Best events in
Tempe

Fueled by the energy of Arizona State University, there is a constant supply of events and things to do in Tempe, AZ. The city's walkable downtown core, centered on Mill Avenue, defines the social rhythm for students and locals alike. Beyond the lively nightlife, major cultural venues present everything from Broadway shows to local fine arts.

The pedestrian-friendly Mill Avenue district makes it easy to hop between the Tempe Improv Comedy Theatre, late-night bars, and music spots like Marquee Theatre.
Larger productions find a home at ASU Gammage, an architecturally significant venue for touring Broadway shows and major concerts.
Local arts and culture are celebrated with the semi-annual Tempe Festival of the Arts and at performance spaces like Tempe Center for the Arts on the lake.

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Afros & Bell Bottoms 70's Party at Lush Cafe & Lounge

Fri, Oct 16 • 8:00 PM

Lush Cafe and Lounge

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TRAVESURAS HALLOWEEN REGGAETON PARTY @ VARSITY TAVERN TEMPE

Thu, Oct 29 • 10:00 PM

Varsity Tavern

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EMOWEEN TEMPE / PHOENIX 2026

Sat, Oct 31 • 8:00 PM

Sunbar Tempe

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The Ultimate Grown & Sexy Boos & Booze Halloween Party

Sat, Oct 31 • 10:00 PM

Tempe Eats Food Hall & Bar

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Afros & Bell Bottoms 70's Party at Lush Cafe & Lounge

Fri, Oct 16 • 8:00 PM

Lush Cafe and Lounge

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TRAVESURAS HALLOWEEN REGGAETON PARTY @ VARSITY TAVERN TEMPE

Thu, Oct 29 • 10:00 PM

Varsity Tavern

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EMOWEEN TEMPE / PHOENIX 2026

Sat, Oct 31 • 8:00 PM

Sunbar Tempe

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The Ultimate Grown & Sexy Boos & Booze Halloween Party

Sat, Oct 31 • 10:00 PM

Tempe Eats Food Hall & Bar

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Popular in Tempe

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TEMPE IMPROV: FREE Tickets Comedy + Drag Show!

Thursday • 7:30 PM

Tempe Improv

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Cups for a Cause

Saturday • 7:00 AM

Cartel Roasting Co.

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Self-Defense & Empowerment Workshop

Sat, Oct 17 • 10:00 AM

KBX PHX Kickboxing

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Huge Dog Party! Pup Festival @ Tempe Marketplace!

Sun, Oct 25 • 10:00 AM

Tempe Marketplace

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JobFest LIVE | Attendee Registration

Thu, Oct 29 • 1:30 PM

Rio Salado College Conference Center

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Stars Hollow Fitness Festival

Sat, Nov 7 • 9:00 AM

Social Hall Restaurant + Event Venue

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Doing Research in Indigenous Communities Conference

Thu, Nov 12 • 8:00 AM

Hayden Library

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3D-PEIM 2026

SkySong Building 3

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TEMPE IMPROV: FREE Tickets Comedy + Drag Show!

Thursday • 7:30 PM

Tempe Improv

Check ticket price on event

Cups for a Cause

Saturday • 7:00 AM

Cartel Roasting Co.

Check ticket price on event

Self-Defense & Empowerment Workshop

Sat, Oct 17 • 10:00 AM

KBX PHX Kickboxing

Check ticket price on event

Huge Dog Party! Pup Festival @ Tempe Marketplace!

Sun, Oct 25 • 10:00 AM

Tempe Marketplace

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JobFest LIVE | Attendee Registration

Thu, Oct 29 • 1:30 PM

Rio Salado College Conference Center

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Stars Hollow Fitness Festival

Sat, Nov 7 • 9:00 AM

Social Hall Restaurant + Event Venue

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Doing Research in Indigenous Communities Conference

Thu, Nov 12 • 8:00 AM

Hayden Library

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3D-PEIM 2026

SkySong Building 3

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Online Events

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Workshop mit Paul Endrejat: KI professionell einsetzen für mehr Effizienz

Tomorrow • 9:00 AM GMT+2

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How To Be Kind To Yourself - Shahroo Izadi

Wed, Oct 14 • 7:00 PM GMT+1

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HBR Press Webinar: Resilient Optimism

Thu, Oct 15 • 8:00 AM EDT

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Today's RDH Virtual Dental Continuing Education (CE) Event - Oct. 17, 2026

Sat, Oct 17 • 9:00 AM EDT

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(ONLINE) Women on the Move with Ann Patchett

Tue, Oct 27 • 11:30 AM EDT

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Witch hunts and real lives

Fri, Oct 30 • 2:00 PM GMT

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Lean Global Connection 2026

Thu, Nov 12 • 2:00 PM UTC

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Washington Crossing the Delaware / The Crossing - Film History Livestream

Sat, Dec 19 • 8:00 PM EST

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Workshop mit Paul Endrejat: KI professionell einsetzen für mehr Effizienz

