Plan your ultimate Tempe experience with our guide to everything happening in the city. Find details on upcoming events—from concerts and parties to sports and family-friendly activities—plus top restaurants & eateries, local tours, historic landmarks, museums, and vibrant social hubs. We also feature premium 4 and 5-star accommodations, including hotels, Airbnb, and vacation rentals. All this essential information is provided below to help you plan the perfect adventure when visiting Tempe, Arizona.
Tempe, Arizona, is a lively city known for its energetic social scene, outdoor recreation, and year-round events. Home to Arizona State University (ASU), Tempe offers a mix of college town vibrancy, cultural attractions, and waterfront activities. From concerts and sporting events to festivals and nightlife, the city provides endless entertainment options. Whether you’re looking for outdoor fun, live music, or a great night out, this page highlights the best things to do in Tempe.
Tempe’s food scene features a mix of classic American fare, Mexican cuisine, and global flavors. Mill Avenue, the city’s main entertainment district, is packed with casual eateries, sports bars, and trendy restaurants serving everything from tacos to gourmet burgers. The area around Tempe Town Lake offers waterfront dining and craft breweries, while South Tempe is home to a variety of upscale restaurants and cozy cafés. Food trucks and late-night spots cater to the city’s active nightlife and student population.
Visitors to Tempe can choose from modern hotels, boutique stays, and short-term vacation rentals. Downtown Tempe offers stylish hotels within walking distance of Mill Avenue’s nightlife, while resorts near Tempe Town Lake provide scenic accommodations with poolside relaxation. Business travelers and weekend visitors will find a range of options near ASU and Tempe Marketplace. For a more local experience, vacation rentals in quiet residential neighborhoods offer a relaxed stay close to the action.
Tempe has a vibrant arts and entertainment scene, with plenty of social hotspots to explore. Mill Avenue is the heart of the city’s nightlife, featuring rooftop bars, live music venues, and dance clubs. The ASU Gammage Theater hosts Broadway shows and cultural performances. The Tempe Center for the Arts showcases local talent, live music, and comedy shows. The city also has a strong brewery and craft cocktail scene, with unique spots scattered throughout Downtown and South Tempe.
Tempe blends modern city life with rich history and natural landmarks. Hayden Butte, also known as “A Mountain,” offers hiking trails with panoramic views of the city. The Tempe History Museum highlights the city’s past, from its early Native American roots to its development as a cultural hub. The ASU Art Museum features contemporary and Southwestern art collections. The historic Mill Avenue Bridge and Tempe Town Lake serve as iconic landmarks that connect the city’s past with its thriving present.
Tempe is an outdoor enthusiast’s paradise, offering water activities, hiking, and biking trails. Visitors can kayak or paddleboard on Tempe Town Lake, hike Hayden Butte, or explore Papago Park’s scenic desert trails. Sports fans can catch an ASU Sun Devils football game at Mountain America Stadium or watch spring training baseball at Tempe Diablo Stadium. The city hosts major annual events, including the Tempe Festival of the Arts, Ironman Arizona, and the Innings Festival. Whether you’re visiting for nightlife, outdoor adventure, or cultural experiences, this page provides everything you need to enjoy Tempe.
