VIVA PHX is making a comeback. Everything to know about the 2024 festival
It’s been 10 years since VIVA PHX reimagined what a music festival could be in downtown Phoenix, bringing 50 acts to 13 stages, some in actual venues, others housed in ad hoc spaces that don’t typically have music, all in walking distance of each other.
Curated to celebrate the emerging music scene in downtown Phoenix, it was meant to feel a little like the best days of the South by Southwest Music Festival in Austin, Texas. And it did for the four years it lasted.
Now, Live Nation, Best Life Presents and Crescent Concerts are marking the 10th anniversary of that inaugural VIVA PHX by bringing it back on Saturday, Oct. 19, 2024, to showcase what the fastest-growing U.S. city looks like at its urban core with Cuco, Cannons, Freddie Gibbs and more.
What to know about VIVA PHX 2024
This year’s festival will bring a mix of musical acts from Arizona and around the globe to various stages throughout downtown Phoenix.
The festivities will start at 1 p.m. with world-class cuisine, unique Arizona artisan vendors, local businesses and organizations, art activations and more. Sponsors include Visit Phoenix, DTPHX, Four Peaks Brewing Co, Stella Artois, NUTRL, Waymo and Jack Daniels.
Where is VIVA PHX 2024?
VIVA PHX will take place at more than 10 downtown venues, including the Van Buren, Arizona Financial Theatre, Crescent Ballroom (Indoor/Outdoor), Valley Bar (Indoor/Outdoor), the Masonic, Walter Studios, Gracie's Tax Bar, Thundercat Lounge, Monroe Street Stage and more.
What's new at VIVA PHX this year?
New for VIVA PHX in 2024 is the Fourth and Monroe Street block party hub called Experience Phoenix. Sponsored by Visit Phoenix, it’s set to include a VIVA PHX Culinary Experience featuring Huarachis + Bacanora, Bad Jimmy's, Valentine, Restaurant Progress, MiCatering, The Rez: An Urban Eatery, Cartel Coffee and more.
It also includes a Phoenix small business vendor village curated by Desierto Market and Buena Vida Bodega; and art experiences in collaboration with Phoenix Art Museum.
'Viva PHX was the most unique music experience in Phoenix'
Terry Burke, southwest regional president of Live Nation, issued a statement saying, “Viva PHX was the most unique music experience in Phoenix. At its inception, downtown Phoenix was just emerging as the live music area in the Valley. VIVA PHX was a cornerstone of what is unequivocally now the center of live music in the Valley.”
Past VIVA PHX performers range from Halsey to the Neighbourhood, Wyclef Jean, Girl Talk, Crystal Castles, Big Thief, Chicano Batman, Warren G, Best Coast, Quinn XCII, the Maine, the Drums, Beach Fossils, Neon Indian, Andrew W.K., Rocket From the Crypt, American Football, Joyce Manor, Twin Shadow, Thee Oh Sees, Peanut Butter Wolf and Health.
The 2024 VIVA PHX lineup: Who's playing?
This year’s lineup includes a mix of national and international acts, with more than 30 local Arizona artists set to take the stage throughout the day, from Playboy Manbaby to Veronica Everheart and Roar.
Here’s a look at who’s playing:
Cuco
Freddie Gibbs
Cannons
The Walters
Crumb
El Michels Affair
Coco & Clair Clair
Mavi
Mick Jenkins
Show Me The Body
Provoker
Justin Jay
Mija
Zella Day
Dreamer Isioma
Inner Wave
Cruza
Roar
Pink Siifu
Vagabon
Zelooperz
Liv.e
Marlon Funaki
Thumpasaurus
Na-Kel Smith
Nourished By Time
Kacy Hill
Breakup Shoes
Lou Phelps
High Vis
Sadboi
AceMoMa
Glixen
Los Esplifs
Bib
Playboy Manbaby
Cumgirl8
Hitech
DWLLRS
Kareem Ali
Altrice
Dougie Poole
Body of Light
NGHTCRWLR
Magnum Force
Secret Attraction
Psymon Spine
Dogbreth
DJENTS
Pijama Piyama
707s
Pariah Pete
Get A Grip
Yellowcake
Veronica Everheart
Secret Attraction
Dirt Rhodes
Wheelwright
Droll
Obai
Repression
Jude Kellen
SAMNX
Psypiritual
Owijo
Bummer Girl
Lance Fairchild
Memory Ward
Apetight
KJADE.
In a news release, Matt Baquet of Best Life Presents said, "In its new form, VIVA PHX 2024 will showcase the wide variety of attractions and talent the Valley has to offer, from musical, culinary, and visual art standouts to grassroots organizations, local businesses, and emerging tech companies."
VIVA PHX and the Arizona State University (ASU) Popular Music Program, part of the School of Music, Dance, and Theatre, will partner on a dynamic series of networking events, industry discussions and student engagement opportunities aimed at fostering music career development around the vibrant VIVA PHX festival.
This initiative represents a unique opportunity for students and local artists to engage directly with industry professionals, gain invaluable insights and build essential connections within the music industry.
How to get tickets and VIP passes to VIVA PHX 2024
Tickets are on sale now at VIVAPHX.COM.
One thousand Early Bird general admission tickets start at $55 plus tax. VIP tickets start at $155 plus tax. VIP tickets will grant the attendee access to a fast pass, VIP areas at certain venues, limited edition swag and a dedicated VIP lounge within the VIVA PHX footprint.
Reach the reporter at [email protected]. Follow him on X (formerly Twitter) @EdMasley.
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This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: VIVA PHX festival returns for 2024: Everything to know