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    Tempe Center for the Arts

    4.5 (102 reviews)
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    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.

    Shakira M.

    My first and last time coming to this arts center. Went to the see The Whiz. The Arts Center sent notice to everyone that there was construction going on and advised patrons to arrive 30 minutes and that we could park in the Ashe Avenue Parking Garage what they didn't mention was that in addition to the construction going on around them, the street the garage was on was under construction and we spent time just trying to figure out where to go. We arrive at the parking garage mentioned in the email ONLY to find out the attendants had no clue what I was talking about when I mentioned they were suppose to accept our tickets for admission. I then had to sit there and read it to them and they let us in. On top of that, the email also mentioned that there would be shuttles to take people from the parking garage to the the arts center. Of course, we couldn't find the shuttle and when I called the number on the email to the box office, I was informed that 1. That parking lot didn't have anything to do with the center and 2. There was no shuttle there. I have included the email that was sent. We arrived and no one gave us a play billboard or directed us to where we could sit although one of the women told us someone would. Unfortunately, this left such a bad taste in my mouth, I would never be back.

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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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    Silver Star Theater

    Silver Star Theater

    4.3
    (65 reviews)
    13.3 mi

    The age average is probably 70ish. I've been here now twice as both occasions were gifted for my…read morebirthday. I still enjoyed my time each time even though we were probably the youngest as someone got my husband and I tickets here for my birthday the past two years. The music was fantastic and we saw the variety show and the Grand Finale show and I enjoyed seeing multiple genres of music. The lead singers and musicians were phenomenal, and I absolutely loved the costume changes. The outfit changes really held my attention and was a great part of the show. The food, however, was just okay. I wouldn't come here for the food alone, but rather for the overall experience and to do something different. The meal included vegetables, potatoes, mashed potatoes, spinach cheese ravioli, chicken Parmesan, pulled pork dish, and a pineapple fish dish. This was the same food both times we went, so I'm not sure if they ever change it, I wish they did for a change. The pulled pork and cheese ravioli were good, but I wasn't a fan of the other dishes. The chicken Parmesan was probably the worst I've had as it wasn't at all what I expected from a traditional chicken parm. Dessert is a slice of chocolate cake that's already at your table when you arrive. I did think it was a nice touch that they pass out foil before the show ends so you can take it home and not waste it. The recommended tip listed on a sign at the table is $5 per person, so in addition to your ticket price, expect to pay at least that much extra. Drinks are also not included, so that's another added cost. Overall, this is a great experience, more so for 50+ and would make a fun gift, especially for a couple looking to do something different. I wish they had a family friendly show where it encouraged families with kids as I could see my kids who love music at 2 and 4 enjoying the show and dancing! I sat about in the middle of the theater and had a good view of everything. I really think most seats will be just fine!

    A full evening of dinner and a show for around $50. It's a great deal!…read more Went to see the Elvis and Friends show with an awesome group of people. You start with the buffet. There's a variety of food and it was all delicious. There's a few different proteins, this night was swiss cheese chicken, pulled pork, and beef stroganoff. The was roasted red potatoes and garlic mashed potatoes with gravy. And sides that included suateed vegetables and cheese raviolis , dinner rolls and butter. There was also a salad bar, but after a little bit of everything previously mentioned I was way too full. Had to save room for the chocolate cake. Then came the show. I never saw Elvis when he was alive, so I was excited to see this show. The guy does a great Elvis impersonation, taking you from the 60s Elvis, advancing to the Vegas Elvis era. And, since "and Friends", other folks in the crew did tributes to act like Bobby Darrin, Nancy Sinatra, Tony Orlando, Barbera Streisand, Melissa Manchester, etc. All people Elvis worked with to some level in his lifetime. Interspersed, was information about Elvis, the things he did for people, and discussions of the songs he sang. It was informative and very entertaining. The whole crew were incredibly talented at both singing and playing their instruments. The Silver Star also offers other variety shows, like a Country Music one, classic radio music one and a couple others. I had never been to a dinner theater before and really enjoyed it. If you're looking for something to do for a full evening or maybe have people visiting and looking for something to do, you should totally go!

    Photos
    Great view even from the middle of the theater
    Great view even from the middle of the theater
    The "famous" chocolate cake. It was very chocolatey.
    The "famous" chocolate cake. It was very chocolatey.
    Stage

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    Stage
    Sunbar Tempe

    Sunbar Tempe

    3.1
    (162 reviews)
    0.6 mi
    $$

    I went to Sunbar Tempe on a whim on Valentines Day night, not expecting much of a crowd since I…read morefigured most people would be out at dinners or staying in. I was SO wrong and so happily surprised. The place was absolutely bumping. There was a show that night, and Celine Fatale was the first DJ to come out and she completely set the tone for the entire night. From the start, the energy was perfect and just kept building. I honestly have not had that much fun dancing on a random night out in a long time. The bartenders were so sweet, the bouncers were fun and welcoming, and the whole staff contributed to such a positive, safe vibe. But Celine really made it special. Her remixes were so good, and she was incredibly engaging with the crowd. She was dancing with us, feeding off the energy, and you could tell she genuinely loves what she does. At one point, some people in the crowd had this random toy they were obsessed with, and she actually grabbed it and started dancing with it. It was such a funny, spontaneous moment that made the night feel even more connected. I would absolutely go back again, especially if Celine Fatale is DJing. It turned into one of the most unexpectedly fun Valentines nights ever.

