Free and cheap festivals, fairs and art walks. 6 sources, linked on each listing. Newest verification Oct 31, 2026.
Tempe · Mill Avenue District / Downtown Tempe · Downtown Tempe / Mill Avenue, Tempe, AZ 85281 · Events
58th Fall Tempe Festival of the Arts fills downtown Tempe with artist booths, food and entertainment. Free to attend (Dec 4–6, 2026).
When: December 4–6, 2026, ~10 a.m.–6 p.m.
Listed on Tempe Festival of the ArtsLast verified:
Tempe · Downtown Tempe Authority · Downtown Tempe, Tempe, AZ 85281 · Events
Fantasy of Lights Parade rolls through downtown Tempe the Friday after Thanksgiving (listed on the 2026 Downtown Tempe event calendar).
When: Friday, Nov 27, 2026, 6 p.m.
Source: Downtown Tempe AuthorityLast verified:
Tempe · Mill Avenue District / Downtown Tempe · Downtown Tempe / Mill Avenue, Tempe, AZ 85281 · Events
58th Fall Tempe Festival of the Arts fills downtown Tempe with artist booths, food and entertainment. Free to attend (Dec 4–6, 2026).
When: December 4–6, 2026, ~10 a.m.–6 p.m.
Listed on Tempe Festival of the ArtsLast verified:
Tempe · Downtown Tempe Authority · Tempe Town Lake / Tempe Beach Park, Tempe, AZ 85281 · Events
Illuminated boat parade on Tempe Town Lake (listed Dec 12, 2026, 4–9 p.m. on the Downtown Tempe 2026 calendar).
When: Saturday, Dec 12, 2026, 4–9 p.m.
Source: Downtown Tempe AuthorityLast verified:
Tempe · Downtown Tempe Authority · Mill Avenue between 3rd St. and University Dr., Tempe, AZ 85281 · Events
Free outdoor market with local makers, live music, snack vendors and family activities on Mill Avenue. Dog-friendly. Next listed date Nov 8, 2026 (Multi-Cultural theme).
When: Sunday, Nov 8, 2026, 10 a.m.–3 p.m. (also Jan/Feb/Apr dates)
Listed on Tempe TourismLast verified:
Tempe · Mill Avenue District / Downtown Tempe · Downtown Tempe / Mill Avenue, Tempe, AZ 85281 · Events
58th Fall Tempe Festival of the Arts fills downtown Tempe with artist booths, food and entertainment. Free to attend (Dec 4–6, 2026).
When: December 4–6, 2026, ~10 a.m.–6 p.m.
Listed on Tempe Festival of the ArtsLast verified:
Tempe · Tempe Marketplace · 2000 E. Rio Salado Pkwy., Tempe, AZ 85281 · Events
Enter for a chance to win a family 4-pack of tickets to How the Grinch Stole Christmas at ASU Gammage plus a $200 Thirsty Lion gift card. Ends Nov 8, 2026.
When: Oct 15–Nov 8, 2026 (enter by Nov 8)
Source: Tempe MarketplaceLast verified:
3 listings that apply in every city.
Nationwide · The Home Depot · All Home Depot stores · Events
Free build-it kits for kids 5–12 with an apron, pin and certificate, while supplies last. Register online to hold a spot.
When: First Saturday monthly, 9 a.m.–noon (next: Nov 7, Dump Truck)
Source: The Home DepotLast verified:
Nationwide · The Home Depot · All Home Depot stores · Events
Extra free kids workshop (ages 5–12) on top of the usual first-Saturday series. Tools and materials provided; register to secure a kit.
When: Saturday, Nov 21, 2026, from 9 a.m. while supplies last; registration opens Nov 7
Source: The Home DepotLast verified:
Nationwide · Lowe's · Lowe's stores nationwide · Events
Free hands-on build workshops for kids 4–11 with a free MyLowe's Rewards Kids Club profile, plus badges toward a free tool bag.
When: Monthly, typically the third Saturday; register ahead
Source: Lowe'sLast verified: