March is just a few days away, and East Valley is not holding back. Tempe, Chandler, and Ahwatukee have packed nearly every weekend this month with outdoor festivals, free events, and live concerts worth planning around. Whether you live here or you’re visiting the Valley for spring, here’s everything worth putting on your calendar before spots fill up.
Your Art Fix Is Waiting on Mill Avenue
The arts festival that Downtown Tempe has built a 50-year legacy around returns for its spring edition on March 13 to 15, 2026. Over 300 professional artists spread across Mill Avenue and surrounding streets, covering everything from ceramics and jewelry to photography and woodwork. Live chalk artists take over the pavement, food vendors fill the walkways, and there’s a beer and wine garden if you want to plant yourself somewhere and stay for a while.
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Location: Mill Avenue between 3rd Street and University Drive, Downtown Tempe, AZ
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Hours: Friday and Saturday, 10 AM to 5:30 PM; Sunday, 10 AM to 4:30 PM
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Admission: Free (cashless event, bring your card)
The Kids Block brings hands-on activities for younger attendees, and with over 20 new businesses that opened in the Downtown Tempe district in the past year, it’s a great time to see what’s new on the street.
Chandler Brought Out the Ostriches (And the Concert Lineup to Match)
One of the most one-of-a-kind March events for families in the East Valley, the 36th Annual Ostrich Festival is celebrating a brand-new chapter this year with a move to Rawhide Western Town and Event Center (5700 W. North Loop Road, Chandler, AZ 85226). Two full weekends of carnival rides, curated food vendors, live national performers, and yes, real ostriches.
Weekend 1: March 13 to 15, 2026
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Friday, March 13: 2 PM to Midnight — prog-rock legends Kansas headline
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Saturday, March 14: 10 AM to Midnight — R&B artist Ravyn Lanae performs
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Sunday, March 15: 10 AM to 11 PM — country star Jo Dee Messina closes out the weekend
Weekend 2: March 20 to 22, 2026
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Friday through Sunday with additional headliners confirmed
Get your tickets at ostrichfestival.com before they go. This new venue is expected to draw bigger crowds than ever, and buying early saves you a long wait at the gate.
Hawaii Called, and Tempe Answered
No flights needed. The Aloha Festival brings Hawaiian and Polynesian culture straight to Tempe Beach Park for two full days of free entertainment, food, and live performances on March 21 and 22, 2026. Two live stages, an Island Marketplace, community booths, and a full keiki zone for kids make this a full afternoon out.
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Location: Tempe Beach Park, West Rio Salado Parkway, Tempe, AZ
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Hours: 10 AM to 5 PM both days
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Admission: Free
What to expect:
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Live performances from Hawaii, Samoa, and New Zealand on two stages
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Island Marketplace with crafts, traditional clothing, and keepsakes
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Authentic Polynesian food and drinks
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Keiki Activities for families and an Ohana Village with local nonprofit resources
Before You Head Out: Quick Planning Tips
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Buy Ostrich Festival tickets online early to skip the gate lines at the new Rawhide venue
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For the Aloha Festival, arrive at the Tempe Town Lake area before 10 AM on both days for better parking
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Tempe Festival of the Arts is fully cashless, so leave the cash at home and bring your card
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Check venue pages and social media closer to each event for any schedule or performer updates
March in the East Valley moves fast, and the best spots go first. For real-time updates on new community events, local business promotions, and everything happening across Tempe, Chandler, and Ahwatukee this spring, head over to East Valley Loop and stay in the loop all season long.
Sources: downtowntempe.com, ostrichfestival.com, visitchandler.com, phoenix.kidsoutandabout.com, rawhide.com, azcentral.com
Header Image Source: downtowntempe.com
