The Downtown Tempe Authority kicked off a summer campaign that encourages visitors to support local businesses and, in turn, earn points, swag and prizes.

Running through Aug. 2, “Discover Downtown: Sidewalk Summer” turns everyday visits into opportunities to earn points, unlock rewards and enter to win weekly and grand prizes. There will be eight winners per week (72 winners in total) and two grand prize winners at the end.

By scanning campaign QR codes found on signage, ground stickers and other promotional materials throughout Downtown Tempe, participants can access the experience from their mobile browser.

“After stacking points, you can redeem them for prizes and weekly giveaways,” said Chelsey Velasquez, marketing operations manager for Downtown Tempe Authority.

“You can get things like a Tempe sticker or keychain, sunglasses, or an exclusive summer T-shirt [designed by Eli Farias]. You can also redeem your points for entry into the weekly giveaway. Every week, we pick eight random names from those who redeemed their points.”

In addition to prizes, participating businesses will offer exclusive summer discounts.

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“It has a web-based platform,” Velasquez said. “There’s a map and a list view, so you can see who’s participating. Also, most of the businesses are offering summer-exclusive coupons to sweeten the deal. Some of them are running buy-one-get-one deals. Others have 25% off deals.”

The initiative was created to support Downtown Tempe businesses during the final phase of a years-long road construction project. 

“The City of Tempe’s Downtown Refresh Project has been an important investment in the future of Downtown Tempe, and our businesses have been navigating construction since November 2024,” said Allyson Dykstra, business liaison for Downtown Tempe Authority. 

“Summer tends to bring fewer crowds, so this is a great time to show up, explore the district, and support the businesses that keep downtown so vibrant.”

Sidewalks are open, and all businesses will continue operating as usual, so visitors are encouraged to park on surrounding streets or in nearby garages and walk into the district. Valley Metro Light Rail and Tempe Streetcar also offer easy access with stops just steps from Mill Avenue.

“Our goal is to give the businesses extra promotion during this time,” Velasquez said. “It’s a long process, but it’s for the greater good of the downtown. We’re getting tons of new things — new pavement, new sidewalks and mosaics, new roads, new trees and shaded structures.”

Downtown Tempe Authority is the area’s business improvement district and champions more than 160 street-level initiatives. The organization works to keep streets clean and safe, advance parking and mobility technology, and produce signature events and activate public spaces.

“We are a nonprofit organization that helps bring feet to the street in various ways,” Velasquez said. “We do marketing and promotion for the businesses as well as downtown as a whole. 

“We have a security team that works with the City of Tempe Police Department. We also have ambassadors on the streets, keeping them clean. We host 12 free community events, such as markets. We promote local artists, food vendors, and creators and makers.”

To participate in the Discover Downtown: Sidewalk Summer rewards program, visitors can visit the Downtown Tempe Authority website to learn more about participating merchants, available offers and how the program works. Parking information is also available on the website.