PHOENIX — As holiday shoppers and art lovers flock to downtown Tempe this weekend for the Festival of the Arts, it could cause problems for anyone traveling in the area.

The festival on Mill Avenue runs Friday through Sunday, but drivers should be aware of detours between Thursday and Monday morning.

The fall version of the twice-yearly event takes place Fridays and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Which streets in Tempe will be closed for the Festival of the Arts?

The following road closures will take effect at 7 a.m. Thursday:

• Mill Avenue in both directions between Fifth Street and University Drive.
• Seventh Street in both directions from Mill Avenue to Maple Avenue/Tower Drive. Local traffic will be permitted west of Myrtle Avenue.
• Seventh Street east of Mill Avenue to Westin Alley.
• Maple Avenue in both directions between Fifth and Seventh Streets.
• Sixth Street in both directions from Mill Avenue to Maple Avenue/Tower Drive.
• 440 S. Mill by Hackett House.

The following closures will take place later Thursday at the posted times:

• 2:00 p.m.: Fourth Street in both directions from Mill Avenue to Maple/Tower Drive.
• 2:00 p.m.: Maple Avenue between Fourth and Fifth Streets.
• 5:00 p.m.: Fifth Street in both directions between Ash and Myrtle Avenue.
• 5:00 p.m.: City Hall West parking lot.
• 6:00 p.m.: Mill Avenue in both directions between Rio Salado Parkway and Fifth Street.
• 6:00 p.m.: Third Street in both directions between Mill and Ash Avenues.

All restrictions are due to be lifted at 5am on Monday.

Tempe Festival of the Arts guests are encouraged to travel by public transportation. However, tram and bus routes in the area will also be affected by the event. A complete list of road closures and public transportation impacts can be found on the City of Tempe website.

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