Sedona Nonprofit Fights to Revive Abandoned Amphitheater

Local music lovers aim to restore 25-year-old cultural hub despite city's housing plans

Apr. 3, 2026 at 1:51am

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An abstract composition of jagged, geometric shapes in earthy tones, conceptually representing the abandoned Sedona Cultural Park amphitheater and the community's push to revive it.A community-led effort to restore Sedona's long-abandoned cultural hub could revive the area's artistic spirit.Sedona Today

For just three years in the early 2000s, the Sedona Cultural Park hosted thousands of people and big-name entertainers. But the amphitheater has sat abandoned for over two decades, with weeds and graffiti overtaking the once-vibrant venue. Now, a local nonprofit called Sedona Cultural Park 2.0 is leading the charge to revitalize the site, arguing it could become an iconic destination if restored, despite the city's plans to turn the area into workforce housing.

Why it matters

The Sedona Cultural Park was a beloved community hub that brought music, culture, and economic activity to the area for a brief period. Its closure and abandonment was a major loss for local residents, and reviving the amphitheater could restore that sense of cultural identity and vibrancy to Sedona. However, the city's push for more housing in the area poses a challenge to the nonprofit's restoration efforts.

The details

From 2000 to 2003, the Sedona Cultural Park hosted musicians from around the world and seated over 5,000 people, mostly locals. Jennifer May, a Sedona native, witnessed the amphitheater's rise and fall due to financial mismanagement. Now, May and other locals have formed the nonprofit Sedona Cultural Park 2.0 to revive the site. Board member Chris Ford, who previously worked in the entertainment industry, believes the cultural park could become a 'bucket list destination' if restored, given its stunning views of the Sedona landscape. However, the city is currently looking to turn the area into workforce housing, a pressing need in the community.

  • The Sedona Cultural Park operated from 2000 to 2003.
  • The amphitheater has sat abandoned for over 2 decades since closing in 2003.

The players

Sedona Cultural Park 2.0

A nonprofit organization formed by local Sedona residents to revitalize the abandoned Sedona Cultural Park amphitheater.

Jennifer May

A Sedona native who witnessed the rise and fall of the Sedona Cultural Park and is now a board member of the nonprofit working to restore the venue.

Chris Ford

A board member of Sedona Cultural Park 2.0 who previously worked in the entertainment industry and believes the amphitheater could become a major tourist destination if revived.

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What they’re saying

“This was something that turned into something iconic for a lot of locals here. It was a great event to come to. It was close to home.”

— Jennifer May, Sedona resident and Sedona Cultural Park 2.0 board member

“Just look at it. I mean, this is a stunning place. It has one of the best views in Sedona.”

— Chris Ford, Sedona Cultural Park 2.0 board member

What’s next

Sedona residents will soon receive a survey in the mail to provide feedback on whether the city should keep the amphitheater or turn the area into workforce housing.

The takeaway

The battle over the Sedona Cultural Park's future highlights the tension between preserving a beloved community asset and addressing pressing housing needs. The nonprofit's efforts to revive the amphitheater could restore a sense of cultural identity to Sedona, but the city's housing plans pose a significant challenge that will require careful consideration from local residents and officials.