A Summer Rewards Program
Check In. Earn Points. Win Prizes.
Running June 1 - August 2
It’s gonna be a Sidewalk Summer! With the final phase of construction underway, portions of Mill Avenue may be closed at times—but the sidewalks and businesses are open, and there are still plenty of reasons to come downtown.
Summer in Downtown Tempe just got a little more rewarding...
Discover Downtown: Sidewalk Summer is a free, summer rewards program that turns your everyday stops into points, perks, and prizes. Whether you're grabbing coffee, heading to dinner, or exploring somewhere new, every visit can earn you points, prizes, and a shot at weekly giveaways.
Consider this your go-to for discovering what’s around you and getting rewarded while you’re at it.
How It Works
Get Driftscape on your mobile device.
Browse participating Downtown Tempe businesses on the map.
Check in at the business + earn points.
Redeem your points for rewards.
Discover where you can check-in and earn points.
If you're ready to start exploring on foot, click the button to get Driftscape on your mobile device!
Redeem Your Points For →
Weekly Prizes. 9 Weeks. 72 Winners.
Every Monday, we’re pulling 8 winners at random:
5 winners will get → $100 gift card
2 winners will get → $100 + $50 + $25 gift cards
1 winner will get → $50 + $25 gift cards
+ businesses will have exclusive summer deals for you all summer long.
Browse each business listing on the map or list view to see what they're offering!
Looking For Inspiration?
Explore these guides to find easy ways to spend time downtown and earn points along the way.
Find Your Way Downtown →
Getting to Downtown Tempe this summer is easier than you think. While construction may shift traffic patterns and temporarily close portions of Mill Avenue to vehicles, there are still plenty of convenient ways to get here. From nearby parking garages to Light Rail, Streetcar, bus routes, biking, and walking access, Downtown remains open, accessible, and ready to explore all summer long.
Downtown Tempe offers several nearby parking garages and surface lots within walking distance of shops, restaurants, bars, and experiences throughout the district. Due to summer construction activity along portions of Mill Avenue, we recommend using Ash Avenue and surrounding side streets when driving into Downtown.
For real-time parking availability, rates, and directions as you arrive, use Tempe TRiP on your phone or desktop.
The most hassle-free way to get to Downtown Tempe is to ride the Valley Metro Rail. Light rail provides free parking at 13 Park-and-Ride locations, so you can ride the train directly into the Downtown district.
Exit at Station A14 at 3rd & Mill, or at Station A13 at the Tempe Transportation Center (one block east of 5th/Mill).
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
Tempe Streetcar remains a convenient way to access Downtown Tempe this summer. While service may be temporarily adjusted or truncated during certain construction periods, riders can still utilize nearby stops to easily access Downtown on foot.
Recommended stops include:
- Stop 6: 9th St/Mill Ave
- Stop 13: Hayden Ferry/Rio Salado Pkwy
- Any other stop along Ash Ave
Streetcar Routes, Hours & Fares
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Still have questions about how this rewards program works? Check out these frequently asked questions.
Do I need to download an app?
Nope! Discover Downtown: Sidewalk Summer works directly in your mobile browser. Just scan a QR code or open the link to get started.
Why do I need to enable location services?
Location services help verify that you’re physically at a participating business before allowing check-ins and point collection.
How do I access Discover Downtown: Sidewalk Summer?
Scan any campaign QR code found throughout Downtown Tempe while you're exploring or link this link here to get Discover Downtown: Sidewalk Summer on your phone
What browsers work best with the platform?
Safari is recommended for iPhone users and Google Chrome is recommended for Android users.
Do I need to create an account?
No account is needed to browse participating businesses, but you’ll be asked for your name and email when redeeming coupons or prize entries.
Do I earn points automatically when I visit a business?
No. You must click “Collect Points” while physically at the participating business to receive points.
How many points do I earn per visit?
Each participating business you support earns 10 points. There will also be opportunities to earn flash points throughout the summer. Keep an eye on our IG/FB Stories for these!
Is there a limit to how many businesses I can check-in at in one day?
No limit. The more places you support, the more points you can earn.
Can I check in at the same business multiple times?
You may check in once per participating business per day.
What happens when I redeem my points?
Your points reset to zero after redemption, so you can start earning again toward your next reward or entry by supporting more businesses!
Can I track my points?
Yes. Your current point total will appear within the platform as you collect and redeem points.
Can I lose points?
Points reset when redeemed toward rewards or giveaway entries. Note: In some cases, points can also be reset if you clear your web browser's cache.
Do my points expire?
All points and entries must be redeemed before the campaign ends on August 2, 2026.
Where do I find the special offer coupons?
Coupons are listed within each participating business’s page within the Discover Downtown: Sidewalk Summer platform. Click the ‘Get Coupon’ button to view each business’s offerings. New offers may be added throughout the summer, so check back often!
How does the coupon redemption process work?
To redeem a summer-exclusive coupon, select “Get Coupon” and enter your name and email. Once submitted, your coupon will appear on screen and be sent to your email. Show the coupon to a staff member at the business to redeem the offer.
Can I redeem a coupon later?
No. Coupons must be used the same day they are claimed.
Can I use more than one coupon in a day?
Yes, as long as the coupons are from different participating businesses and follow any business’s redemption rules.
Do all businesses offer coupons or specials?
Not every participating business may have a coupon available at all times, but new offers may be added throughout the summer.
How do I enter the prize drawings?
Redeem 30 points to receive 1 entry into that week’s drawing. Only 30-point redemptions count as entries toward both weekly and grand prize drawings. The more 30-point entries you redeem, the more entries you have in the weekly drawing and all your entries over the summer will be put into the grand prize drawing.
What kinds of prizes can I win?
Prizes include gift card combo packs to downtown businesses (ranging from $25, $50, $100), Downtown Tempe merchandise, experiences and more!
Do I get to choose what Downtown business my gift cards are from?
No. Gift cards are randomly selected based on the prize tier you win each week. Think of it as a fun way to discover a new Downtown Tempe spot you may not have tried before! Gift cards are purchased from 50+ Downtown businesses, so there’s a wide variety of places you may receive.
Can I enter the weekly giveaways more than once?
Yes. The more times you redeem 30 points, the more entries you earn.
Can I win more than one weekly giveaway?
Yes. As long as you continue supporting local, earning points, and redeeming points for entries, you can win multiple weekly giveaways this summer!
What happens if rewards run out?
Some rewards, like the limited-run Downtown Tempe tee, are available while supplies last. Once they’re gone, they’re gone. Once a specific reward is gone, it will be removed and you will no longer be able to redeem that reward.
How are winners selected?
Winners are selected at random on the Monday of each week from all eligible entries. Downtown Tempe Authority will email all winners each week and you are responsible for picking up your prizes at the Downtown Tempe Authority office. Our offices are located at 1 W. Rio Salado Pkwy, Tempe 85281 and are open Monday-Friday from 9am – 5pm.
How long do I have to pick up my prize?
All prizes must be picked up by August 31, 2026 or may be forfeited.
How do I get my business featured on Discover Downtown Tempe: Sidewalk Summer?
Submit your summer special here by filling out this form
What if I’m having trouble checking in?
Check-ins only work when you’re physically inside the participating business. Make sure location services are turned on within your browser settings, refresh your browser, and that you’re at the correct location.