As a third-year college student at ASU, most of my time is devoted to hitting the books or spending time with my friends. However, when my parents come to visit, binge-watching Netflix or studying in Hayden Library isn’t exactly what they are looking to do. Luckily for me, I have become a pro tour guide when it comes to showing them around Tempe. Here are a few of my family’s favorite things to do and some ideas to help you next time your parents come to Tempe. My parents usually try to plan their trips to Tempe when there is a home football game, and game-day festivities are truly where we have had the most fun. During ASU’s Family Weekend in October, Mill Avenue has a block party that’s filled with live music and tasty food. We like to start off game day on Mill and make our way over to either ASU’s Signature Barbeque near the stadium or tailgates that are hosted by my friends, but my favorite part of game-days are when we finally make it to the stadium. There is truly nothing like a college football game, especially here at Sun Devil Stadium. For me, bringing my parents to the football games and tailgates is the perfect way to immerse them in ASU culture and show them why I love it here so much. Since my diet during the semester consists primarily of coffee, I very much look forward to sitting down for a (free) meal with […]

Tempe events feature Childsplay’s first magical show of another fantastic season, The Phantom Tollbooth, on stage at the Tempe Center for the Arts. The Phantom Tollbooth is based on the childhood classic about a boy named Milo who is always bored. Absolutely nothing interests him. This changes when a mysterious tollbooth appears in his room and he suddenly finds himself wrapped up in a fantastical adventure in the Land of Wisdom. With the help of a ticking watchdog named Tock and an infuriating—but definitely not boring—Humbug, Milo must bring Princesses Rhyme and Reason back to rescue the kingdom. This beloved childhood classic comes to life on stage proving that the next adventure is always just around the corner! Performances of The Phantom Tollbooth take place on Saturday and Sunday through October 15, 2017. To purchase tickets, visit http://www.childsplayaz.org/ Tempe’s calendar is full of exciting events this week. See what’s happening below and view a complete listing of Tempe events, or call (480) 894-8158 for more information. September 19: Pepper & Tribal Seeds The Marquee September 20: Reverend Horton Heat The Marquee September 21: SZA The Marquee September 21-30: Stray Cat Theatre: Kiss Tempe Center for the Arts September 22: Jam Austin Murray, Vermilion and The Shadow Chameleon Tempe Marketplace September 22: Fall Redux ASU Art Museum September 22-24: James Davis Tempe Improv Comedy Theatre September 23: Lakeshore Music Series presents Benny Green Trio Tempe Center for the Arts September 23: ASU Football: ASU vs. Oregon Sun Devil Stadium September 23-October 15: […]

If you enjoy the visual arts, you’ll want to browse Tempe’s art museums and galleries. From paintings, to sculpture, ceramics to photography and film, Tempe offers a range of exhibitions in beautiful spaces, both inside and outdoors. The ASU Art Museum, named “the single most impressive venue for contemporary art in Arizona” by Art in America magazine, is recognized for its cutting edge exhibits and innovative programming that is interdisciplinary, educational and relevant to life today. A visit to the ASU Art Museum, at 10th Street and Mill Avenue, and the Ceramics Research Center & Brickyard Gallery, located at 7th Street and Mill Avenue, is always an energizing experience. The Gallery at the TCA is located in the beautiful Tempe Center for the Arts. Rotating exhibitions by local and nationally known artists and a variety of visual arts workshops and events have made The Gallery at the TCA a favorite of locals and visitors to Tempe. The Grotto Gallery is managed by the Arizona Artisans Collective, a professional fellowship of Arizona Makers & Artisans. Tempe History Museum highlights Tempe history through collections, research services, exhibits and programs that captivate and connect with audiences throughout the community and beyond. Desert Botanical Garden is known for its lovely setting and paths lined with thousands of plants from arid climates throughout the world. However, you’ll also find exciting works of art sprinkled throughout the Garden Phoenix Zoo | Arizona Center for Nature Conservation is one of the nation’s largest non-profit zoos, dedicated  to conservation and inspiring […]

Take our video tour of the ASU Art Museum Ceramics Research Center (CRC) with its curator, Garth Johnson. Garth’s enthusiasm for the art of ceramics and the Ceramics Research Center is contagious and will make you eager to visit the CRC in person to browse the rows of incredible works from the permanent collection. The CRC has the most extensive collection of contemporary ceramics in the U.S.  In addition to the permanent works on display, you most likely will see one of the seasonal rotating exhibitions that focus on important movements and artists who have made major contributions in the ceramics field. Spend some time at the ASU Art Museum Ceramics Research Center and you’ll be amazed at the diverse and beautiful works of art that have been created from simple lumps of clay. You might even be inspired to get your own lump of clay to pound, kneed, coil, turn or mold into your own work of art. The ASU Art Museum Ceramic Research Center is located in Downtown Tempe at 699 S. Mill Ave. #108, Tempe, AZ 85281. Hours are: Thursday – Saturday 11 a.m. – 7 p.m. For more information, visit https://asuartmuseum.asu.edu/visit/ceramics-research-center.

