It's Happening! It's Fall!

Fall has officially arrived in Downtown Tempe! With the temps finally starting to drop (thank you, Arizona sun), our event season is kicking into high gear and Downtown Tempe will be bustling with a ton of fall-tivities. Here’s what’s going down this season:

Halloween Stroll at Ragsdale-MLK Park

Get ready for a spooktacular fun time at our annual Halloween Stroll in Ragsdale-MLK Park on October 27 from 2PM - 5PM! Expect games, crafts, and trick-or-treating at all the local merchants on the map, who will be handing out candy to all the little ghouls and goblins. Merchants will also have special offerings, so don’t forget to grab your map and see what treats await. Arizona Theatre Company will be hosting a costume contest, inviting all kiddos—whether you’re dressed as something cute, creepy, or creative—to show off their best looks. It’s a family-friendly event, and best of all, it’s completely free.

2nd Sundays on Mill Season Starts in November

Mark your calendars, because Mill Avenue is shutting down for all the right reasons! Starting November 9, 2nd Sundays on Mill is back to jumpstart the 2024-2025 season. Think outdoor markets, live tunes, and family-friendly fun that’ll have you coming back month after month. It’s free, it’s festive, and dog-friendly!

Here's this season's themes:

November 10, 2024: Multi-Cultural
January 12, 2025: Create
February 9, 2025: Mardi Gras
April 13, 2025: Earth Month

Veteran's Day Parade

Join us as we salute our heroes at Tempe’s annual Veterans Day Parade, a cherished tradition for over 50 years! The festivities kick off at 10 a.m. at ASU Gammage and make their way up Mill Avenue, finishing at Tempe Beach Park. The parade is packed with local marching bands, Boy Scouts and Girl Scout troops, and veterans groups, all coming together to celebrate our military veterans. Be part of this hometown celebration and show your support for those who’ve served our country on November 11 in Downtown Tempe!

ASU Family Weekend is Here!

ASU Family Weekend 2024 kicks off this weekend, October 4-6, and it promises to be full of family fun on campus, but we've also rounded up the best spots to eat, drink, and explore in Downtown Tempe—plus, special deals! Check out the full blog for more info about Family Weekend!

Game Days: Where to Eat, Drink, and Watch

Football season = patio season in Downtown Tempe. No matter if you're heading to Sun Devil Stadium or looking for a prime spot to catch the game, we’ve got you. Homecoming week is coming up in November, with the Lantern Walk, Block Party, Parade, and the big ASU vs. BYU game. Check out the full football schedule and make sure to snag tickets early!

Pro tip: Head to C.A.S.A. for their epic 2-Day Block Party Tailgates—they’re taking over 6th Street every home game weekend. There are still three more tailgates left this season, so don’t miss out!

Four Peaks Oktoberfest is Back at Tempe Beach Park

If steins of beer and Oom Pah Pah are your thing, then Four Peaks Brewing Oktoberfest is where you need to be, October 11-13 at Tempe Beach Park. It’s a weekend filled with German brews, food, and a whole lot of fun, all while benefiting Tempe Sister Cities. Fifty years strong and still going!

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Fall Happenings from Our Downtown Merchants

Looking for more fall magic? Check out what our local merchants have in store:

• Spooky Cinema at Skysill Rooftop Lounge: Skysill Rooftop Lounge is offering an outdoor movie series every Friday in October. Cozy up with bar service, popcorn, and a lineup of spooky films under the stars on the 18th floor of the Westin Tempe.
• Pedal Haus Oktoberfest: On October 5th, the party’s rolling across all Pedal Haus locations, featuring
  stein-holding and sausage-eating contests, live music, and special promotions on food and drinks.
• Tempe Center of the Arts presents Eternamente: A Día de los Muertos Spectacular: This October 5th show, is an homage to Mexico's rich cultural heritage. It blends graceful traditional dance with vibrant storytelling that also tips a hat to the great Mexican singers of yesteryear such as Vicente Fernandez, Pedro Infante, Lucha Villa, and more.
• Horror Movie Trivia at Snakes & Lattes: Think you know your scary movies? Prove it on October 8th at Snakes & Lattes’ trivia night—bring your knowledge and maybe some garlic, just in case ;)
• Pedal Haus Oktoberfest x2: The championship round of contestants from Pedal Haus's Oktoberfest stein holding and sausage eating competitions. Will crown the champion at the Tempe location ONLY on October 19th!
• The Official Halloween Bar Crawl: On October 26th, this Halloween bar crawl will hit all the best spots—starting at Fat Tuesday and making stops at Devil’s Hideaway, Rodeo Ranch, and Snakes & Lattes, before ending with an after-party at Varsity Tavern. Costumes encouraged; spooky vibes required.
  
• Rooftop Halloween Costume Party at Alibi: Dance under the stars on Alibi’s rooftop on October 26th, complete with eerie cocktails and Downtown views. It’s the Halloween bash you don’t want to miss!
• Halloween Bingo & Board Games at Snakes & Lattes: Girl-tivities® is hosting a Halloween-themed game night on October 29th at Snakes & Lattes, featuring group bingo, prizes, and Halloween fun for all.

Getting to and from Downtown Tempe is a breeze with plenty of parking and multiple public transportation options, including the light rail and streetcar. Whether you're driving or hopping on public transit, it's easy to get where you need to go and enjoy all the fall fun! More information can be found here.