Festival Facts

News Release_Street Closures & Parking

FALL FESTIVAL 2008 Dec. 5-7/10am to Dusk

SPRING FESTIVAL 2009 March 27-29/ 10am to 6pm

The Tempe Festival of the Arts consistently ranks among the Top 20 art festivals in the nation by Sunshine Artist and has received the Pinnacle Award from the International Festival and Events Association. The spring and fall events each attract nearly 250,000 visitors to the Mill Avenue District over the course of a 3-day weekend.

Quality artists are fundamental to the success of the event. Each year, the Festival receives more than 1,000 applications from artists across the country. From these applicants, a jury comprised of members of the local art community selects the top artisans in each category to participate in the Festival. During the Festival, a new jury then selects the best overall artist and the top artist in each category.

Participants are separated into 18 different artistic categories for judging, ranging from woodwork to photography to ceramics and even wearable art. More than 400 artist booths line Mill Avenue and the surrounding streets presenting unique, and hand-made artwork that offers visitors a distinctive shopping experience.

While the Tempe Festival of the Arts primarily focuses on art and the artists that create it, there are also a wide variety of other activities for guests to enjoy. Live entertainment stages provide musical entertainment for festival-goers. Performances by a number of well-known local musicians keep audiences in high spirits throughout the day. Past performers have included the Gin Blossoms, Walt Richardson, Margo Reed, and Hello Swindon. In addition to the scheduled entertainment, street performers, vendors, sponsor exhibits and entertainment booths are set up for the amusement of Festival visitors. In addition to arts and entertainment, the Tempe Festival of the Arts offers support to the Tempe community. A portion of the proceeds raised at the Festival benefits local charities.

Kids Innovation Station, Presented by APS, West of City Hall, offers arts activities for children’s interactive entertainment---and education! Presented in collaboration with Arizona State University’s Education Department, and Herberger College for Kids, kids at the Festival get a hands-on opportunity to learn about art---and Mosaics!

The Food Court, on 6th Street east of Mill Avenue, offers fast festival food and comfortable seating with shade in 6th Street Park. Festival Food is available throughout the Festival, with Mill Avenue District restaurants, cafes and bars ready to serve you by offering special menus of quick and easy food and drink.

Arizona Wine Festival
The newest addition to the Tempe Festivals of the Arts is the ARIZONA WINE FESTIVAL. Arizona wine growers will be on hand for tastings at a nominal fee, and will be selling their fruits of the vine on-site. Participants must be 21 years or older to enter. Located on 7th Street in Centerpoint.

2006 State, National & International Awards
International Festival & Events Association Awards:
Gold Award – On-Site Printed Event Program – 2006 Spring Tempe Festival of the Arts
Bronze Award – On-Site Printed Event Program – 2005 Fall Tempe Festival of the Arts
Bronze Award – Promotional Poster – 2006 Spring Tempe Festival of the Arts

AZTec Awards – Arizona Chapter of IFEA:
Gold Award – Best Commemorative Art Poster – 2006 Spring Tempe Festival of the Arts
Gold Award – Best On-Site Printed Program – 2005 Fall Tempe Festival of the Arts
Gold Award – Best Promotional Poster – 2006 Spring Tempe Festival of the Arts
Gold Award – Best Event in Arizona – The Tempe Festivals of the Arts