Tempe events include Stray Cat Theatre’s sweet sixteen season opener, Kiss, on September 15 at the Tempe Center for the Arts. In this Southwest premier written by Chilean playwright Guillermo Calderán and directed by Ron May, a standing double-date quickly becomes a hilarious farce as four friends unburden their hearts and reveal their secret passions. But is anything really what it seems to be? Politically charged and emotionally urgent, Kiss challenges us to question whether we can truly understand other cultures. Kiss is a disquieting exploration of the limitations of art in grappling with the suffocating effects of an oppressive regime. Kiss will be on stage at the Tempe Center for the Arts from September 15-30. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit www.straycattheatre.org, or call 480-227-1766. Tempe’s calendar is full of exciting events this week. See what’s happening below and view a complete listing of Tempe events, or call (480) 894-8158 for more information. September 12: 14th Annual Tempe Healing Field Tempe Beach Park September 12: Manchester Orchestra The Marquee September 14: Juan González: Reclaiming Gotham Changing Hands Bookstore September 14: The Magpie Salute The Marquee September 14-17: Flip Orley Tempe Improv Comedy Theatre September 15: ASU School of Dance presents Fall Forward! ASU Galvin Playhouse September 15: Toad the Wet Sprocket The Marquee September 15: Smiley Draco Tempe Marketplace District Stage September 15-30: Stray Cat Theatre presents Kiss Tempe Center for the Arts September 16: Carmela y Más Tempe Marketplace District Stage September 16: ASU Symphony Orchestra: Phenomenon, […]

  Tempe events feature Tempe Center for the Arts 10th Anniversary on September 8-9. Known for its iconic architecture and stunning aesthetic detail, Tempe Center for the Arts has hosted hundreds of performances, events and exhibitions enjoyed by audiences and visitors from around the world. On September 8, 2017, the TCA 10th Anniversary Celebration presented by Northern Trust, will feature a performance by “American Idol” winner and Arizona native, Jordin Sparks. VIP ticket options include premium seating, a pre-concert reception and a post-show meet and greet. Guests will also be treated to a preview of the Gallery at TCA’s new exhibition, Tempe Xhibition. Festivities will continue on September 9 with Too Marvelous for Words: The Story of Nat “King” Cole starring Keith David and the public opening reception of Tempe Xhibition (September 8-January 6), a showcase of artists and creatives who have given Tempe its smart, creative, funky and innovative vibe. For more information and to purchase tickets to the TCA 10 Year Anniversary Celebration,  visit the Tempe Center for the Arts website. Tempe’s calendar is full of exciting events this week. See what’s happening below and view a complete listing of Tempe events, or call (480) 894-8158 for more information.   September 5-10: FUN HOME ASU Gammage September 6-8: Chris D’Elia Tempe Improv Comedy Theatre September 6-September 16: 3-D Astronomy Shows ASU Marston Exploration Theater September 7 & 9: EDGE happy hour Tempe Center for the Arts September 8-9: TCA 10 Year Anniversary Celebration Tempe Center for the Arts […]

There is nothing that captivates me more than a majestic sunset reflecting off the water of one of the many lakes Arizona has to offer. It just so happens that Tempe has some of the most iconic lakes right in its backyard! Check out these lakes that are in close proximity to Tempe. Located between Rio Salado and Loop 202 Highway lies Tempe’s very own “desert oasis”, Tempe Town Lake. Known for hosting everything from 5K community walks to large-scale triathlons, concerts and festivals, Tempe Town Lake is a hub for activities all year round. You can also go boating, rowing, or fishing on the 2-mile wide lake or hit the pavement and take a walk or a jog along the 5-mile path surrounding the lake. Check out our blog for more fun things to do at Tempe Town Lake. Kiwanis Lake is nestled in the middle of Kiwanis Park on Mill Avenue just south of Baseline Road. Boat Rentals of America has a location here where you can rent single or double kayaks, pedal boats or bikes at the north end of the lake on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. If you would rather stay dry on land, while still taking in the surroundings, you can use one of the many lakeside ramadas that make for an ideal setting for small gatherings. Saguaro Lake sits at the heart of the Tonto National Forest, roughly 45 minutes from Tempe, making it the closest lake outside of the Tempe area. As you […]

