The Tempe Festival of the Arts is a beloved community event that has been taking place in Tempe for over 50 years. It is held annually in early December and early to mid-March and is one of the oldest festivals in the Southwest. The festival has become a point of pride for Tempe and a favorite of residents and visitors. Guests can enjoy art from over 350 artists nationwide, local music, a Kids Block, and various food options on the historic Mill Avenue. This urban fine art festival consistently ranks among the Top 100 Classic & Contemporary Craft Shows in the nation by Sunshine Artist magazine. It has been honored with the prestigious Pinnacle Award from the International Festival and Events Association. The spring and fall events each attract nearly 225,000 visitors to Downtown Tempe throughout a 3-day weekend.
Mesa Contemporary Arts Museum is a visually stunning exhibition space at the Mesa Arts Center. The museum features five galleries that showcase various curated and juried contemporary art exhibitions by emerging and internationally recognized artists. Visitors can also attend lectures by significant artists and arts professionals, participate in workshops, and join the volunteer Docent program. MCA Museum is committed to presenting, interpreting, collecting, documenting, and preserving contemporary visual arts, focusing on traditional media. The museum strives to showcase exceptional regional, national, and international exhibitions, providing support and advancement to artists worldwide through solo, group, and juried exhibitions.
Explore the wonder of the rainforest at Butterfly Wonderland, where visitors of all ages can immerse themselves in the world of butterflies and other rainforest animals. Watch a captivating 3D movie to learn about Monarch migration and observe live chrysalises as they transform into beautiful butterflies. Stroll through the conservatory to observe the butterflies up close, encounter unique reptiles that inhabit rainforests worldwide, and even try some edible insects. Stay updated on upcoming events, special offers, behind-the-scenes sneak peeks, and more from Butterfly Wonderland and our Arizona Boardwalk partners.