Cool INDOOR and OUTDOOR Things to do

Summertime living in Arizona is... hot! And so is the fall! But not to worry because summer and fall are cooler in Downtown Tempe with plenty of things to do and places to go. We offer summer and early fall activities and adventures that are fun for everyone. 

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Play Indoor Games

Snakes and Lattes - The largest board game bar and cafe in the state of Arizona offering food and drinks alongside a library of thousands of playable board games from classics to brand new hot games. Knowledgeable board game experts will help you find the perfect game and teach you how to play it. Every Wednesday night from 7 - 9 pm is Trivia Night and an Emo Game Night is coming soon for starters. 

Escape Rooms Tempe - The Island, Ransom, Rush Hour. These are just a few of the completely immersive game rooms you'll find at Escape Rooms Tempe. All the rooms offer “parallel play” and “linear play”, meaning that lots of things are going on at the same time, giving everyone something to do. Then the pieces all come together to make sense at the end to help you solve your way out.

Mill Cue Club - For over 25 years, Mill Cue Club has been the premier cue club in Downtown Tempe offering pool, snooker and carom billiards. Open everyday 4 pm to close, offering daily two-for-one drink specials, this is the place to chill and run the table, all at the same time.

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See A Show

AMC Centerpoint 11 - Located in Centerpoint Plaza, the AMC Theater is a terrific downtown secret featuring 11 screens, their comfy signature recliners, reserved seating, mobile ordering for food and drinks and a MacGuffins Bar with beer, wine and cocktails. Did we mention Discount Tuesdays?? And not to neglect a Downtown Tempe icon, Harkins Valley Art Theater is the last remaining single screen theater in the Valley. Keep a watchful eye on Valley Art - it's been closed since the COVID-19 pandemic started, but we they hope to see it open later in 2022.

Tempe Center for the Arts - Home to nine resident artists including Stray Cat Theatre, CONDER/dance, Arizona Wind Symphony, Tempe Comedy Series and more, you can always catch a show at TCA. In August catch MAC & Company's DUALITY (modern dance) on August 13. Through September, you'll find the Vital Signs exhibition in the Gallery, a new juried exhibition with featured art and ideas that make connections between people and the environment. Selected artists cover a wide variety of global and local topics including climate change, health and wellness, natural resources, wildlife conservation and more. On September 25, An R-Rated Magic & Comedy Show takes the stage. 

ASU Gammage - Broadway in the Valley means ASU Gammage. This season, catch The Duet Project, Wicked Bodies and Bonnie Raitt. Six The Musical and Oklahoma! kick off the 2022-2023 Broadway season. Get your tickets early and then plan to grab lunch or dinner before the show. The new Tempe Streetcar makes it easy to get to Mill Avenue and back in time for curtain. 

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Get Artsy

Ceramics Research Center at Brickyard - Did you know ASU's Ceramics Research Center has the largest and most comprehensive ceramic research archive in the country? Students, collectors, museum curators and scholars can make an appointment to use the archives and the public can make an appointment to visit the collection and gift shop located in ASU Brickyard at 699 S. Mill Avenue. You won't be disappointed. 

ASU Art Museum - Located at the corner of 10th Street and Mill Avenue, you'll find this free admission museum offering 5 exhibitions this summer: Art in Focus: New Acquisitions, Embrace by ARENA, New Earthworks, ASU Art Museum's Public Art Collection, and A Country is Not a House: Ronald Rael + Virginia San Fratello. 

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Rooftop Pools Downtown

Lounging or splashing in the pool is a great way to beat the heat- and Downtown Tempe offers an abundance of rooftop pools with exceptional views, and relaxing environments. Here are just a few options to check out. Tempe Mission Palms Hotel, Residence Inn by Marriott Tempe Downtown/University, Canopy by Hilton Tempe Downtown, and The Westin Tempe.

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Evening Events- under a starry night

The Park After Dark summer event series takes place the 2nd and 4th Saturday of each month from 7 p.m. - 10 p.m. The series runs from June through September and takes place at 6th Street Park (next to City Hall) under the shade of trees.  Enjoy live music, a beer & wine garden (for ages 21+), and jumbo games. All ages are welcome and admission is free. 

 

Head to Tempe Beach Park

September 8-12: Healing Field. This inspiring formation of U.S. flags will, as in years past, honors the victims of the September 2001 terrorist attacks that the mature may remember and that youth may learn. 

September 17:  Boots in the Park with Tim McGraw & Dustin Lynch

September 24: Freestyle Festival (Lisa Lisa, Taylor Dane, Berlin, Tiffany and more)

October 7-9: Four Peaks Oktoberfest