As summer temperatures soar, Downtown Tempe Authority (DTA) is accelerating its own kind of energy with a new initiative that celebrates local businesses. The Summer of Local Love campaign shines a spotlight on Downtown Tempe businesses, while highlighting tools to make exploring the district easier. As part of the campaign, the REEL Love social media contest offers visitors a chance to win $250 gift cards to their favorite downtown destinations.
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Heat and travel patterns create shifting dynamics for businesses every summer, but this season’s construction adds another layer of complexity for many Downtown Tempe businesses. Under the direction of the City of Tempe, Mill Avenue is undergoing a much-needed Streetscape Improvement Project that is being expedited to minimize disruption during the busy fall season.
“Even in the heat and through the construction, our local businesses are showing up every day with heart, hustle and resiliency,” said Lori Foster, President and CEO of DTA. “As Downtown Tempe evolves and consumer habits shift, one thing remains constant — the power of community support. Choosing to shop local keeps our district vibrant, resilient and ready for what’s next.”
With those sentiments in mind, DTA is bringing well-deserved recognition to the community’s 166 street-level businesses. The Summer of Local Love campaign highlights new and long-standing favorites, promotes limited-edition products and specials available at downtown businesses, and shares summer-friendly itineraries and insider tips to help visitors beat the heat.
“Our goal is to make everyone an expert on exploring Downtown Tempe,” says Bethany Kennedy, Director of Marketing and Communications. “From finding the best burger to checking out a new spot, or even where to find the best parking using the new Tempe TRiP tool, we’re here to help. This summer, we’re spreading the word that it’s easy to visit and support our amazing local businesses.”
Downtown Tempe offers a wide range of rooftop bars and restaurants, fine dining, a new dive bar, some of the best authentic Indian Grub, and expanded retail options with unique, locally made goods. Since 2024, 23 businesses have opened in Downtown Tempe, eight of those since January 2025, and more than 65% are locally owned.
“There’s always something happening downtown, and this summer is no exception,” Kennedy said. “If it’s been a while since your last visit, chances are you haven’t seen everything that is new.”
Every moment makes a difference
As part of the summer campaign, DTA is hosting the REEL Love social media contest that invites the community to create videos showing what they love most about Downtown Tempe, celebrating local businesses while inspiring others to explore and enjoy. Videos may depict a personal selection such as a favorite bar, a hidden gem like Lotions & Potions, a mouthwatering burger at Sexy Burger, or a game night at Snakes & Lattes.
Videos must be taken in Downtown Tempe and focus on events, businesses, or things to do specifically in the downtown district. Posts, reels and/or stories tagged @downtowntempe on Facebook, Instagram or Tik Tok will be entered to win one of four $250 gift cards to Downtown Tempe businesses. Multiple winners, one every two weeks, will be selected by DTA from July 8 through August 31. Each tagged video counts as an entry; there’s no limit to the number of entries per person. Learn more at downtowntempe.com/post/reel-love.
Summer fun at your fingertips
Contest participants seeing inspiration — and others simply seeking some summer fun — can take advantage of an all new website that makes it easy to find things to do, plan a visit, and get around the Downtown Tempe district. Visitors can access business directories based on their interests, browse day trip itineraries, find fun things to do indoors, make note of limited time food and drink specials and more.
In addition, the site includes easy access and a quick tutorial on Tempe TRiP, a new tool that takes the guesswork out of visiting Downtown Tempe with real-time parking availability, the fastest routes, options closest to your destination and — coming soon — transportation options.
