What’s New in Tempe, Arizona – April 2019

Contact: Toni Smith, Tempe Tourism Office Director of Communications
[email protected]
480-305-1372

Arts and Events

Electric Desert illuminates the Desert Botanical Garden through May 12, 2019
See desert, light and sound unite in a mesmerizing display like never before. During Electric Desert, a light and sound experience by Klip Collective, cactus and the desert become a living canvas in this nighttime event. This incredible installation takes visitors on an immersive journey through the Desert Botanical Garden using light and original music. Electric Desert includes seven site-specific locations, with each experience inspired by and related to the garden.

This is Klip Collective’s second garden installation; the first was at Longwood Gardens in Pennsylvania. This special engagement will sell out quickly so advance ticket purchase is encouraged. www.dbg.org

ASU Art Museum continues to challenge perception

ASU Art Museum was cited in “Art in America” as “the single most impressive venue for contemporary art in Arizona.” ASU Art Museum exhibits contemporary artists, both regional and national, with a focus on Latin American art and social issues. The Museum also houses the largest collection of Cuban art in the U.S. and an award-winning print collection.

The next exhibition to join the ASU Art Museum is “Talking to Action: Art, Pedagogy and Activism in the Americas.” This new exhibition will be on display through July 6, 2019. https://asuartmuseum.asu.edu/

2018-2019 Broadway Season at ASU Gammage
ASU Gammage, the historic theater designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, is bringing the best of Broadway to Tempe in the 2018-2019 ASU Gammage Desert Financial Broadway Across America – Arizona Season.

ASU Gammage is bringing back three favorites including RENT, THE BOOK OF MORMON, and Arizona’s most “popular” musical, WICKED. The 2018-2019 season includes the following shows:

WICKED April 3-May 5, 2019
RENT May 28–June 2, 2019
CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY June 11-16, 2019
THE BOOK OF MORMON August 6-11, 2019

The 2019-2020 season will be announced soon. For more information, visit www.asugammage.com.

Culinary Scene Updates

Ghost Ranch brings bold flavors of the American Southwest to Tempe
Ghost Ranch, a new restaurant with a focus on modern, Southwestern flavors, just opened in Tempe. This latest concept from restaurateur Aaron Chamberlin and his team serves hearty, but healthful, fare for lunch, dinner and weekend brunch, alongside a full menu of beer, wine and cocktails inspired by the multicultural history of Arizona, New Mexico, Texas and northern Mexico.

Drawing from the rich traditions of the Southwest, Ghost Ranch combines the culinary talents of restaurateur Aaron Chamberlin and chefs Rene Andrade and Roberto Centeno. Both Andrade and Centeno joined the team after working at top Phoenix area restaurants. They also gained experience by cooking with their families in Nogales, Mexico. Diners can look forward to platters of enchiladas smothered in vibrant red and green chile, cowboy steaks with Chimayo chile sauce, grilled trout, seasonal soups and fresh salads.

Aaron Chamberlin is also at the helm of the popular restaurants Phoenix Public Market Café and Tempe Public Market Café, which is located adjacent to Ghost Ranch. www.ghostranchaz.com

Snakes & Lattes opens first U.S. location in Downtown Tempe
Snakes and Lattes has three very successful locations in the Toronto area. The Tempe location is the first outside of Canada, located on 7th St. and Mill Avenue in Downtown Tempe.

Snakes & Lattes opened in fall 2018. Whether revisiting childhood memories, being introduced to board games for the first time, or digging into a deep hobby title, Snakes & Lattes venues are the perfect way to enjoy board games with friends, family and loved ones. Each Snakes & Lattes venue houses an available-for-play library of 1000+ games, available to guests for a per person fee. Snakes & Lattes works with local craft breweries and coffee roasters and houses an amazing kitchen to satisfy any palate. https://www.snakesandlattes.com

Hotel News

Canopy by Hilton says hello to Tempe
Driftwood Acquisitions & Development has announced plans to build a new Canopy by Hilton hotel in Tempe, Ariz. The $60M+, 200-room Canopy by Hilton Tempe Downtown, University Area will be in the heart of the city, across the street from the Arizona State University Tempe Campus.

The Canopy will span 14 floors and feature a lobby-level café, a gym, more than 3,000 sq. ft. of meeting space, a rooftop pool and terrace bar, cabanas and a fire pit. It is expected to open in early 2020.

Westin Tempe to begin construction soon on 18-story lifestyle hotel
Construction will begin soon on The Westin Tempe in the heart of Downtown Tempe on Seventh Street, east of Mill Avenue. Developed by Las Vegas-based CAI Investments, the 18-story Westin Tempe will be a full-service business hotel.

Westin Tempe will feature state-of-the-art guest rooms, with custom-designed elements, and energy conservation practices. The hotel will also feature a rooftop pool lounge, the signature WestinWORKOUT fitness studio, full-service restaurant, coffee shop and 14,000 square feet of meeting space.

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