Tempe Conventions & Visitors Bureau

The temperatures have reached 100 degrees in Tempe, but to me, summer doesn’t officially start until Memorial Day weekend. If you’re going to be in my favorite city over the holiday, you might have plans to go to Arizona Mills, Tempe Marketplace, Mill Avenue and Tempe Town Lake. All excellent choices, for sure. But, if you want to try something new, here are a few ideas for you.

Take a Vacation at a Tempe hotel – Many Tempe hotels are offering great deals this summer. If you’re coming to Tempe this summer, or you’re a local who could use a mini-vacation, check out our special offers page for ideas and discounts.

Try a new restaurant – There are a few tasty new places to try, such as Tempe’s Front Porch, Hummus Xpress and Gringo Star Street Bar. There are also many places that may be on your list, but you haven’t had the chance to try them yet. A few of my favorite established local spots are Essence Bakery & Café, Cornish Pasty Co. and Casey Moore’s Oyster House.

Oceanside Ice Arena – Ice skating in the desert is possible at Tempe’s Oceanside Ice Arena. Located near Big Surf Waterpark, Oceanside is an excellent place to cool off and pretend, for an hour or so, that the weather is chilly once again. Open skating hours are 7-9 p.m. on Saturday, May 25 and 3-5 p.m. on Sunday, May 26.

Ride the Waves at Big Surf – Big Surf Waterpark is now open every weekend, but starting on May 25 it will be open every single day from through August 4. Zoom down slides like the White Serpentine and the Black Hole, soak up the sun on Waikiki Beach or splash with the smallest swimmers at Captain Cook’s Landing. Surfing and boogie boarding sessions are also available daily.

Plan a picnic – I haven’t planned a picnic in a while, but it sure sounds like fun. Grab a blanket, a bocce ball set or a Frisbee and pick up sandwiches from Sacks. There are lots of scenic parks in Tempe with plenty of space to play – see a full list here.

Movies in the Park – Speaking of parks, go to Kiwanis Park on May 24 and see “Finding Nemo” with the whole family. This free event starts at dusk (approximately 7 p.m.). Bring a blanket and snacks (or buy a few treats on site) and relax. Visit the City of Tempe website for the full calendar of movies.

Whether you’re a local or a visitor, you’re sure to have a fun Memorial Day in Tempe. For even more ideas, visit www.tempetourism.com. 

This Sunday isn’t your run of the mill Sunday. It’s Cinco de Mayo!

There are a lot of festivities around town from events at local Mexican food restaurants and bars to a “Cinco de Rhino” party at The Phoenix Zoo. Yes, a rhino party.

First, a bit of fact checking so you know why you’re celebrating…

Cinco de Mayo is a celebration of Mexican heritage and culture. It is celebrated in the U.S., especially the Southwest, more so than in Mexico. It commemorates the small but mighty Mexican army’s victory over the French at the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862. The Independence Day celebrated widely in Mexico is not Cinco de Mayo. Mexican Independence Day is celebrated on September 16.

So, what is there to do in Tempe for Cinco de Mayo? Events with drink specials, lots of food, entertainment and more fun stuff are taking place at the following Tempe restaurants:

Loco Patron

Macayo’s Depot Cantina

Dos Gringos

Canteen Modern Tequila Bar

Live Music at the District Stage at Tempe Marketplace from 1-8 p.m.

San Felipe’s Cantina

Cadillac Ranch

In addition, if you’re looking for something to do with the family on May 5, you’re in luck.

The Phoenix Zoo is hosting “Cinco de Rhino” from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. There will be games and activities throughout the day, including a special treat for the resident rhino at 10 a.m. and a talk from a zookeeper at 11 a.m.

Big Surf Waterpark will be open from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on May 5. To celebrate their season opening, everyone who brings in at least five non-perishable food items for St. Mary’s Food Bank Alliance will receive the 50 percent off of general admission ($27.95).

Happy Cinco de Mayo everyone!

I just love it when a great restaurateur opens up a new place. For years, Boulders on Broadway in Tempe has been a favorite local spot. It has a tasty menu, a great selection of beers and a casual, comfortable vibe.  The owners of Boulders on Broadway recently opened a new place that is sure to become another local favorite – Spokes on Southern.

Located just west of McClintock Drive on Southern Avenue, Spokes on Southern is a welcome addition to this Tempe neighborhood. It has a bicycle-theme, hence the name, which means that there are plenty of bike racks along with comfortable indoor and outdoor seating. The beautiful patio is adjacent to a lake that just happens to be home to ducks, koi and turtles. This was a bit of a surprise that makes Spokes even more special.

