Downtown Tempe Free Events Guide: January–March 2026

Happy New Year. We are setting the stage for a vibrant winter season in Downtown Tempe, with free events from January through March 2026. The district is kicking off the new year with a high-energy lineup of signature experiences, major community announcements, and continued business growth.

This winter season in Downtown Tempe runs through mid-March and includes two upcoming 2nd Sundays on Mill 2026 events, the two-day Tempe Blooms 2026 flowerful experience, and the three-day Tempe Festival of the Arts 2026. Together, these add up to seven total days of free events in Downtown Tempe, designed to bring people together and activate the district. Each event takes place in the heart of Downtown Tempe, creating immersive experiences surrounded by 166 street-level businesses, including more than 20 new businesses that opened in the past year, with more on the way.

Free Events Presented by Downtown Tempe Authority

2nd Sundays on Mill: CREATE

Sunday, Jan. 11, 2026
An outdoor market with immersive programming and entertainment that is anything but ordinary. From 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., attendees can shop from 75 local artisans and crafters and enjoy live rotating music, free make-and-takes, a car show, and immersive programming. If you’re looking for things to do in Downtown Tempe, this is a can’t-miss start to the season.

Tempe Blooms  |

Jan. 24–25, 2026
An award-winning celebration that transforms Downtown Tempe into a blooming destination with large floral installations, live muralists, a flower-inspired marketplace, rotating music, floral design workshops, kids activities, and limited-edition food, drink, and retail specials. Tempe Blooms 2026 is one of the most unique free events in Downtown Tempe this winter.

2nd Sundays on Mill: Love on Mill

Sunday, Feb. 8, 2026
Celebrate love in all its forms, right in the heart of the city. From couples and friendships to family and community pride, Mill Avenue becomes the stage for connection. Shop themed vendors, enjoy activations and live music, and experience programming centered on supporting local. It’s a day to share the love for each other and for the heart of our city. If you’re searching for Downtown Tempe events February 2026, this is a standout.

Tempe Festival of the Arts, Spring Edition

March 13–15, 2026
One of the Southwest’s most beloved art festivals, transforming Mill Avenue and surrounding streets into an open-air gallery with more than 300 professional artists, live music, live chalk art, family programming, beer and wine gardens, entertainment, and festival food. Mark your calendar now for Downtown Tempe events March 2026, including the Tempe Festival of the Arts 2026 spring edition.

Downtown Tempe has long been considered an energetic hub for activations, events, and experiences, and there’s a reason for that. Our district is unique in character, walkability, and access to an abundance of restaurants, nightlife, shopping, outdoor recreation, and art. We love that Downtown Tempe is a magnet for so many events and happenings because of these unique attributes, and this season’s lineup brings even more things to do in Downtown Tempe.

In addition to our signature events, the Downtown Tempe district is hosting several regional experiences throughout the season, further reinforcing Downtown Tempe as a hub for culture, entertainment, and community gathering. Check out our Events Calendar for all happenings.

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More Downtown Tempe Events to Consider (January–March 2026)

Rock ’n’ Roll Half Marathon

Sunday, Jan. 18, 2026
A live-music-infused race day that brings thousands to Downtown Tempe. This is one of the biggest Downtown Tempe events January 2026 has on the calendar.

Mill Music Session

Saturday, Jan. 31, 2026
A free live music series at Hayden Flour Mill showcasing local bands, art, and community gathering in a historic Tempe setting. Add this to your list of things to do in Downtown Tempe at the end of January.

Innings Festival and Extra Innings Festival

February 20–22, 2026 and February 27–28, 2026
Two weekends of major live music, culinary experiences, and festival fun aligned with Spring Training action, drawing music fans and visitors from across the region. These weekends are key anchors for Downtown Tempe events February 2026.

Arizona Aloha Festival

March 21–22, 2026
A celebration of Polynesian cultures featuring traditional dance, music, crafts, and food at Tempe Beach Park. If you’re planning ahead for Downtown Tempe events March 2026, this is a great follow-up weekend after Festival of the Arts.