We had a great concert experience seeing Larry June at The Van Buren. We took an uber to the venue so we wouldn't have to worry about parking. The check-in / security process was simple and quick. The venue itself is pretty large as they have a second floor for VIP. The drinks were well priced & strong! The bathrooms were fairly clean for it to be packed inside the venue. Another plus is that Ziggy's Pizza is right next door if you want to head over there after your show for food, drinks & more dancing! read more

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I've been to four shows at The Van Buren over the years, and each experience has been fantastic! It's a large standing-room only type of venue but I think they offer VIP balcony tickets, which would be nice if you would like the option to sit down and watch a show. They used to bring bleachers into the venue so at least a few people could sit down, but this time, they did not. It was ok, though. Just be sure to wear comfortable shoes instead of trying to be fashion-forward. The crowds at The Van Buren have always been really friendly and courteous, maybe because most of the shows I go to (typically 80's bands) tend to have an older demographic. People say "excuse me" when they have to cut through the crowd and one guy even apologized for "taking my spot" when I came back from the restroom. It was very sweet of him. I told him there was plenty of room for everyone. A lot of times, the bands that perform here will meet fans (for free) in the lobby after the show or during a break, which is really cool. The parking in the lot next to this venue has gone up since I was here last time in February, 2020. I paid $30.00 for parking, but I didn't want to walk far in the dark, since I was meeting my friends there. The parking lot has a machine that takes credit cards. There are more and more restaurants near The Van Buren. Once you go through security, you can sit outside on their patio and buy food from their vendor. They also have a large bar inside. There's cups next to the drinking fountain for water. The restrooms are clean and spacious. It's really a 5 star place to see a concert. I like the fact that you can get pretty close to the stage if you get there early. read more

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Great place to catch live music. Good ambiance. Love their small venue vibe. Best to uber there.

Saw Great Good Fine OK and Saint Motel here and had a lot of fun. Cool venue that make for an intimate show. Looking forward to future shows! read more

The Van Buren - Jon Sandler, lead singer of GGFO with my wife and I - Music Venues Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

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Saw a show that really packed the place out. It was plenty big. Loud sound system. A little rowdy.

lowkey very chill vibes which i loved for my brother's first concert. i have loved this venue for decades and i love sharing it with people.

The Vanburen is a great venue space that I have visited with great experiences several times. It might be a little hard to review because it is an adaptable space and will depend on what show you are there for and what the client requests. I have gone to shows which had seating they added for that gig and I have also gone to shows where they took out the seating for standing room only shows. The venue is beautiful and I have always loved their outdoor space. Heads up and please don't say I did not warn you.Call them and be very specific on the cost and where you should park and listen to what they say. Do not even think about fudging it. They will tow your car. read more

I visited here from out of town and had a great time! The staff was professional and friendly. I decided to ask about an upgrade to the balcony and was thrilled the pricing was pretty cheap. It was nice to be able to sit and watch the show and see everything! Having a waitress was also a bonus. The food was good as well! My only issue is that the drinks are pricey. read more

The Van Buren - Music Venues Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

This is my favorite place to watch a show! I never get the food here it's way over priced for what you get. Great beer choices and they have a full bar. Good bathrooms. Amazing spots for ADA. No seating anywhere so be prepared to stand the whole time unless you pay for balcony seating. It usually runs cold here which is great if you are in the crowd. Every band I have seen here sounds amazing! read more

This place was perfection. Full 5 stars. From their seamlessly organized entrance staff - all super nice, to the bartenders - top notch w a smile, to the perfect A/C system - keeping things chill, we love this place. They have an outdoor 'courtyard' to chill with a bar & fun food, to the interior's modern crystal chandeliers and perfectly placed bars & spotless restrooms w/no lines! Whoever designs and runs and owns The Van Buren should be proud! Sound system was on point. Stage was designed so there were no bad places to be. Every single detail was excellent. Muah! The Van Buren feels so good, I can't wait to come again. And again. [btw - Dope Lemon was DOPE] read more

