Introducing Open Streets Tempe: Celebrating Community in Our Streets
On April 13, 2025, Tempe’s streets will transform into vibrant public spaces as we launch Open Streets Tempe. This new initiative, brought to you through a partnership between Tempe Bicycle Action Group, the City of Tempe, and Downtown Tempe Authority, reimagines how we can use our streets to strengthen community connections.
Building on Tempe’s Community Events
Tempe has a rich history of community celebrations centered around active transportation, from the long-running Tour de Tempe to the iconic Tour de Fat, which concluded in 2022. Open Streets Tempe represents an exciting evolution of these traditions, expanding their spirit into an inclusive celebration for everyone who uses our streets.
We’re particularly excited that Open Streets Tempe will coincide with Downtown Tempe Authority’s 2nd Sunday street festival, which already brings car-free celebration to Mill Avenue. This natural partnership allows us to create an even more impactful event that connects downtown festivities with surrounding neighborhoods.
More Than Just a Street Festival
Open Streets events, known globally as Ciclovías, have a proven track record of transforming communities. Born in Bogotá, Colombia, these events have spread to cities worldwide, demonstrating how simple it can be to turn our largest public spaces—our streets—into vibrant places for community life.
For one special day, we’ll create a car-free corridor through Tempe where you can:
- Join free fitness classes in the middle of the street
- Watch local artists create and perform
- Connect with neighbors and community organizations
- Support local businesses and food vendors
- Try different forms of active transportation in a safe environment
- Simply sit, relax, and watch your community come alive
A Vision for the Future
While Open Streets Tempe begins as an annual event, we envision it growing to a twice-yearly celebration that rotates through different parts of our city. This approach allows us to highlight the unique character of Tempe’s diverse neighborhoods and create meaningful connections with residents throughout our community.
Key to our vision is deep collaboration with neighborhood associations and residents in each area where Open Streets takes place. We want this to be more than just an event that happens on your street—it should be a celebration of your neighborhood’s character, stories, and community.
Why This Matters
Open Streets Tempe offers something unique: a chance to experience our city differently. It’s not just about closing streets to cars—it’s about opening them to possibilities. Every Open Streets event around the world has shown that when you give people space, amazing things happen:
- Children build confidence riding bikes in a welcoming space
- Neighbors meet and connect
- Local businesses discover new customers
- Artists find new audiences
- Communities grow stronger
Join Us in Shaping Tempe’s Future
This inaugural event wouldn’t be possible without the support of our key partners: the City of Tempe and Downtown Tempe Authority. Their collaboration and vision have been instrumental in bringing Open Streets Tempe to life.
Ready to be part of this exciting community celebration? Volunteer opportunities are already available at openstreetstempe.org/volunteer. Whether you can help for a few hours or want to join our planning committee, there’s a place for you in making this event successful.
Mark your calendar for April 13, 2025, and join us in creating not just an event, but a movement toward a more livable, connected, and vibrant Tempe.
Want to learn more? Visit openstreetstempe.org to discover additional ways to get involved, including sponsorship opportunities and vendor applications.
