Tempe's Best Fall Events 2021: Festivals, Concerts, and Holiday Magic
Note: This guide highlights Tempe's standout fall events from 2021. For the latest schedules, check official Tempe tourism sites.
Tempe's 2021 fall event season was bigger and better than ever, featuring vibrant festivals, markets, and community gatherings. Explore this curated list of highlights that delighted locals and visitors alike.
Music in the Garden | Desert Botanical Garden
October 1 – November 19, 2021
Desert Botanical Garden hosted an exceptional fall concert series, Music in the Garden, from October 1 through November 19, 2021. Set against the stunning backdrop of Ullman Terrace at the base of a butte, this iconic Valley outdoor venue offered unforgettable performances amid desert beauty.
Movies in the Park | Kiwanis Park
Friday evenings | October 1-22, 2021
Families enjoyed free, family-friendly Movies in the Park at Kiwanis Park every Friday from October 1st through 22nd. Bring blankets, picnic dinners from local Tempe spots, and gather on the north soccer field off Baseline Road and Ash Avenue starting at 6 p.m. Visit the event site for the movie lineup and themed activities.
Halloween Stroll | Downtown Tempe
Sunday, October 24, 2021
Ghosts, goblins, and princesses of all ages gathered in Downtown Tempe for the not-so-spooky Halloween Stroll on October 24th. This free event featured Halloween-themed games, crafts, activities, and a costume contest—don't forget your trick-or-treat bag!
Tempe Fall Festival | Escalante Park
October 28, 2021 | 6-8 p.m.
The 2021 Tempe Fall Festival at Escalante Park on October 28th celebrated the 50th anniversary of the Escalante Community Center. This annual family-friendly event was a community favorite hosted by the City of Tempe.
Water Lantern Festival | Kiwanis Lake
Saturday, November 13, 2021
Experience the magic of thousands of lanterns glowing on Kiwanis Lake during the Water Lantern Festival on November 13th. This family-friendly gathering created lasting memories filled with fun, hope, and joy.
Second Sundays on Mill | Downtown Tempe – Mill Avenue
Second Sunday of each month | November – March
Starting in November 2021, Second Sundays on Mill brought monthly family fun to Downtown Tempe every second Sunday through March 2022 (10 a.m. – 3 p.m.). Enjoy a local market of Arizona-made goods, street performances, live music, fitness classes, and games.
- November 14, 2021
- December 12, 2021
- January 9, 2022
- February 13, 2022
- March 13, 2022
World of Illumination | Tempe Diablo Stadium
November 17 – January 2, 2022
Drive through millions of dazzling lights at World of Illumination, returning to Tempe Diablo Stadium. Journey down Reindeer Road into a spectacular drive-through light forest.
Fantasy of Lights Opening Night Parade | Downtown Tempe
Friday, November 26, 2021
Kick off the holiday season with the Fantasy of Lights Opening Night Parade on November 26th. Downtown Tempe came alive with a street parade, tree lighting, holiday market, live entertainment, Santa photos, and festive cheer.
Tempe Fall Festival of the Arts | Downtown Tempe
December 3-5, 2021
The Tempe Fall Festival of the Arts returned to Downtown Tempe December 3-5, 2021, showcasing handmade works from over 350 artists, plus live entertainment, street performers, vendors, and interactive booths.
Las Noches de las Luminarias | Desert Botanical Garden
December 3-31, 2021
Desert Botanical Garden's Las Noches de las Luminarias lit up the holidays December 3-31 with 8,000 luminarias, twinkling lights, live music, and tasty treats along the paths. *Tickets on sale Oct. 18
CHIHULY IN THE DESERT | Desert Botanical Garden
December 3, 2021 – June 19, 2022
Chihuly's stunning glass art blended with desert landscapes at CHIHULY IN THE DESERT, exhibited at Desert Botanical Garden and Taliesin West from December 3, 2021, through June 19, 2022.
Fantasy of Lights Boat Parade at Tempe Town Lake | Tempe Town Lake
Saturday, December 11, 2021
The Valley's unique Fantasy of Lights Boat Parade illuminated Tempe Town Lake on December 11th, dazzling spectators with festive boats.
Beyond Tempe
Phoenix Pride Festival | Steele Indian School Park
November 6-7, 2021
The Phoenix Pride Festival at Steele Indian School Park November 6-7, 2021, celebrated LGBTQ+ communities with over 150 performances, 300+ exhibitors, diverse food, shopping, and resources.
