Tempe Blooms Event Returns Jan. 25-26 to Showcase Downtown District in Full Bloom

Start: Saturday, January 25, 2025 10:00AM
End: Sunday, January 26, 2025 5:00PM

There’s nothing quite like the desert in bloom, but there’s no need to wait for the splendor to unfold. Downtown Tempe Authority, in partnership with Arizona Flower Market, is accelerating access to the wonders of desert botanicals by bringing a floral wonderland to life with Tempe Blooms, a free community event on Saturday, Jan. 25 and Sunday, Jan. 26. The event runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day, and features 21 real and spectacular large-scale floral displays spanning throughout the district, draped on buildings, surrounding historic landmarks , and arranged to stunning perfection by local floral designers. The event also includes live music, live mural painting, a floral-inspired market, and flowerful specials from Downtown Tempe merchants.

Now in its second year, Tempe Blooms celebrates the vibrancy of the Downtown district and engages attendees in a truly unique immersive experience. More than 80,000 visitors attended last year’s inaugural event, and a similar crowd is expected this year. Admission is free and is open to all ages, and is dog-friendly too.

“The response to Tempe Blooms has been simply incredible,” said Lori Foster, President and CEO of Downtown Tempe Authority. “This event highlights the exceptional talent of local artists, whose creativity energizes the downtown district and elevates its beauty in a truly unique and engaging way. I invite the community to experience this captivating celebration, featuring floral-themed activities such as art demonstrations, live mural painting, the Flowerful Market, and floral-inspired cocktails and culinary delights at participating businesses.”

While marveling at the floral installations—and snapping plenty of incredible photos, of course—attendees will also have the opportunity to observe as local artists create art in real time. A curated selection of 10 local artists will paint murals depicting the allure of desert botanicals with designs that encompass everything from a vivid desert landscape to a majestic Arizona sunset. Artists will each be scattered throughout the Downtown district, and those who appreciate musical expressions of art will enjoy live music paired with each of the muralists for a true multi-sensory experience.

Local artisans and small businesses that use desert landscape and botanicals in their work will also be featured at Tempe Blooms Flowerful Market. Attendees can shop from over 40 local vendors, featuring handcrafted goods, art, edibles floral-themed treasures, handcrafted goods, art and flowers. To be eligible for the market, at least 60% of products must be flower, desert or land themed. What’s more, attendees who are intrigued by the botanical world and want to learn more about flowers will have the opportunity to participate in a series of seminars presented by Arizona Flower Market.

“Appreciating the beauty of floral design is one thing, but learning from some of the region’s leading floral experts is an empowering way to tap into your own creativity,” said Brennen Rigler, CEO of Arizona Flower Market. “We’re passionate about making beautiful flowers accessible and approachable for everyone, and we’re eager to welcome aspiring designers to a fun and informative weekend.”

This year’s Tempe Blooms Live Floral Design Seminars include:
- “Flowers to Celebrate” presented by Derrick Vasquez AIFD, which provides insight on selecting the perfect blooms to complement any special event;
- “More than Just a Flower” presented by Carrie Waterman AIFD, CFD, ICPF, ICD and Tina Davis AIFD, ICPF, which invites participants to unleash their creativity and discover innovative techniques and ideas for transforming flowers into stunning masterpieces; and
- “Tropical Paradise” presented by Brent Leech AIFD, CFD, a session dedicated to the art of designing stunning tropical floral arrangements.

Last but not least, attendees will have the opportunity to explore floral-themed specials from Downtown Tempe’s businesses, such as floral inspired cocktails and mocktails, food specials and merchandise. The floral fun also extends to the Downtown Tempe culinary scene, as several participating Downtown restaurants will serving up flavorful complements to the flowerful journey with floral-inspired cocktails, beverages and more.

Attendees are encouraged to capture and share their experiences on social media using the hashtag #tempeblooms.

Learn more about the event, including artist details and seminar dates and times, by visiting downtowntempe.com/tempe-blooms-2025.