Live music
On the face of it, it may seem difficult to find good live music in the Grand Canyon - except in September, when the place is flooded with international musicians and concert-goers for the Grand Canyon Music Festival. Saying that, lovers of music will be satisfied with these popular venues.
This cozy and casual bar - decked out with wood and stone lodge-style interiors - rests at the top of the Bright Angel trailhead, and makes for a great place to grab a cold, refreshing beer after a long day of hiking through the canyon. Open till 11pm, the bar hosts seasonal live music with a true Western twang. Expect gritty country lyrics, well-worn acoustic guitars, and even the occasional washboard player.
9 Village Loop Drive, Grand Canyon Village, Grand Canyon National Park AZ 86023.
World Famous Sultana Bar
This retro bar is a must-visit if you’re traveling up to the Grand Canyon and stop in Williams, or if you feel like visiting the town for an evening - it’s an hour drive from the South Rim. It gets packed out on weekends with crowds who flock to see both home-grown country bands and touring bands rock the stage.
301 Historic Route 66, Williams AZ 86046.
Bar lounges
While the wild, untamed Grand Canyon landscape is ripe for energetic explorers and outdoor adventurers, you might find yourself craving an evening of elegance at an upscale bar lounge, where you can appreciate the natural beauty from a distance - and with a glass of wine in hand. El Tovar Lounge
This canyon-side bar lounge specializes in wine, with a menu that boasts over 100 different types from domestic vineyards - with a focus on regional Arizonan elixirs. Allow the staff to help you decide which wine is right for you - whether it’s a delicate white or dark and fruity red - and step outside to the lounge veranda to watch the fiery orange sunset. Or if you prefer, sit inside and check out the local artwork that lines the walls.
1 Main Street, Grand Canyon Village, Grand Canyon National Park AZ 86023.
Sunsets and stargazing
Urban dwellers will likely be as gobsmacked by the immensity of the Arizona sky as the craggy landscape itself. And at night it really comes into its own.
Nightlife isn’t always about stylish bars and bouncing live music, and the Grand Canyon is a great example of why. Get back to nature and spend your evening watching the immense sunset across the canyon from Hopi Point - a prime and popular viewpoint - where pinks, purples, and reds ripple into each other, and the canyon rocks blaze gold with the last bright flare of sunlight. Afterwards, stick around for a couple of hours and gaze at the bright stars in the pure sky, spotting constellations and meteors.
West Rim Drive, Grand Canyon National Park AZ 86023
Performing arts
While the canyon itself provides a natural spectacle, there are also theatrical performances to enjoy within traveling distance of the great outdoors.
Although Flagstaff is a 1 hour 30 minute drive from Grand Canyon Village, it’s well worth the trip if you’re a fan of the performing arts. Book tickets to a performance at the distinguished Ardrey Memorial Auditorium - the biggest performing arts center in Northern Arizona. The Ardrey has year-round evening events, including the Flagstaff Symphony Orchestra’s exquisite classical music, and sublime university student jazz groups.
1115 S. Knoles Drive, Flagstaff AZ 86011 .