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I would give 5 stars, but the parking sucks. Friendly staff, good drinks, and the speaker system was not too loud. 4 guitars usually are ridiculously too Frkn loud!! Great job with the sound man last night for The Runarounds! Also, if you need to take a leak after the show, be warned, they close the restrooms down right away. No worries, just ask for a manager, and they will let you use the private bathroom. Yes, that was me asking for the manager. So lame I had to do that!! 4 stars! read more

Management. Spilled a drink at the bar and they charged full price for a replacement. Never happened in my life.just shows how important a 1st impression is to this management. Adios! read more

The concert last I went to was pretty epic! While waiting for the band to start I noticed the excellent A/C as I stood in the crowd on the main floor. Before, during and after the concert it became a non issue. The sound system was excellent. I didn't order a beverage but I used the bathroom and the 'traffic' seemed to flow in and out effortlessly, with stocked paper towel machines and minimal trash on the floor (this was right after the concert). The outside seating looked nice even with the security entry/exit points and the staff was firm but fair. Street parking was typical city parking and I lucked out parking by a meter a block away. I'd come here again for a concert or a fun night out. That's saying something considering I live three hours away. read more

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TLDR: the venue is strict about bag sizes, the bathroom's are relatively clean, but the staff's helpfulness for each show varies widely. The venue is a great place for smaller acts to have an intimate, but decently-sized show, and traffic after the shows could be substantially worse. I've been here for two different concerts, and the vibes were so different. I saw Eric Nam (February 2022; kpop) and keshi (June 2022; hip-hop/lo-fi/rnb); the February concert was well-organized. There wasn't any pushing, shoving, or running. The staff was particularly helpful, letting folks in line know ahead of time whether their bags were too big to be allowed in. For the second show, they let folks into the courtyard area early, and lots of people started pushing as soon as the doors opened. Staff members did pass out water ahead of the show starting, and the opening act stopped the show to request help for an audience member who looked as if they were going to pass out. read more

The Van Buren - Music Venues Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

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What a great concert venue!!! I had no idea what to expect, but our daughter works here and scored us a couple tickets and we had a blast. Clean, several outlets for drinks and food- plus the brewery next door was fantastic too. Matt Kearney was awesome, great vibe, sound was r too crazy until the last two songs. They had kids wearing safety headphones so I thought that was pretty cool. They have a huge variety of shows - definitely worth checking out. read more

The Van Buren - Music Venues Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

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Ambiance and setting is like an older school concert hall, the drinks were great and the bar was huge, the security to get in was a bit of a mess with the bags no bags 21 and older lines not really making sense read more

The Van Buren is a beautiful, historic theater in the heart of Phoenix. If those four walls could talk, they would tell a story of wonderful theatre and music performances. Unfortunately in 2026, the security head pays deference to rewarding drunken fools who assault and shove those in the front to acquire their prized positions by the rail. I was forced to relinquish my spot for the DEVO performance who come to the show to cause trouble because here, they know they can. I was new to this venue and was not aware such assault was allowed because security, which traditionally comes with the price of a ticket, rewards troublemakers because it's easier. I sent a picture of the drunken fool to Tour Manager Roxxi, who informed me the gentleman had already been yelled at for his behavior at other shows. If things went south at the Van Buren, we were well and truly fuct. I felt quite unsafe as a result. As a patron of the arts, this place needs to stop booking popular acts if security is actively refusing to do their basic job of, you know, Security, against these types of assaults. Given their future lineup, they are already catering to that request in that regard. When security addressed the crowd outside in the queue to inform us he would rather not do paperwork related to such assaults, you know, his job, I should've foreseen the quality of the crowd control from the security head. read more

