Phoenix officially has a festival for everything, and we are here for it. If you don’t want to take our word for it, just check out a few of the fun festivities that are set to grace this Valley this weekend. With everything from the Chandler Ostrich Festival and the Flying Burrito Food and Music Festival, to the Arizona Aloha Festival and the Witches and Wizards Beer Festival, we’re ready to channel our inner tropic and binge-watch Harry Potter in preparation for the exciting weekend that’s ahead. Check out our full roundup of the top ten things for you to do in Phoenix this weekend, March 8 through March 10:
Friday
Scottsdale Arts Festival
The three-day Scottsdale Arts Festival features 170 awe-inspiring artists from throughout North America who display their work for sale on the beautiful grounds of the Scottsdale Civic Center Mall. Works of art are available for purchase directly from the artists and from the Scottsdale Arts Festival’s online art auction. Single-day tickets are $12; a two-day pass is $20. For more information on this event, click here.
Ostrich Festival
Arguably one of the most unique and strangely-wonderful festivals – perhaps ever created – returns to Tumbleweed Park this weekend. The annual event features heart-pumping ostrich races, musical performances and a decadent selection of diverse fair food options. For more information on this family-friendly event, click here.
Podcast: Welcome to Night Vale
Welcome to Night Vale is a twice-monthly podcast in the style of community updates for the small desert town of Night Vale, featuring local weather, news, announcements from the Sherriff’s secret police, mysterious lights in the night sky and cultural events. Admission ticket prices vary. For more information on this immersive experience, click here.
Saturday
Billy Joel
As if we need to convince you of why you should consider attending this event. The musical legend Billy Joel makes his musical debut at Chase Field for what many believe will be one of his last concerts. Grab some tickets, and enjoy the music stylings of a creative icon. The show begins at 8 p.m.; concert ticket prices vary. For more information on this event, click here.
Flying Burrito Food and Music Festival
Second Avenue and Crescent Ballroom will be transformed into a live music and burrito haven. Experience four stages housing 25 bands from all over the country - acts such as Bane's World, Orkestra Mendoza, Donna Missal, The Suffers, Playboy Manbaby, Soft Kill and more. Plus, attendees can enjoy a ton of local food vendors! Samples and full burritos will be available for tasting from vendors such as Ladera Taverna y Cocina, East Coast Joes, Different Smokes BBQ, Hummus Xpress, Marcel Waffles and more. For more information on this event, click here.
Phoenix Blues Blast
Join Phoenix Blues Society for the premiere blues festival in Phoenix! This family-friendly event includes local and national blues artists, local merchandise vendors, and a tasty variety of food. This year's lineup features an amazing blend of traditional and rockin' blues with friends you may know locally and two incredible national acts that will have you on your feet yelling for more. Admission tickets range from $15 to $30. For more information on this lively event, click here.
Wizards and Witches Beer Festival
The Monarch Theatre will transform into a wizarding world of wonders complete with magic, debauchery and mischief. The event will host tastings of over 20 winter, pumpkin and holiday beers. Attendees can also explore the Lair of Secret Cider Potions and Adult Butterscotch Beer. There will be multiple magical photo ops, plenty of food, and live music from the Sorceress Sisters and DJ Merlin. Ages 21 and over only; admission tickets are $35. For more information on this event, click here.
Sunday
Arizona Aloha Festival
We don’t know about you, but we’ll take advantage of any excuse to pretend like we’re living out all of our Hawaiian-Island dreams. The Arizona Aloha Festival is a two-day event that celebrates the cultures of the South Pacific islands. Attendees can enjoy live entertainment on several stages with music, dance and lectures about Hawaii and Polynesia. The festival will run from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information on this free event, click here.
Rodeo Scottsdale
WestWorld plays host to Rodeo Scottsdale once again, as the Parada del Sol Rodeo returns for its 66th year. Rodeo Scottsdale is a PRCA Sanctioned Rodeo that consists of jaw-dropping, heart-pounding performances, as well as a Pro-Bull Riding Show. Attendees can also enjoy live music and themed dancing. Admission tickets are $10 for adults; $5 for children 12 and under. For more information on this event, click here.
NASCAR TicketGuardian 500 Race Weekend
Festivities for the NASCAR TicketGuardian 500 Race will take place all throughout the weekend, but the most exciting day will come on Sunday, when event attendees will have the opportunity to experience NASCAR Goes West with Champions Kevin Harvick and Kyle Busch taking on younger talents like Kyle Larson and Chase Elliott when they meet up on the track. The race begins at 12:30 p.m. on Sunday; admission ticket prices vary. For more information on the event, click here.
