The Mill Avenue District Downtowner
Downtown Tempe Community, Inc. December 2011
In This Issue
Fall Festival of the Arts
Fantasy of Lights
Third Thursday
Montage Grand Opening
Fiesta Bowl Block Party
No Fame on Mill
Calling for Artists
Events
Quick Links
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Fall Festival of the Arts
Friday, December 2 - Sunday, December 3

Tired of searching the same malls and big name stores for holiday gifts? Go to the Tempe Festival of the Arts to find that unique present you can't get anywhere else. Whether your loved one is artsy or not, you're bound to find something they'll love in one of the 500 artist booths that line Mill Avenue.

  

The Festival also provides free musical and busking entertainment. In addition to the Festival Jazz Stage, street performers, vendors, sponsor exhibits and entertainment booths are set up for the amusement of Festival visitors.

  

Bring the kids! The Tempe Festival of the Arts offers tons of children's activities at the Kids Innovation Station. Let them experience their own hands-on art making and take home their creations- all free of charge to you.

  

As for the adults, try the The Art of Beer section featuring local microbrewery sampling and sales. Not a fan of beer? No worries! The Festival will also feature an Arizona Wine Festival for tastings and sales by the glass, bottle, or case.

  

In addition to arts and entertainment, the Tempe Festival of the Arts offers support to the Tempe community. A portion of the proceeds raised at the Festival benefits local charities.

 

WHEN:         December 2 - 4, 2011 
                   10:00 a.m. to Dusk

WHERE:       Mill Avenue District 

ADMISSION:  FREE   

 

For more info, visit

Fantasy of Lights Boat Parade

Saturday, December 10  

   

Boat ParadeLight up the night and be dazzled at the Valley's most unique holiday event-the Tempe Fantasy of Lights Boat Parade. Featuring as many as 50 festively lighted boats of all sizes, this is one holiday parade you don't want to miss.  

 

Special guest Santa Claus will also make an appearance to hear children's gift requests in Tempe Beach Park. So, bring a camera for some free pictures with Santa to capture those precious holiday memories.  

 

WHEN:        December 10, 2011

6:00 p.m. Arrival of Santa Claus to Tempe Beach Park
7:00 p.m. Boat Parade Begins  

WHERE:      Tempe Beach Park

ADMISSION: FREE 

 

Click here for more information 

Free Concert & Donation Drive for Third Thursday  

Thursday, December 15    


FREE Holiday Concert featuring 'Alice Cooper's  

Proof is in the Pudding' Finalists

Bring the family to Mill Avenue for a night of live holiday music featuring the finalists from 'Alice Cooper's Proof is in the Pudding' competition. Valley musicians perform originals and holiday favorites while you huddle around our 50 foot Christmas tree. The Footklan dancers from Cooper's Christmas Pudding will also be performing.     

 

 

 Todd Owens    |    Lauren Black    |    Sydney Collins    |    Footklan

  

 

Bring a donation!

Toys and musical instruments will be collected to benefit Toys for Tots and Ear Candy Charities.  

                    

  

Cowboy Santa  

Giddyup! Jolly ol' Saint Nick will be dressed in his best western attire and ready to bring joy to each girl and boy. Bring your camera and you'll find him roaming around the event. Your kids do not want to miss this!   

  

Third Thursday Happenings

Don't forget about Music on Mill, MAD Bag giveaways and the Social Media Scavenger Hunt - happening every Third Thursday!  

  

WHEN:        December 15, 2011  

Starting at 6:00 p.m. 

WHERE:      Centerpoint on Mill - 730 S. Mill Ave.  

ADMISSION: FREE   

  

Click here for more information  

Art Studio Opening with 'Montage' of Valley Artists
Thursday, December 15

Mark your calendars. December 15 will be the official opening of Montage, the new artist studio and gallery located at Centerpoint on Mill. Come by and meet the first group of member artists while you view and discuss their work. These artists were selected by a juried process and represent a variety of styles and mediums. Original paintings, sculptures, and glass work are just examples of what will be displayed in the co-operative studio space. If you can't wait that long, swing by for a special Montage preview during this weekend's Tempe Festival of the Arts.

 

There is still space available for more artists. If you or anyone you know is looking for high profile studio space on one of Arizona's most famous streets, apply today.  