Phoenix, Az. I'm torn about the rating, it could have been an easy four stars. There is so much to like, hassle free parking, easy entry, not subjecting people to a stretched out line outside for hours, easy security check with metal detectors that don't pick up on hair pins, good sound, decent (but pricey) drinks, lots of room, cool old architecture, non confrontational security crew, pleasant and lovely waitresses, and good view from anywhere. But the downside for me is significant. If you are an old person, such as myself, it is difficult to stand for over three hours for two shows and an intermission. There are seats but they are out in the lobby. So there IS seating in the balcony but you gotta pay and you gotta pay dearly to the tune of $80 (Each). And there you are. I did it because I really wanted to actually enjoy the show. The upside (Haha) to the $160 we paid for two balcony seats was that there were few people on board with this option. The view from the balcony was good but I wish I would have brought binoculars. The sound downstairs on the floor is much better than up in the balcony, go figure. The $160 we paid plus the cost of the tickets just didn't make a return likely. Plus, the intro show really really sucked. Lately venues let the main act choose the intro. That should have happened here. read more

The Van Buren - Music Venues Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

Don't let this venues smaller space fool you. It's beautiful interior, exceptional sound and options to select general admission (with VIP) to get early access for front row to see your favorite artist up close and personal. Can't wait to book another event as soon as our favorite artists are announced. read more

The Van Buren - Zinadelphia - Music Venues Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

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This place was so cool! We drove From texas to see the front bottoms! The crowd was amazing and the floor was huge! I was on the mezzanine and got to see it all! read more

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I really want to like this venue... And if it weren't for security it would get 5 stars. I go to A LOT of concerts with my kids and have ended up at the van Buren for several of them. Tonight I AM AT the Half Alive concert (like as I wrote this). I bring crochet projects where ever I go, and tonight was not an exception. Two balls of yarn and my crochet hook. I was happily crocheting a rat, when at the end of the SECOND opener, I was approached by security and told I could not "have that tool" in here. I asked what tool and she indicated my crochet hook. WHAT? a crochet hook? I was (at least) allowed to lock up my bag in the lockers. When I spoke to the security supervisor he was polite, but explained I should have never been let in with it. I asked if it had been plastic if that would have been okay. He said no. When I asked why, what was the problem with a crochet hook, he explained that it could be "used as a weapon." Seriously. A 50 year old lady crocheting a stuffed rat in the corner while her kids enjoy a concert is a HUGE threat with her NOT SHARP crochet hook? My heavy, blocky, solid battery I have with me would be a more effective weapon. What about my charging cable? If a crochet hook is your standard as a potential weapon, then you might as well shut the venue down, ANYTHING can be used as a weapon if someone wanted to. And this isn't my first issue with them.... Ive had to lock up a bag previously because I was told it was too big, even though it fit in the outline they have to measure bags. I agree with the other reviewers that the security here is inconsistent and seems to make stuff up as they go. It really is such a shame too, since other than this, I do love this venue. However, I will be thinking twice when a band I might want to see plays here. read more

I am leaving a review just based on my experience. I would love for someone in the management team to respond to me so that I can submit a claim against of one the employees. Last night, I went to the sorry papi tour at the van buren. This is supposed to be a man free experience. However, one the bartenders on the first floor, skinny man with a man bun, and barely has a beard- was absolutely disgusting towards me. I was absolutely sober and I have witnesses. I had previously ordered a drink. I went to the bar to grab a second of the same drink and watched him make the drink right in front of me. I kindly told him that wasn't the drink and he said "yes it is". I looked at the drink and asked him if he can remake it. He said, with an attitude, and practically screaming, and aggressive body language "it seems like you don't know what you want." To which I responded "yes I do", he repeated his statement and I said "it seems like you don't know what you're doing." He then made another drink and I watched again and this time it was worse. I said it wasn't it, he then got tough with me and said "you can leave. If you don't like it, you can leave." I grabbed the drink paid, moved away from him, and then took a sip. Of course it wasn't the drink I asked for. I returned to the bar and went to the female bartender which originally made my first drink. When I approached her, he came again being aggressive. To the point that my friends were uncomfortable AND the female bartender had to get in between him from coming at me. She told him "please stop and calm down." She was so kind to me and told me she would make it right for me. She did make it right, and then told me I could keep the other drink since I had already taken a sip. The guy, tried taking it away from her and I grabbed it and walked away. He then started screaming, to make me look back "hey! Come back! You need to pay for that!" To which I had already paid for my drink. I am extremely disappointed because this was a night to make women feel a safe and he did the total opposite. I want to speak to a manager. If he is a manager, then I need to speak to someone above him. read more

