNOW my risk upon entering, just as everyone else does. And my negative Covid test wouldn't protect me from a vaccinated person spreading Covid anyhow. I would encourage patrons and artists to use another venue! Stand up for medical freedom! Here is the post of the Instagram conversation we had before they blocked me... read more

Legitimately ruined our experience. The security guard at the front door totally ruined our experience. The shorter gal with glasses was clearly on a power trip and wouldn't let my girlfriend in over a little joke about "being tipsy" because she was having trouble pulling her ID out of her wallet. The said security guard proceeded to disrespect my girlfriend, and her friend. Her co-companion raised his voice multiple times at my girlfriend and her friend, rolling his eyes at them, and insinuating they were stupid. My girlfriend bought the concert tickets for us as a birthday present, and didn't want me to miss the concert. Me and a friend of mine went in, and watched the security guard barge her way through the crowd to get pictures of the bands. I will never give my money to this theatre ever again, unless they address the issue of security disrespecting guests. The band we went to see was a band the both of us love. I had to console my sobbing girlfriend in the parking lot because of a power thirsty, rude (you know what word comes next). read more

I'm currently here now. Yes, it is hot as hades but it's tolerable. I see all these reviews and I was discouraged to come but it's all about perception. The venue is small so it feels like everyone is close to the stage, which makes for a great show. The floor doesn't feel uneven like the reviews say. They have no hard liquor but some beer and spritz. I did see someone get carried out but was it heat exhaustion, I don't know I'm not a doctor.Please wear deodorant, if you come here for the sake of everybody else please wear deodorant! If I was in my early twenties it would be prefect or if it was winter lol read more

Zero star rating, this place is a total dive. Even worse, we bought tickets to see a bunch of bands and they didn't let the last group play; cut off the 2nd to last band and shoved everyone out over an hour before the end time on the tickets. Drink choices at the bar were lame too. Terrible customer relations. Will not go back. read more

Cool venue, nice acoustics, and a bunch of fans and ac so you're not hot. I loved the venue, however security was trash. My brother had a pack of cigarettes they made him put back in the car then when we returned he had forgotten about his lighter in his pocket and they made him throw it away even though he had nothing to smoke. Also they were wondering through the crowd and just shoving people. They got super close to the pit and did nothing to control it besides get in the way. I watched one security guard standing in a terrible spot get a kid slammed in to them which made them both fall and securities reaction was to stand up and throw the kid back in to the pit instead of checking on them. Besides security I loved it. By the way, this was at the Lil Tracy concert from last month. read more

First time here to see Between The Buried And Me. Never coming back. No AC, $3 bottled water was not cold. Cold drinks available dehydrate. Stay away. Bands need to stop booking here. Major health hazard. read more

Very huge space with a great stage setup! Bar is easily accessible. If going for a big show it can get crowded but excellent service from the team at The Nile. read more

Nile Theater is in our neighborhood and we come here a lot. We love the variety of acts. But what's up with the ac? We're here now for a burlesque show and it's 115° out and they don't even have the fans on. We're standing around not even moving and are sweating our asses off. Ugh...gonna be a long, hot, night. read more

One of the worst venues in Phoenix. The sound sucks, they don't have an open bar and if you have the displeasure of going to a show at the underground good luck. The best thing about this venue is that there is decent parking. read more

I went to see The Amazing Acro-Cats w/ Tuna & the Rock-cats last Tuesday night at the Nile- yes, real felines performing on their real instruments driven by tempting treats by their owners/trainers ;) It was a pawsome night with the touring troupe, staff, and security enjoying the cats' performances, as well as mingling with the cats. I believe a venue has a part of how the event turned out by its hospitality that it exuded... The Nile gave off a downtown speakeasy ambiance as it was established in 1924 and located at the end of a little strip mall (that's currently being re-modeled). You entered at the back of the venue through the alley and by the parking lot. It was also very cold inside- probably had on the a/c? Fortunately, since it's wintertime, there's always having had a jacket or sweater on anyway. I was enjoying it as a reprieve from the summer heat we get here. It used to be a movie house and the space is small and very dark; yet, big enough to accompany a sizable crowd for this type of event. There was a stage. There were VIP 2-row seats, general seats, and a standing spot. There was the acoustics guy. There was a cafe corner and merchandise area. A box office and 2-gender restrooms. And, it was all ages. Lots of brick, art, and black. Punk bands The Weirdos and Adolescents performed there several years ago. It even used to be a clothing store. You can even get married there. Just, thanks for the relaxing and fun evening- and allowing cats :) read more

See all

Fire hazard, too packed. Unorganized "line" for drinks. One drink per person. We left after one set.

