42 Aug 13th - Aug 19th, 2026 phoenixnewtimes.com PHOENIX NEW TIMES | NEWS | FEATURE | FOOD & DRINK | ARTS & CULTURE | MUSIC | CONCERTS | CANNABIS | The Chill Room 1320 E. Broadway Road, #108, Tempe The Chill Room in Tempe contains the sort of amenities available at many Valley watering holes, including a pool table and a wide variety of board games, only there’s no booze being served. The alcohol-free bar also has no-cover music events throughout the week, including karaoke sessions, open mic nights and sets by local bands. Tempe Marketplace 2000 E. Rio Salado Parkway., Tempe Free live music takes place at Tempe Marketplace on weekend evenings during the fall, winter and spring. Local rock, pop, funk and cover bands play shows on a stage between H&M and Dave & Busters. National touring acts also occasionally come through, bringing large crowds to the open-air mall’s central plaza. Pita Jungle 1949 W. Ray Road, Chandler Chandler’s Pita Jungle location hosts one of Arizona’s longest-running weekly jazz jams inside the restaurant. Every Thursday from 6:30 to 9 p.m., a rotating lineup of local musicians serves up a free jam session with a heaping helping of grooves, riffs and improvisation. Roosters Country 3731 E. Main St., Mesa Roosters Country has been a fixture of the Valley’s country scene since the 1970s with all the amenities befitting an old-school honky-tonk. There’s a large stage and red- and-black checkered dance floor in the front, pool tables in the back and rustic ambiance throughout. The joint offers free shows by local country musicians and rock bands every weekend. Queen Creek Olive Mill 25062 S. Meridian Road, Queen Creek Queen Creek Olive Mill’s sprawling courtyard features free sets by local guitarists and singer-songwriters on Friday and Saturday evenings and Sunday during brunchtime. Patrons can enjoy the music while sitting around fire pits, partake in food and drink or soaking up the laid-back ambiance. The Handlebar Pub & Grill 650 W. Apache Trail, Apache Junction This neighborhood pub in the far East Valley has a handle on no-cost live music. A mix of local bands and singer-songwriters stage free shows on the patio almost every night, including regular residencies by notable Valley musicians. Case in point: Visit on Thursdays for Arizona blues legend Hans Olson’s weekly session. Rusty Spur Saloon 7245 E. Main St., Scottsdale Rusty Spur is an iconic Scottsdale landmark that dates back decades and has live music on tap seven days a week. Local country, Americana and rockabilly artists play rip-roaring sets on a corner stage, creating a party atmosphere inside the tiny saloon where patrons dance wherever they can find room. Best of all, there’s never a cover. Scottsdale Quarter 15191 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale Weekend evenings during the fall and spring bring free live music to the Quad at Scottsdale Quarter. Local rock, pop, jazz and country artists play from 5 to 7 p.m. on an outdoor stage beneath palm trees in the heart of the upscale shopping complex. Cave Creek Roadhouse 6900 E. Cave Creek Road, Cave Creek Live music is one of the many draws of the Roadhouse, where rock and country bands and solo artists play every night on indoor and outdoor stages. Like its sister bar The Hideaway just up the road, this spacious, biker-friendly joint has a raucous atmosphere, an anything-goes vibe and never a cover. Harold’s Cave Creek Corral 6895 E. Cave Creek Road, Cave Creek Harold’s is a Cave Creek institution with plenty of country bar trappings, including a large dance floor, barbecue and wood- paneled decor. Local bands and musicians play twangy tunes during no-cover shows Thursday through Sunday. You might even rub elbows with a celebrity, as famous faces have frequented Harold’s over the years. Roman’s Oasis 16825 W. Yuma Road, Goodyear Located on the dusty edge of Goodyear, Roman’s Oasis is a 9,000-square-foot road- house with ramshackle charm that’s offered free country music shows on Friday and Saturday nights for decades. You can hit the dance floor while the bands are playing or mosey over to one of its many bars for a drink. Its cash only, though, so visit an ATM before you go, partner. Dillon’s Bayou at Pleasant Harbor 40202 N. 87th Ave., Peoria Dillon’s Bayou is located along Lake Pleasant, which provides a panoramic backdrop for free shows by bands, solo artists and DJs at the restaurant every Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Stop by at sunset for the best views during early evening sets. J&T’s Copper Penny 17036 N. 99th Ave., Sun City The Copper Penny proves why Sun City ain’t just for folks with sensible bedtimes. The long-running neighborhood dive has free live music multiple nights a week, with classic rock, country and blues bands providing a raucous soundtrack for drinking, dancing and socializing. Looking for even more live music? Check out the Phoenix New Times concert calendar for upcoming shows across the Valley. Live and Loud from p 38
