Tempe Conventions & Visitors Bureau

“Cool at 90″ is a celebration honoring  Marion Kirk Jones’ 90th Birthday. On June 4,  Desert Dance Theatre and Friends will pay tribute to Ms Jones, Artistic Director Emeritus who has been with Desert Dance Theatre since the company’s beginnings in 1979. The festivities will take place at the Tempe Center for the Arts.

There’s more dance, theatre, music and art in Tempe this week. Here’s  the short list. View a complete listing of Tempe events, or call 480-894-8158 for more information.

• May 31: Acoustic Open Jam with Mike Mercer, Rula Bula Irish Pub & Restaurant  
• May 31-June 1: All About Dance: “Perfect 10″, Tempe Center for the Arts
• June 1: Artist Reception: Katia Von Kral, The Center Bistro  
• June 2: Shelby James, D’Arcy McGee’s
• June 2: Music on Mill, Mill Avenue District
• June 2-5: Stray Cat Theatre Presents: Abraham Lincoln’s Big Gay Birthday Party, Tempe Center for the Performing Arts
• June 3: Music in the Garden: Pete Pancrazi, Desert Botanical Garden
• June 3: Hello Swindon; June 4: Adam Meila, Tempe Marketplace District Stage
• June 3: The Del Rayz, Blues Band; June 4: Sydney Sprague, Tempe Marketplace Barnes & Noble Fountain
• June 4: Desert Dance Theatre: “Cool at 90!”,  Tempe Center for the Arts
• June 4: Boys & Frogs; The Activist Within; Rocky Horror Picture Show, MADCAP Theaters
• June 4: Jazz Jam Session led by Anthony Proveaux Trio, Robbie Fox’s Public House
• June 5: Tempe Community Chorus: The Joint is Jumpin’ ,  Tempe Center for the Arts
• June 5: Sookyoung Kim: “Farewell Friends & America Concert, ” Tempe Center for the Arts
• June 5: Justin Stewart, Dave’s Electric Brew Pub
• June 5: Music on the Patio with Shelby James, Rula Bula Irish Pub & Restaurant
• June 6: Rhythm Edition, Pop Rock; June 7: Remedy, Variety, Rula Bula Irish Pub & Restaurant

The newest form of water adventure fun at Tempe Town Lake is stand-up paddleboarding! Today was my very first experience with this new water sport, and I have to say, it will will definitely not be my last!

When I arrived in the morning, I checked in at the kiosk on the south side of lake, where the Tempe Boat Rentals dock is located. Down on the dock is where I recieved my helpful, fun, and very instructive, paddleboarding lesson from Clint, manager of Tempe Boat Rentals.

First, you get onto the paddleboard from the dock by sliding gently from a sitting position on the edge of the dock, to a kneeling postion on the board. Once you are a good 5 to 10 feet away from the dock, you ever-so-gently balance you’re way up into a standing position. This part was the most intimidating because I don’t have the best balancing skills. But once I was up, it was smooth sailing!

After a few minutes, I really felt like I was getting the hang of it. And once I felt pretty comfortable, it got really really fun! The breeze on my face was amazing, and the surrounding views of the lake were beautiful! And on top of how much fun this sport is, it’s also an invigorating workout! It worked my core and arms the whole time, and since I was having so much fun, it never even felt like I was working out! 

After a while I had to head back to the dock, but I just couldn’t leave without trying out a hydrobike! Now that’s a relaxing way to enjoy the lake! With no training needed, I just hopped onto a hydrobike and took it out for spin! So easy, anyone could do it!

After such a fun morning out on Tempe Town Lake, I’m already excited to plan my next outing for more water adventures! Tempe Boat Rentals also offers kayaks, hydrobikes, electric skiffs, pedal boats and pontoon boats…can’t wait to try them all!

The cost to rent a stand-up paddleboard or a hydrobike is $20 for 1 hour, $30 for 2 hours, or $55 for a half day rental. For more rate information for all watercraft options, visit http://boats4rent.com/rates_tempe_boatrentals.html.

Tempe Boat Rentals
480-303-9803
72 W. Rio Salado Parkway
Tempe, AZ 85282

Come join the City of Tempe for Movies in the Park at Kiwanis Park to watch a friendly, giant, green, onion eating, ogre friend – Shrek!

