Fun Things to Do for Free in Tempe, AZ
You really don’t need to spend much, or anything, to have a good time in Tempe. Between the desert sunsets, Tempe apartments with pools, the walkable downtown streets, and all the free events that pop up around town, there’s always something going on.
If you’re looking for a break after class or just feel like getting outside for a while, there’s plenty to see and do without pulling out your wallet. Here are a few of the best free things to check out in Tempe.
Explore Tempe Town Lake
If you spend enough time in Tempe, you eventually end up at Town Lake. It’s kind of where everyone goes when they need a break. Some people are out running laps or riding their bikes, others just find a bench, kick back, and watch the water for a while.
The path loops all the way around, but you don’t have to commit to the whole thing; you can just wander a little, find a good spot, and stay there. Sometimes people bring a book or just meet a friend and sit on the edge with our feet dangling.
If you’re feeling ambitious, you can even rent a kayak or a paddleboard and get out on the water. It’s not fancy, but it’s a nice way to spend an hour or two. And when the sun starts going down? That’s when it really feels like the best place in the city.
Explore apartments near Tempe Town Lake
Chill at Tempe Beach Park
Right next to the lake, you’ll find Tempe Beach Park, just a big open stretch of grass with picnic tables and wide walking paths. That simplicity is kind of what makes it nice.
On any given day, you’ll see people tossing frisbees, walking their dogs, eating lunch, or just stretched out on the grass doing nothing in particular. You can sit and watch it all go by or find your own quiet corner and just relax.
Sometimes they host big concerts or festivals here, and it gets loud and crowded. But most afternoons it’s pretty mellow, just folks enjoying the sun, no one in a hurry to be anywhere.
Hike “A” Mountain (Hayden Butte Preserve)
If you’ve spent any time in Tempe, you’ve probably noticed that big hill with the giant gold “A” on it right by downtown. Everyone calls it “A” Mountain, but the official name is Hayden Butte Preserve.
It’s not a long hike in Tempe, maybe 20 or 30 minutes, but it’s steeper than it looks from the bottom. You might find yourself stopping to catch your breath on the way up (you won’t be the only one).
Once you get to the top, though, it’s totally worth it. You can see the whole city spread out below you, downtown Tempe, the ASU campus, and even the desert stretching off in the distance. It’s one of those spots that makes you feel like you actually live here.
Catch a Free Art Show or Museum Day
You don’t need a big budget to soak up some culture in Tempe. There are plenty of spots where you can check out art for free if you know where to look. Lots of the galleries downtown host open houses or free-admission nights, just wander in and see what’s on display.
The ASU Art Museum is another solid choice. It’s always free, and the exhibits change often enough that it’s worth coming back every few months. Sometimes you’ll catch student projects, contemporary installations, or even a hands-on workshop you can jump into.
It’s also worth keeping an eye on local event calendars, pop-up art shows, and outdoor art walks seem to happen downtown almost every other weekend when the weather’s nice.
Downtown Tempe Vibes & Window Shopping
You don’t have to spend anything to enjoy Mill Avenue and the streets around it. Just walking through downtown is an experience on its own, full of quirky shops, murals you didn’t notice last time, and street performers playing everything from guitars to drums on upside-down buckets.
Grab a coffee and wander without a plan. You’ll stumble on vintage shops, indie bookstores, and every now and then a sidewalk sale or someone playing live music right on the corner.
Once the sun goes down, the vibe changes. You’ll hear music spilling out of bars, patios filling up with people, and the streets feel alive in a completely different way.
Even if you don’t buy a thing, it’s a great way to kill an hour or two and feel like part of the city.
Attend a Local Festival or Farmers Market
Tempe loves a good festival, and there’s almost always something happening, especially in the cooler months. Many of the city’s festivals are free to attend, with live music, food vendors (okay, you might want to bring a few bucks for that), and booths from local artists and makers.
The 6th Street Market, held downtown on Sundays during fall and spring, is another favorite. You can wander through the stalls, listen to live music, and soak up the community atmosphere, all for free.
Check Out ASU Campus Events
You don’t have to be an ASU student to hang out on campus. They’ve always got something going on, and a lot of it’s free. Some nights you’ll just happen onto a movie showing or a guest speaker you didn’t even know about. Other times, there’s a band playing, food trucks lined up, or a festival taking over one of the big lawns.
You can check the ASU events calendar if you like to plan ahead, but honestly, half the fun is just wandering through and seeing what’s happening. Even on a quiet day, the campus is worth a walk. There’s art hidden in little corners, cool old buildings mixed with new ones, and usually a few students practicing a dance routine or playing guitar out on the grass.
Enjoy Tempe While Living Close to All the Fun
Tempe proves that you don’t need to spend money to have a good time. From hiking and parks to art shows and festivals, there’s no shortage of free things to do in Tempe, and when you live somewhere like Paseo on University, you’re close to it all.
If you’re looking for a home base that keeps you connected to everything Tempe has to offer, take a virtual tour and come see how easy it is to explore the city from here.