Tempe Conventions & Visitors Bureau

It’s not too late to experience a great show at ASU Gammage in Tempe. Broadway is at your doorstep with four more shows left this season, and in Tempe, dinner and a show is the best way to enjoy it. Here are the remaining shows of the 2011-2012 Boradway season in Tempe:

Rodgers and Hammerstein’s South Pacific, January 10-15, 2012: “Set on a tropical island during World War II, the musical tells the sweeping romantic story of two couples and how their happiness is threatened by the realities of war and by their own prejudices”The story of three lifelong friends, forced to choose between their dreams and the safety of suburbia.”

Wicked, February 15-March 11, 2012: Back by “Popular” demand. Entertainment Weekly calls WICKED “the best musical of the decade,” and when it last played ASU Gammage in 2009, it broke box office records and sold out in record time.

Green Day’s American Idiot, April 24-29, 2012: “Direct from Broadway, the smash-hit musical AMERICAN IDIOT tells the story of three lifelong friends, forced to choose between their dreams and the safety of suburbia.”

La Cage Aux Folles, May 15-20, 2012: “A tuneful and touching tale of one family’s struggle to stay together… stay fabulous… and above all else, stay true to themselves!”

Million Dollar Quartet, June 5-10, 2012: “One of the greatest jam sessions of all time. MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET brings that legendary night to life with an irresistible tale of broken promises, secrets, betrayal and celebrations featuring timeless hits.”

Dinner & A Show in the Mill Avenue District:
Show your ticket stub and receive special deals at participating restaurants before or after the show on Mill Avenue. Check out our website for specific deals and locations.

The deals don’t end there – Patrons attending any ASU Gammage show will receive four hours of FREE parking in specified lots when presenting your ticket stub.

Looking for somewhere different to eat? Below are three of my favorite off-the-beaten-path restaurants that are off Mill Avenue, yet still conveniently located near the theatre:

1) Pita Jungle - Offers an eclectic blend of fresh and healthy ingredients with creative art and hipster energy. Serves pitas, flat bread pizzas, and great main courses, all with a Greek flair. I always get the trio blend of hummus and pita and can’t ever stray away from their lentil fetoosh salad.
1250 E. Apache Blvd./ 480-804-0234

2) Yupha’s Thai Kitchen - Being a native to Tempe and having a love for Thai food, I will vouch that this place will serve up some of the best authentic Thai in Tempe as well as the warmest and friendliest customer service. You will be sure to run into the owners at this family owned spot and fall in love with their Yellow curry or pad thai.
1805 E. Elliot Rd, Suite 115/ 480-839-0576

3) Cornish Pasty - This English based restaurant has great history behind the works and provides warm, full hearted, Pasties with all different fillings. They are giant flaky calzone type pockets with over twenty options of signature pasties to choose from. My favorite: Portobello Chicken. This smaller spot requires a tighter squeeze yet creates a great atmosphere and ambiance as its always full, with pasties baking warm in the oven.
960 W University Dr # 103/ 480-894-6261

Tempe is truly the place to be as we bid farewell to the 2011 and ring in the 2012. Let’s start with the 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. With rockin’ bands, beer gardens and a host of entertainers, this is one fantastic celebration you won’t want to miss! This year’s featured band is Tempe’s own Gin Blossoms

Or, maybe you want to send 2011 out with a bang at ASU Gammage where you can hear and feel the rhythms of STOMP. The eight–member troupe uses everything but conventional percussion instruments — matchboxes, wooden poles, broom, garbage cans, Zippo lighters, hubcaps.  No need to wait for New Year’s Eve for this one because it will be on stage all this week.

It’s always good to end the year on a funny note and you can by heading to The Tempe Improv to see Kevin Nealon, December 30-31.  Some of you will remember him from Saturday Night Live; others know him as Doug Wilson in the critically acclaimed, Golden Globe nominated Showtime series Weeds. 

For more things to do on New Year’ Eve and all week long, view a complete listing of Tempe events, or call 480-894-8158 for more information.

