2ND SUNDAYS ON MILL RETURNS JAN. 11 WITH A DAY DEDICATED TO CREATIVITY AND HANDS-ON FUN
Jan 5, 2026
A Market Like No Other Brings Monthly Themes, Local Makers, Live Music, Interactive Art, Family Fun and More
Downtown Tempe Authority continues its 2nd Sundays on Mill event series with the next installment from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 11, inviting the community to explore a full day of creativity, hands-on art and local makers in the heart of Downtown Tempe. The free, family-friendly event transforms Mill Avenue between Third Street and University Drive into a walkable outdoor market featuring live music, interactive art, free workshops, snack and drink options, and a Kids Market highlighting young creators.
January’s event centers on the theme “Create,” encouraging attendees of all ages to roll up their sleeves, try something new and engage directly with artists and local creators throughout the event.
January event highlights include:
Free Make-and-Take Workshops
At the core of January’s event are five free make-and-take workshops led by local artists and organizations. Participants can make handcrafted soaps with Naked Fig Soap, create a non-toxic car diffuser with Keep It Non-Toxic, design a reflective postcard project with Hey Rosie Creations, experiment with fashion design using real materials in FABRIC Tempe’s Couture Collage experience or build a collage zine with Tempe Arts & Music Coalition inspired by the Cultivating Joy exhibition curated by Kyllan Maney.
Outdoor Market & Kids Market
The event features an outdoor market with more than 75 Arizona-based makers offering handmade goods, art and unique creations. A dedicated Kids Market highlights young entrepreneurs selling their own artwork and products, encouraging creativity and small business spirit from kids aged five to 17.
Live Music Along Mill Avenue
Live music from nine performers will rotate all day across three locations along Mill Avenue with local musicians performing from morning through afternoon and creating a continuous soundtrack as guests explore the event footprint.
Interactive Experiences & Activations
Additional activations include a Volkswagen car show presented by Desert Dubs Arizona Volkswagen Club, 18 holes of free mini golf and an art showcase hosted by Taproot Therapy. All public art installations are created by local artists and highlighted on the event map for attendees to explore. Attendees can also enjoy free flowers courtesy of Arizona Flower Market, available while supplies last.
Food & Drink
Attendees can enjoy the four local snack and drink vendors throughout the event and are also encouraged to stop into any local business along Mill Avenue. For a full list of food and drink spots in downtown visit downtowntempe.com/dining.
Remaining events in the series:
Love on Mill Ave – Feb. 8: 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 the city.
Urban Adventure – April 12: Explore Downtown Tempe like never before. Mill Avenue and select streets expand into a day dedicated to active fun and eco-friendly exploration. Join fitness and wellness activations, embark on a scavenger hunt and catch pop-up performances throughout the district. Add live music, local food and drink specials, and you’ve got a day that celebrates movement, sustainability and the spirit of adventure all in the heart of downtown.
WHY: 2nd Sundays on Mill embodies the creativity, community and diversity that sets Tempe apart, with an engaging event that brings people and families together.
“While the market and live music are always a big part of the draw, what really sets 2nd Sundays on Mill apart is how interactive the experience feels,” said Bethany Kennedy, Director of Strategic Marketing and Communications for Downtown Tempe Authority. “These events are designed to invite people in, to create something, connect with local artists and small businesses and spend time together in the heart of downtown. It’s less about watching from the sidelines and more about being part of what’s happening, which is what keeps people coming back.”
WHEN: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Sunday, Jan. 11
WHERE: Mill Avenue between Third Street and University Drive in Downtown Tempe
Mill Avenue will be closed to vehicle traffic between Third Street and University Drive for the 2nd Sundays on Mill event. With a little planning, getting to and around Downtown Tempe is a breeze, with more than 20,000 parking spaces available across the district and several free options on Sundays. Valley Metro Light Rail makes a stop at the start of the event at Third Street and Mill Avenue, and you can park for free at 13 Park & Ride locations around the Valley. Visitors can also take advantage of the free bike valet operated by Tempe Bicycle Action Group, located at Seventh Street and University Drive. Plan your visit at downtowntempe.com/2ndsundaysonmill
WHO: Nestled along the shores of Tempe Town Lake, Downtown Tempe is a district like no other. Downtown Tempe Authority, the area’s Business Improvement District, champions more than 160+ street-level businesses — the majority locally owned — and works to shape every downtown experience. From keeping streets clean and safe, to advancing parking and mobility technology, to producing signature events and activating public spaces, DTA works to create a positive and welcoming experience for residents, businesses and visitors. Follow @downtowntempe on Instagram, Facebook or TikTok, and visit downtowntempe.com to discover what Downtown Tempe has to offer.
INFO: More information about 2nd Sundays on Mill, including performance schedules, each month’s interactive programming and the best ways to get downtown, is available at downtowntempe.com/events/2nd-sundays-on-mill.
SOCIAL: Attendees are encouraged to capture and share their experiences on social media using the hashtag #2ndsundaysonmill
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