35 Best Performing Arts Venues in Phoenix, Scottsdale, and Tempe, Arizona

Adjacent to the twinkling zoo, the Desert Botanical Garden lights up every night during Las Noches de las Luminarias, when thousands of luminarias (paper bags with lights inside) line the garden's pathways. Stroll, listen to live music, and enjoy the beauty of the desert. Tickets sell out quickly, so be sure to make a reservation for this annual event in December.

Phoenix's high-tech, state-of-the-art entertainment venue morphs from an intimate Broadway stage setup to a concert hall seating 5,000. There are great views from almost every seat.

This company stages an opera season in both Tucson and Phoenix. The Phoenix season runs from October to March at Symphony Hall and the Herberger Theater.

Come for classic fair fun, including a petting zoo, farm animals, and a rockin' concert stage every October.

Based in Tucson, the Arizona Theatre Company also performs at venues in the Valley. Productions, held from September through June, range from classic dramas to musicals and new works by emerging playwrights.

Frank Lloyd Wright designed the ASU Gammage Auditorium, which presents more Broadway shows outside the Big Apple than any other venue in the nation.

Theater, dance, music, and jazz performances are showcased at this center.

The state's professional ballet company presents a full season of classical and contemporary works (including pieces commissioned for the company) in Tucson and Phoenix. The season runs from October through May.

This fabulous car auction attracts thousands every January.

This troupe presents original and contemporary dramas and musical revues, as well as adventurous adaptations, between September and May.

This 2,600-seat theater-in-the-round hosts concerts and other live performances.

The schedule here includes some of the nation's most popular touring performances for families and children.

The state's theater company for young audiences and families holds performances during the school year at Tempe Center for the Arts.

This small music venue only accommodates 350 people, but has a loyal following for its eclectic calendar of indie acts. The lounge is open nightly.

A yearlong cycle of inventive puppet productions is held in a historic building featuring lots of theater and exhibit space.

Every February, the Heard Museum hosts the spectacular Annual World Hoop Dance Championship, with traditional music and costumes.

This theater hosts performances of local and visiting plays, concerts, dance troupes, orchestras, and Broadway shows.

More than 700 Native American artists and artisans are showcased at the Heard Museum for this annual March event.

This venue hosts mainly headlining rock 'n' roll entertainers.

This arts organization is one of the Valley's top destinations for exhibits, visual-art performances, and A-list concerts.

The Spanish-colonial Orpheum Theatre, built in 1927 and renovated throughout the '90s, is a glamorous venue showcasing ballet, theater, and film festivals.

The city of Chandler hosts this annual weekend of music, entertainment, and (of course) ostrich races in March.

This February horse-drawn parade and festival is an Arizona tradition featuring cowboys, cowgirls, horses, and floats.

The resident company at Symphony Hall, the Phoenix Symphony features orchestral works from classical and contemporary composers, a chamber series, composer festivals, and outdoor pops concerts. The season runs September through May.

Across the courtyard from the Phoenix Art Museum, Phoenix Theatre Company stages musical and dramatic performances.

Live bands line the marathon course and a concert follows the 26.2-mile race that attracts runners each January.

This weekend event is jam-packed with arts and crafts—and music every March.

Performances at this cultural and entertainment complex typically emphasize contemporary art and artists. You might be able to catch a comical, interactive performance, or an installation of modern dance or music. The acclaimed Scottsdale Arts Festival is held annually here in March.

Foodies from across the Valley mark their calendars for this outdoor weekend festival in April, which offers creations from some of the best chefs in town.

The Phoenix Symphony and Arizona Opera perform here.