 

WHEN:        December 15, 2011

5:00 p.m.  

WHERE:      Montage Art Studio on Mill

740 S. Mill Avenue., Suite 120, Tempe AZ 

ADMISSION: FREE

 

Click here for more information 

 

Familiar Faces Return for Fiesta Bowl Block Party
Saturday, December 31

The valley's favorite New Year's Eve celebration is gearing up for action with some longtime friends and some new highlights. This year's event will be headlined by a band who found their fame on Mill Avenue, the Gin Blossoms. Ring in the new year with some of your favorite hits from the band including "Hey Jealousy," "Allison Road," and the iconic "Mrs. Rita." For the country fans, chart toppers Sawyer Brown will bring their southern pop style along with their hits to the main stage.

 

If you are looking for dancing, the Block Party has added a huge outdoor electronic dance area featuring popular djs. Other entertainment includes BMX bike demos, magic shows, multiple stages of live music, beer gardens, and fireworks.

 

This year's event will be on Mill Avenue from Third Street to University beginning at 5 p.m. Click here to buy tickets 

 

WHEN:        December 31, 2011

            Starting 5:00 p.m.

WHERE:      Mill Avenue District 

ADMISSION: $16 in Advance, or $20 Day of Event 

 

 

Click here for more information

 

New Bizz on the Block
T-Shirt shop 'No Fame' joins the Mill Avenue District

A new clothing shop has popped up at 5th & Mill.  No Fame, features locally produced clothing, accessories and art.  More than just a store, No Fame also has an agenda.  As well as selling products made with hemp, they aim to end the prohibition of marijuana through education on hemp based materials.

 

Some of the featured items found once inside include t-shirts, hemp soap, sun glasses, wall art, & music.  They also showcase performances, dj's and live art creation at their store.  No Fame is located at 425 S. Mill Ave., Suite 108. 

 

 Click here for more on No Fame. 

 

Calling for Artists
In Flux: Tempe

Tempe Public art, Scottsdale Public Art, and the Downtown Tempe Community are seeking artists to bring a very special project to the Mill Avenue District, In Flux: Tempe. This public art program aims to activate vacant storefronts through the installation of temporary art. This year's In Flux will be shared between Downtown Tempe and Scottsdale.  

 

 


Events in Downtown Tempe  

Thursday, Dec 1 2011

Music on Mill

Musicians and performers, covering a gamut of musical genres, will activate the streets and give visitors a positive, unique experience in the Mill Avenue District.

 

New Way Academy Power of Potential Breakfast @ Tempe Center for the Arts

This breakfast celebrates children with learning differences and New Way Academy, which for 43 years, has helped thousands of students reach their full potential.   

 

Being Elmo @ Valley Art Theatre

Documentary featuring the creator of the beloved Elmo, Kevin Clash   

 

Friday, Dec 2 2011

Opening: MilkMilkLemonade @ Stray Cat Theatre

"In the end theater isn't much more than this, and it shouldn't be any less." - NY Post

 

Tempe Festival of the Arts

The Tempe Festival of the Arts consistently ranks among the Top 200 art festivals in the nation by Sunshine Artist and has received the Pinnacle Award from the International Festival and Events Association.  

 

Opening: Answers to Nothing @ Valley Art Theatre
Set against the backdrop of a missing girl case, the film tells interweaving stories of several Los Angelenos trying to do the right thing.  

 

Saturday, Dec 3 2011

Gypsy Soul @ MADCAP Theaters

A benefit concert by Gypsy Soul for the nonprofit organization The Arc of Tempe

 

Food Allergy Walk

Come out and enjoy free entertainment for family of all ages including clowns, face painting, balloon artists, live DJ, massage therapists, bouncy houses, a firetruck tour, kids craft area, baton twirlers, our 2nd Annual Mascot Race & more!

 

Tempe Festival of the Arts

The Tempe Festival of the Arts consistently ranks among the Top 200 art festivals in the nation by Sunshine Artist and has received the Pinnacle Award from the International Festival and Events Association.

 

Sunday, Dec 4 2011

Tempe Festival of the Arts

The Tempe Festival of the Arts consistently ranks among the Top 200 art festivals in the nation by Sunshine Artist and has received the Pinnacle Award from the International Festival and Events Association.

