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The Rialto Theatre

3.8 (199 reviews)
Closed 12:00 pm - 5:00 PM

The Rialto Theatre Photos

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James M.

The first visit was to see Madeleine Peyroux, an American singer-songwriter. The show was excellent and the theatre provided a very good experience. While the seating was less comfortable than desired, the staff, acoustics, and sound system were very good. Looking forward to the next visit.

PPL
Amy C.

We didn't get any food or snacks but popcorn smelled great! Ticket handlers and security folks were all nice. The theatre has been around a long time, the bathrooms were clean and seemed updated but the main theatre doesn't look much different than it did way back. The chairs are pretty uncomfortable but maybe that's just lends to the experience. The sound was great! We saw Pure Prairie League and it was a good show. Love having this venue in Tucson.

Frank turner
Monica E.

This is a great venue in downtown, i went with my best friend to see the Descendants & Frank Turner The bar staff were great and quick at making your drink, i do wish they had real food (they only have popcorn). The bathroom lines were very long between sets. Luckily we were smart and made our escape before the rush hit. We'd totally come here again.

Kathryn W.

I absolutely love the Rialto as a local concert venue. I've seen so many different types of shows here, comedy, punk rock, seated shows, instrumental type, dj shows, rappers, legendary performers and new acts. It's a great size space, usually standing room only but some times seated shows. And there's always balcony tickets which are seated. I never have a problem with security or lines getting in. They remodeled the bathrooms and that was a major upgrade. Several bar options, also some snacks / popcorn available. Also love that you can pop out to the R-bar as well for a drink. Love the murals on the out side depicting up coming shows. Easy parking across the street(prices vary) , and it's easy to buy tickets on line or in the box office. Definitely a staple venue of downtown Tucson and much beloved!

Stage front and mostly center
Jessica C.

This is only my second visit here. Generally if there is a decent show, I imagine the venue will benefit automatically with reviews. For me, this was a show I really wanted to see and a memory replacer for a show I saw years and years ago. Being late to my fiest show made for poor viewing options even with the incline in the floor. Last time, I found the perfect curve in the floor. This time? I made sure to leave with ample time to get a good spot. They were punctual with doors opening at the indicated time. What looked to be a long line upon arrival when smooth and quick on being let in. Both "checker-inners" were personable... No, they were friendly and it keep my vibe up bc of no shenanigans... Merch booth was set up beforehand and that also had a line, but they have managed to make it work to where you may get through to enter the stage area or the line for merch. Appreciated. I elected to get merch after the show and take my risk on them being low. I got a spot front and center and I wasn't budging from that spot until all was said and done. If I did what I "normally do" I'd have grabbed water preshow and I did not. Shame on me. Now, look, I don't know if this is a usual occurrence but by the time I was parched and knew I needed water a security man behind the grate/gate(?) came by with water. He was a water angel answering my prayer to the heaven above, for real. Because I wasn't moving and would have elected death over losing my place (exaggerating, but you get me). The bathrooms were right in front and I was able to visit going in and going out with ease. The trash bins were super full of papertowels at the end but... understably so, as they would be closing up shop soon. Point? If given the right artist, I would happily visit again and again.

Entrance
Diele K.

When one of my favorite bands, From Ashes to New, announced a Tucson show without a show in the Phoenix area I knew a road trip was in order. The Rialto Theatre is about a two hour drive from my house, but was easy to navigate to Tucson from the valley. I took an Uber to the venue from my hotel, and was very easy to navigate to the entrance of the line forming for both VIP and general admission. During the first act, unfortunately a male in the mosh pit full on shoved me causing me to tumble. I quickly got to my feet, and generally seemed unharmed until about 4-5 minutes later a small bump began to form on my forehead and bruising on my knees/elbow. The staff was really amazing to get my ice and a place to sit while i waited for the medic to assess the damage since I did feel dizzy and a little disoriented (never had a concussion so I was not sure what to expect if it was). They even offered a seat in the ADA section as I truly didn't want to leave after both making the drive and spending the money on VIP to meet/greet with the band. Throughout the remainder of the night, both the security and even who appeared to be the manager periodically asked how I was doing. Without hesitation, I would say this has been the friendliness venue I've ever seen a show at. I'll definitely make the road trip again, and hope they see this review to share as a THANK YOU to the staff. I truly appreciate your assistance to allow me to ice my head to tough out the remainder of the show. Y'all rock!

Orville Peck & band!
Michelle N.

I love seeing shows at The Rialto- intimate and spectacular. The last visit was a celebration of life. I appreciated venue being so much of the community and showcasing such. Thank you!

The Black Jacket Symphony
David K.

