About Tempe
Tempe is an urban oasis of the Phoenix Metro with countless natural attractions and various events year-round. It offers excellent weather, award-winning intimate venues, and fun outdoor recreation, perfectly combining natural beauty and urban sophistication.
Many people recognize it as the home of Arizona State University, but there’s a lot more going on in this landlocked city that might just surprise you. Whether you’re looking for eclectic activities or want a more relaxing experience, there is always something to explore in Tempe.
With its rich history, desert locations, and spectacular mountain vistas serving as a backdrop, Tempe is no stranger to the creative and film industry. Besides its scenic spots, the city is also making a mark in the corporate world with tons of event spaces and meeting venues in Tempe. It also has qualified hospitality professionals ready to cater to your needs and make your event successful and safe.
Attractions in Tempe
Perhaps, you want to participate in desert-inspired activities for the ultimate local experience, or you’re seeking adrenaline-pumping adventures. No matter your preference and style, Tempe always has something for everyone.
- Tempe Town Lake
This lake is located in the heart of Tempe, regarded as the second-most visited public attraction in Arizona. It runs from west of McClinton Road to east of Priest Road between Curry Road and Rio Salado Parkway. Since its inception in 1999, the city has established several public facilities and parks along its shores for recreational opportunities.
- Tempe Beach Park
Take the whole family and enjoy fishing, boating, or kayaking at Tempe Beach Park. It’s a 25-acre park that offers over five miles of exercise trails, paths, and picnic areas. It also hosts numerous events and festivals and is a popular destination for filmmakers and photographers.
- Papago Park
There’s never a dull moment in Papago Park, with 1,500 acres of lagoons, biking and hiking trails, picnic areas, and unique facilities. It is one of the most picturesque spots and easily accessible locations within the Phoenix metro area. It’s also home to several attractions, including the Phoenix Zoo, Desert Botanical Garden, a museum, and more.
- SEA LIFE Aquarium
Explore the jaw-dropping underwater world and exciting exhibits at SEA LIFE Arizona. This 26 thousand square foot interactive aquarium houses thousands of impressive aquatic animals, including seahorses, rays, jellyfish, clownfish, several species of sharks, and more. It also lets you spend time with countless marine creatures and learn through feeding demonstrations and educational talks.
Production Locations in Tempe
Making a film and TV series or a music video is a long process, and choosing the right place to shoot is crucial for pre-production. Fortunately, production spaces and film venues in Tempe abound, so you’ll never run out of options to consider both indoors and outdoors.
- Stadiums
Sporting venues make dramatic, distinctive, and memorable filming locations in Tempe. If you’re familiar with the classic 1987 movie Raising Arizona and the 1976 remake of A Star is Born, you’ll notice the Sun Devil Stadium featured in these films. Stadiums are where big things happen, so it’s not surprising to find production companies and event organizers booking these spaces for shoots, concerts, and parties.
- Cafes and Restaurants
Cafes, restaurants, and other dining places are also famous event venues and production locations in Tempe. Their big open spaces, impressive interiors, and texture create depth and offer a unique vibe that will bring life to the scene. The 2019 Drama John Light is just one of the thousands of movies filmed in Arizona since 1913. It features numerous film venues in the state, including a Donut Parlor in Tempe. You can also book a spacious dining space in a historic building for a photoshoot or a music video.
- Parks
With wide-open spaces and stunning landscapes, parks create iconic backdrops for many films, videos, and TV series. They may have tennis centers, thematic playgrounds, nature trails, and other great features that add unique elements to stories. Not only do they make an excellent gathering spot to meet with friends, but they’re a popular favorite among storytellers.
- Churches
Whether it’s for a TV program or a feature film, churches and other places of worship have become part of various movies we love. They often say a lot about the story's characters and are used to inspire or as a unique setting necessary for the plot.
Event and Meeting Locations in Tempe
Organize your next conference, banquet, wedding, or special event in a breeze. Whether you’re looking for a small meeting space or a luxury party venue in Tempe, its state-of-the-art event and meeting facilities will go beyond your expectations.
- Museums
There’s no doubt that museums are impactful venues to host an event. It doesn’t matter if it’s a formal corporate affair or a casual dinner with friends and loved ones. Museums are historic and romantic destinations to rent for your meeting or special occasion. Check out the different museums and exhibition halls in Tempe and see what they have to offer.
- College Campuses and Universities
Colleges and Universities in Tempe are ideal settings for networking, learning, and exploring. That’s why they can be terrific places for organizing parties, conferences, fundraisers, social outings, and educational gatherings. Just make sure you book early, as they tend to be top-rated picks for anyone looking for exceptional accommodation at an affordable price.
- Botanical Gardens
Tempe’s pleasant climate year-round makes hosting outdoor meetings and events exciting and fun. And there’s no better outdoor venue to organize a party or a business luncheon than the gorgeous botanical gardens in the city. Its beautiful setting means you don’t have to spend too much on decoration or flowers. You can also enjoy a scenic backdrop for lovely pictures you’ll cherish forever.
- Patios and Rooftops
Patios and rooftops are fun locations for celebrations and events in Tempe. You can book a restaurant with rooftop seating or organize an outside patio dining and turn it into an entertaining area for your guests to enjoy and socialize. Some hotels in the city also feature rooftop bars for a private event or a cocktail reception after the meeting.
