Downtown Tempe's Signature Events...And Why We Do Them
Category EVENTS & HAPPENINGS
If you’ve ever strolled Mill Avenue during a festival, danced in Centerpoint Plaza at a block party, or watched boats sparkle across Tempe Town Lake during the holidays, you’ve experienced the magic of Downtown Tempe Authority’s Signature Events.
Since 1993, Downtown Tempe Authority (DTA) has been dedicated to keeping the downtown district thriving. Not just for the people who live and work here, but for every visitor who stops by. One of the ways we do that is through events.
Our signature events are designed to be free, fun, and community-driven. They bring “feet to the street,” support our merchants, showcase local Tempe talent, and create traditions that thousands look forward to year after year. What started as a way to activate downtown has grown into a lineup of 12 exciting experiences that help define what it means to be in Tempe.
"You don’t need a massive staff to create great events that rival the biggest in the Valley."
Here's the true Inside Scoop: What many people don’t realize is that this magic comes from a small but mighty crew. Our events team of four is behind the big ideas... conceptualizing, managing, and producing each event from start to finish. A marketing team of two spreads the word and builds the buzz. And when event day arrives, about 10–12 of us hit the streets to set the stage, welcome the crowds, and keep things running smoothly.
And it doesn’t stop when the last song plays or the last booth packs up. Our team also breaks it all down, resets the streets (or park), and makes sure it is ready for whatever is to come the next day! Every free festival, parade and block party you see downtown is powered by this dedicated team, proving you don’t need a massive staff to create great events that rival the biggest in the Valley.
Downtown Tempe Presents...
2nd Sundays on Mill
Not your average market. A thematic outdoor market series held on the second Sunday of select months, 2nd Sundays on Mill fills Mill Avenue with local vendors, live music, street performances, interactive art, roaming entertainment and free family-friendly fun — right in the heart of Downtown Tempe. Each event creates a new reason to explore downtown, discover local businesses, and connect with the community in a walkable, car-free setting.
Fantasy of Lights Street Parade
Downtown Tempe’s holiday season starts with this beloved tradition! Celebrate the season with a festive holiday street parade, the lighting of our 36-foot holiday tree, live music, local snacks and drinks and plenty of cheer filling the Mill Avenue streets. For many families, it's the official kickoff to the holidays and a chance to create lasting traditions while supporting Downtown Tempe businesses.
Fall Tempe Festival of the Arts
The Tempe Festival of the Arts is more than 55 years strong and ranked among the top art festivals in the nation. More than 300 juried artists line Mill Avenue and surrounding streets while chalk muralists bring the pavement to life alongside live music, beer and wine gardens, local food favorites, a kids block, and so much more. Perfect for checking off your holiday shopping list! The festival supports artists from across the country while driving thousands of visitors to Downtown Tempe during one of the busiest shopping seasons of the year.
Fantasy of Lights Boat Parade
Holiday magic hits the water of Tempe Town Lake at this dazzling nighttime event featuring a parade of boats lit up for the season, festive eats, a holiday market filled with local artists and vendors, photos with Santa, on-site bars, and a fireworks finale at Tempe Beach Park. The event gives families and friends a chance to gather for a memorable holiday tradition while enjoying everything Downtown Tempe has to offer before and after the celebration.
Menorah Lighting Ceremony
A peaceful evening at Ragsdale – MLK Park featuring the ceremonial lighting of the menorah and a chance to gather with the community during the Chanukah season. Hosted in partnership with community organizations, this gathering creates space for reflection, connection, and celebrating an important holiday tradition together.
Tempe Blooms
An award-winning celebration of flowers and art, Tempe Blooms transforms Downtown Tempe with large-scale floral installations, live mural painting, a floral-inspired market where you can shop floral treasures, watch floral seminars, build your own bouquet, catch rotating live music throughout downtown, and enjoy flower-inspired specials from participating businesses. By blending art, nature, and local businesses, Tempe Blooms offers a fresh way to experience downtown while supporting the creatives and merchants who help make it unique.
Spring Tempe Festival of the Arts
Same beloved art festival, but with fresh spring energy! It’s the perfect weekend to browse 300+ juried artists from all across the country, listen to live music at multiple stages, enjoy wine and beer gardens, live chalk artists, local food trucks, and so much more! The spring festival continues a decades-long tradition of supporting artists while introducing new visitors to everything Downtown Tempe has to offer.
Pride Party
The Downtown Tempe Pride Party lights up Centerpoint Plaza with bold expression and big energy. This free celebration features drag performances, a silent disco, multiple DJs, on-site bars, and interactive activations that bring the community together. Created in partnership with community organizations and local partners, Pride Party offers a fun, welcoming, and inclusive celebration of the LGBTQIA+ community.
Juneteenth Block Party
The Juneteenth Block Party brings culture, creativity, and history to the forefront with an evening of music, spoken word, dancing, art, food, and community. Hosted in Centerpoint Plaza, this free event honors Juneteenth through powerful storytelling and joyful expression. Created in partnership with community organizations, the celebration provides a platform for Black artists, musicians, entrepreneurs, and community leaders while creating space to reflect, learn, and celebrate together.