I used to love The Van Buren but whoever runs this venue seems to be very greedy now. The last 2 events I attended (Barbie and 2000s night) were so oversold that it was blazing hot and we were packed in like sardines to where there was no room to move let alone dance. If you use a wheelchair, absolutely forget this place because you won't be able to move. I was honestly appalled by how many people they cram into that building and don't understand how the fire code would even allow it. The tickets were pricey and the drinks were even pricier, $13 for a white claw. I'm supposed to attend another event next weekend and I'm highly considering returning or selling my ticket. Not an enjoyable or safe experience at all. I'm giving 2 stars for the DJ (unrelated to the Van Buren) but they were great. read more

I won't be returning here... 1) Kind of sketchy neighborhood and there's no security in the back of the line. 2) You buy the Premium Seats upstairs and then security allows multiple people to stand at one seat so you get squished the whole time. 3) Children are allowed into an adult concert. 4) $18 for drinks that are not good. Only positive: Friendly staff. read more

Came here for a show... complete mess and felt unsafe. Left after two songs. Highly recommend avoiding.

Amazing venue, great sound & atmosphere. 3 stars because the minute you walk in you are hit with a garlic, vomit breath smell- it's nauseating! They desperately need a deep cleaning!!! read more

Drink were reasonably priced, but I would love to hear newer music not just nasty red songs and 2000s songs

I was on guest list lol. Didn't even pay to be there since I knew the band. I grabbed my stuff at the box office for my boyfriend and I (I had backstage pass and he was just guest list), we went through security and my boyfriend had to go back to the car cuz he had one of those chain wallets. Well while that's happening I guess I forgot I handed my boyfriend his ticket so I told the girl checking tickets I only got one between the two of us (my fucking bad) and Jesus I wish I kept my mouth shut. Next thing you know I'm waiting for the supervisor to let me know what they want to do about this because I'm supposed to have two tickets. So I just got slightly annoyed because I just like completely forgot I had given it to him since it had been some time as the box office is literally on the complete other side of the building, and they were treating it like some big deal. So I simply told the very unprofessional supervisor that I I'll just go buy a ticket if it's that deep. And she started to give me attitude telling me to "go have a nice day" So I take a stroll around the entire building again to get lucky and find a ticket on the floor. But sometimes people's egos are just too big for the world. I get back to the girl checking tickets and I hand it to her and she tells me to go back in line through metal detectors. That's when one of the security guards tells me to wait (for them to decide my fate) which after a good 7 minutes they decide to simply not let me in because "I was being out of wack" to the supervisor. What a fucking joke lol. Glad I didn't actually waste my hard earned $ on this bitchy venue. Wacky venue with power trip egotistical and very unprofessional security. read more

We had a great time. We upgraded to the mezzanine, so we had a great view of the stage. Really good acoustics. Our server was awesome.The restrooms were spotless. Highly recommend. read more

The Van Buren brings big city concert energy right into Phoenix's heart, making it a standout live music venue even for Gilbert locals. The stage production, lighting, and acoustics are polished and powerful, creating immersive performances whether you're at the front or farther back. The venue blends vintage architectural charm (from its 1920s showroom past) with modern amenities, giving it character and functionality. Drink lines move efficiently, crowd flow is manageable, and the vibe always feels charged but welcoming. For seeing major acts in an intimate-sized space, The Van Buren rarely disappoints. read more

