Uptown Plaza, one of Phoenix’s most iconic and timeless landmarks, invites all to step back in time and join the celebration on Saturday, September 27, from 5:00 to 8:30 PM, to honor its 70th Anniversary. Blending its timeless mid-century charm with modern-day spirit of community and locality, Uptown Plaza welcomes residents and visitors alike to “party like it’s 1955” and celebrate seven decades of neighborhood connection, culture, and commerce in the heart of Uptown Phoenix. 

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An evening to celebrate

The anniversary event will feature live music, exclusive giveaways, nostalgic décor and a variety of activations that pay tribute to Uptown Plaza’s 1950s roots. Guests will enjoy a festive evening on The Plaza’s iconic grounds, which underwent a major restoration in 2016 to preserve its original mid-century design, while making room for a curated blend of local and national businesses. The celebration will include live entertainment and interactive elements designed to honor the past while celebrating the future.

Event highlights include:

The first 250 guests to check in at the vintage-themed 70th Anniversary Welcome Booth will receive a limited-edition commemorative pin, unlocking access to exclusive, event-only “1955 pricing” specials at participating shops and restaurants, including:

• Throwback-prices on ShackBurgers and Fries from Shake Shack, provided by Uptown Plaza, in a nod to classic 1955 menu prices.
• $7 pints plus pet-friendly patio access at locally owned Dynamite Beer Co.
• Complimentary scoops of ice cream from Salt & Straw, slated to open at The Plaza in Fall 2025, available while supplies last.
• A community yoga session at 5:00 PM in the Courtyard, led by Sweatshop on Central, a locally owned studio that originally opened at Uptown Plaza.
• Live music from The Joeys, a local band known for their 1950’s-rockabilly sound.
• Themed photo ops featuring a Vintage Volkswagen Photo Booth Van, interactive games and retro-inspired installations.
• Anniversary giveaways and exclusive, 70th Anniversary merchandise, available while supplies last.

From 1955 to today: a Phoenix landmark

Originally opened in 1955 and designed by legendary Arizona developer Del Webb, Uptown Plaza was Phoenix’s first suburban shopping center, ushering in a new era of lifestyle and retail. With its signature modernist architecture, courtyard clock and neon signage, it quickly became a fashionable destination for shopping, dining and gathering. It was home to landmark businesses such as Helsing’s Coffee Shop, Jerand’s of Arizona, and Piggly Wiggly, names still remembered fondly by longtime Phoenicians.

2025 brings major upgrades to Uptown Plaza

Today, Uptown Plaza remains a vibrant neighborhood hub with an eclectic tenant mix including AJ’s Fine Foods, Chula Seafood, Manor, Muse Apparel, West Elm, Local Nomad and Shake Shack, among others. The center’s careful restoration and continued evolution reflect a deep, ongoing commitment to honoring its heritage while embracing the future.

In honor of Uptown Plaza’s 70th Anniversary, the center has made several updates that celebrate its history while looking ahead. A new courtyard clock tower was installed, designed to honor and match the vintage-style pillars used in The Plaza’s 2016 restoration, as well as an updated entry sign. A mural featuring the 70th Anniversary logo was painted in the northeast corner of The Plaza, adding a commemorative visual to the property, as an emblem for the milestone anniversary.

Earlier this year, The Plaza launched its “Uptown Plaza Memories” video campaign, a storytelling series that featured stories from longtime Uptown residents and local businesses originally founded at The Plaza, each with a unique connection to its enduring legacy.

Also new for 2025 was the addition of Fox Restaurant Concepts’ The Henry, a stylish all-day café that now stands at the iconic corner of Camelback and Central, in the former Applebee’s space that was originally the iconic Helsing’s Coffee Shop.

“This celebration is about more than just a milestone, it’s about the people and memories that have shaped Uptown Plaza into what it is today,” says Andrew Cohn, principal at Levine Investments. “We look forward to welcoming the community to commemorate 70 incredible years.”

Stay tuned

For the latest updates on Uptown Plaza and the 70th Anniversary celebration in September, please visit our website uptownplaza.com and follow along at @uptownplazaphx on Instagram.