On March 30th, 2012, the popular Tempe Festival of the Arts will return to the Mill Avenue District.

A bi-annual event, the festival typically draws in more than 225,000 visitors over a three-day period. The Tempe Festival of the Arts, which is considered to be one of the top art festivals in the country, is famous for attracting an abundance of talented artists from across the nation.

In addition to selling their works, some of the top artists compete in judging competitions in categories such as metalwork, glass, leather, painting, photography, sculpture, woodwork and even wearable art. More than 400 artists will be selling their works at the festival this year.

The Tempe Festival of the Arts will also feature plenty of activities for attendees of all ages. Adults can check out the exhibits for the Arizona Wine Festival and the Art of Beer microbrewery, both of which will offer free samples and sales. Families will be able to make their own arts and crafts at the Kids Innovation Station.

Numerous entertainment acts will perform throughout the weekend, including Traveler, Chicks with Picks, and Jazz Alive. Hungry visitors will be able to buy snacks, such as kettle corn or caramel apples, from street vendors, or grab a meal at one of the many restaurants located on the Mill Avenue District.

The spring Tempe Festival of the Arts will be held from March 30th to April 1st. Admission is free, and dogs are welcome, provided they are well-behaved and on a leash. During the festival, Mill Avenue will be closed between University Drive and 3rd Street.

[stextbox id=”alert” bwidth=”1″ bcolor=”000000″ bgcolor=”eaeaea” image=”null”]For information about transportation and parking, please click here. A portion of the proceeds will go to support local Tempe charities.[/stextbox]