Nightlife

Where to find buzzworthy nightlife in Tempe

October 17, 2024

8 ideas for experiencing Tempe’s famous nightlife scene.

Tempe is home to 330 days of sunshine each year … and 365 reasons to check out the nightlife this city is widely known for.

Before you call yourself an Uber and make your way to Tempe for a night out, check out all the entertainment and flavor options. From local brews to touring concerts, we have you covered with this guide to coolest scenes and hottest tickets for after the sun starts to set.

Happy Hour Hotspots

Regardless of what night of the week it is, all great evenings begin with happy hour. Nothing beats a glass of bubbly and light bites at a discounted price. For a lively atmosphere, games, billiards and specials seven days a week, check out our happy hour guide ahead of your next outing with co-workers or friends. Be sure to verify specials with the establishment, too.

Wine & Dine

For some, a night on the town comprises a fabulous dinner, craft cocktails and great company. And if that’s you, we have the perfect recommendations. From sports bars and restaurants with the best margaritas to the top places to dine alfresco and family friendly dining, here’s inspiration for exploring some of Tempe’s most iconic spots.

Breweries & Pubs

The headquarters of some of Tempe’s favorite beers also make these craft breweries the perfect spaces for kicking the evening off. Start your evening by pairing a bite to eat with a local brew while you soak up the early evening ambiance and decide your next move for the night. Whether it’s Fate Brewing Company for the neighborhood vibes, Four Peaks Brewing Company for the history of brewing in Tempe, Hundred Mile Brewing Co. for the ASU atmosphere or Pedal Haus Brewery for the massive patio and yard games, these spacious spots get even more buzzy once the sun sets.

Music Venues

You’ll discover music at every turn in Tempe. From Broadway musicals and drag pageants to reggae concerts EDM DJs, you will find something to suit your artistic bent. 

Check the lineup at Marquee Theatre, Yucca Tap Room, Sunbar and Darkstar ahead of time and secure your tickets for a specific date or musical guest. For the 21 and up crowd, Low Key Piano Bar entertains with an audience-centric performance that’s as lively as the surrounding Mill Avenue scene.

A new kind of social destination, The Chill Room is a alcohol-free concept that serves spirit-free cocktails, CBD wine, herbal teas, Fijian extracts, botanical root teas and coffees — along with weekly open mic nights, live music and DJs.

For the entire family: Touring and local productions, as well as exhibits, events and activities round out the programming at Tempe Center for the Arts. The best of Broadway comes to the stage at ASU Gammage each season, filling this historic venue with some of the best musical soundtracks of our lifetime. Tempe Marketplace’s District Stage is a free venue where local bands take the stage on select weekend throughout the year.

Nightlife Hotspots

Crossover venues, including Bang Bang and Shady Park, are must-trys for dinner in downtown. But stick around as they transform into vibrant nightlife venues throughout the rest of the evening. The true night owls, however, will find their bliss at one of Downtown Tempe’s nightclubs. From Devil’s Hideaway and C.A.S.A. to Varsity Tavern and Rodeo Ranch — to name a few — the energy here is unmatched.

Gaming Destinations

Whether your definition of a great night is centered around competition or you’re just in search of a new hobby, we invite you to play your way through Tempe.

For a chill evening of board games, a great meal and even better cocktails, head to Snakes & Lattes. For a livelier team outing, plot your escape at Escapeology or Inferno Escape Room. For the classic video and virtual reality game purests, Tilt Studio, Dave & Buster’s and Main Event are the top spots.

For a more physical adventure, you can sharpen your axe throwing skills at Lumberjaxes Axe Throwing. If your aim is bad, you can’t miss at Simply Smashing. And for the golf enthusiasts, Grass Clippings at Rolling Hills is Arizona’s only fully lit, 18-hole golf course and practice facility that’s available day and night.

Signature & Seasonal Events

Looking for a little more to add to you after-dark itinerary? Tempe hosts a wide variety of signature events and annual festivities all year long. Depending on the season, you’ll find festivals, concerts, performing arts, sporting events, pop-ups among our nightlife offerings. Visit our Events Calendar to start exploring.

Night Swim + Sipping

In Tempe, the chances are good that there’s a evening scene taking place right at your hotel. And if not, you can count on a rooftop programming and even Resort Pass for your ticket to night swims, sky-high cocktailing, entertainment and some of the best view of Tempe’s twinkling lights in the entire city at Alibi (Canopy by Hilton Tempe Downtown), Skysill Rooftop Lounge (The Westin Tempe) or either Salt & Gila or Lucero Rooftop Restaurant and Terrace (Omni Tempe Hotel at ASU). Check out Tempe’s full lineup of rooftop pools for your next stay.