• December 27-30: Las Noches de las Luminarias, Desert Botanical Garden
• December 27- January 1: Santa Claws at SEA LIFE!, Sea Life Arizona
• December  27- 31: STOMP, ASU Gammage
• December 28: Michael Powers Group, Dave’s Electric Brew Pub
• December 28-29: Class Clowns Comedy Showcase, Tempe Improv
• December 29: Music on Mill, Mill Avenue District
• December 30: The Love Brokers; December 31: The Jeff Hunt Band, Rula Bula Irish Pub
• December 30:  Soulfly; December 31: Authority Zero, Marquee Theater
• December 30-31: Kevin Nealon, Tempe Improv
• December 30: Peppermint James; December 31: Knee Deep Experience, Tempe Marketplace District Stage
• December 30: Andrea Meila; December 31: Pete Pancrazi, Tempe Marketplace Barnes & Noble Fountain
• December 31: Meat Puppets, The Clubhouse
• December 31: Fiesta Bowl Block Party, Mill Avenue District
• December 31: Save the Family’s Hearts of Gold New Year’s Eve Celebration, Tempe Center for the Arts

It’s your last chance to see that the loveable reptile and star of Lyle the Crocodile, presented by Childsplay, this week at the Tempe Center for the Arts. Fortunately it’s playing every day this week with two performances at 1:00 and 4:00 p.m., Monday-Friday and Saturday at 1:00 p.m. The whole family will love this show about the charismatic, caviar-loving, tap dancing crocodile and the Primm family who he lives with in NYC.

Here’s a sample of the events in Tempe this week. View a complete listing of  Tempe events or call 480-894-8158 for more information.

• December 19-23, 26-30: Las Noches de las Luminarias, Desert Botanical Garden
• December 20: Open Jam, Rula Bula Irish Pub & Restaurant
• December  20-24: Childsplay Presents Lyle the Crocodile, Tempe Center for the Arts
• December 21: Jan Sandwich & Joel Robin Holiday Show, Dave’s Electric Brew Pub
• December 21: Walk-in Wednesdays Open Mic, Tempe Center for the Arts
• December  22: Music on Mill, Mill Avenue District
• December 23: Phoenix Boys Choir Christmas Tour, Tempe Center for the Arts
• December 23: PKW, Original Alternative Band; December 24: The Little Women,Victorian Carolers, Tempe Marketplace District Stage
• December 23: The Sahnas Brothers, Mediterranean Guitar Duo; December 24: Melanie & Van, Easy Listening Acoustic Duo, Tempe Marketplace Barnes & Noble Fountain

Tired of the bitter cold? Looking for some warmer weather for the holidays? Head to Tempe! You won’t find snow here, and you’ll only wear hats and scarfs because they are cute! Getting here is easy, and getting around is even easier! Here are some Tempe Travel Tips for what to see and do when you come to visit:

1.) Getting here - If you plan on flying to Tempe, the closest airport to fly into is Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, which is less than ten minutes away from Tempe! Once you land, there are lots of easy ways to get where you are going. If you are staying in one of Tempe’s fabulous hotels, you can call ahead to see if your hotel offers an airport shuttle service. Or you can take a cab or hop on the METRO Light Rail from the airport to Tempe. It’s just a short ride to Tempe.

2.) Tempe transportation – Once you’re in Tempe, get around to see all the sights by walking, biking, renting a car or taking public transportation. The METRO Light Rail, Valley METRO bus and the free local bus, the ORBIT, are all great ways to get around easily and affordably. 

3.) Bring some comfortable shoes - There is both great hiking and shopping here in Tempe, so good shoes are essential! To enjoy the weather, take a hike up “A” Mountain or head to Papago Park. For an afternoon of shopping delight, check out Tempe Marketplace, Arizona Mills or stroll through Mill Avenue District shops.

4.) Bring your appetite - There are loads of mouth-watering restaurants in Tempe. Some of my favorites are Four Peaks Brewery, La Bocca Urban Pizzeria and Essence Bakery. Explore Tempe’s culinary scene to find your faves!

5.) Explore the Arts - Get tickets to see a Broadway show at the beautiful Frank Lloyd Wright designed ASU Gammage. Or for something more edgy, see a production at the Stray Cat Theatre. Looking for something kid friendly? Childsplay is perfect for the little ones featuring productions designed specifically for younger audiences. Theatre, live music and plenty of museums will keep any arts lover happy!

La Bocca Urban Pizzeria

Lights along Mill Avenue, nightly snowfalls at Tempe Marketplace and Santa visits at Arizona Mills…’tis the season in Tempe!

The holiday season fills your heart with cheer and fills your mind with a seemingly endless list of all that we need to do in the next few days. One of the most important, yet time consuming, tasks on our to-do lists can be gift shopping. But not this year! Instead of running around all over the Valley, all your holiday needs can be met by shopping in Tempe. Whether you need a gift for your grandma or your boyfriend, Tempe has a gift to offer everyone.

