Key Takeaways:
- Several new entertainment and travel venues are opening in the Phoenix area in 2026, including a multi-room nightlife venue, a popular travel center, and an observatory and science center.
- Pablo’s, a 9,000-square-foot nightlife venue, is set to open in downtown Phoenix in early 2026, featuring multiple bars, a nightclub, and a courtyard.
- Buc-ee’s, a massive travel center, is expected to open in Goodyear in June 2026, offering cheap gas, homemade barbecue, and amenities.
- The International Dark Sky Discovery Center, a $28 million observatory and science center, will open in Fountain Hills in the fall of 2026, featuring a large telescope and planetarium.
- The Rush Funplex, an indoor entertainment chain, will open two locations in Arizona, offering go-karts, bowling, mini-golf, and other activities.
Introduction to New Venues
The Phoenix area is set to experience a surge in new entertainment and travel venues in 2026. From restaurants and hotels to expansions at Phoenix Sky Harbor, there are several exciting developments on the horizon. This article will explore some of the major openings coming to the Valley, including a multi-room nightlife venue, a popular travel center, and an observatory and science center. These new venues promise to bring a fresh wave of excitement and entertainment to the area, catering to both residents and tourists.
Pablo’s Nightlife Venue
Pablo’s is a highly anticipated nightlife venue set to open in downtown Phoenix in early 2026. This 9,000-square-foot venue is designed to surprise and connect guests at every turn, featuring multiple bars, a nightclub, and a courtyard. The venue is located in a historic building originally constructed in 1952 as a medical office and has been transformed by Saguaro Nights Entertainment Group. With a cocktail program designed by Barter & Shake Creative Hospitality, Pablo’s promises to be a unique and immersive nightlife experience. Construction began in October 2025, and the venue is expected to open its doors to the public in early 2026.
Buc-ee’s Travel Center
Buc-ee’s, a popular travel center, is expected to open in Goodyear in June 2026. Founded in 1982, Buc-ee’s is known for its beaver mascot, clean bathrooms, cheap gas, and homemade barbecue. The Arizona store will be 23% larger than a football field, making it a massive destination for travelers. Although the original opening date was set for late 2025, the new opening date has been confirmed for June 2026. Buc-ee’s promises to bring a unique and convenient travel experience to the Valley, with a wide range of amenities and services.
International Dark Sky Discovery Center
The International Dark Sky Discovery Center is a $28 million observatory and science center currently under construction in Fountain Hills. The center will feature a large telescope, a hyperspace planetarium, a theater, and an Einstein exploration station, among other attractions. The mission of the center is to educate visitors, support scientific research, and promote astrotourism, while raising awareness of the importance of dark skies for human health, wildlife, and the environment. Originally set to open in the fall of 2025, the center will now open in the fall of 2026. This unique venue promises to bring a new level of scientific exploration and discovery to the Valley.
The Rush Funplex and Other Openings
The Rush Funplex, an indoor entertainment chain, will open two locations in Arizona, one in Goodyear and the other in Laveen. The venues will feature go-karts, bowling, mini-golf, an arcade, bumper cars, a rock-climbing wall, laser tag, and other activities. The Laveen location is expected to be a 75,000-square-foot facility, and both locations will offer affordable hourly and daily passes. Additionally, Mattel Adventure Park, a theme park featuring Mattel favorites such as Barbie and Hot Wheels, is expected to open at the VAI Resort in Glendale, although the exact opening date has been delayed several times. These new venues promise to bring a fresh wave of entertainment and excitement to the Valley, catering to a wide range of interests and ages.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Phoenix area is set to experience a surge in new entertainment and travel venues in 2026. From nightlife venues like Pablo’s to travel centers like Buc-ee’s, and from observatories like the International Dark Sky Discovery Center to indoor entertainment chains like The Rush Funplex, there is something for everyone in the Valley. These new venues promise to bring a fresh wave of excitement and entertainment to the area, catering to both residents and tourists. With their unique attractions and amenities, they are sure to become popular destinations in the Valley, and their impact on the local economy and community is expected to be significant.