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Spring Tempe Festival of the Arts features artwork from nearly 350 artists

Posted at 7:50 AM, Mar 27, 2019
and last updated 2019-03-27 13:17:42-04

Downtown Tempe Authority is a paid advertiser of Sonoran Living.

It's a sure sign of spring in Arizona when the Spring Tempe Festival of the Arts returns to Downtown Tempe. Now in its 42nd incarnation, the beloved Valley event returns with nearly 350 visual artists from all over the continent who flock to Tempe to commune with other creatives, display and sell their artwork, and enjoy a 3-day long celebration March 29th through the 31st along and around Downtown Tempe's famed Mill Avenue and adjoining thoroughfares. The festival takes place rain or shine from 10am through 5:30pm daily, with an outstanding assortment of art, artisans, live entertainment, food and drink, interactive activations for kids and families and open-air fun for all.

The event is free to attend and draws upwards of 225,000 visitors including locals and tourists alike during the long weekend. This year's festival brings fresh talent, artwork, musicians and opportunities to engage with the creative community. Arizona-based Karolina Adams is this festival's Featured Artist, who specializes in ink and graphite creations. Adams illustrates life from within her head, with a quirky style and a touch of sophistication, mirroring her playful character with a serious core.

Part of the festival's allure is the immersive experience stimulating all senses. Attendees enjoy wandering street performers, buskers, and four programmed areas with live music. Festival fare is found throughout the entire footprint including a Food Court, food trucks, The Sweet Street area and snack vendors spread throughout the festival. Additionally, the Cottage Edibles area offers sweets, treats and cottage-industry style housemade goods, gifts and surprises like candles, soaps, bath bombs and more. Adults find respite and relaxation along with an assortment of Arizona-made, brewed and distilled spirits within three interconnected Beer & Wine Gardens including bottles for sale and samplings of wine, spirits and award-winning beers from local producers. Tickets are required for samplings and can be purchased online in advance or at the entrances to the 21+ Beer & Wine Garden areas day of.

Families appreciate the festival's free admission and lively atmosphere. Kids Block is a hands-on interactive block for young artists open Saturday and Sunday of the festival, and the Young Artist Exhibition features 300+ student works from around the Valley on display and for sale. And Chalk-A-Lot Street are a specially curated chalk murals done by professional local artists. Guests may try their own hand at chalk muraling themselves in the Kids Block area.

Parking is available at select garages, street meters and paid lots, although the most convenient ways in and out of the festival are by bike, foot or public transport including Valley Metro's Light Rail, which runs to nearby stops including the 3rd Street and Mill Avenue stop, as well as the Tempe Transportation Center located at Veterans Way and College Avenue.

For more information about the Spring Tempe Festival of the Arts, please visit: tempefestivalofthearts.com

About Downtown Tempe Authority: Since 1993, the award-winning Downtown Tempe Authority has been the private, non-profit organization that works in partnership with the City of Tempe to increase the value of Downtown Tempe through enhanced management, safety, marketing and promotional services on behalf of DTA members and other downtown stakeholders.