I have been wanting to attend a concert at the historic Rialto Theatre for awhile and I finally had the opportunity when my family and I watched Black Jacket Symphony perform Sir Elton John's Madman Across the Water Album in its entirety. It was an amazing performance and then they played all the hits after the break. The Rialto is a great place to see a show. I am also looking forward to having a drink at their bar during a future event. I highly recommend coming here for a show. I appreciate the variety of events they have throughout the year. We will be back.

James M.

The first time to the Rialto Theater (not a local) saw that the Psychedelic Furs were playing and had to go. I'm glad I did. Not only was it a great performance, but the Rialto experience was a good experience. Street parked a couple blocks away (free), arrived about 30 mins after doors opened, security was easy & noninvasive. Staff was professional and courteous. Lobby is adorned with the history of the theater, which is on display throughout the theater. I love it. Seeing music acts that have filled the hall with sound over the years kept me entertained until the opening act. Restrooms are located in the lobby, have definitely been updated, but still retain the vibe of past times. I used throughout the evening, and except for intermission, were not crowded. Stayed clean, which is hard during a concert full of alcohol drinkers. The only issue was washing hands after using them as the line ran in front of the sinks. Several bars throughout the venue, so getting drinks quickly was not a problem, even had an outdoor area. Super friendly Bar Staff (only visited the one inside the Hall). A new friend that I met while waiting for the show to begin (the headliner) in the standing room did a beer run in between songs. He was back with beers right when the next song began. That is awesome. Enjoy the show and not from a drink line. General Admission area was a mix of standing room (front of stage) and open seating towards the back, which was greatly appreciated by this old rocker and my wife. She is not into standing for a whole show. Great sound system. We could see & hear the artists all night. The director of the theater introduced the opener and gave a little history and what it does as a non-profit, which was informative and enjoyed. We grabbed a t-shirt from the nice gift shop on the way out after the show. The young lady working was friendly & let me reminisce for a minute what it meant to see "the Furs" after 40 years. We will definitely be back for future shows, Tucson embrace what you have & support what they do. Older venue but well maintained and a great place to enjoy a Show.

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15 days ago

Seating is so small and tight! Also, very hot inside! They really need to make improvements so people can enjoy concerts

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Ask the Community - The Rialto Theatre

I don't want to bring my phone to the show can I print out my rapid COVID-19 test results and bring them so my phone doesn't get wet?

Hi Monique, Thank you for your question. As long as your rapid test results are fully legible and include your full name, date of birth, negative result, and a date/time stamp, it is totally fine to bring a printed copy rather than a digital one. We… Read more

Is there free parking somewhere nearby?

Yes you can find parking within the sorrounding few blocks.

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Review Highlights - The Rialto Theatre

The first time to the Rialto Theater (not a local) saw that the Psychedelic Furs were playing and had to go.

Mentioned in 2 reviews

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Club Congress

Club Congress

3.8
(192 reviews)
0.0 mi
$$

Went to see the final show of Desert Child tonight. The indoor venue was nice but it got stuffy and…read morehot. The stage had nice lighting and sound. Drinks were available at the venue bar or the Tap Room adjoining. There was also a big water dispenser available. The staff were nice and seemed happy. I asked for a recommendation for a mocktail at the Tap room, and the bartender said water. My friend ordered a mocktail and she said he was right, she should have ordered water, the drink was not worth $10. It's always fun to go downtown for a concert, there's so much to see and do.

I love historic bars and location. This place is beautiful. The decor fits my aesthetic perfectly…read more It's beautiful and warm. The bartenders are very friendly. The one who served us was very nice and even made a drink recipe I came up with. Unfortunately, their bar is not well stocked so had to make a LOT of adjustments to my recipe. But appreciated his suggestions and effort. Now for the bad stuff. They have a jazz club attached. I figured the whole place would have that ambience but was disappointed that wasn't the case. Generic pop on the patio and inside is very noisy. The preferred dress of patrons appears to be gym shorts and t-shirts. Drinks were a little weak so I switched over to bourbon on the rocks. But the prices are reasonable. Maybe a nice pre show stop if you're going to the Century room.

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Bar by the concert venue
Bar by the concert venue
Divided entree. Great presentation.
Divided entree. Great presentation.
Passion fruit Margarita $13 (7/2024) - pricey and small but tasty!

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Passion fruit Margarita $13 (7/2024) - pricey and small but tasty!
Surly Wench Pub

Surly Wench Pub

4.1
(213 reviews)
0.4 mi
$

The unofficial alt bar of 4th Ave! Surly doesn't need labels, it just needs you to know there's a…read morereason it's been able to stick around for so long. It feels like there is ALWAYS something going on here. On my first visit, my girlfriend took me on a date here to catch a burlesque show. It was absolutely packed and everyone had a great time! And every Friday and Saturday night, there is some reiteration of a goth dance night ($5 cover). I also appreciate the slightly older crowd full of my fellow thirtysomethings, and the upstairs patio cannot be missed when the weather is nice. The cocktail menu isn't anything especially fancy, but there's still something for everyone to enjoy. My favorite is always the Prickly Heat--think a prickly pear margarita that's absolutely loaded with fresh jalapenos. It's not for the weak! There's also food, and while it's not mind-blowing or anything you'll appreciate that you can have a nice snack at midnight on a weekend. Surly Wench is a local cultural institution, and we're lucky to have it.

