Insider tips for planning your Labor Day weekend itinerary in Tempe
To most of the country, Labor Day symbolizes the end of summer and the beginning of fall. In Arizona, however, it’s an invitation to keep that summer energy going just a little longer.
A visit to Tempe for Labor Day weekend includes poolside retreats, sipping and savoring on our best patios, soaking up the Sonoran Desert sun on hikes, bikes and watercraft and, of course, the exciting nightlife that can only exist when the sun lingers a little longer.
Here are our top 6 reasons for to extend your summer in Tempe for Labor Day weekend 2024:
1. Impressive Accommodations
The first step in planning a perfect holiday weekend, is selecting a hotel property. Whether you’re planning a stay centered around luxe rooms, poolside lounging, rooftop cocktailing, local vibes, nightlife, family fun, price range or location, Tempe’s diverse portfolio of accommodations has plenty of options for your getaway or staycation.
Check out the accommodations Tempe has to offer, from properties with rooftop pools and hotels near Arizona State University to brands with on-site restaurant options and places to stay that will welcome your pet.
If you’re still on the hunt for the perfect room, check out our comprehensive list of Tempe hotels here.
2. Enviable Cuisine Scene
In Tempe, the culinary landscape is as diverse as those who call the city home. Whether you seek flavor, ambiance, convenience, sophistication or an international experience, you’ll find it here. While Tempe is known for its laid-back vibe, there’s no shortage of elevated experiences too. Romantic views, curated wine lists, top-notch ingredients and noteworthy chefs catapult this city from its college town roots into the realm of world-class dining. Just be sure to make your reservations in advance.
Dine Alfresco: Patio dining is an art form in a locale like Tempe. From people watching and vibes to pet-friendly spots and twinkle lights, these are the top restaurant patios for your next visit.
Authentic Global Cuisine: Tempe’s dining landscape is known for it’s international offerings. From dishes hailing from unique regions in China and selections fusing flavors from Pakistan and India to delicious Middle Eastern favorites and tempting delicacies from Vietnam, Tempe’s “Spice Trail” has it all.
Game-Changing Newcomers: Tempe is bursting with eclectic new places to dine, sip and be entertained. Be among the first to check out the newest concepts to open their doors in Tempe.
Hop on Tempe’s Ale Trail: It’s no secret that Tempe is home to a thriving beer scene. Pair a pint or flight with an elevated spin on pub grub at these local breweries.
3. Outdoor Exploration
Labor Day marks locals’ return to the outdoors. And conveniently, there are endless ways to experience the Sonoran Desert Check out these biking paths, hiking trails, golf courses, and water recreation opportunities, all in close proximity to Downtown Tempe.
Take to the Lake: Visit Tempe Town Lake for endless water recreation offerings. Whether you prefer motorized donut boats (for up to 10 people), a pedal boat for two or a solo stand-up paddleboard or kayak session, Boat Rentals of America – Tempe Town Lake offers a roster of options for getting out on the water.
Hit the Trails: Early fall temps allow for late morning and early evening hiking, both of which are perfect for experiencing golden hour in the Sonoran Desert. Check out our Hiking Guide to find out where to find our favorite trails, from “A” Mountain to Papago Park. Just be sure to bring plenty of water, sunscreen, a hat and proper hiking shoes.
Rent a Bike: For a 40-square-mile city, it’s amazing that there are 217 miles of Tempe bike paths, from Sonoran Desert trails to bike lanes on city streets. In 2019, the League of American Bicyclists designated Tempe a Gold-Level Bicycle-Friendly Community Award winner. So what are you waiting for? Just hit The Bicycle Cellar for a variety of rental options, and then check out the top six bike rides Tempe is known for.
Book a Tee Time: Grass Clippings at Rolling Hills is Arizona’s only fully lit, 18-hole golf course and practice facility that’s available day and night. This trendy, player friendly oasis offers views of the surrounding mountain ranges and skylines, and keep an eye out for Sonoran Desert animals after dusk. For even more golf courses in Tempe, check out our Golf Guide.
Explore the Sonoran Desert Landscapes: The Desert Botanical Garden is a gorgeous Sonoran Desert oasis. Discover the tranquil vibrancy of 50,000 desert plants — including towering Saguaros and vibrant sunflowers — all nestled against the red rocks of the Papago Buttes. Explore via five thematic trails that cover such topics as conservation and desert living.
Take a Walk on the Wild Side: Fall is the perfect season at the Phoenix Zoo. Stop by Orang-Hutan, the Orangutan habitat and the Sumatran tigers of the “Isle of the Tiger” habitat. And don’t miss out on the Camel rides, a favorite of both the kiddos and adults. Backstage Adventures offer tours behind the scenes with rhinos, flamingoes, elephants, stingrays and many other zoo residents.
4. Indoor Adventure
Create Your Own Souvenir: Tap into your creative side with pottery or canvas painting at As You Wish, which offers everyone-friendly projects. Tutugether is a new DIY crafting studio where you can try your hand at rug tufting, paint pouring, decoden art and more. Candle enthusiasts with delight in the selection of desert fragrances ready for pouring at Brite Candle Co. and Candle Chemistry. For those with a little more experience, book a session at Hammer & Stain to create your own trendy wood signs using personalized stencils, paints and stains provided during the workshop.