Fill your picnic baskets with snacks, grab your comfy blankets and bring the family to Tempe. Friday, May 27^th Shrek Forever After will play starting at dusk (Approx. 7:00 pm)  on the southwest corner of the lake at Kiwanis Park.

This event always brings about great memories from growing up. My family lived within walking distance from Kiwanis Park and there was nothing better than enjoying our end-of-the-week evening with a nice walk to the park, fun and play, and a good movie to get the weekend started right. Our one key item to bring, along with a delicious picnic dinner, was cardboard boxes for sliding down the amazing hills which provides great speed for any interested riders!

More fun ideas for an evening in the park:
Duck feeding, paddle boating, dog walking, fishing and bike rides.

Event info:
Movies in the Park
Kiwanis Park
480-350-5200
5500 S. Mill Ave, Tempe, AZ 85283

Delicious eating options near the park:

Aloha Yogurt- 480-289-5238
219 East Baseline Road #5

Andrews BBQ- 480- 244-4227
730 E Guadalupe Rd Ste 101

Barro’s Pizza- 480-820-9282
37 West Baseline Road

My Big Fat Greek Express- 480-838-1240
227 E. Baseline Road, Suite J007

Someburros Mexican- 480-839-8226 ‎
101 E Baseline Rd

Tempe’s edgy Stray Cat Theatre finishes another season of edgy, nonconformist theatre with Abraham Lincoln’s Big Gay Dance Party.  A huge critical and audience hit at the NY Fringe Festival, this new comedy of politics and political values examines what happens when Honest Abe’s hometown puts a teacher on trial for asking, “Was Lincoln gay?” This unconventional play allows the audience to determine the order in which the three acts will be presented.

Music lovers wll find plenty of great live music to enjoy all week. View a complete listing of Tempe events, or call 480-894-8158 for more information.

• May 24: Acoustic Open Jam with Chuck E Baby, Rula Bula Irish Pub & Restaurant
• May 25: Walk in Wednesday with Walt Richardson, Tempe Center for the Arts
• May 26: Music on Mill, Mill Avenue District
• May 26-29: Tempe Live Theatre Presents: Getting Sara Married, Tempe Center for the Arts
• May 26-29: Stray Cat Theatre Presents: Abraham Lincoln’s Big Gay Birthday Party, Tempe Center for the Performing Arts
• May 27: Music in the Garden: Adam Clark Trio, Desert Botanical Garden
• May 27: JJ’s Band; May 28: Faded Jeans, Rula Bula Irish Pub & Restaurant
• May 27: Think Horses, Original Alternative Band; May 28: The Geetars, Tempe Marketplace District Stage
• May 27: Knee Deeep Experience; May 28: Gradymusic, Tempe Marketplace Barnes & Noble Fountain
• May 28: Rocky Horror Picture Show, MADCAP Theaters
• May 28: Jazz Jam Session led by Anthony Proveaux Trio, Robbie Fox’s Public House
• May 29: Justin Stewart, Dave’s Electric Brew Pub
• May 29: Music on the Patio with Shelby James, Rula Bula Irish Pub & Restaurant

Happy hours are always so much fun. It’s a time where I can relax and enjoy time with my friends, accompanied by delicious food and drinks – all at happy hour prices! What can be better than that to make your work week speed by! This is a list of my favorite happy hour spots in Tempe. What are your favorites?

Canteen Modern Tequila Bar
Happy Hour every day from 4:00–6:30 p.m.
Enjoy half off house margaritas, bottled and draft beer, all tequilas and select food items! Live music every Thursday night from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.

Nello’s Pizza
Happy Hour Specials:
Tuesday-Sunday, 3-6 p.m: Domestic Drafts – $2.50, Premium Drafts – $3.00
Wednesdays, 3 p.m. – close: Happy Hour pricing and 1/2 off select appetizers
Charming Arizona residents for over 25 years, Nello’s family-run bistro features indoor and patio dining with age-old tradition and timeless recipes featuring pizza, pasta, sandwiches, heaping salads and sinful desserts. 

