The Format will be back on stage in metro Phoenix for two unplugged concerts on Thursday and Friday, Dec. 10-11, at the historic Nile Theater in downtown Mesa.
These are The Format’s first hometown performances since January, when they celebrated the release of “Boycott Heaven,” an acclaimed reunion album that marked their first release in nearly 20 years, with two stripped-down performances in Phoenix.
The first was at the ZIA Records Bethany Home location. The second was supposed to be an outdoor gig in the parking lot at Stinkweeds but was moved to Crescent Ballroom when it looked like rain could cancel the event.
Their return to active duty was a sold-out show at Veterans Memorial Coliseum — a room with a capacity of 14,870 — in September 2025
as part of the Arizona State Fair Concerts in the Coliseum series.
The coliseum concert marked The Format’s first full-band performance since 2007.
In an exclusive interview with The Arizona Republic, Nate Ruess talked about how thrilled he was to be doing The Format and making new music again with Sam Means, calling 2025 “my favorite year that I've ever had in my life, hands down.”
As Ruess told The Republic, “We're just having such a blast. Like, the world is falling apart. But sometimes, it's nice to be taken away from that. I think we've distracted ourselves pretty wonderfully. And I hope this album can be a great distraction for a lot of people.”
The Format will also join Jimmy Eat World for a special co-headline performance at the Hollywood Bowl on Nov. 7, celebrating the 25th anniversary of Jimmy Eat World’s seminal album "Bleed American" and the 20th anniversary of The Format’s "Dog Problems."
Beyond the stage, The Format launched Saturdays In The Park, an ongoing series of free, all-ages community gatherings in cities along their tour. Held on Saturday afternoons, the events feature intimate acoustic performances and connect fans with local organizations making a positive impact in their communities.
Created by Ruess and Means to extend the sense of community beyond the concert experience, the series gives fans an opportunity to meet participating organizations and learn how to get involved. Past participants have included voter registration organizations, labor and workers’ rights groups, and pro-peace organizations. Learn more atwww.saturdaysinthepark.com.
How to get tickets to The Format unplugged in Phoenix
Tickets go on sale at noon on Friday, Oct. 16, at theformat.com.
The Format will donate $2 from every ticket sold to help fight food insecurity, support marginalized communities and fund local animal shelters. This is a sponsored project of Catalyst Philanthropy Fund, a 501(c)(3) public charity.
This newsletter goes to 11. Sign up for weekly music news.
Ed has covered pop music for The Republic since 2007, reviewing festivals and concerts, interviewing legends, covering the local scene and more. He did the same in Pittsburgh for more than a decade. Follow him on X and Instagram @edmasley and on Facebook as Ed Masley. Email him at ed.masley@arizonarepublic.com.
This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: The Format to play 2 unplugged hometown concerts in Phoenix