 

Tuesday, Dec 6 2011

   Opening: Irving Berlin's White Christmas @ ASU Gammage

Full of dancing, laughter and some of the greatest songs ever written, IRVING BERLIN'S WHITE CHRISTMAS promises a merry and bright theatrical experience for the whole family!

 

Thursday, Dec 8 2011

Music on Mill

Musicians and performers, covering a gamut of musical genres, will activate the streets and give visitors a positive, unique experience in the Mill Avenue District.

 

Closing: THE CLUB: Award Winners of the Past Year @ E + C2

Read the most recent winners of four major literary prizes:  the Nobel Prize for Literature, the National Book Award, the Man Booker Prize, and the International IMPAC Dublin Award.

  

Closing: Answers to Nothing @ Valley Art Theatre
Set against the backdrop of a missing girl case, the film tells interweaving stories of several Los Angelenos trying to do the right thing.
  

 

Saturday, Dec 10 2011

Fantasy of Lights Boat Parade

Light up the night and be dazzled at the Valley's most unique holiday event---the Tempe Fantasy of Lights Boat Parade at Tempe Town Lake.

 

Rocky Horror Picture Show presented by Midnight Mayhem @ MADCAP Theaters

With full live stage cast, audience participation, and VIRGIN SACRIFICE! Presented by Arizona's Newest Cast: Midnight Mayhem!   

 

THE DEATH OF ME - KATRINA'S ALBUM & MUSIC VIDEO PREMIERE @ MADCAP Theaters

Join Katrina at the premiere of her new music album and first music video "THE DEATH OF ME".  Featuring LIVE performances by phenomenal local artists Renee', Amy Rodd, and Katrina.

 

Sunday, Dec 11 2011

Closing: Irving Berlin's White Christmas @ ASU Gammage

Full of dancing, laughter and some of the greatest songs ever written, IRVING BERLIN'S WHITE CHRISTMAS promises a merry and bright theatrical experience for the whole family!

 

Tuesday, Dec 13 2011

Performance With A View: "SaXmas Morning"

Student ensembles from the Arizona State University Saxophone Studio under the direction of ASU professor Timothy McAllister present a "SaXmas Morning" concert of traditional and popular music to celebrate the holidays.

 

Thursday, Dec 15 2011

Music on Mill

Musicians and performers, covering a gamut of musical genres, will activate the streets and give visitors a positive, unique experience in the Mill Avenue District.

 

Third Thursday - December

FREE concert featuring "Alice Cooper's Christmas Pudding Winners", Charity instrument drive, MAD Bag Giveaways, and SANTA!

 

Saturday, Dec 17 2011

Closing: MilkMilkLemonade @ Stray Cat Theatre

"In the end theater isn't much more than this, and it shouldn't be any less." - NY Post

 

Thursday, Dec 22 2011

Music on Mill

Musicians and performers, covering a gamut of musical genres, will activate the streets and give visitors a positive, unique experience in the Mill Avenue District.

 

Friday, Dec 23 2011

THE PHOENIX BOYS CHOIR CHRISTMAS TOUR @ Tempe Center for the Arts

This festive holiday premiere brings the combined choirs of the Phoenix Boys Choir to the Tempe Center for the Arts.

 

Saturday, Dec 24 2011

Closing: Lyle the Crocodile @ Childsplay Inc

A music-filled, tap-dancing treat for the whole family.

 

Wednesday, Dec 28 2011

Opening: STOMP @ ASU Gammage

STOMP. See what all the noise is about.

 

Thursday, Dec 29 2011

Music on Mill

Musicians and performers, covering a gamut of musical genres, will activate the streets and give visitors a positive, unique experience in the Mill Avenue District.

 

Friday, Dec 30 2011

Insight Bowl

As a member of the Bowl Championship Series, the Tostitos Fiesta Bowl will hosted the Big 12 Conference champion and another top team in college football.

 

Saturday, Dec 31 2011

Fiesta Bowl Block Party

As Arizona's biggest and most exciting New Year's Eve bash, the Fiesta Bowl Block Party is a jam-packed evening of fun and entertainment for the entire family.

 

Closing: STOMP @ ASU Gammage

STOMP. See what all the noise is about.

 

 Check out all Downtown Tempe events at millavenue.com/events  

Downtown Tempe Community, Inc.

310 S. Mill Avenue

Tempe, Arizona

85281

480-355-6060