The Tempe Festival of the Arts has been around forever – I’m sure you’ve been to it at least once, and if you haven’t, I know you’ve at least heard of it…right? Anyway, do you know that feeling you get when you’ve gone to an event year after year and nothing ever changes…and part of you loves that tradition, but another part of you wishes there was something new and different? Me too! This fall, the 48th Annual Tempe Festival of the Arts is giving us life with all the old faves plus some new additions that we’re sure to fall in love with and add to the list of things we look forward to each year. Here are 7 things to look forward to, old and new!
New! Sixth + Mill Makers
I wanted this new feature to be at the top of the list because it sounds super hip…and it’s the one I’m most excited about…duh! Sixth + Mill Makers is by far the most fresh and new element being added to the Tempe Festival of the Arts. It’s a carefully curated selection of Phoenix-made goods that will be featured in a designated area at the festival. If the name didn’t give away the location, you’ll be able to find these cool kids on the east side of 6th Street and Mill Avenue. These local makers will be present to showcase their incredible talents as well as the growing entrepreneurial spirit in the Phoenix area among the maker community (in case you haven’t noticed). Each maker was hand selected by a couple of amazing curators, Andrew and Sam of Standard Wax. It’s rumored that we can expect to see everything from handmade greeting cards and letterpress stationary to modern concrete planters and floral arrangements. Be sure to check out this new section of the festival and let me know what you think.
Chalk-A-Lot Street
Not really an oldie, but definitely a goodie. This special chalk section on 4th Street has been a part of the Tempe Festival of the Arts for several years, but it continues to grow in popularity as the chalk artists continue to increase in both quality and quantity. Who doesn’t love a great chalk mural? The best part about Chalk-A-Lot Street is that you get to see the murals transform over 3 days and watch the artists in their element, see their process and interact with them. And they work so hard – they’re on their hands and knees on concrete for hours, covered in chalk…still manage to take time out of creating to interact with people like me that ask them a million questions, and do it all with smiles on their faces. They’re pretty much amazing. And if you’re looking for some cools pics to flood your Snapchat and IG stories…this is the perfect festival feature for that!
New! Beer & Wine Gardens
Aaahh…and what’s a festival without a little libation? In the past, we’ve enjoyed the Arizona Wine Festival and the Art of Beer. If you attended in the spring, you know that the beer and wine garden was bursting at the seams. To accommodate those wanting to enjoy a glass of wine or sip on a local brew, the Tempe Festival of the Arts has essentially tripled the locations that are now simply considered Beer and Wine Gardens. The 3 Beer + Wine Gardens will feature a combination of beer and wine offerings in partnership with Tempe-based Four Peaks Brewery and Pedal Haus Brewery as well as Gordon Biersch Brewing Company. Bonus: these Beer + Wine Gardens are situated perfectly with the 3 stages. See next item!
Entertainment
The festival has always been known for having well-known local and regional music, but this year will be kicked up a notch as State Farm has signed on as the Official Music Sponsor. That means...more stages -- 3 to be exact! You can also expect to see dozens of buskers and street entertainers scattered throughout the festival for your entertainment. Confession #1 -- I got 2 of my favorite things from street entertainers at the Tempe Festival of the Arts: 1 – an album from an amazing local musician named Elijah Bossenbroek (a US Marine Vet whose piano compositions will bring you to tears), and 2: a caricature drawing from a local artist name Don Evenson – it’s the best hair and eyebrows I’ll ever have. Even if art isn’t really your thing, there’s 3 days of great entertainment at the Tempe Festival of the Arts, and the best part is, it’s completely FREE (unless you decide to treat yourself like I did ; )
New! Food Truck Alley
It’s no surprise that local food trucks are still a novelty for most folks in the Valley. There were a few food trucks featured at the spring festival, and due to their popular demand, an official Food Truck Alley was born. I’m sure we’ll see some fan favorites like The Maine Lobster Lady, but it’s rumored that we’ll see as many as 10 foodtruckpreneurs over the course of the weekend, with everything from local farm-to-fork fare to wood-burning pizzas. My mouth is watering just thinking about all the delicious bites that are to be consumed. Confession #2 – I’ve gone to the Tempe Festival of the Arts on all 3 days (on multiple occasions) just so I can eat a variety of all the yummy food and snacks available. Not my proudest moments, but I wouldn’t take them back for anything. Save your appetites folks!
New! Kids Block
Ok…I know I said that I was most excited about Sixth + Mill Makers, but this whole Kids Block has me pretty excited as well…and I don’t even have kids! I just find it really cool that a dozen or so community groups and/or organizations have come together to provide a super interactive area designed just for kids at the Tempe Festival of the Arts. I’m hearing they’ll be student art exhibits, creation stations and so much more programming aimed at encouraging the next generation of our artists and makers to explore their inner creative side. I’m sure I’ll swing by and feel terrible about myself because some 6 year old created something that I’ll never be able to do...but amazed to see how it all begins for artists. I can’t wait for an overload of cuteness! Join me in a collective “Aaawwww!”
Insider Info (From Me to You)
Do I dare promote another event for you to check out during the Tempe Festival of the Arts…? I do! But only because it will be a lovely compliment and somewhat of an extension of the festival on Sunday ONLY. Check out the 6th Street Market…it’s in 6th Street Park -- a little hidden gem that you’ll thank me for later. The great thing about this artisan and maker market is that it’s there EVERY Sunday, but I expect it will be extra special on December 4th to account for Tempe Festival of the Arts and the crowd it brings.