Tomorrow • 9:00 AM GMT+2

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How To Be Kind To Yourself - Shahroo Izadi

Wed, Oct 14 • 7:00 PM GMT+1

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HBR Press Webinar: Resilient Optimism

Thu, Oct 15 • 8:00 AM EDT

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Today's RDH Virtual Dental Continuing Education (CE) Event - Oct. 17, 2026

Sat, Oct 17 • 9:00 AM EDT

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(ONLINE) Women on the Move with Ann Patchett

Tue, Oct 27 • 11:30 AM EDT

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Witch hunts and real lives

Fri, Oct 30 • 2:00 PM GMT

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Lean Global Connection 2026

Thu, Nov 12 • 2:00 PM UTC

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Washington Crossing the Delaware / The Crossing - Film History Livestream

Sat, Dec 19 • 8:00 PM EST

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This Weekend

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Black Chamber After Dark: Powerful Connections

Friday • 7:00 PM

Lush Lounge

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Puppy Pilates Benefitting Pound PuppyZ

Saturday • 12:00 PM

POWER+FLOW

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HALFROX Weekend at BFT South Tempe

Saturday • 6:00 PM

BFT South Tempe

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Mesa Night Market (Free Event) - Asian Food Festival

Saturday • 4:00 PM

Parking Lot of 1920 W Broadway Rd Mesa AZ 85202

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Cabinet of Curiosities Cocktail Class

Saturday • 3:00 PM

Outlaw Distillery

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Aboard The Black Pearl: Cursed Crew Training

Saturday • 10:00 AM

Social Hall Restaurant + Event Venue

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Sound Healing: Third Eye Chakra

Saturday • 5:30 PM

Sozo Healing House

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Arizona's Super Saturday - October-Fiesta with Mr Paul Archuleta!

Saturday • 10:30 AM

Hyatt Place Tempe / Phoenix Airport

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Black Chamber After Dark: Powerful Connections

Friday • 7:00 PM

Lush Lounge

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Puppy Pilates Benefitting Pound PuppyZ

Saturday • 12:00 PM

POWER+FLOW

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HALFROX Weekend at BFT South Tempe

Saturday • 6:00 PM

BFT South Tempe

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Mesa Night Market (Free Event) - Asian Food Festival

Saturday • 4:00 PM

Parking Lot of 1920 W Broadway Rd Mesa AZ 85202

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Cabinet of Curiosities Cocktail Class

Saturday • 3:00 PM

Outlaw Distillery

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Aboard The Black Pearl: Cursed Crew Training

Saturday • 10:00 AM

Social Hall Restaurant + Event Venue

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Sound Healing: Third Eye Chakra

Saturday • 5:30 PM

Sozo Healing House

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Arizona's Super Saturday - October-Fiesta with Mr Paul Archuleta!

Saturday • 10:30 AM

Hyatt Place Tempe / Phoenix Airport

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Points of Interest near Tempe

Hayden Flour Mill

Tempe History Museum

Kiwanis Park

Governor Hunt Tomb

Legoland Discovery Center Arizona

Frequently asked questions about Tempe

Where can I find comedy shows in Tempe?

Tempe Improv Comedy Theatre is the city's primary destination for stand-up comedy events. It features a regular schedule of performances by nationally touring comedians and provides an intimate setting for a classic comedy club experience.

What are some good venues for live music events in Tempe?

The Marquee Theatre hosts a wide range of national and international touring acts. For a more local flavor, Yucca Tap Room offers live music from area bands alongside a vintage arcade, making for a unique event experience.

Are there major art events in Tempe?

Yes, the Tempe Festival of the Arts is a major semi-annual event that fills the streets of Downtown Tempe. This juried art show features hundreds of artists each spring and fall, alongside food vendors and live entertainment.

What is the nightlife scene like around Mill Avenue?

Mill Avenue is the energetic heart of Tempe's nightlife, with a high density of bars and clubs. Its walkable layout encourages moving between different venues, from casual spots to high-energy late-night dance clubs, especially popular with the university crowd.

What makes for a good date night in Tempe?

A great date night could involve a performance at the Tempe Center for the Arts. The venue hosts theater and concerts, and its rooftop patio offers scenic views of Tempe Town Lake, perfect for before or after a show.

What family-friendly events happen in Tempe?

Tempe offers several notable family-friendly events throughout the year. The annual Fantasy of Lights Boat Parade at Tempe Town Lake is a popular holiday tradition, while Main Event Entertainment provides year-round fun with bowling and laser tag.

How can I find free events in Tempe?

Tempe hosts several free community events, including the annual Tempe Jam music festival. Look for recurring series like 2nd Sundays on Mill, which activates the downtown area with activities and entertainment that are open to the public.

Which spots are good for a casual group outing in Tempe?

Social Hall in downtown is perfect for groups, offering free games like skeeball and shuffleboard in a lively setting. For a classic brewery experience, Four Peaks Brewing Company provides a relaxed atmosphere in a historic building suitable for gatherings.