Top Free Things to Do in Tempe: Museums, Outdoor Adventures, and Events
Who doesn't love discovering exceptional experiences without spending a dime? Tempe offers world-class museums, live entertainment, outdoor pursuits, and vibrant events—all for free. Explore this curated guide to budget-friendly attractions that showcase the best of Tempe.
Museums, Galleries, and Performances
Experience the ASU Art Museum and its Brickyard Ceramics Research Center, home to over 12,000 objects highlighting contemporary art, crafts, prints, and Southwestern works. ASU also hosts complimentary performances by the School of Music and School of Film, Dance, and Theatre.
Join Tempe Center for the Arts (TCA) for EDGE Happy Hour on Fridays and Saturdays, featuring live music, delicious food, cocktails, and stunning views of Tempe Town Lake. Catch musicians and poets at Walk-in Wednesdays Open Mic Nights (January–May and September–November). Don't miss The Gallery at TCA, showcasing curated, touring, and juried exhibitions year-round—admission is free (closed Sundays and Mondays).
The Tempe History Museum offers free admission daily, with engaging performances and exhibits that celebrate Tempe's past, present, and future—a true community hub.
Head to Tempe Marketplace District Stage on Saturday evenings for free live music spanning alternative rock, R&B, jazz, folk, country, and more. Families can enjoy the nearby splash pad by Barnes & Noble on the east end.
Outdoor Activities
Embrace the outdoors with invigorating hikes at Papago Park or Tempe's iconic 'A' Mountain, leisurely strolls or bike rides at Tempe Beach Park along Tempe Town Lake, or splash pads at Tempe Marketplace and Kiwanis Park.
Embark on a self-guided tour of Tempe's diverse public art, including permanent and temporary installations. In Downtown Tempe, hunt for the 14 hidden jackrabbit sculptures along the red brick sidewalks—check local resources for clues.
Families rave about The Cloud at Kiwanis Park, a 5,000-square-foot aquatic playground with loops, jelly sticks, misting sprays, and pillars, plus shaded seating nearby.
Navigate Tempe affordably with a Valley Metro Rail half-day pass for $2 or full-day pass for $4, connecting to Downtown Tempe, Mesa, and Downtown Phoenix.
Events
Tempe buzzes with free events: Browse 350+ booths at the Tempe Festival of the Arts, immerse in Hawaiian culture at the Arizona Aloha Festival, toast at Four Peaks Oktoberfest by Tempe Town Lake, or ring in the holidays with the Fantasy of Lights Parade and Boat Parade.
For the latest free events and activities, visit our event calendar or call 480-894-8158.
