The semiannual event takes over downtown Tempe every spring and fall and showcases the work of more than 350 juried artists across a mix of mediums along Mill Avenue and other nearby streets.
Its one of the largest art festivals in Arizona, boasting a lively atmosphere that makes in a must-visit annual tradition. Other highlights include three days of live entertainment, chalk art murals, a beer garden, wine tastings, a child-friendly “Kids Block” and multiple outdoor food courts.
The spring 2025 edition of the Tempe Festival of the Arts takes place from Friday to Sunday. Here’s everything to know, including the full schedule, street closures and other info.
When and where is the Tempe Festival of the Arts?
Tempe Festival of the Arts runs from Friday, March 7, to Sunday, March 9, in downtown Tempe. Booths will be located along Mill Avenue and nearby streets. What time is the Tempe Festival of the Arts?
Here are the Tempe Festival of the Arts hours:- Friday, March 7: 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
- Saturday, March 8: 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
- Sunday, March 9: 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
How much is admission?
Tempe Festival of the Arts is free to the general public.What streets will be closed for Tempe Festival of the Arts?
According to festival organizers, the following street closures will occur at 7 a.m. on Thursday:- Mill Avenue between University Drive and Fifth Street
- Seventh Street east of Mill Avenue to Westin Alley
- Seventh Street from Mill Avenue to Maple Avenue and Tower Drive
- Sixth Street between Mill Avenue and Maple Avenue/Tower Drive
- Maple Avenue between Fifth and Seventh streets
The following street closures will also occur on Thursday:
- Maple Avenue between Fourth and Fifth streets starting at 2 p.m.
- Fourth Street between Mill Avenue and Tower Drive starting at 2 p.m.
- Third Street between Mill and Ash avenues starting at 5 p.m.
- Mill Avenue between Rio Salado Parkway and Fifth Street starting at 5 p.m.
Streets will reopen by 5 a.m. on Monday, March 10.
Getting to downtown Tempe
Taking Valley Metro Rail into downtown Tempe is the easiest way to get to the festival. A station is located at Mill Avenue and Third Street. It costs $2 per ride or $4 for a day pass.Parking in downtown Tempe
Multiple parking lots and garages are located within walking distance of Mill Avenue, including the following spots:- Centerpoint Parking Garage: 730 S. Ash Ave., Tempe
- City Hall Parking Garage: 117 E. Fifth St., Tempe
- Tempe Beach Park Surface Lot: 250 W. Rio Salado Parkway, Tempe
- Marina Heights Garage: 300 E. Rio Salado Parkway, Tempe
- 201 S. Ash Garage: 201 S. Ash Ave., Tempe
- Hayden Ferry Lakeside Garage: 68 E. Rio Salado Parkway, Tempe
Can I bring my dog to the festival?
Tempe Festival of the Arts is a dog-friendly event. You must keep your pooch on a leash at all times, though.
Mel Mendez, a fifth-generation Zapotec rug weaver based in Prescott, will have work at Tempe Festival of the Arts.
Jennifer Goldberg
Artists at Tempe Festival of the Arts
More than 350 juried artists are set to participate at Tempe Festival of the Arts this weekend. Works from the following mediums will be displayed and sold at the event:- Painting
- Photography
- Mixed media
- Ceramics
- Digital art
- Sculpture
- Wood
- Metalwork
- Glass
- Printmaking
- Drawing
- Cottage edibles and crafts
- Fiber
- Jewelry
- Leather
Chalk-A-Lot street art
A lineup of 10 muralists will transform Forth Street just west of Mill Avenue into a vibrant chalk-art gallery during the Tempe Festival of the Arts. Each artist will create a piece inspired by this year’s theme, "Elements in Motion: The Power of Nature." Awards will be presented for "Best Mural" and "People’s Choice," with the latter determined by votes cast by festivalgoers throughout the weekend.
Tempe Festival of the Arts entertainment schedule
Local musicians and bands will perform each day at Tempe Festival of the Arts. Here’s the complete schedule for each stage:CenterPoint Stage
Seventh Street west of Mill Avenue
Friday
- Noon to 1:30 p.m., Rideshare Jazz
- 2 to 3:30 p.m., DJ Ascension
- 4 to 5:30 p.m., Bibire Harmony Jazz Quintent
Saturday
- Noon to 1:30 p.m., Walt Richardson Band
- 2 to 3:30 p.m., Andrés Martinez and Ritmo Latino
- 4 to 5:30 p.m., Teri Tobin and Friends
Sunday
- 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Aiyana
- 1 to 2:30 p.m., Ruta Verbena
- 3 to 4:30 p.m., Farmer Wilson
Smooth Grooves on 7th
Seventh Street and Mill Avenue
Friday
- 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Gal Drimmer
- 2 to 5 p.m., Steve Heavenstone
Saturday
- 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Austin Carthell
- 2 to 5 p.m., Kaptivate Music
Sunday
- 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Elliot Ventimiglia
- 1:30 to 4:30 p.m., Danny Morissett Duo
Lo-Fi Lounge
Fifth Street and Mill Avenue
Friday and Saturday
- Noon to 5 p.m., Hi Dreams
Sunday
- 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Hi Dreams
Mesa pretzel-makers The Salted Knot will be at Tempe Festival of the Arts this weekend.
Maria Vassett
Food and drink
More than a dozen local food trucks and vendors will be set up in three different areas at the festival. A beer garden and tastings of Arizona wines and spirits are also planned. Here's a complete rundown of food vendors:- Ava's Kettle Corn
- Barrie's Original Kettle Korn
- Big Mamma's Desserts
- Firehouse Shaved Ice
- Jake's Lemonade
- Maui Wowi Hawaiian
- Tillie's Lemon Place
- The Local Lemon
- The Salted Knot
- The Squirrelly Bavarian Nut Co.
- What's Poppin Kettle Corn
- All Cooped Up In AZ
- Hot Bamboo
- Mac 'n More
- Rockin Rollz Lobster and Sushi
- Pronto Pups
- Yummy Dole Soft Serve
- Be Crepeful
- Honey Bears BBQ
- It's Seoul Good
- Ohana BBQ
- Yellowman Fry Bread
