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Tempe voted 3rd Most Fun, Affordable U.S. City by MSN Real Estate 

Fall Theater Season 

 

Downtown Tempe's fall theater season has begun and it features a variety of shows from classic plays to wild comedies.  This month, Childsplay Theater brings back local favorite Rock the Presidents, ASU Gammage presents the 25th anniversary showing of the Broadway smash Les Miserables, while Stray Cat Theatre introduces Punkplay, an off the wall comical tribute to adolescence.  

   

Childsplay Theatre: September 8-September 23

Rock the Presidents- Childsplay Theatre makes history fun through music by  bringing our presidents to life in musical numbers you won't soon forget.  Catch the western stylings of Ronald Regan and the rockin' number "Sons of Washington."  Performances are Saturdays and Sundays at Tempe Center for the Arts, tickets are $12.

ASU Gammage: September 11- September 16 
Les Miserables- Victor Hugo's classic story of poverty, lies, and love in France in the classic Les Miserables is back for a 25th anniversary production by Cameron Mackintosh with new staging and re-imagined scenery inspired by Victor Hugo.  If you haven't yet purchased tickets, hurry-they are selling quickly. Performances are held Tuesday through Sunday, tickets can be purchased through the Gammage box office.


Stray Cat Theatre: September 14-September 29 
Punkplay- Watch as a young adolescent, Mickey, is befriended by a misfit named "Duck" in the angst of 1985, and the boys discover punk rock.  Will the boys be able to redefine themselves or will their punk rock universe be just as oppressive as the reality they were trying to escape?  This wild, comical tribute to the energy of adolescence is sure to keep you entertained.  Performances are Thursday through Sunday at Stray Cat Theatre, tickets can be purchased online or through the box office


               For more information, please visit millavenue.com  

Food, Fun, and Great Opportunities at a Showcase/Open House  

Arbitrary Arts & Tempe Businesses Promote Local Artists & Musicians
Final Friday Art Walk in Tempe

As summer cools down, Arbitrary Arts is gearing up for their Final Fridays fall season. Join local businesses and artists from around the valley on the last Friday of each month for the Final Friday Art Walk. Final Fridays encourages patrons to visit shops and restaurants in and around the Mill Avenue District as they host free receptions showcasing local artists and musicians. Finals Fridays begin at 6pm and end whenever the businesses close.   

Be a part of the Fantasy of Lights Parade
It's never too early to get into the holiday spirit in Downtown Tempe  

Start a new holiday tradition by being a part of the Fantasy of Lights Opening Night Parade.

Create a float, assemble a drill team, or bring out your band and celebrate with your local Tempe community.  The Fantasy of Lights Opening Night Parade is now accepting applications for floats, precision drill teams, marching bands, equestrian/animal units, unique vehicles, and novelty units. 

This year's theme will be "Starry Night" so light up the evening with your family, friends and coworkers by participating in this once a year holiday celebration. 

About the Fantasy of Lights Opening Night Parade:

On the Saturday night following Thanksgiving, more than 50,000 people attend the Opening Night festivities, which include the Fantasy of Lights Parade and the arrival of Santa Claus.  The parade winds its way down Mill Avenue and through Centerpoint Plaza, where Santa takes a seat and poses for photos with children in attendance.  

For more information on the Fantasy of Lights Opening Night Parade, 

Artizen Apparel Relocates to 7th Street & Forest 

Downtown Tempe's eco-friendly custom clothing shop has moved to a more pedestrian friendly location just a few blocks down the road.  Formerly located in a 2nd floor office space near 5th Street and College Avenue, Artizen Apparel is now occupying a storefront at 707 S.  Forest Avenue allowing for easier customer access and more retail display space. The store is still close to ASU and only a short walk east of Mill Avenue.  Owner Scott Allison has also shifted the focus of the store to feature more of his original designed clothing for retail purchase, while he prepares his custom orders in a separate workshop.

Credit to Handlebar & Grill

This month, Julian Wright, owner of Canteen & La Bocca, introduces his new restaurant concept that is tailored to Downtown Tempe's bicycle friendly community, Handlebar & Grill.  The bicycle themed restaurant is a twist on the traditional German beer garden.  The menu will feature original recipe sausages, bratwurst, pretzels, and home cut fries along with 24 craft beers and a full service bar.  Patrons can enjoy an afternoon or evening on the central park themed, dog friendly patio which features park benches and bike hooks.  Handlebar & Grill will also be serving food until 2am, giving patrons another option for late night eats. Handlebar is located at 680 S. Mill Avenue.  

