Artists flock to Tempe for city’s 48th annual Fall Festival of the Arts

PHOENIX — Both national and local artists alike will once again fill downtown Tempe this weekend for the city’s 48th annual Fall Festival of the Arts.

The festival will run Friday through Sunday this weekend, and be open to the public free of admission from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day. The Tempe tradition is one of the largest festivals of its kind, drawing as many as 225,000 visitors to the downtown area.

More than 300 artists from around the country are expected to show off their latest creations at the festival, ranging from hand-made jewelry to home décor. Other offerings will include local beer and wine tables, food trucks and live entertainment.

A pedestrian-only zone for the festival will stretch along historic Mill Avenue from 3rd street to University Avenue for the duration of the festival.

Although the arts fest is riddled in Tempe tradition, there are some noteworthy changes to this year’s lineup. New this fall is Sixth & Mill Makers, a local Makers section that features do-it-yourself artisanal goods and a “make & take” station. Moreover, two additional beer and wine gardens have been added throughout the festival footprint.

If you’re bringing the whole family, don’t worry. The newly added “Kidz Row” will keep the little ones entertained with plenty of projects of their own.

For full details, including an artist list and entertainment schedule, visit the festival’s website.