Here’s a list of my favorite Tempe spots where you can find some unique treasures:

1. For your health conscious friend that you just aren’t sure what to get this year, problem solved! Purchase a gift card for Green, a new American vegetarian restaurant that disguises health food as comfort food with their salivating menu.
2. Inspire someone with the performing arts. Purchase tickets to Conder Dance or Childsplay at the Tempe Center for the Arts. Or, buy ticket for STOMP, WICKED or one of the upcoming shows at ASU Gammage.
3. Shop for art at Loft a Go Go, a hip, new store on Mill Avenue that provides the latest prints and accessories.
4. For that special someone, show them you care with roses dipped in 24K gold from Bobbies Flowers & Gift Shop. Be sure to snoop around the gift shop while you’re there too. They have tons of fun items that would fit perfect in a gift basket.
5. Have a friend that you wish you saw more often? Buy a membership for you and them to the Phoenix Rock Gym and experience the thrill and excitement of indoor rock climbing together.
6. Heading to a holiday get-together and need to take a gift? Stop in at Essence Bakery Café and pick up some of their delicious macaroons to take with you. Trust me; you will be the hit of the party!
7. For all your fashionable lady friends, check out Divaz Boutique and Ivy Boutique for designer steals. There is no such thing as having TOO much clothing.

We can’t wait to see Oklahoma Sooners and Iowa Hawkeyes fans in Tempe for the Insight Bowl. The big game, December 30 at Sun Devil Stadium, is going to be an exciting match up for sure. But, Insight Bowl 2011 fans will want to extend their trip so they can experience even more of what makes Tempe such a fun place to be.

The Mill Avenue District is the perfect gathering spot for visitors and locals alike. It is right next door to the stadium and the more than 100 restaurants, taverns and shops make for perfect gathering spots for football fans.

Tempe Marketplace is active day and night. Local boutiques, national retailers, tasty restaurants and cafes combine with outdoor fireplaces, colorful fountains and free live music on Friday and Saturday nights are a perfect combo for family fun.

Arizona Mills is home to a fantastic mix of traditional retail stores, value retail stores and entertainment venues such as SEA LIFE Arizona aquarium, GameWorks and an IMAX theatre.

You’ll never think of matchbooks, hubcaps or brooms in the same way if you see STOMP at ASU Gammage, December 28-31. This celebration of percussion using everyday objects appeals to all ages and will have you dancing in your seat. And, as a bonus, you’ll get to see Tempe’s beautiful ASU Gammage, designed by Frank Lloyd Wright.

Visitors, especially from colder climates, can’t get enough of our Sonoran Desert. There are trails at Papago Park and South Moutain Park that are easily accessible from any hotel in Tempe. For a more leisurely, but still beautiful, stroll, don’t miss Desert Botanical Garden. Their seasonal holiday event, Las Noches de las Luminarias, fills the trails of the Garden with thousands of hand-lit luminarias, live music and more nightly through December 30.

And, whether your team wins or loses the Insight Bowl, you’ll still want to start off your New Year with a fun-filled party. The Fiesta Bowl Block Party will fill the Mill Avenue District with live entertainment, beer gardens, BMX bike demonstrations, magic shows and more. There are multiple stages and a spectacular, outdoor electronic dance club. The headlining musical acts are Tempe’s own Gin Blossoms and country music favorite, Sawyer Brown. There are two fireworks shows at 10 p.m. and midnight and a confetti blast at midnight. All ages are welcome at the Block Party. Tickets are $20 at the gate and the event opens at 5:00 p.m.

For more ideas about what to see and do in Tempe on an Insight Bowl trip, visit www.tempetourism.com or go to our Insight Bowl page: www.tempefootball.com.

Las Noches de las Luminarias, held annually at the Desert Botanical Garden, is a whimsical event nestled in the desert landscape that really highlights the holiday season. If you think you have already witnessed the charm of the garden wait until you experience its transformation at night! The special event includes over 8,000 individual hand lit luminaire bags that are lined up along the walkway to guide you through the beautiful garden trail. Nestled in every corner awaits a musical group that serenades you until you’re ready to move onto the next tune. There are a total of ten groups that perform nightly.

There were a few special groups that I had the pleasure enjoying last week when visiting: Mariachi Pasión - a traditional mariachi band of over 6 all dressed to a T, with guitars, violins and great voices all lined up to greet visitors at the entrance. Another traditional group who has been in the Valley performing for many years: The Reed Family. Margo, Michael and Francine gushed out their soul vibes with Jazz and R&B tunes that resonated through the whole garden and drew in big crowds.