Mill Avenue finally has Texas BBQ!  The Beach Pit is now serving their signature "low & slow" smoked meats at 414 S. Mill Avenue.  Prepared daily for freshness, the restaurant features award winning menu items including brisket, turkey breast, chicken, pork, sausages, and ribs.  Classic side dishes include coleslaw, baked beans, mac & cheese, potato salad, and sweet potato fries.  A variety of specialty and domestic beers are also available along with a happy hour on weekdays.  

Events in Downtown Tempe     

Tuesday Sep 4 2012

Closing: Book Your Fantasy Draft Party at Hooters 
Book your next Fantasy Football Draft party at Hooters and get a free draft kit and $500 in coupons to use all season long!

Saturday Sep 8 2012

Opening: Childsplay "Rock the Presidents" @ TCA 
You too can become president! A rollicking, multi-media-filled musical revue spanning 223 years of the American presidency - from George Washington to Barack Obama. Stories of the 44 men who rose to the highest office in the land are brought to life through all-new rock, pop and folk music. A Childsplay world premiere with national tour to follow.   

Sunday Sep 9-11 2012

Healing Field: 9/11 Memorial @ Tempe Beach Park    

Tempe will honor the nearly 3,000 victims of the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks at its ninth annual Healing Field tribute at Tempe Beach Park. The public is invited to view the display of American flags representing victims of that terrible day. A moving display of patriotism and unity, Healing Field is a free event presented by the City of Tempe and the Exchange Club of Tempe.

Tuesday Sep 11 2012

Opening: Juried Biennial: Wood @ TCA   

Following the success of the TCA's first two biennial exhibitions in 2008 and 2010, "TCA Biennial: WOOD," a juried exhibition, falls on the fifth anniversary of the opening of the Tempe Center for the Arts and features 24 Arizona artists working with and inspired by "wood," a tradition for fifth anniversaries.

 

Opening: Les Miserables @ ASU Gammage   

Victor Hugo's classic story of poverty, lies, and love in France in the classic Les Miserables is back for a 25th anniversary production by Cameron Mackintosh with new staging and re-imagined scenery inspired by Victor Hugo. If you haven't yet purchased tickets, hurry-they are selling quickly. Performances are held Tuesday through Sunday and tickets can be purchased through the Gammage box office.   

Thursday Sep 13 2012

Pirates and Pornstars Dance Party @ Big Bang Dueling Pianos  

Join The Big Bang Dueling Pinao Bar on Mill Avenue for the Back to School "Pirates & Pornstars" Dance Party on the evening of September 13th! Staring at 10pm the piano players will be playing non-stop dance music. The lower floors will be completely cleared out to create a great dance floor, costumes are encouraged.

Saturday Sep 15 2012 
Closing:Juried Biennial: Wood @ TCA    

"TCA Biennial: WOOD," a juried exhibition, falls on the fifth anniversary of the opening of the Tempe Center for the Arts and features 24 Arizona artists working with and inspired by "wood," a tradition for fifth anniversaries.

Sep 15-16 2012  Stray Cat Theatre presents Punkplay @ TCA

Watch as a young adolescent, Mickey, is befriended by a misfit named "Duck" in the angst of 1985, and the boys discover punk rock. Will the boys be able to redefine themselves or will their punk rock universe be just as oppressive as the reality they were trying to escape? This wild, comical tribute to the energy of adolescence is sure to keep you entertained.

Sunday Sep 16 2012

Closing: Les Miserables @ ASU Gammage 

Victor Hugo's classic story of poverty, lies, and love in France in the classic Les Miserables is back for a 25th anniversary production by Cameron Mackintosh with new staging and re-imagined scenery inspired by Victor Hugo. If you haven't yet purchased tickets, hurry-they are selling quickly. Performances are held Tuesday through Sunday and tickets can be purchased through the Gammage box office.

  
Wednesday Sep 19 2012
Closing: Childsplay "Rock the Presidents" @ TCA 
You too can become president! A rollicking, multi-media-filled musical revue spanning 223 years of the American presidency - from George Washington to Barack Obama. Stories of the 44 men who rose to the highest office in the land are brought to life through all-new rock, pop and folk music. A Childsplay world premiere with national tour to follow.   

Thursday Sep 20-23 2012
Stray Cat Theatre presents Punkplay @ TCA

Watch as a young adolescent, Mickey, is befriended by a misfit named "Duck" in the angst of 1985, and the boys discover punk rock. Will the boys be able to redefine themselves or will their punk rock universe be just as oppressive as the reality they were trying to escape? This wild, comical tribute to the energy of adolescence is sure to keep you entertained.   

