SEDONA, Ariz. – The city of Sedona issued a Request for Information (RFI) inviting private entities to share their interest and ideas for the restoration and operations of the Sedona Cultural Park Amphitheater, a 5,500-seat outdoor performance venue located on city-owned land in West Sedona called the Western Gateway.
The outdoor amphitheater was in operation primarily as a music venue from 2001-2003 and hosted nationally recognized artists. The city purchased the property in 2022 and is now exploring options to bring the venue back as a cultural and economic asset for residents and visitors.
The city is seeking responses from private organizations and businesses with expertise in developing, operating and managing outdoor amphitheaters, performing arts venues or comparable entertainment facilities. The RFI is an information-gathering step that may lead to a formal Request for Proposals (RFP) process for a ground lease of up to approximately 25 acres of the city property. The city intends to lease the property at fair market value, with renovation and operating costs the responsibility of the private party.
Respondents are encouraged to share creative ideas for programming, business models, community benefit components and approaches to comply with Sedona’s sound attenuation requirements. The city is particularly interested in how a restored venue could serve residents and complement Sedona’s arts and tourism economy.
Organizations interested in scheduling a site visit may contact the city to arrange access during regular business hours with 48 hours advance notice.
The RFI package contains additional information, including a structural condition assessment, a site diagram, site photographs, zoning documents and a non-exclusive Letter of Intent available to respondents upon request. To learn more and to respond to the RFI, visit https://sedonaaz.bonfirehub.com/portal. Applications are due no later than Sept. 30, 2026.