2ND SUNDAYS ON MILL RETURNS NOV. 9 WITH SERIES OF THEMATIC EVENTS TO ENGAGE AND INSPIRE ATTENDEES

Oct 27, 2025

A Market Like No Other Brings Monthly Themes, Local Makers, Live Music, Interactive Art, Family Fun and More

WHAT: Downtown Tempe Authority announces the return of 2nd Sundays on Mill — a market like no other — launching its 2025–2026 season on Sunday, Nov. 9. This free, family-friendly event, presented by Lifetime Home Remodeling, transforms historic Mill Avenue into a vibrant outdoor marketplace four times throughout the season: Nov. 9, Jan. 11, Feb. 8 and Apr. 12.

To complement an array of market vendor booths, each event will feature a distinct theme with live music, roaming entertainment, interactive art, themed activities, snack and drink vendors, and a dedicated Kids Market where young entrepreneurs sell their own handmade goods. The experience fills Mill Avenue from Third Street to University with over 75 curated Arizona-based artists, makers and small businesses.

The 2025–2026 themes include:

Multicultural – Nov. 9: Step into a celebration of global traditions through music, dance and art. From roaming lion dancers and mariachi to African drumming and Bollywood performances, the street will come alive with cultural energy. Local food vendors, live art and interactive activities add to the festive atmosphere, creating a true showcase of Tempe’s diverse community.
Create – Jan. 11: Roll up your sleeves and dive into a day of creativity and imagination with make-and-take workshops. Try your hand at tie-dye, pot your own plant, make custom jewelry – all for free. Community art projects, live music and local bites keep the energy high, turning Downtown Tempe into one big creative playground.

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 Ave 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 our city.

Urban Adventure – Apr. 12: Explore Downtown Tempe like never before. Mill Ave 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 set Tempe apart, with an engaging event that brings people and families together.

“While the market and live music are a huge draw, the roaming entertainment is what truly sets 2nd Sundays on Mill apart,” said Bethany Kennedy, Director of Strategic Marketing & Communications at Downtown Tempe Authority. “There’s nothing like shopping with friends or family and suddenly

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being surrounded by a burst of energy — maybe a lion dance troupe, a brass band or stilt walkers weaving through the crowd. Those surprise moments make the traditional market event feel alive and keep people coming back because you never know what the next event will bring.”

WHEN: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Sunday, Nov. 9

WHERE: Mill Avenue between Third Street and University Drive in Downtown Tempe

Getting to and through Downtown Tempe is a breeze with Tempe TRiP, Arizona’s only real-time parking and mobility tool. Use it to find the closest available parking to your destination, check current parking rates and follow the fastest routes. With more than 20,000 public spaces in downtown, Tempe TRiP takes the guesswork out of parking so you can plan ahead or adjust on the go. Plan your visit at tempetrip.com.

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 165 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

VISUALS: To access and download visuals from past 2nd Sundays on Mill events, visit this link.

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