It's Happening! It's Fall!

Fall has finally made its way to Downtown Tempe! As the temps start to cool (thanks for cooperating, Arizona sun😘), our streets are gearing up for a season full of parades, markets, live music, game days, and all the fall-tivities you can handle. Here’s what’s going down this season:

2nd Sundays on Mill Season Returns This November

Starting November 9, Mill Avenue transforms once a month into a themed street festival that’s so much more than shopping. Each month brings a new theme with its own lineup of live music, street performances, hands-on activities, interactive art, and family-friendly programming. Stroll through rows of makers, creators, and small business owners—including a dedicated Kids Market for emerging young artists—while enjoying food, drinks, and a kids’ play area that keeps little ones entertained. Free, dog-friendly, and brimming with energy, 2nd Sundays on Mill truly has something for everyone.

Here are this season's new themes:

Veteran's Day Parade

Join us November 11th as we salute our heroes at Tempe’s annual Veterans Day Parade, a cherished tradition for over 50 years! The festivities kick off at 10 AM at ASU Gammage and make their way up Mill Avenue, finishing at Tempe Beach Park. The parade is packed with local marching bands, Boy Scouts and Girl Scout troops, and veterans groups, all coming together to celebrate our military veterans. Be part of this hometown celebration and show your support for those who’ve served our country in Downtown Tempe!

ASU Family Weekend!

ASU Family Weekend 2025 kicks off this weekend, October 24-26, and it promises to be full of family fun on campus, but we've also rounded up the best spots to eat, drink, and explore in Downtown Tempe—plus, special deals! Find more info on ASU Family Weekend here.

Game Days: Where to Eat, Drink, and Watch

Cooler temps + Sun Devil football = the perfect excuse to hit a Downtown Tempe patio. Whether you’re heading into Sun Devil Stadium for kickoff or scoping out a big screen and a plate of wings, you’ll find plenty of spots to fuel your game-day traditions. We’ve rounded up a full list of where to eat and drink all season long—because great food and a good view of the game are non-negotiables.

Pro tip: C.A.S.A. is once again shutting down 6th Street for their legendary 2-Day Block Party Tailgates every home game weekend. Expect DJs, drinks, and all the high-energy fan fun you can handle.

Four Peaks Oktoberfest is Back at Tempe Beach Park

Raise a stein! Four Peaks Brewing Oktoberfest is back October 10-12 at Tempe Beach Park. This iconic three-day tradition is filled with live entertainment, German brews, Bavarian bites, kid-friendly games, rides & activities, and a whole lot of fun for everyone—all while benefiting Tempe Sister Cities. 52 years strong and still going!

ASU Homecoming Week

Homecoming week is coming up on November 9-15, with the Lantern Walk, Block Party, Parade, and the ASU vs. West Virginia game. Check out the full football schedule and make sure to snag tickets early!

Other Fall Happenings from Our Downtown Merchants

Looking for more fall magic? Check out what our local merchants have in store. As fall gets closer, we will be adding more fall events to this list!

• Tempe Center of the Arts presents Wakka Wakka's Dead as a Dodo: Just in time for Halloween—skeleton shenanigans take the stage October 17 & 18 in a “live” performance! If your family liked Labyrinth, Dark Crystal, or Nightmare Before Christmas, you’ll love this spectacular show by the internationally acclaimed puppet company.
• The Rocky Horror Picture Show 50th Anniversary: On October 7 at ASU Gammage, join the original 'Brad Majors' - BARRY BOSTWICK - for a screening of the original unedited movie with a live shadow cast and audience participation! Plus a memorabilia display with artifacts and an actual costume from the movie, a costume contest, and more!

Getting to and around Downtown Tempe has never been easier. Whether you drive, rideshare, bike, or hop on the light rail, getting here is a breeze! Plan your trip.