Benjamin Leatherman
Audio By Carbonatix
Darkstar Theater, the popular downtown Tempe nightclub and music venue, will close Jan. 31 after nearly four years as a hub for EDM fans.
The two-story Mill Avenue venue is located inside the historic Tempe National Bank building, which the city of Tempe is in the process of purchasing.
In an announcement posted to social media on Wednesday, Darkstar states it decided not to renew its lease amid the pending sale. “Despite our best efforts, we were unable to make it work long term,” the announcement read in part.
Darkstar also states that all DJ events scheduled for February and beyond are moving to other local clubs, including shows produced by Relentless Beats.
Darkstar Theater/Relentless Beats
The announcement did not specify where those shows will land, though it says additional details will be shared in the coming weeks.
More than a dozen Relentless Beats-promoted events were booked at Darkstar through May, including gigs by Camoufly, Drezo and Ookay.
Darkstar closure comes as Tempe officials move forward with plans to purchase the 114-year-old Tempe National Bank building and an adjacent historic property from Calgary-based company Wexford Developments.
The Tempe City Council voted unanimously on Jan. 8 to authorize the purchase.
Benjamin Leatherman
Darkstar Theater owner Scott Price, who also owns Mill Avenue clubs C.A.S.A. Tempe and Sunbar, stated earlier this month he supports the potential deal.
“I wholly support the sale of these buildings so they can be protected and become new attractions for our downtown,” Price stated.
Phoenix New Times was unable to reach Price for additional comment on the venue’s closure.
Darkstar Theater debuted in 2022 after Tempe EDM hotspot Shady Park, also owned by Price, ceased booking shows amid a legal dispute with a neighboring senior-living development.
The nightclub quickly drew local EDM fans and hosted shows by DJs and producers such as Gabriel & Dresden, Mark Farina and Elohim.
Darkstar thanked its fans and patrons for their support in Wednesday’s announcement.
“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,” the announcement read. “Thank you for dancing with us.”