    I went to Sunbar in Tempe for their daytime "disco club" event. The concept is great -- I love the…read moreidea of an 80s/90s/2000s daytime party, and the overall vibe and music selection were good. However, I was disappointed by a few things. The flyer listed the event from 3-10 PM, but it seemed to end much earlier, which felt a bit misleading. The biggest letdown was when I requested Erasure -- a staple of 80s/90s dance music -- and the DJ said he didn't know who they were. If you're branding an event around those decades, knowing iconic artists from that era is essential. And if not, at least look them up. That's part of creating an authentic experience. For $35 plus fees and $30 for parking, I expected more attention to detail. As someone with a marketing background, I'd suggest adding a feature during ticket purchase where attendees can submit their favorite artists from the event's theme years. DJs could then incorporate the most requested songs into the playlist. That kind of engagement would elevate the experience and keep people coming back. The idea is strong -- it just needs a little more execution.

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    Sunbar Tempe
    Pretzel Bites
    Pretzel Bites
    Watermelon mules, vodka soda lime x2, tequila soda lime

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    Watermelon mules, vodka soda lime x2, tequila soda lime
    Asian District Night Market

    Asian District Night Market

    4.0
    (2 reviews)
    4.7 mi

    I have been to a few of these Asian Night Markets since the Asian Chamber of Commerce started…read morehosting them here in Arizona. For me, I enjoy the chance to engage with culture, eat a variety of foods, and support our local Asian community. These events typically take place in the parking lot of the AZ International Marketplace in Mesa. Several food and retail vendors fill up the parking lot with all sorts of yummy food and cool merchandise. There is also a stage with live entertainment. I recently attended the Kamayan Festival version of the night market which was part of the celebration for Filipino American History Month. I had a VIP pass to the Sapporo beer garden and enjoyed the perks that came with it. As much as I enjoy being a part of these festivals, the lines are usually insanely long. I come to these to try new things, but find myself getting discouraged by the long waits. I have learned the best time to come to Asian Night Markets is when they first open if you want to try a variety of food.

    I attended the January 2022 edition of this annual event, occurring at Lunar New Year. Centered on…read morethe Asian Pacific American community, this event celebrates cultural diversity, cuisine, art, and music. Organized by the Asian Chamber of Commerce, I know that in the past this required admission but this year's was free. I would not be surprised if it becomes an admission-only event in the future as it was packed from the entry time of 5:30. Given that the city of Mesa has decided to invest considerable resources to brand the area as an Asian enclave, I suspect it will get bigger and more impressive each year. While there are a ton of food trucks here, my advice would be not to show up hungry. Nearly every stall had long lines (save the poor coffee vendor). I would like to say that lines moved quickly, but most did not. I think it is better to have eaten a little something first and then show up and have a snack or two or come later in the evening when the live music really gets going. But if you plan to make this your sole dinner stop it will be frustrating. One perk of a big festival like this is that many smaller caterers/restaurants/food trucks that you haven't heard of will show up. There was plenty that was new to me and gave me a bucket list of places to try. I got some bao buns from Hot Bamboo which has a brick-and-mortar location in Chandler as well as a food truck that often pops up at festivals across town. They make Instagrammable character buns. It's a bit cheesy but the price was good and they were flavorful and satisfying. They were temporarily out of some fillings and the employees were profusely apologetic. It did inspire me to want to one day visit their actual restaurant. The vibe was great and the 2022 edition was a nice blend of people from all walks of life eager to celebrate our post-pandemic world (yeah, Year of the Tiger!). Besides food trucks, there were a few vendors selling gifts and other items but nothing popped out as too special. You can find the schedule on their website. Besides the night market, they also organize some daytime activities at parks that focus less on food and more on culture.

    Photos
    Kamayan Festival
    Kamayan Festival
    Asian District Night Market
    Asian District Night Market

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    Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament

    Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament

    4.0
    (490 reviews)
    9.1 mi
    $$$$

    We had a fantastic time at Medieval Times and felt the VIP seating package was well worth it. The…read moreseats (section red) gave us a great view of all the action, and the dinner was delicious. Our meal included roasted chicken, corn, a potato, garlic toast, tomato bisque soup, and dessert. Everything was fresh, flavorful, and filling, and our server provided excellent service throughout the evening. The entertainment was outstanding from start to finish. We loved the exciting jousting matches, sword fighting, horsemanship, and crowd interaction. The knights and horses were incredible, and the action kept us engaged the entire time. Overall, it was a fun, unique, and memorable experience that we would highly recommend!

