Hayden’s Ferry Days, a celebration of the Tempe community and its heritage, will be held Friday, Feb. 24 through Sunday, Feb. 26 throughout the Tempe community. In its second year, the event has expanded to a three-day fete intended to raise awareness of the rich culture and history of Tempe by engaging community members of all ages in informative and entertaining ways.
Hayden’s Ferry Days will showcase historic buildings, the Tempe History Museum and several of Tempe historic homes including the Eisendrath House, Elias-Rodriguez House, Hackett House and Petersen House Museum. The event will bring the community and visitors together in a celebration of Tempe’s remarkable heritage with activities spread around a variety of venues throughout the city.
The celebration culminates at the Tempe History Museum and will feature live musical entertainment, demonstrations, interactive programs and activities, mini train rides, food trucks and more.
A number of individuals and organizations have joined forces to create the community celebration, including the City of Tempe, Tempe History Museum, Tempe Historic Preservation Foundation, Tempe Historical Society, Tempe Sister Cities, Friends of the Tempe Library, Tempe Tourism Office, Downtown Tempe Authority, SRP, Tempe Fire Fighters Union, Lakeshore Music and others
The specific events and program descriptions are as follows:
Friday, Feb. 24 6 p.m. – Hayden’s Ferry Days Kick-Off Dinner
The ticketed event includes a full buffet dinner catered by Nibblers, drinks courtesy of Four Peaks, live entertainment featuring Mikel Lander of the Sugar Thieves and a program. Attendees are encouraged (but not required) to dress in fancy Pioneer era clothing. The event will be held at the Tempe History Museum, 809 E. Southern Ave. Tickets are $35 each and are available at EventBrite.
Saturday, Feb. 25 8 – 11 a.m. – Walk Through History, Hackett House & Downtown Tempe
Step back in time and learn about the early years of Tempe, including the various merchants that lined Mill Avenue. Join the Tempe Historic Preservation Foundation, the Tempe Historic Preservation Office and others for the Downtown Tempe Walk Through History guided tour of these architectural wonders. Click here to see some of the buildings featured. The ticketed event includes continental breakfast that will be served at 8 a.m. at the historic Hackett House, 95 W. 4th St. and a T-shirt. The walking tours begin promptly at 9 a.m. Tickets are $25 each and are available at EventBrite.
10 a.m. – 2 p.m. – Historic Home Tours
Come explore some of Tempe’s historic homes including the Eisendrath House, 1400 N. College Ave.; Elias-Rodriguez House, 927 E 8th St.; Hackett House, 95 W. 4th St.; and Petersen House Museum, 1414 W. Southern Ave. Docents will be on-site to share information about the homes and the families that have lived in them. The tours are free. Donations are accepted.
2 p.m. – Afternoon Tea at the Eisendrath House
Enjoy afternoon tea at the iconic Einsendrath House, 1400 N. College Ave. Tickets are $15 each and are available at EventBrite.
Sunday, Feb. 26
10 a.m. – 4 p.m. – Hayden’s Ferry Days Festival at the Tempe History Museum
Take part in the free, family-friendly festival at the Tempe History Museum, 809 E. Southern Ave. The celebration concludes with live musical entertainment, demonstrations, food trucks, interactive programs and activities, train rides and more. Admission to the event is free.
For more details visit www.tempe.gov/museum or call 480-350-5100.
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