Downtown Tempe's Signature Events...And Why We Do Them
Category Events
If you’ve ever strolled Mill Avenue during a festival, danced in the street 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 beloved experiences that help define what it means to be in Tempe.
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 2025-2026 Season
November 9 | January 11 | February 8 | April 12
Not your average market. A seasonal 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.
Fantasy of Lights Street Parade
November 29, 2025
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.
Fall Tempe Festival of the Arts
December 5-7, 2025
The Tempe Festival of the Arts is more than 55 years strong and ranked among the top art festivals in the nation. 350+ juried artists line Mill Avenue and surrounding streets, stroll through a street where chalk muralists bring pavements to life, enjoy a wine and spirits experience, beer gardens, tons of live music and performers, a kids block filled with fun, and local food favorites throughout. Perfect weekend for last minute holiday shopping!
Fantasy of Lights Boat Parade
December 13, 2025
Holiday magic hits the water at this dazzling nighttime event featuring a boat parade with parade units decked out to the nines, festive eats, a holiday market filled with locals artists and vendors, photos with Santa, beer and wine gardens, and a firework finale — all along Tempe Town Lake.
Menorah Lighting Ceremony
December 2025 (Date TBA)
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.
Tempe Blooms
January 24-25, 2026
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 or even build you own bouquet, catch the rotating live music at multiple downtown locations, and enjoy unique flower-inspired specials from our participating downtown businesses.
Spring Tempe Festival of the Arts
March 13-15, 2026
Same beloved art festival, but with fresh spring energy! It’s the perfect weekend to browse 350+ 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!
Pride Party
June 6, 2026
The Downtown Tempe Pride Party lights up Centerpoint Plaza with bold expression and big energy. This free, inclusive celebration features drag performances, a silent disco, multiple DJ's, beer and wine gardens, and interactive activations that celebrate and uplift the LGBTQIA+ community.
Juneteenth Block Party
June 19, 2026
The Juneteenth Block Party brings Black culture, creativity, and history to the forefront with an evening of music, spoken word, dance battles, art, food, and community. Hosted in Centerpoint Plaza, this free event honors Juneteenth through powerful storytelling and joyful expression.