Ms. Karen & I are not much for watching television. But we do enjoy many of Tucson’s Nightlife and vibrant performing arts presentations throughout the year.

There’s no lack of things to do in Tucson when it comes to performing arts and theatre, whether plays, music or ballet. Tucson has more than one Film Festival during the year. In Tucson, not all production companies have their own facilities. For example, the Tucson Symphony, which usually performs at Tucson Music Hall, also performs at several different venues, such as Catalina High School (good acoustics), over the course of a season.

Following is a list and brief description of the many venues, performers, orchestras, and production companies that we are certain you will find more than worth the price of a ticket. Season tickets for the upcoming season are available now. For a Calendar of the Arts Events in Tucson and Southern Arizona, see our calendar under ARTS.
Performing Arts

Arizona Folklore Preserve

Okay, it is technically not in Tucson but well worth the trip to Ramsey Canyon for an intimate afternoon with your favorite, western folksinger or cowboy music group.

Arizona Opera

Since 1971, Arizona Opera has produced over 200 fully-staged operas, concerts, and collaborative programs throughout the state of Arizona. It is among a handful of companies in the U.S. that regularly performs in more than one city. The company’s artistic history is rich with a blend of operas traditional repertoire of baroque, bel canto, and verismo works, turn-of-the-century masterpieces, operettas, and American operas.

Arizona Theatre Company

Our State’s professional theater company, shares its considerable talents between Phoenix and Tucson. Plays and musicals are performed at the historic Temple of Music and Art downtown. There are many places downtown now to dine before or after performances within easy walking distance; many of which we highly recommend. See our list of Downtown Restaurants and Dining Reviews

Arts Express

Arts Express is a Tucson-based non-profit producing captivating theatre and concert productions. With performances year-round at various locations, there is something for the whole family to enjoy! With over 30 years of service in Southern Arizona, Arts Express is dedicated to building a better community through the arts! Art’s Express has found a new home at Park Place Mall.

Ballet Tucson

Tucson’s premiere professional ballet company shares venues throughout the city.

Berger Performing Arts Center

The Berger Performing Arts Center is west of the freeway on the campus of Arizona State Schools for the Deaf & Blind. This is a small, but a first-rate venue where you can enjoy everything from a jazz concert to a full-blown musical, such as Les Miserables.
For dining before or after a performance, we suggest Agustin Kitchen located at the Mercado on Congress just 1.4 miles distant.

Borderlands Theatre

A professional theater company recognized nationally and internationally for the development and production of theatrical and educational programs that reflect the diverse voices of the U.S./ Mexico border region. Generally, these “voices” are Chicano or Latino and many of the performances are presented in English/Spanish as suits the themes and audiences. Expect heavy doses of angst and pathos.
All Borderland Theater performances are at the ZUZI’s Theater 738 5th Avenue, a dreary old place in serious need of renovation.

Tucson Boys Chorus

The Tucson Boy’s Chorus was established in 1939. Operating at several venues throughout the year, they are a Tucson hallmark. Christmas at San Xavier is remarkable if you can get tickets.

Broadway in Tucson

Now showing solely on campus at Centennial Hall for 2015-16. Broadway in Tucson brings Broadway to you. Beauty & The Beast; Flashdance; Guys & Dolls; and many of Broadway’s other most popular shows.

Carnival of Illusion

Spend a magical night at the Carnival of Illusion. Intimate shows full of clever illusions, mind games, and mystery. See our Review then book a performance, in Phoenix or Tucson.

Casino del Sol

Large amphitheater for sports and concerts and lounge for smaller acts. Top-rated hotel.

JoJo’s Tucson

JoJo’s, formerly La Cocina Cantina, LaCo, shares the courtyard with the shops at Artisan Studios. There are often music, performers, and other events shared with downtown Tucson.

Civic Orchestra of Tucson

The Civic Orchestra of Tucson is a 60-piece volunteer community orchestra presenting concerts to residents of Tucson and Southern Arizona.

Desert Diamond Casino Entertainment

The Desert Diamond Casino in Sahuarita off I-19 brings in some desirable acts as well as lounge shows, good food and gaming.