I went in alone with some friends for awesome goth night noticing a lot of tr**sg**nder individuals…read moredancing (which I support, awesome!). A little too much for my tastes but the bar literarly supports lgb*! But I where I cross the line with Bar patrons in boy make up is arguing with staff after being kicked out of the restroom stall. The awesome security man took control promptly to this upset in the women's restaurant. And the awesome owner basically had that intruder leaving with their member between his legs (acknowledging tr*ns validity at the same time. What tact!). Let's keep the women, and security man restroom clean! The awesome surly patriots at the wench bar made sure to take it to the street and communicate a policy of forgiveness and brutal clarity in making sure certain members of our community cannot go bathroom real quick without a valid state ID or proper members. No one should be allowed to draw on the stall after they are standing outside, I don't care what is wrong with you! God bless these surly patriots for how they protect their American bart patrons. Would recommend the liquor! They have the main ones except Jose Cuervo. Too much graffiti in the bathroom so 4.5 stars. #AlternativeBarAgainstPC

Photos
Stage
Stage
Fried chicken sandwich and nachos in back
Fried chicken sandwich and nachos in back
Surly Wench Pub

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Solar Culture

Solar Culture

4.5
(13 reviews)
0.4 mi
$

Solar culture is a classic music venue and art valley with a downtown location and underground…read morefeel. Transport to another world at any number of their multidimensional events!

You know you have escaped the evil clutches of the heartless, money-grabbing mainstream industry…read morewhen a venue freely lets patrons walk in with backpacks full of booze and distribute it with their friends. I usually keep to just flasking it to Solar culture, but the lax, BYOB closed-container policy creates a unique house party concert vibe without the hours of standing around while your friends try to make their music equipment work properly. Although its not to far removed from such an experience since Solar culture is primarily an arthouse, doesn't have the greatest soundsystem and setup you will ever see, and I think for the most part the workforce and performers are as high as the patrons. I have dealt with a share of long waits between sets and all-to-average sound from Deerhoof, Voxtrot, Architecture in Helsinki, and the like. You also might have to bring a pair of binoculars to a show if you get there late to a packed house because of its awkward long and narrow build. There are great views of the band because of the raised stage, but once it gets past half capacity you might have to barter your way up closer with some of the cans of PBR you have in your Jansport. I was also permanently mentally scared by this place when Death From Above 1979 canceled their show there the day of. They never came back, and now they are gone. I can't help but think of how excited I was for that show (more then any other to date) and how heart-broken I was whenever I think of this place. *goes to cry beneath his desk*

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Solar Culture
Solar Culture
Solar Culture

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Sea Of Glass Center For The Arts

Sea Of Glass Center For The Arts

4.2
(13 reviews)
0.3 mi
$$

Wandered by during the Made in Tucson Market/Fair last week. The space is industrial/1920s…read morespeakeasy with a small stage at the back (from the street entrance) and some art displayed all along the long wall and banister. There was a pickup jazz ensemble playing who called themselves TFQ. They consisted of trumpet, bass, keyboard, and singer and they were amazing. Word is that the owners want to turn this into a regular performance venue. There doesn't appear to be anything resembling a kitchen or even a bar/counter so that might prove limiting. Parking will also be very difficult. But the space is quaint, with some cool features such as the dual openings (main entry doors off the street and a garage door off the side alley. That open-air ambience would definitely make for a cool experience, especially if you can come/go as you stroll the area.

This was a great small venue! Never been here before and came to see Daniel Champagne! They offered…read morea bar area with organic popcorn. Wine was decently priced. Parking is scarce so arrive early or come prepared to walk. Upstairs outdoor margarita deck is nice and on a starry night, cooler weather would be the place to hang out before a show or even after. Daniel champagne was wonderful and the music was properly adjusted to carry the sound without drowning the singer and killing our ears. Staff was great! Lots of great songs added one to give you a taste of the talented, Australian singer and one man band, Daniel Champagne! I'd watch him again! Excellent with guitar, voice and a sweet kind person.

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R. Carlos Nakai
R. Carlos Nakai
TaliasVan & The Bright & Morning Star Band
TaliasVan & The Bright & Morning Star Band
Will Clipman

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Will Clipman

The Rialto Theatre - theater - Updated July 2026

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