Guide to the Exciting Tempe Festival of the Arts

Tempe Festival of the Arts takes place in both March and December each year. Enjoy music, food and juried art. The spring and fall events each attract nearly 250,000 visitors to the Mill Avenue District over the course of a 3-day weekend.The festival is spread out throught the Mill Avenue District of Tempe. Tempe is not far from the Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport. MapThere are several places set aside for free parking for the event. There are also pay lots and garages. There will be shuttles to take you to the Festival of the Arts. The shuttle runs 8 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.Parking and Shuttle Information. In addition, the University and other businesses with parking space will offer a spot to you for $5 to $10.I always try to go to juried art shows. That means that the artists have to go through an application and approval process. Participants are separated into 18 different artistic categories for judging, ranging from woodwork to photography to ceramics and even wearable art. The judges pick about 400 artists from the over 1,000 entries.The Festival sets aside a space for a food court. It is located at 6th Street east of Mill Avenue, and offers fast festival food and comfortable seating with shade in 6th Street Park. The area restaurants are also open.Arizona wine growers will be on hand for tastings at a nominal fee, and will be selling their wines on-site. Participants must be 21 years or older to enter the area which is located on 7th Street in Centerpoint.We went to the festival for the first time in December 2008. We had heard the reputation, loved Tempe and set aside an entire day to spend at the festival. It was a great day, under sunny skies and we were entertained the whole time we were there. However, we have to say that we anticipated more fine art to be there and instead found the fine art sprinkled throughout craft booths, yard art and things like those fun doggie visors. Here's some things for you to consider when you plan your trip to the Tempe Festival of the arts:

• Go early. The festival doesn't open until 10 a.m. so you can still have a leisurely morning and arrive before the crowds.
• Plan to spend the day and wear comfortable shoes and a hat. There is so much to see and experience. We didn't stop at every booth and easily spent 6 hours there.
• Consider an early lunch at one of the Mill Avenue restaurants. You'll beat the crowds and have a nice break.
• Prepare to be entertained. There are street performers and fascinating vendors who will keep you interested as they talk about their art and their wares.
• Buy things when you see them. It's a large festival and if you say "I'll see everything first and then go back and buy," you may have difficulty actually doing that.
• Liz's secret: Some vendors will bargain with you, especially if you purchase more than one item.

Bottom Line: I'll go back again. It was a great day!