Downtown Tempe Authority releases lineup of fall, winter events

PHOENIX — The start of fall signals the beginning of a very busy few months of events in Tempe as the holiday season approaches.

Nonprofit organization Downtown Tempe Authority released the schedule for the fall and winter event season, featuring the return of a few favorites previously canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic and some new offerings.

It all kicks off Oct. 24 with the Halloween Stroll at 6th Street Park, where people of all ages can partake in games, crafts, a costume contest and trick-or-treating at local merchants around the area. The event runs from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.

The holiday season officially starts Nov. 26 with the Fantasy of Lights Holiday Parade and Tree Lighting from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m.

The parade begins at Mill Avenue and Third Street with the 40-foot holiday tree lighting up the night sky at Centerpoint Plaza on Seventh Street just west of Mill Avenue at 7 p.m.

Tempe Festival of Arts will take place the following weekend after being canceled last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

More than 350 artists from around the country are expected for the event located on the streets of downtown Tempe between Third Street and University Parkway as well as Fifth Street between Myrtle and Ash avenues. The event will also offer local food vendors and street performances.

The final holiday-themed event on the list is the popular Fantasy of Lights Boat Parade at Tempe Town Lake on Dec. 11.

The parade begins at 6 p.m. and is capped off with a fireworks show at 8 p.m. Live music, local shopping and dining opportunities at the park are also part of the event that begins at 4 p.m.

In addition, the nonprofit announced the 6th Street Market would be rebranded into a new monthly series called Second Sundays on Mill, which will begin Nov. 14 and run until April 10.

Lasting from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., the market will offer local art, handmade crafts, baked goods and unique gifts. Admission is free and people can also enjoy pop-up street performances, live music from local musicians, community programming, fitness classes and outdoor games, according to the release.

Additional events will be announced on the nonprofit’s website.

The events have also been modified, where possible, to incorporate safety measures to help reduce the spread of COVID-19, according to the release.

Follow @KTAR923