ASU Family Weekend in Downtown Tempe

ASU Family Weekend 2024 kicks off October 4-6 and the weekend promises to be full of family fun on campus including the ASU Family Block Party, the Spirit Hike up “A” Mountain and the ASU home football game against the University of Kansas (wear maroon!) with Sparky's Touchdown Tailgate - it will be a jam-packed weekend.

Here's your chance to impress your family with your knowledge of the local community with this can’t-miss – insider’s list of things to do in Downtown Tempe. Whether you’ve got your grandparents and/or little siblings in tow – or it's just you, mom & pops, there is something for everyone to enjoy!

First, here's a few Family Weekend Specials just for you and your family this weekend. Show mom & pops how thrifty and budget conscious you've become!

Tempe Taco Supply, 511 S Farmer Ave - Enjoy BOGO for all tacos. This is a twofer if your family is already staying at the Vib Hotel!

Pita Jungle, 4 E. University Drive - Family Weekend includes:

• Award winning kids menu.
• Amazing Happy Hour with Tapas starting at $2 (3pm - 5pm) and specialty drinks (3pm - 6pm).
• The "Art of Eating Healthy" with something for everyone. Vegetarian, Vegan and gluten-friendly items alongside Mediterranean chicken & fish dishes.

Terra Tempe, 11 E. 7th Street - Terra-Torial Brunch from 10AM-2PM. They're bringing out the big plays with a delicious brunch menu, live DJ and a special appearance by ASU’s mascot, Sparky! Feast, have fun, and show off your school spirit. Reservations are strongly encouraged.

It’s probably been at least a month since you’ve seen each other, so a celebratory meal is in order! Call ahead for reservations Friday night at one of downtown Tempe’s favorite, award-winning restaurants, like Caffe Boa. It’s on the pricey side (thanks Mom & Dad!), but well worth it as you dine on their beautiful patio. Did we mention they’re award-winning? It’s not a stuffy place, so you’ll be fine in your shorts and sneakers.

Looking for something loud and lively? Start the weekend strong at Bang Bang Sushi, one of Mill Ave's newest hot spots with their brunch on Saturday from 12pm-4pm on their terrace overlooking Mill Ave! Here you'll find the biggest disco ball on mill, good eats and a great atmosphere. Or if you'd rather experience Bang Bang's nightlife, come back for Happy Hour from 4pm-6:30pm for rolls and sake bombs with the fam!

C.A.S.A.'s Tailgate is also happening this weekend for the ASU home game against Kansas. The tailgate is a 2-Day block party where they bring the party to the streets of 6th and Mill- and if you've ever been to one of C.A.S.A.'s block parties, it's not one to be missed!

Have a sweet tooth in your family? Be sure to stop by Sparky’s Old Time Creamery at the corner of 5^th Street and Mill Avenue. You’ll find fresh, house-made flavors of ice cream (includes 1 free mix-in), along with ice cream sandwiches, Hawaiian Ice, smoothies and Baby Belgium waffles.

Here’s a hare-brained idea: give your family a walking tour of Downtown Tempe with Tempe Tales and soak in the vibe of downtown and the world-famous Mill Avenue. Fourteen life-sized jackrabbits have been hidden around downtown and are waiting to be found. Use the clues to find the rabbits while you are exploring downtown. Fun fact: the ginormous jackrabbits (the not life-sized) at Centerpoint Plaza outside of Pedal Haus Brewery are by the same artist, Mark Rossi.

Your family will definitely need some souvenirs commemorating Family Weekend, both of the ASU variety and some just plain Arizona desert stuff – you know… with saguaros & cacti on them. For the ASU variety, stop into Sun Devil Marketplace at 7^th Street & College Avenue or go to Cactus Sports near 5^th & Mill Ave, home of the best selection of OG ASU gear.  Head next door for the best selection of cacti, desert-themed items at The Plant Mill OR Lotions & Potions, on the corner of 5^th & Mill.

Last but not least, you might want to take a break from the campus fun and grab an electric scooter and scoot over to Tempe Beach Park. Get out on the lake in a Donut Boat, a pontoon boat or paddleboard, which are super easy to rent from Boats of America at Tempe Town Lake. 

Go ahead and show off Tempe Town Lake (the lake was the brain-child of ASU students in the 1960’s – yay innovation!) and head west down the lakeside to Tempe Center of the Arts for free admission to The Gallery (open Tuesday-Saturday, 10am-5pm) and the Elmore Pedestrian Bridge. Here, you’ll see the country's largest hydraulically-operated steel gate dam system and if you’re on the bridge at the right time the most beautiful sunset views in the Valley.

For all information on ASU's Family Weekend and the event schedule, please go here!

Check out other Dining, Shopping and Nightlife in Downtown Tempe!

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