55th Fall Tempe Festival of the Arts to Light Up Downtown Tempe Entertainment

The renowned Tempe Festival of the Arts returns for its 55th Fall edition, set to take place December 1 through 3. Celebrating over half a century of art, culture, and community spirit, the festival will once again transform downtown Tempe into a hub of artistic expression and festive entertainment.

The festival sprawls across the city streets of downtown Tempe, spanning Mill Avenue between 3rd Street and University Parkway and stretching over to 5th Street between Myrtle and Ash Avenue. With free admission, attendees can freely roam and experience the myriad of artist booths, savor delicacies from food trucks, enjoy live entertainment, and sample selections from beer and wine stands.

The Tempe Festival of the Arts has not only been a favorite among locals but has also gained significant national recognition. It ranks impressively among the Top 200 art festivals by "Sunshine Artist" magazine and boasts the prestigious Pinnacle Award from the International Festival and Events Association.

With the festival's reputation growing each year, it attracts a vast number of artist applications—over 1,000 this year from across the nation. A dedicated jury, comprising esteemed members of the local art community, sifts through the applications to select the top artisans from 18 varied categories. These categories span a broad spectrum from photography, ceramics, and woodwork to unique wearable art.

During the festival, another jury will have the task of selecting the best overall artist and the top artist in each category, further enhancing the competitive spirit and ensuring the highest quality of artistry is showcased.

While the main attraction remains the 300-plus artist booths lining Mill Avenue and surrounding streets, the festival is also a haven for entertainment. Over the years, the live stages have seen the likes of notable local talents such as the Gin Blossoms, Walt Richardson, Margo Reed, and Hello Swindon. Additionally, street performers, entertainment booths, vendors, and sponsor exhibits contribute to the lively ambiance.

In line with its community spirit, the festival also makes a difference by donating a portion of its proceeds to local charities.

Being one of the oldest festivals in the Southwest, the Tempe Festival of the Arts has a rich history. Held biannually in early December and late March, it has evolved into a significant point of pride for Tempe. Festival-goers revel in the offerings from national artists, local music, a dedicated Kids Block, and a plethora of food options—all set against the historic backdrop of Mill Avenue.

Artists from across the country will be converging at this year's festival, ensuring that it remains a beacon of artistry and community spirit. With its blend of history, art, entertainment, and philanthropy, the 55th Fall Tempe Festival of the Arts promises to be an event to remember.

For more information, visit tempefestivalofthearts.com.

ACROSS

1. *Bow Wow Wow's "I ____ Candy"

5. Money source

8. *____'s Root Beer

11. Pelvic parts

12. Start of something big?

13. Round openings

15. RPM gauge

16. Cantina cooker

17. Car sound, to a toddler

18. *Ninepins namesake

DOWN

1. Clever humor

2. Unfortunately, exclamation

3. Actor Nolte

4. Island in French Polynesia

5. *Donut filler

6. Checked out

7. Bleats

8. Rocky & Bullwinkle and Mary Kate & Ashley, pl.

9. To a very great degree (2 words)

10. Not bright

12. Sacred choral compositions

13. Roundish

14. *Sweet tooth, technically

19. *___ Musketeers, spelled out

22. Drops at dawn

23. *____-Frutti

24. Highlander's dagger

25. Sage and rosemary

26. *Scoop holder

27. Averse

28. "Drove my chevy to the ____"

29. Southeast Asian org.

32. Relinquish, as in property

33. Clergyman's title, abbr.

36. *Single serving treat

38. Embarrass

40. Arthur, to friends

41. Hard feelings

44. I to Greeks, pl.

46. TV's "Where everybody knows your name"

48. Opposite of depression

49. "____ ____ a high note"

50. Same as fogey

60. Famous French couturier (19051957)

51. Inactive

52. "Ant-Man" leading actor

53. Not top-shelf in a bar

54. Greek portico

55. Radio knob, abbr.

58. Farm pen

SOLUTION ON PAGE 21.

Call

SOLUTION ON PAGE 21.