Tempe events include ASU vs. New Mexico State in the Sun Devil’s first game of the 2017 season at Sun Devil Stadium on August 31.  Fans can look forward to another exciting season of Pac 12 football home games when the Devils take on New Mexico State, San Diego State, Oregon, Washington, USC, Colorado and Arizona on their home turf.  Grab your best ASU shirts, do a little maroon and gold face painting and come out in full force to cheer our team to victory. Go Devils! Visit our website for all the ASU football (pig)skinny. For a great pre- or post-game experience, head to Downtown Tempe where football fever is in high gear on game day and you’ll find an array of restaurants and bars within walking distance of Sun Devil Stadium. Tempe’s calendar is full of exciting events this week. See what’s happening below and view a complete listing of Tempe events, or call (480) 894-8158 for more information. August 30-September 16: 3-D Astronomy Shows ASU Marston Exploration Theater August 31: Finn Murphy Changing Hands Bookstore August 31: ASU Football: ASU vs. New Mexico State Sun Devil Stadium August 31-September 2: EDGE happy hour Tempe Center for the Arts August 31-September 2: Desert Botanical Garden Flashlight Tours Desert Botanical Garden August 31-September 3: Steve Treviño Tempe Improv Comedy Theatre September 1: The Chris G Band Tempe Marketplace District Stage September 1: Tiger Army The Marquee September 2: Phoenix Rising vs. Seattle Sounders Phoenix Rising Soccer Complex September 2: […]

Tempe recently joined Phoenix and Mesa in the Grid Bike Share program, with Tempe offering 300 bikes spread across 30 stations. I don’t own a bicycle but felt like going for a ride this weekend. Grid Bikes are a fun, stress-free way to explore the city. Here’s how it works. First, you have to download the free Social Bicycles app (it’s a white box with a blue bicycle inside). Next you have to set up your account by providing some basic info: your name, email and credit card information. You’ll also have to create a pin number. Once you have the app installed, you’ll get a couple of emails that confirm your membership, provide your account number and pin, and give you directions on how to use the bikes. Watch this Social Bicycles video to get a better idea about how to rent a bike in Tempe. Renting a Grid Bike is really simple. You can either reserve a bike ahead of time by using the app, or just show up at a Grid Bike station, choose a bike and enter your account number and pin on the keypad that is located behind the seat. There are a couple of fare options that are all explained on the Grid Bike website and the app. You can pay as you go for $7 hourly, or if you’re a visitor to Tempe, you can choose the 7-day pass for $10 a week. That will give you 180 minutes over 7 days. Once […]

Tempe events include MAC 3.0 featuring Andrew’s Dream Adventure at Tempe Center for the Arts on August 26. Andrew’s Dream Adventure is an original story and composition by the company’s resident composer Jeffrey Ouper.  You’ll meet Andrew and his imaginary friend, Figgy, and see what mischief ensues from one bedtime story gone awry. The first half of the program will premiere a wide range of smaller works choreographed by company members. MAC & Company was founded by Micaela Church and Li Pei Khoo in 2014. Church and Khoo are full-time dance educators, who are committed to the creative process and practice of dance as a performing art. Being both dancers and musicians, they have a particular interest in exploring the different processes that have been used in the integration between dance and music. For more information about and to purchase tickets to Andrew’s Dream Adventure, visit the Tempe Center for the Arts website. Tempe’s calendar is full of exciting events this week. See what’s happening below and view a complete listing of Tempe events, or call (480) 894-8158 for more information. August 23: Class Clowns Tempe Improv Comedy Theatre August 23-September 27: 3-D Astronomy Shows ASU Marston Exploration Theater August 24: The Brilliance of Nature: Just When We Need It the Most Tempe Center for the Arts August 24-26: EDGE happy hour Tempe Center for the Arts August 24-September 2: Desert Botanical Garden Flashlight Tours Desert Botanical Garden August 25: Hello Swindon Tempe Marketplace District Stage August 25-27: Mark Normand and Joe […]