Join Our Mailing List

What's Showing? December's Theatre Offerings 

Where to catch a live show in the Mill Avenue District

ASU Gammage:

The Addams Family 

The Addams Family you always knew and loved are back in this new Broadway musical. Complete with all the macabre characters The Addams Family television show is known for, this show is sure to entertain you until the very end! Award winning creators include Jersey Boys authors Marshall Brickman & Rick Elice, Drama Desk-winning composer/lyricist Andrew Lippa (The Wild Party), choreographer Sergio Trujillo (Jersey Boys) and Olivier Award winning director/designers Phelim McDermott & Julian Crouch (Shockheaded Peter) with production supervision by four-time Tony Award® winner Jerry Zaks.

Showing: December 11 - December 16, 2012 

The Forgotten Carols 

Learn the true meaning of Christmas this holiday season with The Forgotten Carols. From the creative mind of Author/Composer Michael McLean, this show is filled with wonderful music with its message of Hope and Redemption. This family friendly holiday musical is so popular, a major motion picture version is currently in the works. So, catch it the Gammage stage before it hits the big screen this December.

Showing: December 5, 2012  

Stray Cat Theatre:

Wolves  

Don't miss the WORLD PREMIERE of director Ron May's Wolves. From the mind of Octopus writer Steve Yockey, this staged production is a known as "A darkly comic predatory fairy tale for adults". The story follows the lives of Ben and Jack, two young men that live together and discover unique ways to deal with everyday adversities.

Showing: November 30 - December 16, 2012

Childsplay Theatre:

Junie B. In Jingle Bells, Batman Smells!  

Bring the family to show every can enjoy. Junie B. Jones gives a hilarious holiday performance your children will not want to miss. Will her absurd hijinks settle the score with her nemesis May? Or will Junie be the one to receive an old lump of coal for Christmas? Find out if your favorite character makes the naughty or nice list this year with Junie B. In Jingle Bells, Batman Smells!

Showing: November 25 - December 23, 2012

Get special discounts for seeing a show at ASU Gammage  

With Dinner & A Show, you can dine on Mill Avenue for the fraction of the price! Just show your Gammage ticket stub to any participating restaurants and receive

discounts. 

Click here for more information on Dinner & A Show    

Montage Workshop 

Create landscapes using crushed glass   

December 8 

Montage Art Studio on Mill is bringing a new artist workshop to the gallery. Glass artist Kimberly Calvert will be teaching a "Landscapes in Glass" workshop. On December 8^th from 10am-4pm, she will demonstrate techniques used to create artworks using frit (crushed glass.)  There will be a break for lunch. Attendees of the workshop can create glass tiles of landscapes, or alternate designs. The fee is $85, and includes all materials. For more information, contact Kimberly Calvert at 480-389-3210 or art@KimberlyCalvert.com. Be sure to register early, as class size is limited.

Other works by the Tempe Artist Guild and local artists are also on display in the gallery. The Tempe Art Guild's show is available to be viewed until December 15^th.

For more information on Montage events, visit millavenue.com

The Fantasy of Lights Boat Parade 

Step aboard Downtown Tempe's ultimate holiday tradition  

The Fantasy of Lights Boat Parade will light up the night at Tempe Beach Park on December 8. Prepare to be amazed as a dazzling array of lighted boats put on a stunning holiday show. Arrive early for the pre-parade entertainment and to meet Santa Claus.  Enjoy live music by Lauren Black, a show choir performance from the Learning Foundation, and dance performances by Aaron Honda and Innerlight Dance.  Be sure that you stay after the parade for a spectacular fireworks show!

Celebrate the New Year on Mill Avenue 

Free entertainment, multiple parties, and of course...Fireworks!

December 31

The Mill Avenue District is ringing in the New Year by blasting back to the past. For the first time in over 20 years, access to Mill Avenue's restaurants, shops, and one-of-a-kind street life will be free and open to the public for a night of revelry. There will be entertainment and activities for people of all-ages including live music, games and fireworks as well as the parties inside the area bars and clubs. Here is a quick rundown of the evening's happenings.

Family Fun Zone sponsored by Chevrolet - FREE

Kids and adults are welcome to join Radio Disney for their Rockin' Road Show. From 6pm-9pm Disney entertainers will put on a show of music and dancing along with interactive games. From 10pm-12am, local bands will perform a mix of hits and original songs on the Family Fun Zone stage. The Family Fun Zone will be located on 7^th Street, just west of Mill Avenue.

Fireworks shows - FREE

Not one, but two fireworks shows will help ring in 2013. An early show at 9pm is ideal for wowing the kids. Grown-ups are welcome to stay up late for the late show occurring at the stroke of midnight. Fireworks will be launched from Hayden Butte (A Mountain). So any spot in the Mill Avenue District should give you an excellent seat.

Bars & Clubs - Admission varies by location

Always an attraction, the Mill Avenue District bars and clubs throw some of the best New Year parties around. This year, take advantage of some of the bars and clubs that are having celebrations:

Rula Bula New Year's Eve Party featuring favors, drink specials, promotional giveaways and live music by the Jeff Hunt Band. Admission is $20.

Rooftop Lounge & Patio hosts New Year's Eve at The Rooftop, a party with the best views of Downtown Tempe. The evening will feature DJ's, party favors, and a champagne toast at midnight.

For a full list of bars & clubs visit millavenue.com  

Food, food, food

The Mill Avenue District has over 60 restaurants, giving partiers plenty of dining options for their final meal of 2012. There are options for everyone, from fine dining (Café Boa, House of Tricks) to family dining (Mellow Mushroom, PF Chang's) to fast casual (Med Fresh Grill, Slices Pizza). Food trucks will also be located near the Family Fun Zone to provide quick, on-the-go bites.