    I partook of this in Orlando a while ago and decided to bring the kiddo out to experience it…read more Our server was really enthusiastic and didn't pester folks for tips. Perhaps management has talked to them about this. We were so much happier to give a gratuity under these circumstances. But if I were in charge I'd just raise the price and say no tipping expected. How cool would that be for a change? Beverages are lemonad, Pepsi, Pepsi zero, ice tea (I think) and water. They come one more time to refill before desert. And then offer coffee after desert. I don't think arriving early got us a better section, because we were still at probably the worst seats in the house. But that's relatively speaking because I don't think there's any really bad seats. If you tell them why you came the King and Queen will announce your name and the special occasion. Even if it's just "for a fun night out" that counts! They probably read everyone's name in the auditorium if seemed. Before the show you can walk around and shop. Full armor purchase will set you back $4,000-$6,000. I know you want to take that home. They also got light up swords etc. lots of folks buying stuff. We got a shirt The food was surprisingly decent. First course is garlic bread and tomato bisque soup. Second course is roast chicken. Third course is corn on cob and potatoes. And fourth course is desert (partially frozen mini eclair). My only complaint is that there were a few Karens in the crowd. Usually renaissance and medieval events attract only chill folks. But well we had a few women in the crowd who just seemed hell bent to make sure everyone had as miserable a time as they were having. They thought my kid was cheering too loudly and wanted her to tone it down a notch or two, as it was hurting their precious ears. These are folks across the stairs and a row down from us. Seriously? Just kinda ruined the night for my kid to be honest.

    Photos
    Blue night
    Blue night
    Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament
    One of the armor displays

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    One of the armor displays
    Urban Roots Farms

    Urban Roots Farms

    5.0
    (1 review)
    13.0 mi

    The very best Microgreens!! And staff is so friendly and helpful! Was a pleasure to visit!!read more

    From the owner: As a sustainable farm in Scottsdale, Urban Roots Farms specializes in organic microgreens grown…read morewith the environment in mind. Our goal is to solve the problem of local, organic, & nutritious food availability with urban farming. Our commitment to innovation, integrity & sustainability offers a fresh take on traditional agriculture. With organic seeds & a controlled growth environment, we optimize growth without harmful pesticides. Thus, our microgreens don't just taste great but positively impact the environment. Whether you're an individual, restaurant, or distributor, we're here to help improve local food sources for the community. If you're looking to buy microgreens that are as nutritious as they are delicious, visit our website today! Our sustainable urban farming practices make us a pioneer in responsible, closed-loop systems that minimize waste & prioritize water efficiency. Our mission goes beyond mere farming; we strive to provide a model for sustainable agriculture for generations to come. Join us at Urban Roots Farms, an indoor farm that's revolutionizing the way we think about food. When you visit our storefront, our friendly team is always ready to answer questions & educate you on the rich nutrition that comes with our products. Go to our website today & dive into a world of local, sustainable microgreens & specialty produce, and discover how we're planting the seeds for a healthier tomorrow, one sprout at a time.

    The Murder Mystery Company in Phoenix

    The Murder Mystery Company in Phoenix

    3.9
    (51 reviews)
    7.6 mi

    (Would have been 3 Star review, but I gave an extra star for the company cast)…read moreThe Senior Center in Buckeye hired this company to do a "50s Sock Hop gone sour" themed party. It was a fun event, the hired actors were good and the food was decent. I don't know if the Senior Center provided the food, or if it was part of the show cost. Regardless... if you've never been to one of these murder mystery shows, it can be extremely confusing. The actors gave each table a hard book folder with notes in it, they chose one person from each table to be a "suspect" of the murder. Not a whole lot of explanation goes in to what each suspect is supposed to do. You really have to read the notes in the folder. I was chosen as a suspect and I needed to say specific things when all the suspects were interrogated up in front of the audience, on a microphone. "Anxiety spike!" A couple times, everyone in the room has to go around to other tables, or mill around the room, asking questions to try and figure out who the killer is. It gets very convoluted. I noticed that some people just gave up because it was too confusing. There should be a little bit more explanation as to what people are supposed to do, ESPECIALLY the people from the audience who are chosen as suspects, or people who have NEVER been to a murder mystery themed show. Overall, it's a fun time, but be expected to do some reading, take some notes and actually participate in the show. It's not like you're there just watching a tv show. Kudos to the company actors. They were fun. Good job, cast!

    What a fantastic experience; I cannot say enough good words to express how thoroughly engaged the…read moreactors made everyone feel. Kudos! The party, an 80's themed mystery, in Las Vegas, was facilitated by Valarie and Toni, and they pulled it off with flair and style. The ability to begin with cocktails and appetizers gave everyone involved a chance to mingle & created cohesive detective pairings for total strangers. Time went fast and it was saturated with twists and hidden clues. I had such a good time. *Highly recommend for anyone wanting to throw a unique party. Most excellent!

    Photos
    The Murder Mystery Company in Phoenix
    Spumoni ice cream
    Spumoni ice cream
    Good size cocktail for the price!

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    Good size cocktail for the price!

    Tempe Center for the Arts - galleries - Updated July 2026

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