Hit New Heights: Bring the outdoors in this holiday weekend at Phoenix Rock Gym and Arizona Bouldering Project. Both of these indoor rock-climbing facilities feature high walls and an abundance of space to climb to your heart’s desire. From beginners to experienced climbers, everyone will find options tailored to their comfortability.
Go Under The Sea: Located at Arizona Mills, SEA LIFE Arizona Aquarium offers an interactive and educational experience for all ages. Explore the 12 different habitat zones housing more than 32 tanks with thousands of marine life, including colorful coral reefs, jewel-colored fish, stingrays, eels and sea horses. An underwater tunnel provides a 360-degree view surrounded by sharks and other deep ocean dwellers.
Recreate a LEGO Masterpiece: LEGOLAND Discovery Center Arizona, located at Arizona Mills, is an immersive indoor experience that invites visitors to explore landmark replicas from across the Grand Canyon State. A day here also includes mater builders to engage with, movies in the LEGO 4-D cinema, rides, virtual reality experiences, a playground, on-site cafe and LEGO store.
5. Iconic Nightlife
When the sun goes down, Tempe lights up with the nightlife scene this city is known for.
Where to Pregame: If your plans kick off with dinner, start things off at one of our crossover venues, from 333 and Filthy Animal to Shady Park and Culinary Dropout — where the scene effortlessly transforms into dinner service to vibrant nightlife throughout the evening.
Play the Night Away: If your definition of a great night out is centered around competition, we have you covered. For a chill evening of board games, a great meal and even better cocktails, head to Snakes & Lattes. For a livelier team outing, plot your escape at Escapeology or Inferno Escape Room. Sharpen your axe throwing skills or play nostaligic schoolyard games at Recess at Tempe Marketplace. For the classic video and virtual reality game purests, Tilt Studio, Dave & Buster’s and Main Event are the top spots.
Live Music: The early evening crowd with appreciate the selection of stages for live music in Tempe. Check the lineup at Marquee Theatre, Yucca Tap Room, Darkstar or Sunbar ahead of time and secure your tickets for a specific date or musical guest. For the 21 and up crowd, Low Key Piano Bar entertains with an audience-centric performance that’s as lively as the surrounding Mill Avenue scene. Alternatively, The Chill Room is a alcohol-free concept that serves spirit-free cocktails, CBD wine, herbal teas, Fijian extracts, botanical root teas and coffees — along with weekly open mic nights, live music and DJs.
Nightclubs: The true night owls, however, will find their bliss at one of Downtown Tempe’s nightclubs. From Devil’s Hideaway to C.A.S.A. (to name a few) the energy here is unmatched.
6. Events, Concerts & Games
For those seeking a little more local flavor for this itinerary, Tempe hosts a wide variety of events and festivities year round. Here’s a quick look at some of what’s taking place over Labor Day weekend:
Aug. 28 & 29, 2025: Live Music at Marquee Theatre
The Wallflowers will take the stage on Thursday, Aug., 28, and Marquee Theatre will host It’s A 2000’s Party on Friday, Aug. 29.
Aug. 29-31, 2025: Ian Lara at Tempe Improv
One of the hottest rising comics in New York City, Ian Lara is bringing his acclaimed humor to three shows in Tempe over Labor Day weekend.
Aug. 30, 2025: Four Peaks 8th Street Brewery Tour
Sip your way behind the scenes of one of Tempe’s most noteworthy brewing operations. Housed inside a 100-year-old building, this operation is rich with local history and brewing innovation (3 to 4 p.m.). Reservations required.
Aug. 30, 2025: Hot Pink Summer Rooftop Pool Party at Alibi
Canopy by Hilton Tempe Downtown’s summer rooftop pool party series includes DJ and drink specials from 2 to 6 p.m. Tickets and cabanas available via Resort Pass.
Aug. 30, 2025: Sunset Spins at Skysill Rooftop Lounge
Head to The Westin Tempe, where the highest rooftop in the Valley hosts Sunset Spins from 7 to 10 p.m. every Saturday. Dance under the stars, sip on handcrafted cocktails, and soak in the city’s most stunning views from 18 floors up. This event is free and open to the public.
Aug. 30, 2025: ASU vs. NAU
The Arizona State University Sun Devils Football season kicks off by hosting Northern Arizona University Lumberjacks on Saturday, Aug. 30. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m.
Aug. 30, 2025: Phoenix Rising FC vs. El Paso Locomotive FC
The 2023 United Soccer League Champions host the El Paso Locomotive FC at the home pitch next to — just three light rail stops from Downtown Tempe.
Aug. 30, 2025: Flashlight Nights at Desert Botanical Garden
Bring your own flashlight and take a self-guided tour to see how the Garden comes to life after dark, including nocturnal desert creatures and night-blooming flowers. Unique activities are also available for attendees (7 to 9 p.m.).
For more events happening throughout Tempe, visit our Events Calendar.