Spokes on Southern is perfect for bike riders, beer lovers and heck, everyone who loves good food. There are so many excellent choices on the menu here…I’m doing my best to work my way through it. The flavorful Pesto Turkey Sandwich and the Caprese Sandwich are served on soft ciabatta buns with an impeccable balance of ingredients. The Sirloin Tacos are my new favorite, with fresh chimichurri sauce, roasted poblano chiles and blue cheese. If there is blue cheese on anything, I am sold. But this was a particularly good combination that I haven’t seen anywhere else in town. I’ll go back soon to try the Bruschetta Planks, one of the burgers and the Southwest Turkey Quesadilla. Menu items are served with your choice of side, including French fries, sweet potato fries or a salad.

In addition to the food, Spokes on Southern takes their beer menu very seriously. They have 24 taps with a rotating menu of craft brews, some of which might be something that you’ve never heard of or tried before. That’s reason enough to check this place out, right?

The next time you’re looking for a casual spot to hang out with friends for lunch, dinner, happy hour or late night, definitely try Spokes on Southern. You’ll see why it’s my new favorite Tempe restaurant.

1470 E. Southern, Tempe
(480) 307-9920
www.spokesonsouthern.com

I love being Irish…even if it’s only for one day. Yes, St. Patrick’s Day is upon us and Tempe really knows how to celebrate. So, get out your green attire, polish your Irish step dancing shoes and get ready for the big day! After all, Tempe is the destination of choice for Irish punk band Flogging Molly year after year. That counts for a lot!

Here’s how to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in Tempe. Just remember to have fun, and be responsible — use a cab or public transportation to get around.

Rula Bula Irish Pub – St. Paddy’s at Rula Bula
Any day is a good day to visit Rula Bula, especially when that day is March 17. Enjoy entertainment throughout the day, including bagpipers, giveaways and promotions by Guinness, Jameson, Bailey’s Irish Creme and more favorites.

Entertainment schedule:
12 p.m. Trevor Jones
3 p.m. Bracken School Irish Step Dancers
4 p.m. The Sullivans
8 p.m. JJ’s Band (Sony recording artists)

Thirsty Lion Pub & Grill – St. Patrick’s Weekend 2013
At Tempe Marketplace, don’t miss the annual St. Patrick’s Weekend Festival, March 15th – 17th! Each day will feature bagpipers, Irish menu specials and great live music!

Live Music Schedule:
Friday, March 15 – Sassy & the Sneak Attack: 9pm – 12am
Saturday, March 16 – CooBeeCoo: 9pm – 12am
Sunday, March 17^th – Ryan Sims: 1pm – 3pm, Steve Ayotte: 4pm – 6pm, Easton Ashe: 7 – 11pm

Green 17 Tour Featuring Flogging Molly – Tempe Beach Park
Sunday, March 17 – 1:00 p.m.
Tickets – $35

Irish eyes will be smiling on Tempe again when Flogging Molly returns to Tempe Beach Park to celebrate St Patrick’s Day in a big way. This is their 9th visit to Tempe for this event. Read about why Tempe is their favorite in this recent Phoenix New Times article. Other bands, including Pepper, Anti-Flag, The Donots, The Wiley One & Jared And The Mill will also perform starting at 1 p.m.

Robbie’s Fox’s St. Patrick’s Day Bash
Sunday, March 17 – 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 a.m.
Tickets – $10

Tempe’s Robbie Fox’s gives revelers another great option for celebrating all things Irish. Enjoy live music, Irish pipers and dancers, Irish car bomb stations, beer trucks and of course, great food too.

St. Paddy’s Day Block Party on Mill Avenue – Fat Tuesday, Canteen Modern Tequila Bar & The Handlebar Tempe
Sunday, March 17 – 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 a.m.
General Admission Tickets – $10
VIP Tickets – $25

It’s that time of year for the ever so popular “green” beer and Irish Car Bombs. This Mill Avenue Block Party combines some of Tempe’s best hot spots into one event. Canteen, Handlebar and Fat Tuesday will open all of their back patios, that just happen to be right next to each other, and take over the back courtyard. There will be plenty of bars and DJs playing your favorite tunes.

St. Patrick’s Day at Four Peaks Brewing Co.
Sunday, March 17 – 7:00 a.m. to 2:00 a.m.

