Kids Block
Open Saturday & Sunday Only
Kids block is where all the fun happens for kids and families!
A hands-on interactive block for young artists and a youth exhibition featuring over 300 student works from around the Valley – on display and for sale. Get your young creatives involved with the festival in a new way with community partners, who will be on-site doing take away projects with young visitors! Youth can start their appreciation for the arts at a young age by visiting Young Collectors on Saturday and Sunday. For just $5 children can begin their art collecting journey by purchasing their very own piece of hand crafted art by one of the professional artists vending at the festival.
- Kiddos can join in on Jr. Knights Training Sessions and make-and-take crowns, brought to you by Presenting Sponsor, Medieval Times! Sessions are happening at 11am and 2pm on both Saturday and Sunday!
- Upcycled City - Turn everyday recyclables into a one-of-a-kind cityscape you can build from the ground up.
- LEGOLAND Discovery Center will host a special LEGO building activity, inviting kids to design and construct their own creative builds to take home!
- For the first time, Kids Block will feature a live, kid-friendly DJ bringing high-energy fun to the area each day from 11am - 4pm!
- Craft your own unique tissue paper butterflies.
- Mix bright bits of toys and household recyclables into a one-of-a-kind hanging mobile guided by local artist Shari Keith, aka The Junk Lady!
- Fun, large outdoor games, LEGO bricks, and sidewalk chalk
- And so much more!
Family Features
- Parent's Lounge: Sponsored by Tempe Birth Center - A place to sit, breastfeed, diaper change or just relax (available all Friday-Sunday).
- Tables and chairs for taking a breather while the kiddos play.
Young Artist Exhibition + Competition
Friday - Sunday
The Tempe Festival of the Arts is proud to showcase a spectacular array of K-12 art, created by local youth from around the valley. Each festival we receive hundreds of pieces of artwork created by talented artists who are interested in having their work displayed for a chance to win a cash prize, and for the opportunity to sell their work (please refer to each nameplate to identify which pieces are for sale).
You can visit the exhibition just across the way from Kids Block (on Maple), throughout the entire weekend. Please see a staff person at the exhibition to purchase a piece. Cash is not accepted. Card only.
If you are interested in submitting art for the Young Artist Exhibition in the future, please click here.
Spring 2026 Award Winners and Honorable Mentions Coming Soon!
Young Collectors Gallery
Saturday - Sunday
Appreciation for art starts at a young age. For just $5 your child can begin their art collecting journey by purchasing their very own piece of art handcrafted by one of the professional artists vending at the festival. Each year, our juried artists have the option to donate a piece to the gallery, offering children the chance to purchase and bring home their very own piece. We encourage young collectors to shop on their own, learning freedom in what they like. Volunteers will be in place to assist your child while they browse and purchase. The Young Collectors section will be open Saturday and Sunday of the festival.
