Your holiday weekend-worthy itinerary in Tempe
A holiday weekend itinerary in Tempe is best filled with sunshine, sparkling pools, new places to dine, cool attractions, stunning golden hour perches and buzzy nightlife. And Memorial Day weekend is the perfect segue into summer fun ahead.
The key to making the most of a highly-anticipated three-day weekend is planning your itinerary well in advance. Whether you’re a Tempe local or a visitor to our city this Memorial Day weekend, we invite you to check out the holiday weekend happenings taking place throughout our city.
Find a Tempe Hotel for your Weekend Getaway
Looking for the perfect hotel to stay at during Memorial Day weekend? Luckily for those who visit Tempe, there are many options, from a mountaintop resort to all-suite accommodations to budget-friendly hotels. Visit our Where to Stay Page for all hotel accommodations in Tempe.
Things to Do this Memorial Day Weekend in Tempe
Splish and Splash Your Way Through Tempe
Grab your swimsuits, sunscreen and a big smile because Tempe has just what you need to have a splashing good time! This MDW, treat yourself to water fun at one of Tempe’s splash pads, water parks or pools.
Explore Tempe’s Indoor Attractions
Need a reprieve from the summer sun? Tempe has many stellar indoor activities and attractions — from museums and gaming to bookstores and axe throwing— that offer hours of fun for the entire family, with a bonus of amazing air conditioning.
Where to Sip & Savor this Holiday Weekend
Find Frozen Treats to Beat the Heat
No Memorial Day Weekend is complete without icy, frosty or frozen flavors. Explore summer treats that pair perfectly with adventuring or relaxing during Memorial Day weekend.
Try Something New During Memorial Day Weekend
Tempe is bursting with new places to dine, sip and be entertained. Whether you’re in the mood for a great meal, a new cocktail designed by a creative mixologist or an evening of DJs and dancing, here are some fun and exciting new places to try during your extended three-day weekend.
Tempe Events During Memorial Day Weekend
Through May 31, 2026: Garden: After Dark
Experience the desert in a new light: an immersive nighttime journey featuring 10 glowing installations and the mesmerizing rhythmic displays of Desert Pulse.
May 21 – 23: Ballet Arizona presents An Evening at Desert Botanical Garden
Surrounded by the magnificent desert landscape with the setting sun as its backdrop, this audience favorite now features two ballet experiences as a double-feature event.
May 22, 2026: Movies in the Park: Zootopia 2
Start Memorial Day weekend off with Movies in the Park! Grab the gang, your blankets and a picnic dinner and head to Kiwanis Park to enjoy a free family-friendly flick on May 22.
May 23 – June 7, 2026: “Dracula: A Comedy of Terrors”
Straight from its smash Off Broadway engagement, Arizona Theatre Company presents a fast-paced adaptation of Bram Stoker’s gothic classic, this laugh-out-loud reimagining blends horror, farce, and pop culture references into a whirlwind of theatrical humor.
May 22 – 24, 2026: Comedian Sophie Buddle at Tempe Improv
With a Juno-winning wit and a deceptively laid-back charm, Sophia Buddle dissects modern girlhood and the quirks of life with a surgical precision. She masterfully navigates the line between relatable and subversive, proving exactly why she’s one of the most refreshing voices in stand-up today.
May 22, 23 & 24: Live Performances at Marquee Theatre
Catch Blink 180-True, a Tribute to Blink182; Leftover Crack; and Me Porto Bonito, Reggaeton Party, on the Marquee stage this weekend. Tickets are available in person, online, or by phone.
May 22, 23 & 24: Live Performances at Yucca Tap Room
Catch H.R. of Bad Brains with special guests T.O.B. and Torn at the Seams; Skeleton Army; and The Black Hole (respectively) on the Yucca Tap Room stage this weekend. Tickets are available online at ticketweb.com.
Check out our calendar of events for all the latest happenings throughout this holiday weekend.
