There is so much more than music happening at the century-old Rialto Theatre and the nonprofit Rialto Theatre Foundation.
With deep roots in community engagement, preserving history, and fostering local education, the Rialto remains a beloved Tucson institution with much more in store for 2025 and beyond.
With a rich history dating back to 1920, the Rialto has become an iconic Tucson landmark, attracting more than 185,000 people annually to enjoy the city's downtown nightlife. Last year, the Rialto and 191 Toole brought massive names in entertainment to Tucson and stages, including Blues Traveler, comedian Ralph Barbosa, and two-time Grammy Award winner Rhiannon Giddens. Many more professional artists – 372 of them in 2024, to be exact – chose to play Rialto venues specifically to connect with Tucson audiences.
Attracting world-renowned talent has been at the heart of what the nonprofit Rialto Theatre Foundation has been entrusted with, but there is so much more to learn about this unique Tucson touchstone. Generations of Tucsonans and visitors alike have streamed through the Rialto’s doors and found their happy place. It’s where you’ve connected with artists, your loved ones, and with the power of music and performance. Recognizing the impact this space has, the Rialto Theatre Foundation is dedicated to sharing the Rialto, 191 Toole, and R Bar with the Tucson community for the most important events of their lives.
Beyond the concerts and live performances for thousands of fans each week, the Rialto is also a beautiful venue for weddings, birthday and retirement parties, memorials and celebration of life services, and private business events. With a dedicated and professional staff, it’s no surprise that the Rialto has hosted events for businesses like Verizon, Lovitt & Touché, Blue Cross Blue Shield, and more. The Rialto Theatre Foundation is on a mission to ensure that the Rialto will be here to serve Tucson for many more years to come.
There are many ways to support the Rialto Theatre Foundation, and we hope you find one that is meaningful. The next time you’re downtown, you’re invited to sip some custom cocktails at the stylish (and nonprofit) R Bar, browse the online calendar, and grab some tickets for upcoming events at the Box Office. Stop into El Regalo when you’re shopping downtown for some one-of-a-kind Rialto merch and purchase locally-produced artisan gifts and must-have music-and-Tucson-themed treasures perfect for any occasion. You can even shop the Rialto gift store online 24/7 at elregalotucson.com
Of course, becoming a first-time Rialto Theatre Member or renewing your membership to support the Rialto has many perks! Tiers begin at only $50, including insider-exclusive benefits like presale tickets, discounted drinks at R Bar, member-only Rialto swag, and special-event opportunities. Sign up in person the next time you’re at a concert or online now at rialtotheatre.com. Whether it’s by supporting historic community programming, nurturing local musicians and artists, or educating the next generation of skilled craftspeople and entertainment industry professionals, every gesture helps them do more. It’s your Rialto, after all.