The Los Angeles Angels returned to Tempe Diablo Stadium on February 26 with their first 2023 Spring Training home game against the Chicago White Sox (check out the rest of their home games at Diablo Stadium on the Cactus League site). If you're new to Spring Training in Arizona, you may not know the majority of the games are played at 1:10 p.m., leaving plenty of time before and after the games to explore Downtown Tempe.
There are PLENTY of ways to have a good time in Downtown Tempe and many of them are free - so grab your friends and family and planning your Spring Training Day Trips in Downtown Tempe!
Downtown Tempe has a plethora of free things to do and amazing local businesses that include restaurants, retail and much more.
If you’re hungry, we got you.
If you want a great place to come hang out, we got you.
If you want to soak up some art and culture, we got you.
Downtown Tempe is ready for all you spring time fans to invade the downtown area and enjoy all we have to offer!
DAY TRIP OPTION 1
Mill Around at 2nd Sundays on Mill on March 12
If you love dogs, have dogs, love seeing dogs in costume, petting dogs, or want to spoil your own--come to 2nd Sunday in March! Meet on Mill Avenue on Sunday, March 12 from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. for a local market, featuring artisans, art, handmade crafts, baked goods, unique gifts, and more. Mill Avenue will be closed to cars and open for people! Plus - it's free!
- Free pet & owner caricature portraits
- Free demo with Run Buddy Mobile @runbuddymobile
- Free handouts (Dog bandanas, bone shaped poop bag holders, and treats!) at the info booth on 5th!
- Free dog agility course experience
- Create a scratchboard drawing of your furry friend with @tempecityarts!
This event is family-friendly, surrounded by delicious eats and treats from local restaurants- and a great way to mill around on a Sunday afternoon.
Grab brunch at Daily Jam, Snooze, Morning Squeeze or Sunbar - all have great patios for people watching!
DAY TRIP OPTION 2
Arizona Aloha Festival, March 11 & 12
Who’s ready for some tropical fun in the spring?
The annual Arizona Aloha Festival is back at Tempe Beach Park from March 11 - 12. Come check yourself into paradise while learning more about the South Pacific Islands and Hawaii.
Not only do you get to wear a beautiful Lei while perusing the festival, you can also learn how to pay the ‘ukulele, make some Keiki crafts, play some fun games and explore the ‘Ohana Village!
The festival will also house three different food courts that will satisfy any craving you bring with you to the festival. Once you’ve got your fill of yummy food, you can make your way over to the Island Marketplace where there will be a ton of island merchandise, to help you bring home that tropical essence.
DAY TRIP OPTION 3
St. Patrick's Day on Mill Avenue, March 17
Luck o'the Irish - St. Pat's is on a Friday this year! That translates into leaving the ball park a bit early and finding a great patio spot to people watch in downtown Tempe. Try Cornish Pasty for a pint at the corner of 5th Street & Mill, Loco Patron for a green marg at 3rd & Mill or the new University Sports Grill at 7th & Mill.
DAY TRIP OPTION 4
Tempe Beach Concours, March 18
Vroom vroom! Come Experience the First Annual Tempe Beach Concours at Tempe Beach Park with over 300 featured vehicles, food vendors, industry vendors, product demo, live music & entertainment, industry competitions. Free general admission and special VIP experiences for purchase -and all for a good cause, Phoenix Children's Hospital.
DAY TRIP OPTION 5
AIDS Walk Arizona Festival & 5K, March 25 and Arizona Dragon Boat Festival, March 25 & 26
Before you head to the ball fields, burn some calories and raise funds for agencies that provide critical HIV services including testing, treatment, behavioral health, housing, prevention, and more. Join Aunt Rita's Foundation for a brand new version of the walk on Saturday, March 25th at 10:00am for the AIDS Walk Arizona Festival & 5k Run at Tempe Beach Park.
Next, head over the Mill Avenue bridge to the Tempe Town Lake Marina to watch competitors from all over the world compete in the 17th Annual Arizona Dragon Boat Festival. Ten competitive divisions and two fun divisions offer plenty of serious competition.
DAY TRIP OPTION 6
Tempe Festival of the Arts, March 31 - April 2
This spring, the Tempe Festival of the Arts comes back for its 46th spring season! Art from all backgrounds, talents and materials will take over Mill Ave. and Downtown Tempe to showcase their work and sell you one-of-a-kind pieces of art.
“We are so excited to be celebrating the spring festival’s 46th year in Downtown Tempe,” Kate Borders, Executive Direct & President of the Downtown Tempe Authority, said. “We love bringing artists from all backgrounds and talents to Downtown Tempe for the community to love and explore.”
In addition to the unique local art, the festival will also have its signature Arizona Wine & Spirits Tasting along Maple Ave. and of course, there will be brews from some of your local favorites – Pedal Haus and Four Peaks.
Make sure to bring the kiddos and check out the Young Artist Exhibition, which showcases art from youth all over the state, and Kids Block, where your little ones can build an upcycles city, start their own art collection, or just make some art of their own!
The Tempe Festival of the Arts takes over Downtown Tempe from March 31 - April 2 from 10 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. daily!
DAY TRIP OPTION 7
Tempe Tales Scavenger Hunt
Tempe Tales is a free public art project turned scavenger hunt that will get you movin' all through the downtown district in search of life-sized jackrabbits. Tucson artist Mark Rossi was commissioned to bring the original 14 jackrabbits to life and they've been placed around downtown waiting for you to find them. Use the online clues to find the rabbits. A few of them are not currently on the scavenger hunt due to construction, but you can find most of them!
Along the way, pick up a cool treat at Sparky's Old Town Creamery, The Paleta Bar or Slickables Ice Cream Sandwiches.