Friday Sep 21 2012

Ballet Under the Stars @ TCA 
Spend a relaxing evening under the gorgeous Arizona sky as Ballet Arizona continues its annual season opening tradition with Ballet Under the Stars. This performance showcases a combination of classical and contemporary works in a casual setting and often featuring the debut performance of works created as part of the children's "Class Act" program.

Saturday Sep 22-23 2012

Nathan's Tempe Triathlon @ Tempe Beach Park   
Red Rock proudly announces the sixth year of the Nathan's Tempe Triathlon presented by Iron Gear Sports. Come out in compete in either the Olympic, Sprint or Relay (Olympic AND Sprint) race.  The swim is hosted in the calm waters of Tempe Town Lake, followed by the best Olympic bike course in Tempe, and a run along the multi-use path around the lake.   

Tuesday Sep 25 2012

Performance with A View: Bob Ravenscroft @ TCA     

Bob Ravenscroft presents a creative solo piano experience that offers a peaceful oasis in an otherwise chaotic world. "LoveSong" is a spontaneous live composition inspired by love songs, jazz standards and poetry, performed on a hand-crafted Ravenscroft grand piano.

Thursday Sep 27 2012

Showcase Open House and Meet & Greet @ Hackett House    

Hackett House, the Sister City Friendship Shoppe and Gathering Place, announces the Showcase Open House and Meet & Greet. This event features catering by Special Moments and a Cash Bar.

Friday Sep 28 2012

Tempe Final Friday Art Walk 
Join Arbitrary Arts for the Tempe Final Friday Art Walk supporting local art, music, and local businesses throughout Tempe. In each location on the map, find yourself with some local art, great music, light refreshments and others who enjoy the scene as much as you do. What a great way to spend the final Friday of every month.

Saturday Sep 29 2012

Closing: Collecting Arizona: Selections from the ASU Art Museum  

Celebrate the 14th annual summer exhibition put on by the ASU Art Museum centered around appealing, educational themes for families with hands on activities that bring art to life.

Cruiserman 2012    

A triathlon without carbon and aero helmets...break out your cruiser, a costume and be ready to get a lil wet, a lil dirty and have some fun...forget Ironman...welcomeback Cruiserman!

Ongoing Events

Through 9/29/2012:  

Collecting Arizona: Selections from the ASU Art Museum

Through 12/17/2012:  

Weekday Mass

Through 12/28/2012:  

Friday Night Magic

Through 1/8/2013:  

Wednesday Night Pub Trivia

Reoccurring Events

Everyday Events 

Daily Happy Hour @ La Bocca Urban Pizzeria + Wine Bar  

Half Priced Bottle of Wine @ La Bocca Urban Pizzeria + Wine Bar   

Every Sunday and Monday from 6:30pm to close is Half Priced Bottles of Wine at La Bocca Urban Pizzeria + Wine Bar on Mill Avenue. Come try wines from around the world.  

Happy Hour @ Fat Tuesday Bar     

Come in for Happy Hour at Fat Tuesday from 4pm to 7pm and Reverse Happy Hour from 9pm to 11pm. DJ Plays from 10pm to 2am 

Every Tuesday
Ladies' Night @ Robbie Fox's Public House     

Complimentary Champagne on Robbie for all ladies. First 25 ladies through the door receive gift bags put together by Robbies Fox's.

Open Mic Night @ Rula Bula Irish Pub & Restaurant

This is sure to be the hottest open jam in the Valley. Come and have the opportunity to jam with some of the best musicians around...or simply jam solo. 

2 for 1 pizzas @ La Bocca Urban Pizzeria + Wine Bar   
Every Tuesday at La Bocca is 2 for 1 pizzas with the purchase of a bottle of wine. La Bocca Urban Pizzeria + Wine Bar has a wide selection of great wines. Don't miss out on these smashing deals. 

All Day Happy Hour @ Fat Tuesday Bar   
Happy Hour all day, and all night at Fat Tuesday on Tuesdays! DJ plays from 10pm to 2am

Every Wednesday

All You Can Eat Wings at Hooters @ Hooters of Tempe

Eat ALL the wings! $9.99 a person (some restrictions apply).

Walk in Wednesdays Open Mic Night @ Tempe Center for the Arts

Join Host Walt Richardson for a night of music with Valley singer/songwriters vying for a place in the televised Songwriters' Showcase.

