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Summer in Downtown Tempe

Longer days, later nights, and plenty of reasons to get out (or cool off inside). Summer in Downtown Tempe is packed with ways to explore, support local, and make the most of the season—no matter how you like to spend it.

From can’t-miss events to low-key ways to beat the heat, this is your starting point.



Your Summer Guides

Find your next stop, your next bite and your next plan.



Summer Rewards Program

Collect Points. Win Prizes. Support Local.
Discover Downtown: Sidewalk Summer

Turn your everyday stops into rewards with our summer-long program! Support local Downtown Tempe businesses, collect points while you’re there, and redeem those points for prizes and giveaways.

Plus, businesses are offering up some summer exclusive deals only available here!

June 1 - August 2

Cooler After Dark

Start with dinner, stay for a drink, see where the night takes you.

Find Your Way Downtown

Street closures have been lifted, and parking is available throughout Downtown Tempe. Downtown Tempe offers several nearby parking garages and surface lots within walking distance of shops, restaurants, bars, and experiences throughout the district.

Here are some free parking options at select garages:

  • This holiday weekend only (July 4-5): On-street metered parking is free Saturday, July 4 and Sunday, July 5.
  • Until July 10: Get your first 2 hours free at the Emerson Parking Garage and City Hall Parking Garage when starting a ParkMobile session. Please follow the posted signage in each garage for garage-specific rules and instructions to avoid a citation.
  • Every Sunday: On-street metered parking is free.
  • 201 S. Ash Parking Garage: Free all day Saturday and Sunday, excluding special events.

For real-time parking availability, rates, and directions as you arrive, use Tempe TRiP on your phone or desktop.

Interactive Parking Map

The most hassle-free way to get to Downtown Tempe is to ride the Valley Metro Light Rail. The Light Rail provides free parking at 13 Park-and-Ride locations, so you can ride the train directly into the Downtown district.

Exit at one of these stations to be dropped off just steps from Downtown Tempe:

  • Station A13: Veterans Way & College Ave, at the Tempe Transportation Center, one block east of 5th Street & Mill Ave
  • Station A14: Mill Ave & 3rd Street, just outside of Loco Patron

Download Your Own Map


Park & Ride Locations:

  • Metro Parkway- 250 spaces
  • 19th Ave/Dunlap Avenue – 415 spaces
  • 19th  Avenue/Montebello Avenue – 794 spaces
  • 19th  Avenue/Camelback Road – 410 spaces
  • 7th  Avenue/Camelback Road – 123 spaces
  • Central Avenue/Camelback Road – 135 spaces
  • 38th  Street/Washington Street – 189 spaces
  • Dorsey Lane/Apache Boulevard – 190 spaces
  • McClintock Road/Apache Boulevard – 300 spaces
  • Price - 101 Freeway/Apache Boulevard – 693 spaces
  • Sycamore Street/Main Street – 802 spaces
  • Mesa Drive/Main St – 448 spaces
  • Gilbert Rd/Main St- 250 spaces

Valley Metro Rates & Info

Hop on board the Tempe Streetcar and travel to destinations at 14 stops along the 3 mile route. Streetcar operates seven days a week and arrives at stops every 15-20 minutes.

Streetcar Routes, Hours & Fares  

Download Your Own Map

Multiple Valley Metro Bus routes continue to serve Downtown Tempe throughout the summer, with service centered around the Tempe Transportation Center near 5th Street and Forest Avenue.

Free neighborhood circulators also provide easy access around Tempe and the ASU area:

  • FLASH circulates around the ASU Tempe campus and Downtown area
  • ORBIT connects Downtown Tempe to surrounding neighborhoods throughout the city

Some routes or stop locations may be temporarily adjusted during construction activity, so riders are encouraged to check schedules and service alerts before traveling.

Valley Metro Bus Routes & Schedules

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