A place where all are accepted?...Hardly! The staff needs to not judge a book by its cover. They will judge you before meeting even. Will not ever visit this place in the future nor will it ever be recommended by me to anyone! Stop saying you accept all when in reality you judge and profile before knowing any real facts. read more

The sound was AWFUL in this club. It's not a huge club, the walls are all hard surfaces, but they mic the kick and snare drums so pretty much all you hear is the beat. The band tries to keep up, and gets so loud, you can barely tell what's being played. The PA is hanging over the front of the stage, so if you try to get up close, you can't hear anything but the guitar and drums. Maybe it's not the house sound guy, but somebody needs to get it sorted out. Bands - if you're playing here, turn it down. You'll sound better if people can hear what you sound like, rather than just sounding loud. Staff was friendly and professional and handled the one 'getting out of hand' issue just as it was escalating. read more

Nile Theater - The Adolescents - Music Venues Near Me - Mesa, Arizona

See all

I go to quite a few venues across the valley for metal shows. The Nile and Marquee are by far the loudest, not in a good way. I''m used to tinnitus after shows, but it's 48 hours of ear ringing afterwards. Its to the point where you can't really hear the music clearly, it's just noise. Not sure if it's the acoustics or what but I kinda dread seeing bands there for that sole reason. Otherwise the venue is fine read more

Took my daughter here to see Masked Intruder early October in 2019. Had I known the "Underground" section of this venue did not have air conditioning, I wouldn't have gone. Not only were people profusely sweating, there was abysmal seating. If you're going to cheap out on a/c, at least offer free water, fans and/or more places to sit. My daughter's friend (a teen girl) almost passed out & I ended up with what I can only assume was heat exhaustion & dehydration & was throwing up & pretty sick the entire next day. No, I didn't get wasted, I had like 1 or 2 beers because after a short amount of time, they turned into hot piss water. I get that this is the "punk" section of this establishment, but your lack of consideration & basic customer service is pure, unalderated nonsense. Get it together, The Nile. I hope after the pandemic shutdown, you appreciate your customers a lot more & will start treating them like human beings. read more

Cannot reach anyone to clarify the Covid policy for a show, website says it varies per show and tickets are non-refundable. So not about to buy tickets if we may not even be able to get in. Guess we show up at the door and buy tickets if show is not sold out? May never know if it is a great venue because the customer service sucks. Pity because I was looking forward to the show. read more

The employees were all very nice and courteous! The reason for the bad review is how dangerously hot it was. I came to see The Wrecks and couldn't even stay until they came out. I have never seen so many people leave the concert before the main act came on. I'm so sad that I wasn't even able to see them. I started getting lightheaded when the second opening act came on and decided to leave even though I only wanted to see the main act. I expected it to be hot but not that hot. I watched so many people agree to leave the concert due to the heat. I thought I was being overdramatic but then I read the other review about the same night. I had a VIP ticket so I was able to get into the venue earlier than others. I could feel the temperature rising as GA was admitted in. When the venue was half packed it was incredibly hot. Once everyone came in it was just too unbearable. I bought 3 waters to stay hydrated but if I didn't leave I probably would have thrown up from heat exhaustion. I felt so bad for the employees there. Edit: If you go through the reviews on yelp you can see many other reviews talking about the same experience and some go back a few years. They most likely know about this problem and haven't done anything to fix it. read more