Z’Tejas Southwestern Grill
Half off appetizers and great drink specials!
Monday – Friday: 3:30-6:30 p.m.
Saturday & Sunday 3:00-5:00 p.m.

La Bocca Urban Pizzeria  
1/2 priced bottles of wine on Sundays & Mondays: 6:30 p.m. – close
2-for-1 Pizzas every Tuesday: 6:30 p.m. – close
Reverse Happy Hour on Fridays & Saturdays: 10 p.m. to close

Rula Bula Irish Pub 
Happy Hour Specials Daily!
Monday – Saturday: 2:00 – 7:00 p.m.
Sundays from 2:00 – 6:00 p.m. 

Four Peaks Brewery
Happy Hour every day from 3:00 – 7:00 p.m.
Reverse Happy Hour from 10:00 p.m. to close
$2.50 pints, $9.00 pitchers
16 oz. Pint $3.75, 10 oz. Pilsner $3.00
60 oz. Pitcher $11.00, Sampler Tray $8.00

Cadillac Ranch Tempe
Happy Hour 3:00–7:00 p.m. every day and all night on Mondays
Half off of all beer, bottles, cans & pints
Half off appetizers
$2.99 Margaritas, premium well cocktails, house wine by the glass
$3.99 Long Island ice teas
$4.99 Cadillac Ranch “Signature” cocktails, martinis and shooters
Reverse Happy Hour: Half off appetizers Sunday–Thursday from 10:00 p.m. to midnight

San Felipe’s Cantina
Happy Hour every day from 4:00–7:00 p.m.
Half off ALL appetizers and ALL drinks!

Macayo’s Depot Cantina
Happy Hour all day every day!
Free food buffet every Friday, live music Thursday & Saturday nights.
$1 Depot Kazis, $2 Dos XX Bottles, $3 Jagermeister, $4 Jack Daniels, $5 any Absoluts, $6 Patron Shots, $7 Patron Margaritas (more…)

Papago Park

Hiking is one of my favorite things to do and it’s the perfect time of year to start off the day with an early morning trek. It’s a great way to learn about the Sonoran Desert landscape and mix with the locals too. In the Tempe/Phoenix area, there are so many choices of hiking trails that it can be hard to choose where to go. Here’s a quick guide to some of my favorite Phoenix hiking trails. Papago Park and South Mountain Park are also popular for recreational mountain biking in Tempe, AZ. Just remember, take water, wear sunscreen and go with a friend. It’s just more safe (and fun) that way!

Papago Park

• The trailhead just west of the parking lot at College and Curry is an easy hike that provides views of downtown Tempe and Tempe Town Lake from the summits. This trail is also home to Loma del Rio, a Hohokam ruin. To get to the ruin, continue along the path towards the freeway, and then veer right. Once you pass the summit of the next hill, you’ll see the ruin next to a ramada.
• There’s another popular trailhead on the west side of Papago Park. You can access it by turning west into the parking lot just across Galvin Parkway from the entrance to The Phoenix Zoo, located just north of Van Buren. Great for mountain bikers and hikers, this trail leads north towards the picturesque red butte.
• And, perhaps the most well-traveled path in Papago Park leads to Hole in the Rock, a very appropriately named butte. You can get to this trail by entering The Phoenix Zoo parking lot. Turn left once you enter the zoo and continue until you see an additional parking lot near the butte, next to the lagoon. The trail to Hole in the Rock is a quick hike, maybe 5 or 10 minutes. This is a really popular spot, especially around the time that the sun is setting, but the view from the top is just lovely.

South Mountain Park

• The trails on the east side of the country’s largest municipal park can be accessed from 48th Street, just north of Guadalupe Rd. You can also enter the Arizona Grand Resort off of Baseline and the I-10, and go south past the resort and golf course, turn right on Guadalupe and right on 48th Street. There are multiple trail options here, from flat paths to challenging climbs that are popular for hikers and bikers. One of my favorites is the National Trail to the Mormon Loop. It’s about 6 miles round trip.