From 7-11 a.m., there will be an all you can eat breakfast buffet for $14. Four Peaks will give away lots of 2013 commemorative St. Patrick’s Day t-shirts, and patrons can enjoy coffee, Bushmills, Jameson’s and Bailey’s–amongst other fine Irish liqueurs. Chef Arthur and his outstanding team will create an enormous amount of delicious Corned Beef, Shepherd’s Pie, Irish Stew and Salmon Cakes beginning at 11 a.m.

Casey Moore’s Oyster House
Sunday, March 17

Casey Moore’s has been a favorite neighborhood hangout for years, and for good reason. The food is fantastic, the staff is very friendly and the old house that Casey Moore’s calls home is filled with charm and a good-old fashioned Irish feel. This is a great spot for St. Patrick’s Day and it’s even been visited by Flogging Molly over the years post-concert. Details are coming soon about their big event. See their Facebook page for details.

St. Patrick's Day Block Party

I called my dad on my way home from work the other day to see if he watched a movie I bought for him.  I consider my father to be older than the Earth itself, so I’ve decided that it’s my responsibility as his firstborn and namesake to try and keep him hip and cool.  Movies are something we have differing opinions on.  What I like, he hates and vice versa.   But the one thing we both have the same exact taste in is food.  We both love the same restaurants and for the most part, the same dishes at each.  Once we both find a place we like to eat, we become very loyal customers, regardless of how far away it is.

When my parents came to Arizona about year ago, they happened to stay at Phoenix Marriott Tempe at the Buttes.   It’s here where you’ll find one of the best restaurants in the valley, Top of the Rock.  Did you know that Top of the Rock was just mentioned in an article about the 25 most romantic cities to dine in by the Huffington Post?  If you’ve been there, it’s easy to see why.  The view the restaurant offers of the valley is incredible and the food is just as good.

The man responsible for creating these mouthwatering dishes is Executive Chef Gregory Wiener.  I had the opportunity to speak with him a few times and he’s the nicest guy in Arizona.  He’s originally from Chippewa Falls, WI, where he grew up helping his family, who owned and operated a small restaurant.  Safe to say he was born to cook.  At 15, he started cooking and knew that was what he wanted to do with his life.  He’s worked for Marriott Corp. in a variety of cooking roles, here and in California.

Top of the Rock supports local farmers so he visits a lot of farmer’s markets, looking at ingredients that are in season.  Gregory says that the food “talks to him”, so he keeps his dishes simple and highlights an ingredient.  With spring training here for the next month, he has a game day happy hour at the restaurant.  He loves the idea of finger foods, so they’ll be showcasing hot dog sliders — mini hot dogs and a variety of toppings.

Why is he a chef?  The answer is simple – he likes to cook for other people.  “I will seldom just cook for me,” he said.

Chef Gregory also wanted me to know that Top of the Rock is not just great views and great food.  They are also active in community involvement. Every month, they choose a local charity and they create a prix fixe charity of the month menu. Part of the proceeds from that menu goes to the chosen charity. “We try to get out in the community and do as much local work as we can,” he said.

Whether it’s for dinner or happy hour, Chef Gregory and his Top of the Rock cuisine is a view that isn’t worth missing. For more information, visit the Top of the Rock online or call 602-225-9000.

For more information about Tempe restaurants, visit TempeTourism.com or call 800-283-6734.

The great philosopher Plato once said, “He was a wise man who invented beer.” Plato was a wise man himself, but he knew to give credit where credit was due.

There won’t be one person at the Great Arizona Beer Festival this Saturday who doesn’t agree with Plato.

The Great Arizona Beer Festival, Saturday, March 2 at Tempe Beach Park, is a favorite of locals and tourists alike. Really, what’s not to love? The event will feature more than 200 brews from more than 50 breweries from across the state, country and around the world. Attendees can sample their favorites from this impressive collection of craft beers. The event runs from 2-6 p.m., which also happens to be an opportune time to take in some of the famous Arizona sunshine.

There will also be food vendors on-site and live music from local favorites Big Nick & The Gila Monsters and The Groove Merchants.

Beer lovers can look forward to sampling the best from local favorites such as Four Peaks and San Tan Brewing Co., and new this year, Beer by Cartel. Yes, the folks from Cartel Coffee Lab are starting to brew beer too. Popular breweries such as Boulder Beer, Deschutes, Mother Road, Blue Moon and Dog Fish are just a few of the big names in attendance. See the full list of microbrews on the event website.

