9 Reasons to Go To The Tempe Festival of the Arts

The Fall Tempe Festival of the Arts is right around the corner, literally. Starting up on Friday and running through Sunday, this year’s event has a lot of new additions along with all of the great art and entertainment that you have come to expect from the annual event.

So why should you go? I can come up with close to 100 reasons, but let me break it down to the following:

9 Reasons You Should Be at the Tempe Festival of The Arts This Weekend

1. Weather| This week has started of chilly to say the least. It was a brisk 37 this morning and for Arizonans that is frigid! The good news is that temps are expected to be in the 70’s this weekend and that is perfect strolling weather. Dress in layers to make sure you have all bases covered and you will be all set to take in all the art, food and entertainment.
2. Activity| Let’s face it, with the Thanksgiving holiday just behind us, it’s more than likely that you had one too many pieces of pie and you just might still be working your way through all of those leftovers. There is no better way to combat those extra servings than to get out and about with the family for a walk. And there is no better way to get that walk in than by perusing all of the booths and vendors that will be at the Festival. I’m looking out for you, really.
3. ‘Tis the Season| By the time the Festival opens there will only be 21 shopping days until Christmas and there is no better place to find that perfectly unique gift for those on your lists. With as many as 400 artists and craft persons on hand with their original works, you would be hardpressed to NOT find the perfect gift. You’ll find a variety of paintings, sculpture, photography, jewelry, ceramics, folk craft, glass, leather, metalwork, wearable art, woodwork and mixed media art. The artists will all be on hand to greet you and share their personal stories behind their art as well.
4. 

   Photo by Chadwick Fowler

   It’s a big party| If the art weren’t enough, you’ll be delighted to find that there will be an array of entertainers throughout the weekend as well. There are 2 designated stages, the Festival Stage and The 6^th Street Park Stage. The Festival Stage, located at Centerpoint Plaza will feature live music all weekend including artists like The Joe Costello Project, Romen Buffalo and Loyal Order. Blaise Lantana from KJZZ and Arizona Music Hall of Fame inductee Walt Richardson will be on hand as emcees for that stage. The 6^th Street Park Stage will feature performances from local arts groups like The Blue Goats, Mrs. Lincoln, Generation and Cisco & The Racecars. If that’s not enough you’ll find street performers throughout the festival painting faces, twisting balloons, playing steel drums and so much more.

5. It’s not over when the sun goes down| This year offers The Festival After Dark addition. After the artist’s booths close down that doesn’t mean you need to go home. You can catch a bite to eat at any of the Food Trucks that will be on hand, grab a drink at the AZ Wine Festival or the Art of Beer. You can do all of this while enjoying the music of Sugahbeat and The Sugar Thieves well into the evening, until around 8pm.
6. Witness an epic competition| This year there is a really unique competition taking place at the Festival; Chalk-a-Lot-Street. This is an interactive mural contest that will feature 10 artists and teams that are competing for a $200 cash prize. There will also be a People’s Choice Award that you can get in on. In the event that you get inspired while watching these talented artists, there will be a small space that you can try your hand at this art as well.
7. Hand-made treats| The Cottage Edibles and Crafts section of the festival will be overflowing with hand-made gourmet foods, seasonings, cottage crafts and remedies, some that you won’t be able to find in any stores. Have someone that loves hand-made soaps or candles? They’ve got those too. This is the perfect spot to find that perfect gift for the discerning foodie on your list.
8. No muss no fuss transportation| Since the Festival is in the heart of Downtown Tempe is a breeze to get to. Head out to a Park & Ride parking lot and then hop on the light rail. Already live in Tempe? Grab a free ride on the Tempe Orbit Bus.
9. Um, It’s Free!| True story! There is no cost to attend the event. You will need to bring along some money for art, food and beverages, but not one single dollar to enjoy all the goings on at the Festival.

So, is there really any question as to how you should be spending this weekend? I can’t think of a reason, but if you need a little incentive we have a pretty great giveaway to help you enjoy your next time in Downtown Tempe.

All you need to do is enter our contest and you could win one of the following:

Grand Prize (value of $110)
1 Four Peaks Tee
1 $25 Four Peaks Gift Card
2 $20 Downtown Tempe Gift Cards
1 $25 Gordon Biersch Gift Card

2^nd Prize (value of $65)
2 $20 Downtown Tempe Gift Cards
1 $25 Gordon Biersch Gift Card

3^rd Prize (value of $20)
1 $20 Downtown Tempe Gift Card

So, make sure you mark your calendars for the Fall Tempe Festival of the Arts and get out, soak in the sunshine, get a little exercise and cross some gifts off your Christmas list. That’s my plan!

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*This announcement is part of a sponsored series. View our Disclosure Policy for more info.