A Mountain

• Perhaps one of the most accessible hikes is A Mountain (aka Hayden Butte), located in Tempe’s downtown Mill Avenue District. There are trailheads located behind Tempe Mission Palms Hotel off of Fourth Street and Mill Avenue, behind the Hayden Flour Mill at Mill Avenue and Rio Salado Parkway and behind the Tempe Transportation Center on Veterans Way and College Avenue. Like most trails in the area, this is a preserve, so just look for the trailhead signs and stay on the marked paths. Be sure to keep your eyes peeled for petroglyphs that were left by from Tempe’s first settlers, the Hohokam. The last part of the hike is steep, but the view from the top is a great reward for work well done. And, when you’re finished, the restaurants and taverns along Mill Avenue are ultra-convenient.

Camelback Mountain

• This iconic landmark in Phoenix is said to look like a camel’s back (hence the name). There are two trailheads, each with its own challenges. This is not an easy climb, so come prepared – flip flops will not serve you well. The Echo Canyon trailhead is located off of McDonald Drive, just east of Tatum Boulevard. There are a few very steep climbs on this trail. It’s definitely not for a beginning hiker. Going north on 44th Street past Camelback Road, the road will curve. Stay to the right and at the light at McDonald, continue east (right) and turn right on Echo Canyon Drive. There’s a parking lot at the end of the road. During peak hours, like weekend mornings, parking is at a premium so bring your patience along with your hiking boots! Hikers are no longer allowed to queue in a line and wait for a spot.
• The Cholla trailhead is located off of Invergordon Road, just north of Chaparral Road. Parking is located along Invergordon south of Cholla Lane (in between Chaparral and Jackrabbit Road.) The trailhead can be accessed by walking west on Cholla Lane. This trail has a few more switchbacks than the Echo Canyon trail, but there are fewer spots where you’ll have to use your arms to pull yourself up the hill. Both the Cholla trail and Echo Canyon trail end at the same place – a summit with a gorgeous 360 view of the metro area.

Are there other trails that you like that I didn’t mention? Please comment below. I’d love to hear about your favorites!

It’s wedding season and perfect timing for the return of MAMMA MIA! to ASU Gammage. The Tony award-winning musical is a tuneful celebration of love, laughter and friendship with a score full of ABBA’s greatest hits.  Actually, if you love theatre, it’s a great week be in Tempe where four great plays are on stage.  In addition to MAMMA MIA! you can also see Getting Sara Married, Abraham Lincoln’s Big Gay Birthday Party and The Borrowers. See the list below, view a complete listing of Tempe events or call 480-894-8158 for more information.

• May 16: Pianist Barb Catlin with Dom Moio-Drums, Tom Williams-Bass,  Dave’s Electric Brew Pub
• May 17: Acoustic Open Jam with Paul Ludenia, Rula Bula Irish Pub & Restaurant
• May 17: Friends of TCA Presents Performance with A View, Tempe Center for the Arts
• May 17-22: MAMMA MIA!, ASU Gammage
• May 18: Walk-in Wednesdays with Walt Richardson, Tempe Center for the Arts
• May 19: Third Thursday, Mill Avenue District
• May 19: Shelby James, D’Arcy McGees
• May 20: Lakeshore Jazz Series: Christian Jacob Trio, Tempe Center for the Arts
• May 20: Music in the Garden: Bad Cactus Band, Desert Botanical Garden
• May 20: Ratio; May 21: Jinx The Tragedy, Tempe Marketplace District Stage
• May 20: Sherry Finzer; May 21: Tina Angotti, Tempe Marketplace Barnes & Noble Fountain
• May 20: Super; May 21: Phoenix Fear Con IV & Rocky Horror Picture Show MADCAP Theaters
• May 20-21: Tempe Live Theatre Presents Getting Sara Married, Tempe Center for the Arts
• May 20: Western Fusion; May 21: Shining Star, Rula Bula Irish Pub & Restaurant
• May 20-22: Stray Cat Theatre Presents: Abraham Lincoln’s Big Gay Birthday Party, Tempe Center for the Performing Arts
• May 21: Jazz Jam Session led by Anthony Proveaux Trio, Robbie Fox’s Public House
• May 21-22: Childsplay Presents The Borrowers, Tempe Center for the Arts
• May 22: Justin Stewart, Dave’s Electric Brew Pub
• May 23: Music on the Patio with Shelby James, Rula Bula Irish Pub & Restaurant

Tempe Live Theatre (formerly Tempe Little Theatre) presents, Getting Sara Married, a comedy about a lawyer in her mid-30s who’s too busy to get involved in romance. Things get funny when her aunt decides to “help” find Sara a husband. Her aunt’s unconventional methods involve kidnapping and delivering the prospective groom to her niece’s doorstep. The play was written  by Sam Brobrick, who as a TV writer for many years, worked on a variety of shows, including Saved By The Bell, The Smother’s Brother’s Comedy Hour and The Tim Conway Comedy Show.

