This Fall, there is a growing list of attractions, events, shows, and more that will be making an appearance in Tempe. As you plan your next few months of family fun, here are the ones we think you should be aware of!
Tempe Tardeada
This year’s Tempe Tardeada is the City of Tempe’s 19th Annual Hispanic Heritage Festival. A tardeada is a social dance that is traditionally held on Sunday afternoons. This event is the culmination of Hispanic Heritage Month and celebrates the historical significance of Hispanics within our community. The event features many free activities such as live entertainment, dancing, arts and crafts, face painting, inflatables, The Game Truck, and the Tempe History Museum’s Family Albums exhibit. In addition, food vendors sell delicious foods at family-friendly prices.
Four Peaks Oktoberfest
One of Tempe’s signature events, a celebration of (local) beer produced by Four Peaks Brewery. Beautifully combining beer gardens, live music, a polka stage, great food (including German fare), a carnival, and kids activities, making it a surprisingly great event for the whole family, regardless of age. It takes place at Tempe Beach Park from October 13th-15th, 2017. Proceeds benefit Tempe Sister Cities.
Lost Lake Festival
A 20-minute light rail ride from Tempe will take you to Midtown Phoenix where, on October 20th, 21st, and 22nd, you will be surprised to see a festival not unlike Coachella taking place at Steele Indian School Park. This three day event includes The Killers, Chance the Rapper, and Major Lazer, as well as art shows, beer gardens, local chef-driven eateries, and so much more.
Strange Garden
A new event produced at the Desert Botanical Garden which is sure to become a family-favorite annual Halloween event. Taking place October 27th and 28th, visitors are encouraged to dance their hearts out at the monster bash, see world renown pumpkin carvers, and encounter enchanting scenery and creatures all throughout the gardens.
Howl-O-Ween
This family-friendly event at the Phoenix Zoo is structured entirely to ensure everyone of all ages are happy. A vast array of events are broken into two categories: Merry (including an arcade, meet & greets, science laboratory, and much more) and Scary (a house of voodoo, zombie laser tag, Area 51, and much more). So whether you’re looking to smile or be frightened (and maybe both), this will be a great time.
Chilies & Chocolate Festival
The Chiles & Chocolate Festival at Desert Botanical Garden, November 10-12, 2017 is the ideal recipe for a sweet and spicy weekend. Sample and shop your way through the Arizona’s top chile and chocolate vendors. Indulge in gourmet chocolates, zesty sauces, fresh fire-roasted chiles and other handcrafted treats. Enjoy cooking demonstrations and fiery live performances of Latin, Brazilian, and Spanish dance.
Ironman Arizona
A flat, fast, spectator-friendly course that brings urban charms and desert vistas together. Taking place on November 19th, 2017 (a sweet spot in Arizona weather — perfection), this bring together athletes from around the state and country who compete in a grueling endurance race. Take part, or just watch the show. Events are everywhere.
Fantasy of Lights Opening Night Parade
Start the holiday season off right in Tempe on Saturday, November 25, 2017 at the Fantasy of Lights Opening Night Parade. The parade launches from Mill Avenue at Rio Salado and heads south on Mill, it then turns right on 7th street through Centerpoint Plaza and heads north on Maple where it concludes. Following the parade, Tempe St. Luke’s Hospital sponsors our annual tree lighting ceremony at Centerpoint plaza. Santa’s lap is then available for requests and photos.
Tempe Festival of the Arts
Taking place December 1st through 3rd, The Tempe Festival of the Arts is a well loved community event that showcases over 350 artists from around the country. It is an urban fine art festival that features visual artists from around the country. In addition, a section of the festival is dedicated to Cottage Arts, such as handmade seasonings, soaps, candles and sauces. There are two stages with live music all three days, a kids interactive area, a wine tasting event and many other features that make it a festival for the entire family.
ASU Gammage Productions
Designed by world renown architect Frank Lloyd Wright, Gammage features some of the best Broadway shows in the country, happening nearly every day and night. This season will feature renown productions of Fun Home, Something Rotten!, The Bodyguard, and Cinderella. Pick up tickets now, as they often go fast!
ASU Football
A staple go-to day out for alumni and students far and wide. The Arizona State Sun Devils look to build upon the last year’s success. This year, the ASU football team will welcome some of the best college programs in the country to Tempe.