Since this is always such a popular event, you might want to get your tickets early. This Friday is the last day to buy tickets online for $85 for VIP admission providing early entry at 1 p.m., catered food and VIP restrooms, $45 general admission, $10 for a designated drivers (great idea!) and $20 for VIP designated drivers.

For more information, visit www.azbeer.com/tempe or call (480) 774-8300.

All proceeds benefit Sun Sounds of Arizona, a non-profit radio reading service helping 49,000 people in Arizona with print disabilities.

Visit the Tempe Tourism Office website for more spring events in Tempe or call 800-283-6734.

I’ve found that one of the best things about Tempe is how it has a little of everything.   Tempe is full of locally-owned and operated businesses, one of the many things I love about this city.

Four Peaks Brewing Company is one of the most recognizable names in the valley.  Not only has everyone heard of it, I have yet to meet anyone who doesn’t love their beer.  To keep up with their ever increasing demand, Four Peaks recently opened up the Four Peaks Taproom on Wilson, located right in the heart of Tempe.  Unlike its 8^th Street location, the Taproom isn’t very restaurant-like.  So if you’re in the area and in the mood for a burger or fries, you won’t find it here.

It’s more industrial and behind the scenes with regards to its look and feel.  There’s a small eating area that overlooks the warehouse.  You can see the kettles and the fermenters that are there on site, brewing their hearts out.  I was told the plan is to expand in the coming months, adding more equipment by June (hopefully).   They also plan on expanding the restaurant area.

Even though there is no kitchen onsite, you can call in an order from most local restaurants that deliver.  Menus are available to browse through before you place your order.  They also have a different food truck there every night, where you can grab some great food if that’s what you happen to be in the mood for.

If you’re looking for someplace quiet to grab a drink, definitely stop by the Four Peaks Taproom on Wilson.

For more information about other Tempe restaurants and venues, visit the Tempe Tourism Office website or call 800-283-6734.

Sometimes, you need to go out and grab a drink after work. My office is on Mill Avenue, so finding a great place for happy hour isn’t really too hard. We all have our favorites spots and our usual drinks. Sometimes, it’s nice to change it up and try something new. For me, that’s martinis. I’ll admit that I’m one of those idiots that makes fun of my friends if they order a girly drink. But, every once in a while, I succumb to the temptation of getting something different and a martini is usually the way to go.

The Tickled Pink Martini at Bar Louie at Tempe Marketplace is very good.  It’s made with pomegranate syrup, mango puree, Sprite and X-Rated Fusion Liqueur.  It’s a popular drink and it’s easy to see why this is a crowd favorite.

Caffé Boa on Fourth Street and Mill Avenue has a Strawberry Basil Martini that is fantastic.  Made with strawberry vodka, fresh basil leaves, cranberry and sweet & sour, it’s probably one of my favorite summer drinks to indulge in year round.

Finally, we all know that you can really never go wrong with La Bocca Urban Pizzeria + Wine Bar when it comes to anything.  The place is amazing when it comes to food and drinks.  I love their Orange Blossom Martini.  It has vodka and fresh orange with a sugared rim.  Nothing too fancy but it gets the job done. La Bocca is located at Sixth Street and Mill Avenue.

Need more ideas? Find a list of Tempe dining and nightlife options on our website. Cheers!

As the old song says…”What are you doing on New Year’s, New Year’s Eve?”

You’ll be in Tempe, right? Whether you live in Tempe or you’re going to be here for the Buffalo Wild Wings Bowl, there are plenty of ways to celebrate New Year’s Eve in Tempe.

Early in the day, families will love Noon Year’s Eve at the Phoenix Zoo. There will be tons of snow for kids to play in (including a special area just for toddlers), dancing, music, games and prizes from the fun folks at Radio Disney, magic shows, animal encounters and of course, a New Year’s toast at noon with sparkling cider. This event is free for zoo members and included in zoo admission for non-members.

Starting at 9:30 p.m., adults can celebrate at Zoo Year’s Eve at the Phoenix Zoo. Tickets include admission to Zoo Lights, three complimentary beverage tickets plus a cash bar, complimentary appetizers, DJ entertainment and party favors. Tickets are $40 a person for Zoo members and $45 for non-members. Member couples are $75 or $85 per non-member couple.

