Arizona State University may be Tempe’s claim to fame, but there’s much more going on in this friendly city just south of Phoenix

Known for hosting year-round events, Tempe is home to one of the longest-standing, juried arts festivals in the state, Tempe Festival of the Arts. Four Peaks Oktoberfest at Tempe Town Lake, Arizona Dragon Boat Festival, and Rock ‘n’ Roll Arizona Marathon and ½ Marathon are among the many other special events to check out while in Tempe. To sample more of the city’s lively special events, attend an ASU football game at Sun Devil Stadium or a Cactus League Spring Training game at Tempe Diablo Stadium.

ASU Gammage, the Frank Lloyd Wright-designed center for the performing arts, sits on one edge of the Arizona State University Tempe Campus. Stop in to see Broadway performances, concerts and more. Take in a performance or stop in the gallery at the Tempe Center for the Arts, a scenic destination that overlooks Tempe Town Lake.

Enjoy a leisurely stroll through Downtown Tempe to explore more than 100 hip, even bohemian, shops, restaurants, taverns and nightclubs, including a few that host live music regularly. Downtown Tempe’s Mill Avenue is also a great place for a hike up iconic “A” Mountain, part of the Sonoran Desert right in Tempe’s backyard.

At the northern end of Downtown Tempe, you’ll find Tempe Town Lake and Tempe Beach Park. Surrounded by condos, business complexes, an artistic pedestrian bridge, a popular park, a light rail bridge and marina, Tempe Town Lake is the site of daily water recreation. Go for a run, enjoy a picnic, take up paddle boarding or just relax in the sun.

Don’t miss Tempe’s other entertainment and shopping hubs within the city, including Tempe Marketplace, known for great shopping and live music on Friday and Saturday evenings. Arizona Mills features a mile of outlets, shops and entertainment venues, such as SEA LIFE Arizona Aquarium and LEGOLAND Discovery Center Arizona.