Arts & Culture in Surprise

The Surprise Arts and Cultural Advisory Commission selects rotating art displays and some permanent pieces of the city’s art collection located in the first floor lobby and hallway of Surprise City Hall. Enjoy the art exhibition “Out of the West” from October 4 – January 7, featuring artist Sun Bauer.

The City of Surprise is committed to growing a vibrant arts and cultural scene. Explore this page to learn more about our offerings, take a tour of our public arts gallery and see the latest happenings listed on the calendar.

Arts and Cultural Advisory Commission

The Surprise Arts and Cultural Advisory Commission supports City Council policies to encourage cultural growth that ensure art, culture and entertainment are central elements of the quality of life for residents. Learn more about the Commission

An Arts & Cultural Advisory Commission-led grant program provides funding assistance to community-based organizations located in Surprise that are pursuing arts and cultural events or activities.

View the FY2022 Arts & Culture Grant Program Award Recipients

Surprise Arts & Culture Master Plan

Surprise has developed its first Arts & Culture Master Plan! The master plan will help us to better express the City’s uniqueness and artistic vitality by setting the standard and strategic direction for how we continue to implement and enjoy arts and culture in our community. Learn more about the Arts & Culture Master Plan

Art Experiences in Surprise

The growing art scene and available cultural events in Surprise play an important role in making this a unique and fascinating place to live and play. Below is a list of art experiences throughout the City for residents and visitors to enjoy.

  1. public art

    Public Art in Surprise - Learn more about the unique public art pieces that can be found throughout the city!

    View the Public Art in Surprise
    View the Public Arts Tour Map

  2. Food Truck Festival

    Sunday in the Park – A free family-fun fete featuring food trucks, live bands, craft beers and wine presented during the spring and fall. All events are held at Mark Coronado Park, 15960 N. Bullard Avenue (former 8-Acre Park). For more information, please visit www.surpriseaz.gov/specialevents.

  3. City of Surprise Art Gallery

    City of Surprise Art Gallery – The Surprise Arts and Cultural Advisory Commission selects rotating art displays and some permanent pieces of the city’s art collection located in the first floor lobby and hallway of Surprise City Hall, 16000 N. Civic Center Plaza, and also in the outdoor courtyard area. Enjoy paintings and sculptures by area artists during regular business hours, Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m., excluding holidays.

  4. Valley Vista Performing Arts Center

    The Vista Center for the Arts – Formerly known as the Valley Vista High School Performing Arts Center, this state-of-the-art performing arts center has been re-branded as "The Vista" and continues to be operated by the Dysart Unified School District. This venue offers a roomy lobby, 1,300 plush seats, professional BOSE sound, and theatrical lighting. The Vista plays host to a variety of arts and cultural events. For more information, please visit: www.thevistaaz.com

  5. ArtsHQ

    West Valley Arts HQ – The Arts HQ consists of 2,500 square feet of indoor gallery space plus an outdoor courtyard. These flexible spaces allow for a multitude of arts and cultural events, and can be adapted to meet various visual and performance requirements. For more information, please visit: http://www.westvalleyarts.org

  6. West Valley Conservatory of Ballet

    West Valley Conservatory of Ballet – WVCB is a nonprofit organization that strives to provide the community with classical ballet training. WVCB also has a performing arts company which consists of volunteer dancers whom are classically trained and have a passion for their art. For more information, please visit: http://wvballet.wordpress.com/

  7. West Valley Symphony

    West Valley Symphony – The West Valley Symphony presents concerts for listening enjoyment and provides an opportunity for orchestral music education. For more information, please visit: http://westvalleysymphony.org

  8. Surprise Pops Band

    Surprise Pops Band – This band plays free concerts in the West Valley, including in Surprise. They just ask that you bring a nonperishable food item for the Valley View Community Food Bank. For more information, please visit: http://www.surprisepopsband.com

  9. WHAM Art Association & Gallery

    WHAM Art Association & Gallery – WHAM presents programs, exhibitions and special events which foster interaction between artist and the community. The association also maintains WHAM West Gallery, a beautiful showroom for juried art shows and special events. For more information, please visit: http://www.wham-art.org

Art Experiences near Surprise

Arizona Broadway Theatre – An arts venue that combines quality dining and professional theatre.

Catitude Art Gallery – Catitude provides artist show and studio space, guest artists each month, special events and a variety of art forms.

Del E. Webb Center for the Performing Arts - A state-of-the-art 600 seat theatre dedicated to enhancing the cultural and educational richness of Wickenburg and our surrounding communities.

Desert Caballeros Museum – This museum aims to collect and preserve the history, learning, lore and mementos incident to the development of Wickenburg and the Arizona Territory.

Ghostlight Theatre – This performing arts venue aims to educate and enrich the community through dramatic arts by offering a quality and diverse theater experience. Theater Works – Theatre Works is a theatre company that presents dramas, musicals, comedies and other special events.

Ground Floor Artists - This venue aims to be a collaborative hub that encourages professional development and provides opportunities for all makers and visual artists by making available state of the art equipment, studios, instructional spaces, and exhibition opportunities, while increasing community awareness, appreciation, and support for the Phoenix West Valley area artist.

Mill Ave Chamber Players – Formed in 2007, the Mill Ave Chamber Players seeks to strengthen communities by presenting quality chamber music performances across the Valley.

Phoenix Opera - Arizona’s most exciting opera company is dedicated to presenting magnificent traditional operas. The fully restored Orpheum Theatre, the last remaining example of palace theatre architecture in Phoenix, is the home of Phoenix Opera.

ProMusica – Founded in 2003, ProMusica Arizona’s mission is to enrich lives in the greater Phoenix area, with focus on the North Valley, through innovative, joint performances of its multigenerational chorale and orchestra.

Stage Left Productions - Stage Left Productions was created to provide an outlet for creative community involvement, while seeking to produce quality entertainment. Stage Left Productions performs at the Stage Left Theatre in Surprise.

Theatre Works of Peoria – Theatre Works is a theatre company that presents dramas, musicals, comedies and other special events.

West Valley Art Museum – A premier cultural venue that features regular art events and a unique fine art collection.

West Valley Chorale - A vibrant community vocal group, West Valley Chorale has spent over 35 years providing outstanding choral music to Surprise and the Sun Cities.

White Tank Branch Library – Experience a variety of art exhibits and cultural events.