Holiday decorations filled the garden, including a magnificent sky-scraping tree made completely from red poinsettia plants. The touch that really adds to the experience is the integrated art exhibition: David Rogers’ Big Bugs. Big is an understatement. The eye catching bigger-than-life size bugs remind me of the movie Honey I Shrunk the Kids and really switches the role of bug vs. human life size! They are a beautiful look at insect critters with a total of 11 bugs made from a variety of different materials.

Growing up as a native to Arizona, this event really puts a new perspective to the ordinary desert landscape we all are used to seeing. There is no doubt that you will enjoy this event and after experiencing it, become even more excited for your holiday adventures. Las Noches de las Luminarias is a great event for families to come together, couples for a romantic date night, and even groups for work events and holiday parties. Don’t forget to bundle up warm and bring your gloves and scarfs as it gets a bit nippy in the evening.

The garden offers drink stands where you can purchase hot cocoa and hot apple cider to sip on and warm you up, as well as bar drinks throughout the trails. You can also make a full night of it by purchasing dinner tickets at the box office which includes Fabulous Food’s signature buffet menu with a variety of tasty options.

Luminarias offers guests a choice of 22 nights in December, including dates between Christmas and New Year’s Eve. December 8-30, 5:30-9:30 p.m.
Visit the Luminarias page for pricing, specific dates and details.

Desert Botanical Garden
480-481-8188
1201 N. Galvin Parkway Phoenix, AZ 85008

It’s another week of holiday happiness. You can experience the rich, warm traditions of the desert Southwest at the Desert Botanical Garden’s Las Noches de las Luminarias. Or, get a glimpse into how the holidays are celebrated further north at the Danish Christmas at the Petersen House. You’ll see Danish Christmas decorations and learn about Danish traditions for the holiday season. This year will highlight fairy tales by Denmark’s famous storyteller Hans Christian Andersen, including: The Princess and the Pea, The Steadfast Tin Soldier, The Little Match Girl and The Ugly Duckling. Storytelling will be featured on Sundays.  Attend them both and I guarantee you’ll be filled with the spirit of the season.

View a complete listing of Tempe events, or call 480-894-8158 for more information.

• December 12-18: Danish Christmas at the Petersen House, Petersen House Museum
• December 13: Performance with A View: SaxMas Morning, Tempe Center for the Arts
• December 13: Open Jam, Rula Bula Irish Pub & Restaurant
• December 14: “Ocotrillo” with Jeremy Lappit-sax, Dave’s Electric Brew Pub                      
• December 14: Walk-in Wednesdays Open Mic, Tempe Center for the Arts
• December 14: Music on Mill, Mill Avenue District
• December 15: Best of the West Comedy Show, Tempe Improv
• December 15-17:  Stray Cat Theatre Presents  Milk, Milk Lemonade, Tempe Performing Arts Center
• December 15-23, 26-30: Las Noches de las Luminarias, Desert Botanical Garden
• December 16: Take Cover, Rula Bula Irish Pub & Restaurant  
• December 16-17: Bill Burr, Tempe Improv
• December 16: Dance Express Holiday Performance & Mojo Farmers; December 17:  Ahwatukee Foothills Concert Band Holiday Performance; Show Choir Holiday Show Holiday Performance; Hello Swindon, Tempe Marketplace District Stage
• December 16: Just Jade; December 17: Leah & Stephanie, Tempe Marketplace Barnes & Noble Fountain
• December 16: Take Cover; December 17: Jeff Hunt Band, Rula Bula Irish Pub & Restaurant
• December 17: Jam with the Jeff Libman Trio, Robbie Fox’s Public House
• December 17-18: Childsplay Presents Lyle the Crocodile, Tempe Center for the Arts
• December 18: Music on the Patio with Shelby James, Rula Bula Irish Pub & Restaurant
• December 18: Trevor Rogers and The Wilderness, Cadillac Ranch

In just a few short weeks the streets of Tempe will be filled with football fans – more specifically, filled with Oklahoma Sooners and Iowa Hawkeyes fans! The Insight Bowl is scheduled for Friday, December 30, 2011 where the Sooners and Hawkeyes will face off for the win. Kick-off is scheduled for 8:00 p.m. MST at Sun Devil Stadium and the game will be televised on ESPN.

