There’s something to love for everyone in the City of Chandler, where events galore unfold throughout the year. From blockbuster festivals to live concerts to cultural celebrations, signature events and family-friendly fun, happenings of all kinds occur citywide nearly every day of the year.
January
Chandler has always been a true melting pot: a City with many diverse people, traditions and cultures from around the world. Every January, the City unites to celebrate our community’s diversity along with the ideals of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. All month long, the civil rights movement is on display at a stellar selection of multicultural events.
February
Chandler recognizes and reflects on the role that African-Americans played – continue to play – in the history of our nation all year long and Black History Month inspires even more celebration. During February, many of the City’s community partners host special events, discussions and exhibits that highlight the incredible lives and contributions of African-Americans.
Aspiring scientists big and small get a behind-the-scenes look at Chandler’s prominent innovation and technology dedication. The super-charged citywide celebration highlights science, engineering, technology, math and more as Chandler participates in the Arizona SciTech Festival. The festival culminates with Science Saturday, a giant outdoor carnival featuring explosive activities and experiments.
It’s an evening filled with sugar, spice and everything nice. Celebrate the unique bond between fathers and daughters at the annual Daddy Daughter Dance. Father-daughter duos twirl across the dance floor, create heart-themed crafts and enjoy a catered dinner and mountains of sweet treats. Girls, bring your Dad (Grandpa, Big Brother or Guardian) and get ready to party hearty!
Help your little one discover, imagine and grow by attending Preschool Expo. Its one-stop information gathering for all of your preschooler (0-6 years) activity and educational needs. Bring the whole family and enjoy a wide range games, crafts, entertainment and prizes as you connect with parent resources.
March
Get ready to shake a tail feather with our favorite feathered friends, the ostriches! With its lanky ostriches, national entertainment bands and specialty foods and gifts the Ostrich Festival is truly unique and suitable for the entire family. Featuring more than 100 craft booths, carnival rides, concerts and famous ostrich races, the Festival has been recognized as one of “Top 10 Unique Festivals in the United States".
Every spring, the Mayor’s Committee for the Aging brings together an extensive collection of exhibitors who provide products, resources and valuable services to the 50+ community. Enjoy for a fun-filled morning of information gathering, giveaways and free health screenings at the Senior Expo. You’ll make lasting connections to enhance your quality of life.
Spice of Life Senior Variety Show
A funny, witty and musical show to entertain people of all ages, the Spice of Life Senior Variety Show provides Chandler's 50-plus community with an ideal opportunity to display their acting, singing and dramatic talents. For some, it's an opportunity to revive and reprise their skills from bygone days. For others, it's a chance of a lifetime to take center stage.
April
It’s easy being green! Honor Mother Nature every day and especially on Earth Day with a ton of eco-friendly activities. In pursuit of all things green, enjoy a fun-filled morning of live animal presentations, crafts, information booths promoting conversation and sustainable living.
May
You Look Marvelous Fashion Show
Every May, we roll out the red carpet for Therapeutic Recreation’s You Look Marvelous Fashion Show. From gorgeous gowns to black-tie attire to rock n’ roll; every season’s theme sets the stage for a must-see show. Chandler and Mesa Therapeutic Recreation and Adaptive Programs models, take center stage at the Chandler Center for the Arts for a fashionably show and dinner.
June
Juneteenth Celebration
Downtown Chandler celebrates Juneteenth, the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States, with its annual Juneteenth Celebration in mid-June. The “Freedom Day,” Celebration features a freedom walk and parade, panel discussions, diverse food vendors and performance arts and family-oriented activities.
July
Every July, explore everything parks and recreation has to offer! Park and Recreation Month allows us to celebrate the many rewarding experiences that improve the physical, mental and emotional health of all citizens. Enjoy family-friendly fun all month long. Every year you’ll discover exciting special events, classes and giveaways under a new theme.
October
Celebrate the accomplishments, culture and legacy of Chandler’s Hispanic population during Hispanic Heritage Month with festivals, events and more. The festivities culminate with the annual Mariachi and Folklorico Festival, where the rich, cultural history of Mexico fills the main stage of the Chandler Center for the Arts.
Miss Indian Arizona Scholarship Program
Enjoy a daylong showcase of Indian culture, including dance, art, music and more. The art-filled festival and street fair, known as the Chandler Indian Art Market also celebrates the accomplishments of young Indian with the awards presentation of the Miss Indian Arizona Scholarship Program.
Chandler comes to life with live music in the park the third Thursday of the month - October through March. Head over to Veterans Oasis Park with your blankets, chairs and coolers to enjoy a free concert under the stars. Each Sonoran Sunset Series provides an extensive repertoire of lively music for acclaimed local and regional bands. It’s time to face the music.
November
Grab you brood of eagles and birdies and make your way to the annual Chandler Golf Challenge. Join us alongside presenting sponsor, Dignity Health for “the short game” benefiting the Chandler Mayor’s Committee for People with Disabilities Scholarship Fund. Tournament includes dinner, raffle and on-course contests, and much more. Whether you’re an Olympic hopeful or a Happy Gilmore, the day is sure to be a hole-in-one!
Howdy folks! Get ready to take in the sights, smells and tastes of the Old West at the annual Chuck Wagon Cook-Off. Using historic cooking methods, authentic 1880s chuck wagon teams from across the West cook up five-course meals and faithfully recreate what it would have been like to live and dine on the range. Discover more about Arizona’s diverse historical past through lively presentations and cooking demonstrations, unique hands-on activities, and wagon rides to the Arizona Railway Museum. This free, family-friendly offers a one-of-a-kind Old West experience.
December
Here comes Santa Claus! The jolly ol’ elf has made his way from the North Pole to Chandler to visit with kids, pose for photos and find out who’s been naughty and who’s been nice. Enjoy free photos with the jolliest man in town all month-long. Select Santa's House evenings also include holiday performances for local choirs.