Shop Small Weekend in Downtown Tempe

Every year on the Saturday after Thanksgiving we shine a special light on all Small Businesses in Downtown Tempe, but truly this is an all weekend affair. Strap in and secure your jingle bells folks. We are officially kicking off the holiday season November 27^th through December 1^st.

Nov 27^th, 2024

It’s Wednesday my dudes—Cheersgiving (iykyk) It’s giving holiday cheer, it’s giving my family stresses me out, it’s giving finally-a-long-weekend-in-Q4, it’s giving I-haven’t-seen-these-friends-and-family-all-in-one-place-in-over-a-year! It’s giving the official start to merriment in Downtown Tempe! Many bartenders will contest that the night before Thanksgiving is often the biggest bar day of the year in the United States, so if you’re looking to kick off the holiday season with a true bang, Downtown Tempe is the place to be.

Nov 28^th, 2024

Thursday—Thanksgiving. Everyone get out your gratitude journals and comfy pants. But not everyone has a family home to hold out in on Thanksgiving. Not everyone in Tempe is an American who even celebrates Thanksgiving! Downtown Tempe again has you covered with plenty of places open to make memories on the big turkey day--just to name a few, try out Terra Tempe day of and Pedal Haus for Friendsgiving.

Nov 29^th, 2024

Friday—Black Friday, kickoff of Shop Small Weekend. Not a box store lover? Does your stick-it-to-the-man attitude squirm at the idea of giving giant corporations your hard earned cashola? Keep it by keeping it local.

A few words from someone who is not our sponsor:

Small businesses feed our communities. They keep our main streets thriving and employ nearly half of the American workforce. Supporting small businesses means you're supporting your local economy, local business, tax base, schools, and infrastructure. Your holiday shopping will put food on the tables of people 👏 you 👏 know 👏.

You will be doing your community some good, and you will also be finding quality gifts. Small businesses take pride in their work. They've worked hard for their dream, and it shows in their craftsmanship. –National Day Calendar

Friday continued—Fantasy of Lights Holiday Street Parade. This is NOT A DRILL PEOPLE! *cue Will Ferrell being absolutely feral in Elf*

And yes, this is exactly what the Street Parade feels like. This light filled night parade is kicking off at 6pm SHARP, will certainly weave through Downtown Tempe in front of all your favorite restaurants and shops (two for one special: support local businesses, celebrate the holiday season) and will DEFINITELY end at Centerpoint Plaza with the lighting of a 30 foot Christmas tree. Don’t miss your opportunity to meet Santa and jump into the holiday spirit!

Nov 30^th, 2024

Saturday—Small Business Saturday/Shop Small Saturday. Do you know how many cute shops have popped up in Downtown Tempe lately? Let me enlighten you (salute back to the Light Parade mems from the night before). Of the 172 street level businesses in Downtown Tempe, 61 are retail/service shops, and 87% of them are locally owned small businesses!

Read about Downtown Tempe's best kept secret. 

Saturday continued—Territorial Cup, ASU v UoA. The rivalry game of 2024 is an away game so find your favorite watch party location in Downtown Tempe and root for the good guys in their backyard! Here are some of our favorite watch party locations.

Dec 1^st, 2024

Sunday—Weekend well done, but not over. You definitely deserve brunch after all that so check out all the great locations near you: Best Brunch Spots in Downtown Tempe, run back to those retail stores you didn’t get to yet or catch some Sunday Football!