Tempe Marketplace is hosting a special pub crawl to help usher in 2013. From 8 p.m.-midnight, guests can pick up a “Pub Crawl Passport” at any one of the following restaurants: Bar Louie, King’s Fish House, Cadillac Ranch, Dave & Buster’s, San Felipe’s Cantina or Thirsty Lion Pub & Grill. Everyone who visits all of the participating restaurants and gets their passport stamped from each place can enter to win a $1000 Vestar Visa® Gift Card. And, everyone can listen to great live music from Nashville recording artist and Arizona native, Laura Walsh, at the District Stage from 8 p.m. to midnight.

Mill Avenue’s New Year’s Eve will have a little bit for everyone. There will be free entertainment on Seventh Street and a ticketed event on Sixth Street.

From 6-9 p.m., kids will love the free “A Family Fun Zone,” sponsored by Chevrolet, with Radio Disney’s Rockin’ Road Show. Located on Seventh Street, just west of Mill Avenue, there will be emcees, DJs, music, interactive games, bounce houses and more fun for all. The first fireworks show will be at 9 p.m. At 9:30 p.m. this area will transition to live music from local bands. S.O.S. will start the entertainment, followed by Jared & The Mill at 11 p.m. They will bring in the New Year followed by fireworks at midnight.

There will be a New Year’s Eve Block on Sixth Street for those 21 and over. Canteen Modern Tequila Bar, Fat Tuesday and Handlebar Tempe are teaming up to bring you one of the best parties around. These popular bars are extending their premises and taking over Sixth Street, just west of Mill Avenue. Enjoy 12 bars, eight DJs, three stages, party favors, a midnight ball drop and access to all three venues. Advance tickets are available now for $15. Tickets will also be available at the door for $40. Early arrival and ticket purchase is suggested.

Using public transportation is strongly suggested for these events. See the City of Tempe website for a guide to using the free Orbit shuttles, METRO light rail and buses on New Year’s Eve.

Happy New Year everyone! Be safe out there. There will be lots more fun in Tempe in 2013.

Tempe, Arizona is one of the best spots to see a bowl game. Why you ask? The weather can’t be beat this time of year – there’s an abundance of shopping and dining options, hiking and biking trails galore, and there’s no better place to get into the game!

Buffalo Wild Wings Tablegate: Michigan State and TCU fans won’t want to miss this tailgate party! On December 29 from 4:30-7:30 p.m., fans can get pumped for the Buffalo Wild Wings Bowl game with Jumbotrons showing team highlights, interactive games, cheerleading and marching band performances. The $25 ticket price to the Buffalo Wild Wings Tablegate includes a plated meal. This pre-game party will be held in lot 3, adjacent to Sun Devil Stadium. Tickets can be purchased at the Buffalo Wild Wings Bowl website.

Stroll the Mill Avenue District for shopping and dining: Tempe’s Mill Avenue District is a great gathering place for fans in the days leading up to the game. There are more than 100 restaurants, taverns and shops located in the Mill Avenue District, just a few blocks from Sun Devil Stadium. If you’re looking for a sports bar/restaurant located on Mill Avenue, you won’t be disappointed. Check out Gordon Biersch  Brewery, The Tavern on Mill, Firehouse, Hooters, World of Beer and The Handlebar Tempe for a cold beer, good eats and a great atmosphere for watching sports. For live music on Mill, be sure to stop by Rula Bula Irish Pub to see the Jeff Hunt Band.

Live Music at Tempe Marketplace: Looking for something to do on Friday night before the bowl game? Tempe Marketplace offers live music at two locations. See Jeordie, an Indie guitarist and vocalist, at the Barnes & Noble Fountain on December 28 from 7-9 p.m.  Her style is a blend of modern pop themes and folk rock guitar. Head to the main District Stage from 7-10 p.m. to see the Knee Deep Experience – a Funk, Soul, Jazz and R&B Band. The Knee Deep Experience is Arizona’s premiere Funk & Soul band. Known for their signature Llama mascot, Knee Deep is sure to bring the funk to Tempe Marketplace!

Hiking and Biking in Tempe: Enjoy the  sunny skies in Tempe and go outside! Popular Tempe area hiking spots include Papago Park, “A” Mountain and the largest municipal park in the United States, South Mountain Park/Preserve. Papago Park and South Mountain are also perfect for mountain biking. “A” Mountain is located just north of downtown Tempe and sits adjacent to Sun Devil Stadium, so it’s the perfect hike to squeeze in during your busy bowl weekend. Plus, the views of downtown Tempe can’t be beat!

To get a preview of the fun that’s waiting for you in our city, take a look at our one-minute Tempe video. We’ll see you soon!

Live Music at Tempe Marketplace