Tempe Spring Festival of the Arts 2020: Canceled Due to COVID-19 – Downtown Tempe Highlights
Cancellation Notice (March 12, 2020, 9:15 p.m.): The City of Tempe canceled all public events and most public meetings through April 2020. For details, visit the City of Tempe website.
Spring in Tempe brings ideal weather, blooming citrus, Cactus League Spring Training, and vibrant outdoor events. The Spring Festival of the Arts, one of Tempe's most beloved celebrations, was scheduled for Downtown Tempe from Friday, March 27, to Sunday, March 29, 2020. Free admission and hours from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. daily drew nearly 225,000 visitors over three days. Ranked among the nation's Top 100 Classic & Contemporary Craft Shows, it showcased exceptional artistry.
Artist Selection
More than 375 artists from across the U.S. were selected to exhibit at booths lining Mill Avenue and nearby streets. Featured handmade works included woodworking, photography, paintings, sculpture, ceramics, jewelry, and wearable art.
Festival Highlights
Beyond stunning arts and crafts, the festival offered immersive experiences with vendors, activities, and entertainment. Key features included:
- Street performers, entertainers, and buskers throughout the grounds
- Live music across three stages
- Two beer and wine gardens plus an Arizona wine and spirits tasting
- Kids Block: Hands-on interactive area for young artists (Saturday and Sunday)
- “Young Artist Exhibition”: Over 300 student artworks from the Phoenix Metro area, on display and for sale
- Delicious food from the court, trucks, and vendors, plus Downtown Tempe's top restaurants
- Cottage Edibles and Crafts: Handmade gifts like soup mixes, jams, seasonings, salsas, dips, soaps, lotions, and aromatherapy items
Festival Entertainment
Renowned local and regional acts performed across multiple venues, joined by over two dozen street entertainers including henna artists, face painters, musicians, magicians, and caricature artists.
CenterPoint Stage | Hayden Station Stage | 3rd Street Acoustic Space: Enjoy acoustic sets, free-spirited vocals, guitarists, drum circles, and singer-songwriters from the Valley.
Unplugged Lounge: Relax with Southwest acoustic instrumentalists at the 5th Street and Mill Avenue intersection.
6th Street Circle: Catch Fushico Daiko/Phoenix Taiko Drummers on Friday and Sunday at 11 a.m., 1 p.m., and 3 p.m.
Street Performers: Talented buskers and entertainers throughout the festival.
Festival Map
The event spanned Mill Avenue from 3rd Street to University Drive and adjacent streets between Myrtle and Ash Avenues. View the festival map here to plan your visit.
Recommended Parking Garages
- 201 S. Ash Garage: Ash between 3rd Street and Rio Salado Parkway
- CenterPoint Parking Garage: 730 S. Ash Avenue
- West 6th Parking Garage: 133 W. 6th Street
Mark your calendar for future Tempe classics like the Festival of the Arts. For current Tempe events, visit the Tempe Tourism website or call 800-283-6734.