I had never been to The Nile until last night and it was one of the best venues I have played at. For performers: there is a ton of space to display merchandise and the set up leaves space for a single-file line rather than a coagulation of people glomming onto your table at the end of the show. For viewers: it is easy to see the bands from as far as the back of the room because the stage is so high. There is a cafe attached so you can get food and coffee. They sell beer at the bar inside. The staff is quick and kind. This venue is a real banger. Especially for Mesa, Arizona. No offense, but you wouldn't expect it. read more

amazing air conditioning!!!!!! i was freezing the whole time and it was awesome kekskdjjdksjdjdj

On July 13th, this venue attempted to hold an event in its basement on a 109 degree Summer day in Arizona. They had no working A/C and no qualms about their no-refund policy. I was unable to stay and enjoy a beloved artist's show as I found myself lightheaded within minutes of entering the basement. My party paid $60 and have been told there will be no refunds, despite our leaving before the show started. This is theft. Please don't give this venue your patronage. read more

Hosted Phoenix Zine Fest through the Nile, and they were incredible! Super communicative when we asked questions, provided security and staff for the non-alcoholic bar at our request. Michelle answered everything in a timely fashion and Jason made sure our security team was present, and even handled the small stuff like turning up my mic ;) Could not have asked for a better host venue. read more

This place is the worst. I didn't even walk into the theater before I had an issue. The security woman checking bags took EVERYTHING out of my purse and left it on the table. She even opened my scent bird container. TSA isn't this bad at the airport. I asked if she was going to put everything back and she just looked at me. So I told her if she took it out she needs to put it back in. Well, it didn't happen. After walking to my car to put my vape away and coming back, another bag check was done by someone else who was actually very kind and didn't pull every single item out. He just took a glance in and let me in. Upon walking in the venue, I thought I was going to have some relief from the heat outside. I didn't. It was maybe 5 degrees cooler inside but that means nothing when it's blazing hot outside. The fans worked poorly. As the crowd started to come in, it began to get even hotter and more stuffy. It was hard to breathe. Only canned drinks were sold. They had only 4 options for you to choose from. Back to the heat. It was so hot the artist had to go off stage in the middle of his set for 5 mins to cool off and that's when the venue decided to put floor fans up to circulate the air after we had been in there for 2 hours at the point. The floor feels unstable and uneven. It was a mess all around. The only reason why I was even here was because the concert moved from its original venue. I will never come here again. It was the worst experience I've had as an avid concert goer. read more

Such an intimate place to have a show... such history makes all shows better...the acoustics are a little hard on the ears... but love being no more then 5 people away from the stage!! #girlrepellant read more

Nile Theater - Music Venues Near Me - Mesa, Arizona

If you're looking to have fun at a show, don't come here. The security here is insanely strict, they threw out multiple people for vaping without any warnings and no clear signage. At the same time they ignored groups of people smoking joints and cigarettes. Inconsistent and unfair. They are rude to their guests and constantly interrupt the crowd when they are trying to enjoy the show and mosh. Awful experience. read more

Security here thinks they have the legal right to punch people in the face and then threaten to take them outside - lead is clearly a head case. The young man was not deserving of this - Glad he chose to walk away. This kid was sober and simply trying to have a good time. Focus probably should have been on the individual's jumping off the stage - if protection was a concern. I believe a complaint to the AG would be right up their alley - with photos in hand. No one should pay a dime to be assaulted by security at any venue. Pretty sure the band members did not appreciate seeing their fan being treated in this manner either. Not a safe environment.The previous review was spot on - They choose their targets. Skipping right over this venue next time. read more

I went here on Oct 29 to see spider gang it was really good security did a good job . Defiantly recommend .

Pretty sure no one reviewing this place has ever been to a venue before. Or maybe its just me. Staff is pretty Rad, and always books good tours and packages, great for the local scene and a good place for bands to get their chops. Sound upstairs and downstairs is usually excellent, and although it gets hot in the summer its always a good time. Anyone complaining about the sound (looks like alot of you) is probably in one of the local bands who cant play their instruments or one of the touring primadonnas who aren't sure how to do a proper sound check or work a mixing board. Overall great place, and one of the last true DIY venues in the country. read more