October is the perfect month to be in Downtown Tempe. We're coming out of 3-4 months of triple digit heat and we can begin to spend time outdoors again. If you're looking to avoid a serious case of FOMO (fear of missing out), you'll want to go ahead and add these events to your calendar:
1. Tour De Fat | October 1
Hhmm...I'm thinking of the best way to describe this event. Think of it as a circus on bikes that combines all things bikes and beer. We are fortunate to have New Belgium Brewing, makers of Fat Tire Amber Ale bring this multi-city tour to Dowtown Tempe -- it's so fitting! It's a full day of colorful and interesting costumes paired with racing shenanigans, beer, food, and comedy. The best part is...it’s all in support of local bike-related charities!
2. Arizona Dragon Boat Festival | October 1-2
This event has previously drawn both spectators and paddlers from all over the United States as well as Canada, China and Taiwan. Originating in China as a folk ritual, dragon boat racing has been taking place for more than 20 centuries now and officially emerged as an international sport in Hong Kong in 1976. If you haven't experienced this event yet, I encourage you to check out the Asian and Pacific culture that will be represented at the event. From the competitive and recreational dragon boat races to the vendors and entertainment, it's a great opportunity to explore a new culture and enjoy a day on the waterfront -- not something many Arizona residents get to do often. Also, proceeds from this event will help benefit Arizona Disabled Sports!
3. 6th Street Market | October 2
The 6th Street Market is a new initiative of the Downtown Tempe Authority, dedicated to providing a space and opportunity for local artists, artisans and makers. Not only does this market provide artists with an opportunity to showcase and sell their work, but it also helps create and encourage a thriving and diverse community of artists and makers in Downtown Tempe and the surrounding areas. It's the perfect opportunity for you to shop for unique and eclectic items as well as support the local artists community -- double win! The market is free to attend and will be held every Sunday, featuring morning yoga, live entertainment and select food and snack vendors. You can look forward to a variety of merchandise including jewelry, leather goods, paintings, prints, soaps and much more! This is truly a cultural amenity that Downtown Tempe has been missing for years!
4. Beyond the Bricks - Thursday Night Live | October 6
Beyond the Bricks Thursday Night Live, presented by State Farm is another new initiative of the Downtown Tempe Authority, dedicated to providing a free live music series in Downtown Tempe. It's family-friendly entertainment that activates an underutilized public space while showcasing local musicians. This should become a regular occurrence on your calendar, as it's essentially Happy Hour in an outdoor space. Bring your own chairs, blankets and snacks for an evening of live music with your favorite peeps. Beer and wine will be available for purchase and local merchants will offer simple and convenient menu items to satisfy your cravings. Did I mention this is a FREE concert series? See ya' there!
5. Oktoberfest | October 7-9
What would an October be without an Oktoberfest? For 3 days, Tempe Beach Park will be saturated will all things German -- beer, brats, sauerkraut (my fave), potato salad, pretzels and sooooooo much more! Four Peaks Brewery is guaranteed to supply an impressive portfolio of craft brews, but the entertainment for this event is not to be overlooked. This year will feature local faves DJ Munition and Jared and the Mill (swoon) and get this...Lil' John. YYEAAAAHHHHHH!
6. ASU Football | October 8 and October 22
For those of you who haven't been to a college football game...shame on you! Just kidding...I know it isn't for everyone, BUT we do have the largest university in the country right in our front yard, and to be honest...you're missing out! You have to go to at least 1 game to check it off your list. If nothing else, hit up the tailgate parties -- between Devils on Mill, Devils on College, Tempe Mission Palms and basically our entire downtown...there's no shortage of fun for EVERYONE. Don't think of it as a way to kill a Saturday afternoon because it's SO much more than that -- it's a college community uniting in Sun Devil spirit for the love of the game and school pride. There's really nothing like it. Sorry not sorry...put it on your calendar! I actually heard Sun Devil Stadium is prime hunting grounds for Pokemon (if that's still a thing). Just don't run out onto the field or anything ; )
7. Halloween on Mill Avenue | October 31
2 words -- PEOPLE WATCHING!
That is all...
Like I said, go ahead and mark your calendars for these events. Set your reminders, write on your mirrors...do whatever you need to do, because I guarantee when you're sitting at home on a Thursday evening or on any weekend in October scrolling through your social feeds, the FOMO will be real. I want you to avoid that October sadness and explore your downtown by giving some of these new and staple Downtown Tempe events a chance. Just do me a favor and hashtag #DowntownTempe in all of your social posts so I can see how much fun you're having!