This is one of the worst venues in Phoenix. The location is on a busy street with no parking available. After battling traffic you can find a pay lot. Street parking says 4 hour on the meter but only actually is 2 and they don't allow disabled people to park in their lot even. So if you're trying to go with a person with any mobility issue good luck. We bought tickets to a concert there months ago and called ahead to register as needing an ADA seat or asked if the wheelchair would be better. We were told they had ADA seating on the stage right or left. Also that there was an ADA line. None of this is actually true. We got there very early to be sure we wouldn't be a burden during the rush, they did nothing. I talked to staff twice alerting them that there was this need. We didn't bring the wheelchair because it's a pain in the ass, wasn't easy to unload from street parking and their verbal description of their ADA seating sounded like it would be good. They for some unknown reason changed their purse policy and the seams on my purse make it 1/2" wider than their 12" size when they stretch it out. They have lockers but no locks. So you either have to walk blocks to your car and leave it for a smash and grab or put it in an unlocked not really watched locker. Staff yelled at me and was excessively rude the whole way as if I was somehow a bitch for asking for the exact things I was told to expect when I followed the directions on the web site about registering that my companion needed ADA seating. How is it my bad for asking for the things I was told to expect? After multiple scanning and friskings and nonsense and being yelled at and separated from my companion we finally got in. Since we had to leave the wheelchair in the car he was counting on holding on to me since he falls frequently. He has MS so maybe he doesn't LOOK disabled enough at first glance but SSDI and a whole team of doctors and scans definitely can attest that he's disabled. We again followed the verbal directions I was given when I called ahead and again staff treated me like I was a problem. We finally found their ADA seating and it's literally at the very absolute farthest back of the venue. It's a literal "peanut gallery" in the most historically problematic sense of the term. Stripped of my purse and holding my wallet and phone I didn't grab my glasses when they took my purse and they don't allow reentry so I couldn't see the show even if I wanted to. My companion suggested I go up front and he would stay in the peanut gallery. I said that wasn't acceptable. Especially since up front the photographer they use has been 86d from every other venue and bar in town for SA. I chose to leave. I couldn't refill the parking meter, I couldn't see. I didn't have medicine or anything with me. I was uncomfortable that I had $200 in cash in my purse that was in an unlocked and unguarded locker and the ADA seating is beyond insulting. When I left I walked up and took my purse from the lockers unassisted. Anyone else could have as well. A $500 purse with $200 cash, his opioid medications, my epi pen and passport could have walked away with anyone. This may be the worst venue in Phoenix and is absolutely not ADA friendly. Other venues have provided seating at the front side where we could see the show and weren't in a some fenced off afterthought space. Other places the staff is at least remotely friendly. Not here. I will never waste money on tickets for a show at this space again. Going out to have fun should actually be fun and this venue kills all of it. It's not worth it. Get gouged on ticket fees, gouged on parking, gouged on concessions and then treated like you just got arrested as opposed to being a paying customer and then if you're disabled they put you in a literal peanut gallery!!! read more

The Van Buren - ADA seating at the very very very back of the venue. - Music Venues Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

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Great small venue. Not a bad view in the entire place. There is mezzanine seating upstairs that cost an extra $50. But that is totally worth it for the table service and the comfortable chair. Speaking of the table service, the waitress was great, very attentive and nice. This is the best way to enjoy a concert if you don't want to stand in the crowd like a sardine. The meet and greet was also very streamlined and went fast with no issues. I can't wait to come back and do it again! 10/10 will be back! read more

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Unprofessional Security & Unfair Treatment - Won't Be Returning I was really looking forward to a fun night at The Van Buren with my mother and her friends, but what should have been a great experience turned into a complete disaster thanks to their unprofessional security staff. Out of nowhere, we were denied entry and wrongly accused of some vague "issue." When we asked for details, security had no clear answer--because there were no cameras, no official write-up, and no actual warning beforehand. The most absurd part? When we pushed for an explanation, one of the guards literally said, "I don't know who it was because you guys have been moving around a lot." So basically, they had no idea who they were even looking for but still decided to deny us entry. It's beyond frustrating to be turned away with no real reason, especially when we spent money on this event. There's little chance we'll be getting a refund, and the fact that security can just decide who gets in and who doesn't--with no accountability--means you're gambling your money every time you buy a ticket here! We won't be coming back, and I'd strongly caution anyone considering this venue. If security is this disorganized and unprofessional, there's no guarantee that you'll actually get to enjoy the event you paid for. read more