Wednesday's Booster Club Draft & New Comic Book Day! @ Pop Culture Paradise 

Booster Drafts takes place from 7pm-8pm. $15 dollar entry fee (comes with a free soda). FULL prize support. $32 or 8 packs to winner, 6 to second, 2 to third and 1 to 4th!

Wednesday Night Pub Trivia @ Rula Bula Irish Pub and Restaurant    

Stop into Rula Bula on Wednesday Nights at 8pm to play Pub Trivia, the valley's best teams compete for prizes.

Happy Hour @ Fat Tuesday Bar   
Come in for Happy Hour at Fat Tuesday from 4pm to 7pm and Reverse Happy Hour from 9pm to 11pm. DJ Plays from 10pm to 2am

Ladies' Night @ Canteen Modern Tequila Bar   
Every Wednesday night is Ladies' Night at Canteen Modern Tequila Bar on Mill Avenue. From 10pm to 2am ladies can enjoy Happy Hour pricing.  

Every Thursday   

Open Studio at Artizen Apparel @ Artizen Organics

Artizen Apparel welcomes all every Thursday for Open Studio sessions. Drop in, make art, and just chill out. Bring your friends and your creativity. Complementary coffee served.  

Happy Hour @ Fat Tuesday Bar   
Come in for Happy Hour at Fat Tuesday from 4pm to 7pm and Reverse Happy Hour from 9pm to 11pm. DJ Plays from 10pm to 2am

Live Band Karaoke @ The Sail Inn Bar and Grill     

If you love karaoke, you will love it even more with a live band to back you up. Come into The Sail Inn Bar & Grill on Thursday nights at 9pm and sing your heart out like a headliner. 

SKYY Vodka Night @ Canteen Modern Tequila Bar   
Every Thursday night is SKYY Vodka Night at Canteen Modern Tequila Bar with $3 SKYYdrinks and 2-for-1 shots.

Theme Nights @ Hooters of Tempe

School girls, referees, and cow girls! Oh my! Join Hooters of Tempe for Theme Nights every Thursday!

World of Warcraft CCG Tournament @ Pop Culture Paradise 

World of Warcraft CCG tournaments! @ 6pm. $5 entry. Prize supported. We will have a judge on hand. Sanctioned events!

Every Friday 
Trisports Group Ride @ TriSports   
Are you training for a triathlon? Do you like to ride your bike? Trisports Tempe, which opened in July 2012, hosts a group ride every Friday at 5:30AM leaving from just outside the store which is located at 222 S. Mill Avenue, across from 'A' Mountain. Bring a friend, your helmet, water, nutrition, and meet the Trisports Tempe staff for a great way to start your Friday. The ride is about 30 to 40 miles. 

Happy Hour @ Fat Tuesday Bar   
Come in for Happy Hour at Fat Tuesday from 4pm to 7pm and Reverse Happy Hour from 9pm to 11pm. DJ Plays from 10pm to 2am 

Reverse Happy Hour @ La Bocca Urban Pizzeria + Wine Bar 

Reverse Happy Hour every Friday & Saturday at La Bocca Urban Pizzeria + Wine Bar from 10pm to close- Draft Beers and Wine. 

Friday Night Magic @ Pop Culture Paradise 

Fan of Magic the Gathering? Well, get your type 2 decks ready then!

Every Saturday
Mass @ All Saints Newman Center 

12:15pm & 5pm

Live Music @ Rula Bula Irish Pub & Restaurant

Rula Bula keeps the tradition of live music alive for more than 12 years. Enjoy the sounds of valley's best local talent every Saturday night at Rula Bula.

Warmachine! @ Pop Culture Paradise  
Are you ready for a battle? Then come to Pop Culture Paradise with your army for this weekly tournament. 

Reverse Happy Hour @ La Bocca Urban Pizzeria + Wine Bar 
Reverse Happy Hour every Friday & Saturday at La Bocca Urban Pizzeria + Wine Bar from 10pm to close- Draft Beers and Wine

Every Sunday

Sunday Mass @ All Saints Newman Center

8am, 10am, 12pm, 6pm, 8pm, 10pm 

Service @ First United Methodist Church

8am, 9:30am, 10:45am, 11:30am 

Half Priced Bottle of Wine @ La Bocca Urban Pizzeria + Wine Bar  

Every Sunday and Monday from 6:30pm to close is Half Priced Bottles of Wine at La Bocca Urban Pizzeria + Wine Bar on Mill Avenue. Come try wines from around the world.  

Sunday Funday @ Fat Tuesday Bar     

Don't miss Sunday Funday at Fat Tuesday with $6 burgers, $3 Coronas and a live DJ from 2pm to 6pm.

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