CHANDLER, Ariz. – Chandler Center for the Arts will reopen its doors this October following a $3 million renovation designed to enhance the experience for audiences and artists while preserving the character of the nearly 40-year-old venue.
More than a week of events beginning Oct. 17 will welcome donors, community members and audiences back to the Center, starting with the annual Center Stage Gala. The reopening continues with community storytelling led by Artist-in-Residence Ashli St. Armant, followed by the first performance weekend on the renovated Steena Murray Mainstage featuring Shanghai Ballet and multi-platinum country artist Sara Evans, as well as a community celebration and open house to welcome back residents and patrons.
The renovation includes new theater seating, refreshed interior finishes and upgrades to the stage and rigging, representing a significant investment in a venue that has served as a home for performing arts in Chandler for nearly four decades.
The reopening also celebrates the local arts organizations that have grown alongside CCA. Ballet Etudes, celebrating its 40th anniversary this season, presented its first Nutcracker at the Center; C.A.L.L.E. de Arizona returns for its 27th Annual Mariachi and Folklórico Festival; and the 33-year-old Chandler Symphony Orchestra begins its first season under newly named conductor Chuck Stewart.
“CCA has been part of this community for nearly 40 years, and what excites me about this reopening is that we're honoring that history while creating a better experience for the audiences and artists who will shape its future,” said Julianna Crespo, General Manager of Chandler Center for the Arts. “We want everyone to come through these doors, see what's changed and feel that this is their Center.”
The reopening begins Saturday, Oct. 17 with the 13th Annual Center Stage Gala, Murder on the Tumbleweed Express, giving CCA donors and supporters the first opportunity to experience the renovated theater. The western-themed evening combines a murder mystery with live performances, dining, auctions and immersive experiences, with proceeds supporting CCA programming and community engagement.
The celebration continues Wednesday, Oct. 21 with Ordinary Folks, Extraordinary Tales, a free community storytelling event hosted by playwright, composer and CCA Artist-in-Residence Ashli St. Armant. Presented in partnership with Chandler Museum, the event is the culmination of storytelling workshops with community members led by a storyteller from South Mountain Community College. Participants will take the stage to share their stories at the Oct. 21 event, hosted by St. Armant as part of her three-year CCA artist residency. The residency culminates in March 2027 with the world premiere of her new theatrical work, The Yellowroot: A Juke Joint Cabaret.
FREE COMMUNITY CELEBRATION
On Saturday, Oct. 24 from 3 to 6 p.m., Chandler Center for the Arts will open the renovated Center to the entire community for a free celebration and open house. The afternoon will include tours of the renovated theater, an opportunity to meet the new General Manager, Julianna Crespo, light refreshments and family activities.
Guests will be able to explore the theater on guided tours and see the improvements firsthand, from new seating and refreshed interiors to upgrades to the stage and rigging. Visitors will also have an opportunity to support the Center through its Adopt-A-Seat program.
CHANDLER CENTER FOR THE ARTS REOPENING EVENTS
13th Annual Center Stage Gala: Murder on the Tumbleweed Express
Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026 | 6 p.m.
Chandler Center for the Arts
250 N. Arizona Ave
Tickets $200
Western whodunit with dining, entertainment and auctions.
Ordinary Folks, Extraordinary Tales: A Storytelling Event
Wednesday, Oct. 21, 2026 | 7 p.m.
Chandler Community Center Courtyard
125 E. Commonwealth Ave
Free and open to the public
Presented in partnership with Chandler Museum and South Mountain Community College
Community storytelling showcase hosted by Artist in Residence Ashli St. Armant.
Shanghai Ballet: Giselle
Friday, Oct. 23, 2026 | 7:30 p.m.
Steena Murray Mainstage
Tickets: $38 \ $48 \ $58 \ $68 \ $78 \ Youth $19
Internationally acclaimed Shanghai Ballet performs the classic Giselle.
Community Reopening Celebration & Open House
Saturday, Oct. 24, 2026 | 3-6 p.m.
Chandler Center for the Arts
250 N. Arizona Ave
Free and open to the public
Theater tours, meet the General Manager, refreshments and family activities
Sara Evans
Sunday, Oct. 25, 2026 | 7 p.m.
Steena Murray Mainstage
Tickets: $48 \ $58 \ $68 \ $78 \ $98
Multi-platinum country star performs her biggest hits.