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Tempe Festival of the Arts

Award Winning Tempe Festival One of the Largest in the Southwest

By , About.com Guide

Tempe Festival of the Arts

Tempe Festival of the Arts

© Joanne West, used with permission.
Every year, twice per year, downtown Tempe, Arizona is transformed for the Tempe Festival of the Arts. The city streets near Arizona State University in the downtown business district of the City of Tempe are closed to vehicular traffic. Artists begin setting up their tents. People with all kinds of crafts and products do the same. Food and commercial vendors begin laying out their booths. Musicians check out the equipment at the various entertainment areas. Local law enforcement and security plan their strategies for keeping everyone safe and ensuring a pleasant, family environment. It is time for the Tempe Festival of the Arts.

When is the Tempe Festival of the Arts?

The Tempe Festival of the Arts is presented each Fall and Spring. In 2009 the Spring Festival will be held March 27th through March 29th. Fall Festival will be held from December 4th through December 6th. The hours of the Festival are 10 a.m. to dusk.

How much does it cost to get in?

Nothing! There's no admission charge.

Where does it happen?

The Tempe Festival of the Arts takes place on the streets of downtown Tempe.

Where do I park?

During most weekends, downtown Tempe is a very busy place. During the Festival of the Arts that is exponentially true! On the next page you'll find parking details.

What's new this year at the Tempe Festival of the Arts?

Arizona Wine Growers Association will showcase a record ten Arizona wineries that will offer up to six tastings with the price of admission to the Arizona Wine Festival. Admission is $10 and includes a commemorative wine glass.

What else is there to know about the Tempe Festival of the Arts?

It is consistently one of the largest arts and entertainment festivals in the Southwest, drawing nearly half a million people to the award-winning event each year.
  • Over 1,000 applicants apply to have a booth at each festival. About half of those are accepted, which means that there are more than 400 people displaying their arts and crafts.
  • Exhibitors may only show hand-made works of art or products, and must represent their own work at the festival.
  • There are more than 50 traditional and ethnic food booths at the festival.
  • Continuous live entertainment includes classic rock, jazz, pop, blues, big band and Celtic music.
  • A children's area is available where kids can create their own crafts and participate in activities designed for the younger set.

Do you have photos of the Tempe Festival of the Arts?

Yes! Enjoy these pictures of the Tempe Festival of the Arts.

Any other tips about visiting the Tempe Festival of the Arts?

Wear your most comfortable shoes. There's a lot of area to cover! And there's no better place to shop for birthday or holiday gifts (or something for yourself!) than the Tempe Festival of the Arts. For more information about the event, visit the Tempe Festival of the Arts online.

Next page >> Parking and Shuttles at the Tempe Festival of the Arts

All dates, times, prices and offerings are subject to change without notice.

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