Viva PHX returns this week as 6-day celebration of music, food, art, culture

PHOENIX – Viva PHX returns this week in an expanded format that celebrates music, food, art and culture over six days.

The reimagined event takes place at multiple Phoenix venues Wednesday through Monday, with plenty of free options.

Live music remains the centerpiece of the festival, with free and ticketed concerts set for Friday and Saturday.

The two headline shows, Interpol at the Van Buren on Friday and Meat Puppets on Saturday at Crescent Ballroom, are sold out.

Meanwhile, Civic Space Park will host free concerts all day Saturday, including performances by Chuwi, Los Esplifs and fearofmakingout. Food and drink vendors will be on site.

Maybe food is more your thing? Celebrated Valley chefs Chris Bianco, Rene Andrade and James Piazza will be at Sunday’s United Plates of Arizona pop-up event at Roland’s Market. Entry is free, and food will be available to purchase while supplies last. Doors open at 2 p.m.

And that’s just a taste of what Viva PHX has to offer. The full schedule can be found at vivaphx.com/schedule.

 

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Many of the Viva PHX sites are clustered in the downtown area, including the Van Buren, Crescent Ballroom, Valley Bar, Walter Studios and Gracie’s Tax Bar.

However, this year’s footprint includes Linger Longer Lounge in central Phoenix, Thunderbird Lounge in the Melrose District and The Dirty Drummer in Arcadia Lite.

What is the history of Viva PHX?

Viva PHX debuted in 2014 as a one-night festival with local and national acts performing at multiple downtown venues.

It was held each year until going on hiatus after the 2017 version. The event returned in 2024, when it again was held on a single night.

The list of past performers includes Halsey, X, The Reverend Horton Heat, the Maine and Wyclef Jean, Cuco and Freddie Gibbs.

“Phoenix’s spirit cannot be contained in one afternoon. We believe this city — and Arizona — are among the most exciting places in the world, and Viva PHX aims to show exactly why. The idea that ‘culture happens when we’re together,’ a cornerstone of Viva’s philosophy, inspires us to keep the majority of events free and open, creating space for people to come together when the world needs it most,” Matt Baquet, VIVA PHX director, said in an October 2025 press release that revealed the new format.

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