2ND SUNDAYS ON MILL SPREADS THE LOVE FEB. 8 WITH ‘LOVE ON MILL AVE.’ THEME
Feb 6, 2026
A Feel-Good February Event Centered on Togetherness, Local Pride and Time Well Spent Downtown
Downtown Tempe Authority invites the community to spend a February Sunday celebrating “Love on Mill Ave.,” the next installment of the 2nd Sundays on Mill event series from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 8. The free, family-friendly event transforms Mill Avenue between Third Street and University Drive into a walkable outdoor experience focused on togetherness — with your partner, your friends, yourself, your pet and the downtown businesses that help shape the district.
February’s theme reimagines Valentine’s season as something broader and more inclusive. Love on Mill Ave. highlights relationships of all kinds while encouraging visitors to explore Mill Avenue, enjoy hands-on experiences and support local businesses throughout the day.
February event highlights include:
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 ages 5 to 17.
Dance & Movement
Guests are invited to slow down and reconnect through free guided dance workshops, offering a couples-focused movement experience centered on intention, presence and shared rhythm. Classes will take place on 6th Street west of Mill Ave. with sessions throughout the day at 10:45 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 12:15 p.m., 1 p.m., 1:45 p.m. and 2:30 p.m., inviting participants to drop in when it fits their afternoon.
“Show Some Love” Giveaway
The Show Some Love Giveaway invites attendees to show support for local makers and downtown businesses throughout the event. Guests who make a purchase from a market vendor or any downtown business can show their receipts at the info booth to redeem freebies and be entered into a grand prize drawing for an Ultimate Date Night Package, valued at $500.
Picture-Perfect Moments & Photo Opportunities
Capture the moment at the free Cruisin’ Photo Bus, where guests can take keepsake photos with a partner, bestie, family member or even a pet. LOVE-ly stilt walkers will roam Mill Avenue throughout the day, adding playful, photo-worthy moments as visitors explore the event footprint. Before stepping in front of the camera, attendees can get photo-ready with hair braiding, tinsel and more by Braids by Steph, along with colorful face painting by the Facepainting Fairies (vendor fees apply).
Live Music Along Mill Avenue
Nine performers will rotate across three locations along Mill Avenue with live local musicians performing from morning through afternoon and creating a continuous soundtrack as guests explore the event.
Interactive Experiences & Activations
Additional activations include 18 holes of free mini golf and a Volkswagen car show presented by the Desert Dubs Arizona Volkswagen Club, creating a walk-through experience for car enthusiasts of all ages. Attendees
can contribute to the Self-Love Community Art Project by responding to a prompt and adding their words to a growing installation shaped by the community. The City of Tempe Public Library will also be on-site offering free library card sign-ups and information about downtown library resources.
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:
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, 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 reflects what makes Downtown Tempe special — a place where people come together to explore, linger and enjoy time outside while supporting local businesses.
“This month’s theme is an invitation to enjoy Downtown Tempe in a more intentional way — to slow down, connect and spend time with the people and places that matter,” said Lori Foster, President and CEO of Downtown Tempe Authority. “We’re encouraging the community to come down to Mill Avenue, show some love to local businesses and make a day of it. Shop local, dine local and linger a little longer — your support makes a real difference.”
WHEN: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Sunday, Feb. 8
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#get-here
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 live music rotation, a map of the event 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 by tagging @downtowntempe and using the hashtag #2ndsundaysonmill
VISUALS: To access and download visuals from past events, click here.
