Darkstar Theater, a well-known nightclub and music venue in downtown Tempe, will close its doors on January 31, 2024, after nearly four years of serving as a vibrant hub for electronic dance music (EDM) enthusiasts. The venue, located in the historic Tempe National Bank building, has gained a loyal following since its opening in 2022.
In a recent social media announcement, Darkstar’s management revealed that they opted not to renew their lease due to the pending sale of the property. The city of Tempe is in the process of purchasing the 114-year-old building, which is part of a broader initiative to enhance the downtown area. The statement noted, “Despite our best efforts, we were unable to make it work long term.”
Future of Scheduled Events
All scheduled DJ events for February and beyond will relocate to other local clubs, including venues managed by Relentless Beats. Although the announcement did not specify the new locations for these shows, it indicated that further details would be provided in the following weeks. Over a dozen events promoted by Relentless Beats were planned at Darkstar through May, featuring performances by notable artists such as Camoufly, Drezo, and Ookay.
The closure of Darkstar comes as Tempe officials move forward with their plans to acquire the Tempe National Bank building and an adjacent historic property from Calgary-based Wexford Developments. On January 8, the Tempe City Council unanimously approved the purchase.
Support for Downtown Development
Scott Price, the owner of Darkstar Theater and other local establishments like C.A.S.A. Tempe and Sunbar, expressed support for the sale in a prior statement. He emphasized the importance of preserving these historic buildings, stating, “I wholly support the sale of these buildings so they can be protected and become new attractions for our downtown.”
Darkstar Theater emerged following the closure of Shady Park, another popular EDM venue owned by Price, which ceased operations due to legal issues with a nearby senior-living development. Since its inception, Darkstar quickly attracted local EDM fans and hosted a variety of performances from renowned DJs and producers, including Gabriel & Dresden, Mark Farina, and Elohim.
In the farewell message, Darkstar expressed gratitude to its fans, staff, and artists, stating, “These past four years have been an amazing ride. We are so grateful for every artist, staff member, and patron that have made it all possible. Thank you for dancing with us.”