For a full list of restaurants visit millavenue.com/dining

Buffalo Wild Wings Bowl 

The Big 10 and the Big 12 face off at Sun Devil Stadium  

On December 29, the Big Ten and the Big 12 football worlds will collide with the 24^th annual Buffalo Wild Wings Bowl at Sun Devil Stadium. The third selection of the Big 12 will be matched against the 3^rd or 4^th pick of the Big 10. While no teams have been set, the teams that are in the running are Michigan State, Purdue, and Minnesota for the Big 10, and Texas Christian University and Texas for the Big 12. There should be a final decision as to which teams will be playing later on this week. Kickoff begins at 8:15pm MST and will be televised on ESPN.

The bowl game, originally called the Insight Bowl, was renamed in January of 2012 when Buffalo Wild Wings became a sponsor. Since 2005, the City of Tempe has been the home of a bowl game, after signing an 8 year lease to agree to hold it at Sun Devil Stadium.

Come on out and enjoy a good game of football with fans from all over as the Buffalo Wild Wings Bowl comes back to Tempe. Stop by one of the many restaurants along Mill Avenue before the game for a meal, or visit one of the many bars in the area for a post-game drink.  

WHAT:        Buffalo Wild Wings Bowl

WHERE:      Sun Devil Stadium

WHEN:        8:15pm, December 29

ADMISSION: $25-125

For more information visit millavenue.com 

Third Thursday's Pooch Park a Howling Success  

Over 70 dogs take advantage of Pop Up Pooch Park   

Thank you to everyone who came out to the Third Thursday's Pre-Pilgrim's Day Pooch Party. The event, especially the Pooch Park, was a great success, and it couldn't have been possible without you and your dogs!  There were over 70 dogs that entered the Pooch Park and enjoyed the atmosphere of this Third Thursday event.   The entertainment by Yellow Minute and Ladylike was a hit, and had a great audience to perform to.  Thank you again to Lost Paws, Lost our Home, Saving Souls Dog Rescue, and the Arizona Humane Society for having booths at the event.   

For those who took pictures at our photo booth, you can view your pictures (and others from the event as well) here:www.millavenue.com/poochphotos   

Would you like to see a permanent dog park in Downtown Tempe? Take our survey.

We ask that you take a couple minutes to fill out a short survey regarding a future permanent Pooch Park in the Mill Avenue District. You can find the survey here: www.millavenue.com/poochparksurvey 

For more information visit millavenue.com 

Events in Downtown Tempe     

Friday Nov 2 through Dec 14 2012 

Tempe Art Guild Gallery Show @ Montage Art Studio on Mill  

19 local Tempe artists show their artwork in the Montage Art Studio.

Tuesday Nov 27 2012 through Dec 2 2012 

Donny and Marie- Christmas in Arizona @ ASU Gammage 

Featuring favorite holiday hits, Donny and Marie share the spotlight together. Enjoy the Christmas spirit and their trademark show-stopping numbers.

Friday Nov 30 2012 through Sunday Dec 2 2012 

Tempe Fall Festival of the Arts 

Three day Fall Festival of the Arts featuring artists and showcasing their work. 18 different artistic categories for judging.

Opening: Wolves @ Stray Cat Theatre  

Tempe Run from the Cops @ Tempe Arts Park  

5K walk/run that benefits the Tempe Police Foundation. Participants get a commemorative t-shirt and free refreshments. Entry fee is $25 until November 30, $40 on December 1.

Sunday Dec 2 2012  Closing

Bob Carey's "The Tutu Project" Window Exhibit @ Montage Art Studio on Mill  

Installation in the Montage Art Studio & Gallery

The Forgotten Carols @ ASU Gammage  

A rigid yet competent nurse is too practical to be bothered by Christmas. Through an unlikely patient, she learns about untold carols of the "forgotten" characters in the Christmas story.

Thursday Dec 20 2012

Bad Sweater Bad Santa Party @ World of Beer  

Take a picture with Bad Santa, tag yourself at World of Beer, and post a picture to the WOB facebook page for a chance to win some awesome prizes.

Friday Dec 28 2012

Tempe Final Friday Art Walk  

Enjoy local art, music, and light refreshments throughout businesses in Tempe.

Buffalo Wild Wings Bowl @ Sun Devil Stadium  

The third selection from the Big 12 faces the third or fourth pick from the Big 10 conference. Stay tuned as to which teams will be facing off this year.

Rula Bula New Year's Eve Party @ Rula Bula Irish Pub & Restaurant  

New Year's Eve Gala with Jeff Hunt Band. There will be drink specials, promotional giveaways, and favors all night.

Mill Avenue's New Year's Eve @ 7th Street & Mill Avenue  

Access to Mill Avenue's restaurants, shops, and culture are free and open to the public to enjoy a night of music, entertainment, food, and fireworks.

Reoccurring Events

Everyday Events 

Daily Happy Hour @ La Bocca Urban Pizzeria + Wine Bar  

Daily Happy Hour at La Bocca Pizzeria and Wine Bar from 11am to 6:30pm  

Happy Hour @ Canteen Modern Tequila Bar  

Happy Hour daily at Canteen Modern Tequila Bar from 4pm to 6:30pm

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    

Weekday Mass @ All Saints Newman Center 

Every Monday   

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.  

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. 

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.    

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   

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 SKYY drinks 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. 

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