As the place to be, Tempe is known for the many special events it hosts each year. From art festivals to beer festivals to holiday festivals, there are abundant activities to choose from such as:
- Tempe Festival of the Arts (Fall and Spring) - More than 250,000 shoppers visit the Mill Avenue District each Fall and Spring to take in the sights, smells and artistry of this annual event. The fesitval is one of the top juried events in the US and features tasty treats, street entertainers and artists' masterpieces.
- Oktoberfest at Tempe Town Lake - Break out the beer steins and the polka bands! Every October, a little bit of Germany lands at Tempe Beach Park for an annual celebration with proceeds going to Tempe Sister Cities programs.
- My Nana's Best Tasting Salsa Challenge - Chips, salsa and margaritas! What a great way to spend the day. Each spring, Tempe Beach Park is the home of this flavorful event that benefits the Arizona Hemophilia Association.
- Fiesta Bowl Block Party - Ring in the New Year with thousands of others in Tempe's Mill Avenue District. The party includes live music, headline concert, street performers, beer gardens and fireworks at 10pm and midnight.
- July 4th Tempe Town Lake Festival - Tempe hosts the largest July 4th celebration in Arizona. All are invited to Tempe Beach Park to celebrate the birthday of the Red, White & Blue with a huge fireworks display and musical entertainment.
- Arizona Dragon Boat Festival - Every year Tempe Town Lake hosts this rare sight in Arizona. The race brings competitors from all over the country and the colorful boats are a sight so see.
- Fantasy of Lights - Celebrate the holiday season in Tempe's Mill Avenue District. The area is lit up with lights throughout December and events include Opening Night with Santa, fireworks and the always popular Fantasy of Lights Boat Parade on Tempe Town Lake.
- Great Arizona Beer Festival - Featuring over 200 craft, specialty and micro-brewed beers available for sampling, the Great Arizona Beer Festival is the largest beer festival in the southwest, both in terms of number of brewers attending and selection of craft beers on tap.
- Arizona Aloha Festival - This annual celebration provides opportunities to experience and learn about the cultures of Hawaii and the South Pacific: Tahiti, Tonga, Samoa, New Zealand, and others. This free, family event will feature over 35 performing groups on three stages.
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