Getting Sarah Married is one of many entertaining things to do in Tempe this week. View a complete list of Tempe events or call 480-894-8158 for more information.

• May 9: Blaise Lantana & Stan Sorenson, Dave’s Electric Brew Pub
• May 10: Acoustic Open Jam with Chuck E Baby, Rula Bula Irish Pub & Restaurant
• May 10: Peter Held: Travels to Asia: A Glimpse of China, Japan & Korea, ASU Ceramic Research Center  
• May 11: Walk in Wednesday with Walt Richardson, Tempe Center for the Arts
• May 12: Music on Mill, Mill Avenue District
• May 12: Sarah Vanell, D’Arcy McGees
• May 12: Avant Garden: Saucy Little Number: Mario Moreno & the Ramblers, Desert Botanical Garden
• May 13: The Hooves; May 14: Jeff Hunt Band, Rula Bula Irish Pub & Restaurant
• May 13: Music in the Garden: Cosmos, Desert Botanical Garden
• May 13 & 14: A Serbian Film; May 14: Rocky Horror Picture Show, MADCAP Theaters
• May 13: Ted Brown’s Mailbox, Alternative Band; May 14: Union Rock, Alternative Band, Tempe Marketplace District Stage
• May 13: Mark Zubia; May 14: Leah & Stephanie, Tempe Marketplace Barnes & Noble Fountain
• May 13-16: Tempe Live Theatre Presents Getting Sara Married, Tempe Center for the Arts
• May 14 & 15: Childsplay Presents The Borrowers, Tempe Center for the Arts
• May 14: Jazz Jam Session led by Anthony Proveaux Trio, Robbie Fox’s Public House
• May 15: Justin Stewart,  Dave’s Electric Brew Pub

The phenomenal Tony Award-winning show Billy Elliot The Musical is at ASU Gammage all week.  Elton John’s gorgeous score, the powerful choreography and incredible cast make this one a must see.  Billy Elliot is just one reason to visit Tempe this week.  View a complete list of Tempe events or call 480-894-8158.

• May 2-8: Billy Elliot The Musical, ASU Gammage
• May 3: Open Jam, Rula Bula Irish Pub & Restaurant
• May 4: Walk in Wednesday with Walt Richardson; May 5: Carolyn Eynon Singers, Tempe Center for the Arts
• May 5: Music on Mill, Mill Avenue District
• May 5: Shelby James, D’Arcy McGees
• May 5: Project Humanities and the ASU Art Museum Present Angela Davis: Education or Incarceration? The Future of Education, Neeb Hall
• May 5: Avant Garden: Roots & Recreation; May 6: Music in the Garden: Big Nick and the Gila Monsters, Desert Botanical Garden
• May 6: Hello Swindon; May 7: Mojo Farmers, Tempe Marketplace District Stage
• May 6: David & Amy; May 7: Michael V., Tempe Marketplace Barnes & Noble Fountain
• May 6: Shawn Johnson; May 7: Mod Zombies, Rula Bula Irish Pub & Restaurant
• May 6: Captain Squeegee & the Mesa Community College Jazz Band, MADCAP Theaters
• May 6 & 7: Childsplay Presents The Borrowers, Tempe Center for the Arts
• May 7: Mommie Dearest; Rocky Horror Picture Show, MADCAP Theaters
• May 7: Jazz Jam Session led by Anthony Proveaux Trio, Robbie Fox’s Public House
• May 8: Live Music on the Patio with Shelby James, Rula Bula Irish Pub & Restaurant
• May 8: Justin Stewart, Dave’s Electric Brew Pub