The Fox Theatre

The beautifully restored Fox often presents top-notch shows in an intimate historic setting.

The Gaslight Theatre

Plays, musicals, and concerts since 1977, in an intimate setting serving food and beverages. Located on the far east side of Broadway. Both a production company and a venue, they have been in business for over 35 years.

The Gaslight Music Hall

In Oro Valley another venue from the people who bring you the Gaslight Theatre. Fun for the whole family.

Hotel Congress

There’s always something afoot at the Hotel Congress. A downtown hot spot.

In Concert! Tucson

“Contemporary, folk and world music.” Performs at several venues. Learn more about them here and find a concert that interests you.

The Invisible Theater

Non-profit dedicated to producing quality theatre and arts education experiences for all facets of the community in an intimate setting that showcases local professional talent and guest artists.

Laffs Comedy Caffe

Thursday – Saturday nights. A little late for us. Let us know what you think. Contact us.

Live Theatre Workshop

Their motto is to “provide performance and education to entertain, enlighten and uplift our community and to develop theatrical talent.” Two Theatres: Main Stage and All Together Family Theatre.

The Loft Cinema

A Non-profit theater dedicated to exceptional films and the art of film.

Monterey Court

New Artisan shops, food, and music on the Miracle Mile. Check it out.

The Historic Rialto Theatre

This nonprofit hosts a wide variety of musical performers, comedians, and more. Usually a younger crowd.

Red Herring Puppets

Red Herring Puppets, a professional puppetry company, opened it doors in late 2019. Puppetry is an age-old art, delighting children and adults alike for centuries. Red Herring now operates at the Scoundrel & Scamp Theatre. Visit the website for current information.

Reveille Men’s Chorus

The Reveille Men’s Chorus performs concerts promoting inclusion through music. They perform at venues throughout Tucson and worldwide.

The Rogue Theatre

The Rogue Theatre has its own venue. Its mission is to create the highest quality theatre possible. Big words. Check it out.

Sea of Glass Center for the Arts

A young venue delivering music, film, and art that will change the way you think. The Sea of Glass hosts groundbreaking and award-winning documentaries as well as alternative music and earth responsible food.

Scoundrel & Scamp Theatre

We learned about this from Red Herring Puppets which now operates from there. A good combination, we think. Scoundrel & Scamp has been there off 4th Avenue at the Historic Y since 2016. Unique plays for Scoundrels, (people over 15) and Scamps 5 and over. Sounds fun!

Southern Arizona Symphony Orchestra

The Orchestra plays mostly at Saddlebrooke’s DesertView Performing Arts Center and St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church.

Temple of Music & Art

The venue for such theatre productions as the Winding Road Theatre Ensemble and the Arizona Theatre Company.

True Concord Voices and Orchestra

I don’t know how I missed this all these years. Celebrating their music in churches and other community venues in Neighborhoods throughout Southern Arizona, they are a choir and orchestra. Innovative performances. Inexpensive season tickets.

Tucson Convention Center

The Tucson Convention Center consists of an Arena for Sports events, two theaters; the Leo Rich Theatre and Tucson Music Hall where the symphony plays and an Exhibition Center.

Tucson Regional Ballet

A Nonprofit organization dedicated to keeping ballet accessible and affordable. Venues include the Leo Rich Theatre and Music Hall. Focusing on Ballet for Youth.

Tucson Symphony Orchestra

Tucson Symphony Orchestra and special guests have a full and varied agenda for 2014. Concerts are generally located at the Tucson Music Hall downtown or the Catalina Foothills High School, a surprisingly solid venue.

UA Presents

(Centennial Hall) Ballet, Concerts, Broadway plays, and Musicals, UA Presents brings in talent from all over the world.

UA Fred Fox School of Music

During the normal school year, you can find wonderful recitals, free and almost free here.

University of Arizona Repertory Theatre

Part of the University of Arizona’s School of Theatre, Film &Television, you will find some of the best talents in the country. Don’t miss these events. These guys are good.
From time to time we will feature some upcoming and ongoing Performing Arts events we think are worthwhile.

If we missed a venue or production company, please let us know by contacting us here.