The Tempe Festival of the Arts consistently ranks among the Top 200 art festivals in the nation by Sunshine Artist Magazine and has received the prestigious Pinnacle Award from the International Festival and Events Association. The spring and fall events each attract nearly 225,000 visitors to the Mill Avenue District over the course of a 3-day weekend.

Quality independent artists are fundamental to the success of the event. Each Festival receives more than 700 applications from throughout North America, in 16 different visual arts categories that range from wood to photography to ceramics, wearable art, jewelry and other categories. From these applicants, a jury comprised of members of the local art community ranks the top artisans in each category to participate in the Festival, and the highest ranking artists receive invitations to participate. During the Festival, a new jury selects the best overall artist and the top artist in each category and these winners receive cash honoraria awards.

As many as 400 artist booths line Mill Avenue and the surrounding streets presenting unique, and hand-made artwork that offers visitors a distinctive shopping experience.

While the Tempe Festival of the Arts focuses on visual art and the artists who create it, there also is a wide variety of other activity for guests to enjoy. Live entertainment provides fun for festival-goers. Performances throughout the venue keep audiences in high spirits throughout the day. In addition to the Festival Stage, street performers, food and beverage vendors, sponsor exhibits, and entertainment booths are set up for the amusement of Festival visitors. Visit the Arizona Wine Festival for tastings and sales by the glass, bottle, or case. And, enjoy The Art of Beer featuring local microbrewery sampling and sales.

The most hassle-free way to get to the Festival is Metro Light Rail. Light rail provides free parking at 9 Valley Park and Ride so you can ride the train directly to the 3rd & Mill festival entrance.

Let's meet at the 3rd and Mill Street Entrance at 10:30. I'll be taking the light rail from Camelback and Central at 10 if anyone wants to  join me there.