It’s a great time to be in Tempe if you’re planning a trip out for the Insight Bowl. The weather is just right – warm enough to keep the fans comfy in the stands, and cold enough to keep the players on their toes during the game. 

Visit www.insightbowl.org or call 480-350-0911 for ticket information. Game tickets are a bargain starting as low as $25!

Fans can enjoy game day in Tempe spending time in the Mill Avenue District, located adjacent to Sun Devil Stadium. Shopping, dining, pep rallies and tailgates will keep everyone pumped for the big game that night.

Nearby shopping destinations Tempe Marketplace and Arizona Mills are great spots to relax and enjoy the weekend. Tempe Marketplace offers lots of choices for dining, shopping, nightlife and live music Friday and Saturday night. Arizona Mills is a bargain hunter’s dream featuring 175 popular outlets and attractions such as GameWorks and the SEA LIFE Arizona aquarium.

Need help planning your trip to Tempe? There are plenty of Tempe hotels located near the stadium and shopping areas to make your trip convenient and fun. Visit http://www.tempetourism.com/insightbowl/ or call 480-894-8158 for hotel, transportation and parking info to help you plan your trip to the Insight Bowl! It’s gonna be an exciting game!

If the holiday spirit hasn’t hit you yet, this week Tempe has a bunch going on that’s bound to get you in the mood. For starters, the supreme get-you-in-the-spirit event, IRVING BERLIN’S WHITE CHRISTMAS is coming to ASU Gammage, December 6-11. It’s based on the classic movie White Christmas released in 1954 that starred Bing Crosby, Rosemary Clooney (George’s aunt) and Danny Kaye. The stage version, like the movie, is full of dancing, singing and wonderful Irving Berlin songs, including the song White Christmas, which still tops the holiday music charts. A bit of local lore: it’s rumored that Irving Berlin wrote this timeless tune while sitting by the pool at the Arizona Biltmore Resort in 1940.

If this show doesn’t get you in the spirit there are plenty of other holiday events taking place in Tempe this week like the Fantasy of Light Boat Parade on Tempe Town Lake, The Danish Christmas at the Peterson House and Las Noches de las Luminarias at Desert Botanical Garden. If none of these pique your interest,  you might be what’s known as a Scrinch, a hybrid cross between a Scrooge and the Grinch. Not to worry, there are ample non-holiday events taking place throughout Tempe all week too.

View a complete listing of Tempe events, or call 480-894-8158 for more information.

• December 5-18: Danish Christmas at the Petersen House, Petersen House Museum
• December 6: Open Jam, Rula Bula Irish Pub & Restaurant
• December 6-11: IRVING BERLIN’S WHITE CHRISTMAS, ASU Gammage
• December 7:  Beth Lederman Trio Featuring Vocalist Diana Lee, Dave’s Electric Brew Pub
• December 7: Walk-in Wednesdays Open Mic, Tempe Center for the Arts
• December 8: Music on Mill, Mill Avenue District 
• December 8: Improv at the Improv, Tempe Improv
• December 8-17:  Stray Cat Theatre Presents  Milk, Milk Lemonade, Tempe Performing Arts Center
• December 8 -11, 15-23, 26- 30: Las Noches de las Luminarias, Desert Botanical Garden
• December 9: Shawn Johnson & The Foundation; December 10: Capital Down Rula Bula Irish Pub & Restaurant 
• December 9-10: Josh Blue, Tempe Improv
• December 9: Red Mountain High School Carolers Holiday Performance; Maricopa Dance Dynamics Holiday Performance; The Jeff Hunt Band, Tempe Marketplace District Stage
• December 9: M Squared; December 10: Jeordie & Friend, Tempe Marketplace Barnes & Noble Fountain
• December 10: Talent Team Performing Arts Holiday Performance; Merry Christmas Tuba Holiday Performance; Minus Ned, Tempe Marketplace District Stage
• December 10: Fantasy of Lights Boat Parade, Tempe Town Lake
• December 10: Harper Piver Performance: “(Un)ravel”, Tempe Center for the Arts
• December 10: Jam with the Jeff Libman Trio, Robbie Fox’s Public House
• December 10-11: ASU Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts School of Music 9^th Annual Christmas Organ Concert, Organ Hall
• December 10-18: Childsplay Presents Lyle the Crocodile, Tempe Center for the Arts
• December 11: Music on the Patio with Shelby James, Rula Bula Irish Pub & Restaurant
• December 11: Trevor Rogers and The Wilderness, Cadillac Ranch