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Shady Park, one of Tempe’s most iconic electronic music venues, has officially closed its doors after nearly 10 years, marking the end of a cultural landmark in the Phoenix area’s EDM community.

Opened in 2015 by local entrepreneur Scott Price, who also founded Sunbar and C.A.S.A., the venue was envisioned as a hybrid pizzeria, cocktail lounge, and outdoor “bar park.” Its tree-lined patio and open-air stage quickly set it apart, transforming it into a destination for both rising local DJs and global acts. By early 2016, Shady Park was hosting electronic shows, with Relentless Beats bringing in names like Chris Lake, Fisher, Omnom, Tokimonsta, John Summit, Markus Schulz, Deorro, and even REZZ. Weekly events like Treehouse Sundays became a staple for house music fans across the Valley.

Klingande – Shady Park- Image via Jacob Tyler Dunn

The venue’s unique design and intimate atmosphere made it more than just a nightlife hotspot—it became a community. Ekonovah, the Phoenix-born DJ and member of EDM.com’s Class of 2023, credited the venue with shaping his career and personal life, even meeting his fiancée there. Relentless Beats’ photographer Jacob Tyler Dunn described it as “its own world”—a space that stood apart from Mill Avenue, Scottsdale, or downtown Phoenix.

But the pandemic changed everything. After closing in March 2020 due to statewide restrictions, Shady Park reopened in 2021 only to find a new neighbor across the street: Mirabella at ASU, a 20-story senior living high-rise. Residents quickly filed noise complaints as EDM shows returned, sparking a heated public and legal battle.

Despite investing over $1 million in soundproofing measures, including step-pyramid roofing, the lawsuits persisted. In 2022, Maricopa County Superior Court Judge Brad Astrowsky imposed strict noise limits, effectively crippling Shady Park’s ability to host concerts. The decision ignited protests from fans and local artists outside Mirabella. Later, in December 2022, the Arizona Court of Appeals overturned the ruling, and by 2023, a settlement was reached that theoretically allowed shows to resume. Yet, the music never came back.

Instead, the venue’s social media accounts quietly vanished, its website went offline, and no official closure statement was ever made. Fans and artists were left with memories but no closure. Pat Riot, a local DJ, summed up the loss on social media: “So many memories made, so many artists performed there, so many people met and friends made. This one hurts.”

For many, the end of Shady Park feels different than the usual nightlife cycle of Tempe, where venues come and go. Its patio, DJ booth at ground level, and welcoming staff created an atmosphere that felt like family. As DJ/producer JUR recalled, “It didn’t matter who was playing… the vibe and audience remained unchanged.”

Shady Park was more than a bar or a concert space—it was a heartbeat of Arizona’s dance music culture. With its closure, fans are mourning not just a venue but the community it built.

End of an Era: Shady Park Closes After Nearly a Decade as Tempe’s Beloved Hideout

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