When you step into downtown Tucson on Congress Street, you are visiting a true southern Arizona entertainment landmark. Opened in 1920 by William Curlett & Son, the historic Rialto Theatre began as one of Tucson's very first movie theaters, hosting silent films like 'The Toll Gate' and lively Vaudeville shows. Over the decades, this iconic space evolved through eras as The Paramount, an adult venue, and a Spanish-language movie house before a devastating 1984 boiler explosion temporarily shut its doors.
Reopened in 1995 as a vibrant concert venue, the theater was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2003. Major renovations upgraded its sound acoustics, replaced legacy swamp coolers with modern air conditioning, and restored the charming interior featuring subtle nods to an Art Nouveau motif. Today, the venue is owned and operated by the Rialto Theatre Foundation, hosting roughly 150 events each year that draw over 100,000 visitors.
When you attend a show here, you can experience music from virtually all genres alongside dance, performance art, and special film screenings right in the heart of Tucson's urban center, directly across from the famous Club Congress.
What to see at Rialto Theatre
- Listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 2003
- Historic 1920 structure featuring subtle Art Nouveau interior details
- Hosts around 150 annual events, from live music to dance and film
- Located on Congress Street across from the historic Club Congress
Visiting tips
Pair your concert experience with a walk along Congress Street to take in Tucson's historic downtown entertainment district.
How long: 2-3 hours · Best time: Evening
How to get there & what’s nearby
Rialto Theatre is easy to reach on Tucson’s public transport, and pairs naturally with Mosque Tucson and John P. Schaefer Center for Creative Photography. For where to stay, the weather and full itineraries, see our Tucson travel guide.
See the full Tucson travel guide for where to stay, the best time to visit and the top things to do.