The van buren is the nastiest, skaniest brat I have ever met. Do NOT trust her. She is a fugly sloot. I am reaching out regarding a disappointing experience at The Van Buren tonight. We purchased tickets for the Yacht Rock event but were denied entry due to drinking outside the property two hours before our scheduled arrival. We were not given a clear explanation for this decision, nor were we offered a refund. Additionally, when we attempted to ask security and law enforcement for clarification, none was provided. read more

Seriously, the best music venue in the Valley! The sound is always on point, the bartenders are super nice and you rarely have to wait for a drink! They have really good food, too, even GOOD vegan stuff! BBQ Jackfruit sandwich or fries, elote cup, etc. Highly recommend! read more

Love this venue. The balcony is a great place to get away from the kids, for this concert, who were moshing. Sound is perfect, staff are friendly and security is a breeze to get into. The balcony has excellent service. We did not eat. read more

Oh man, what a venue we have here in downtown Phoenix. I've been to lots of shows in downtown Phoenix and the surrounding area, but never one at The Van Buren until a couple months ago, even though it's been around now for many years. I can't say exactly how many people they limit this space to, but it's a good amount - 1,000 people if I had to guess. The stage is set high enough off the ground that while I was standing in the middle of the crowd, I was still able to see the band blasting away on their guitars, drums and mics while moving around the stage. General admission gets you into the main floor in front and below the stage, but the upper level wraps around the GA floor like a two person deep balcony. I was a bit jealous of people with those tickets, mostly because I'm not the *tallest* guy in the crowd and there's always that one person who towers over people and wants to stand directly in front of me. An elbow here and an "excuse me" there generally work out in my favor when things like this happen and I can squeeze past for a better view, I've even done the fake wave to my "friends" over in that general direction before with some decent results. I love that the venue had some vegan options on their food and snack menu. I totally ordered the jackfruit BBQ sliders once I was in the security gate, I am super excited they have vegan choices, even if it's just the two things, and these sliders were delish! A cocktail will run you the standard $10-ish, if I recall correctly, and it's your average showroom bar cocktails and beer, nothing super fancy, but better than some alcohol in a glass over ice with a soda as mixer. I'd definitely put the food and beverage service here up there in quality and flavor when comparing to a lot of the other music venues. I've been to 6 or so shows here now and one thing I noticed is there's always "that guy" who brings their kid along with them. Well people; tonight, I was that guy and let me tell you, he loved his first concert! Security has ear protection at the ID check station and they require it for any small kids - so if you forget yours, they're there to loan them out with a trade for your ID which you'll get back when you return them. I love getting out, seeing shows and listening to live music and can't wait for many more events here to come! read more

The Van Buren - #FirstConcert - Music Venues Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

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Place was ok but wouldn't let me use the restroom immediately after a concert. Said it was close. Absolutely ridiculous

So I there was two horrible experiences at this location , the very first time i went to a concert with my friend and her mom, we were waiting for the concert to start, my friend and her mom went to get us drinks , as they were in line they were dancing on each other, security approaches them and says they were too intoxicated that they had to leave, and that the way were dancing was inappropriate ! So obviously my friend got so offended she requested to be tested with a breathalyzer to prove him wrong, obviously the situation just got worse and they got kicked out! One weekend ago my brother in law purchased drinks (4 times ) and was enjoying the concert like I was ! ( I had the same drinks ) him and I kept using the restroom ( drinks made us pee a lot lol ) super chill ! The concert was 30 mins away of being over and my brother in law disappeared then he texted me saying he got kicked out for being too intoxicated! Mind you he was not doing anything inappropriate or caused any problems! I had the same drinks ! So it just doesn't make sense . It ruined our night ! read more

Venue has no parking available which meant a wheelchair journey of 6 blocks through a population of homeless and broken sidewalks. The Van Buren promised ADA accommodations up front by the stage so as not to be blocked by standing general admission crowds. Upon arrival ADA fans were roped off in a staff hallway. Staff was rude. Never saw the band. Never saw the stage. Never going back to The Van Buren. read more

The Van Buren - The disabled are obviously not welcome at The Van Buren - Music Venues Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona