Best things to do in Phoenix this spring, from the Ostrich Festival to USAF Thunderbirds
Spring in metro Phoenix brings the perfect weather to step outdoors and relish the sunshine at an enticing selection of festivals, art shows and other events for residents and visitors alike.
Embrace the season at outdoor events such as the Tempe Dragon Boat Festival, Chandler Ostrich Festival or El Puente music and culture festival. Highlights such as Arizona Restaurant Week and the Fan Fusion comic con in Phoenix beckon people indoors.
Wherever you prefer to spend your spring leisure time, we've got choices for you from Glendale to Scottsdale to Mesa to Gold Canyon.
Here are the best things to do in metro Phoenix in spring 2024.
March Spring 2024 events
Arizona Renaissance Festival
Hear ye, hear ye! The Arizona Renaissance Festival will transform the Sonoran Desert into a 16th-century European village. There will be jousting tournaments, stage acts and comedic performances. The village boasts a marketplace where artisans offer handcrafted goods, Renaissance-inspired clothing and jewelry. Indulge in Renaissance-themed food and drink while enjoying games and interactive shows.
Details: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturdays, Sundays and Presidents Day, until March 31. Arizona Renaissance Festival grounds, 12601 E. U.S. 60, Gold Canyon. $20-$34. arizona.renfestinfo.com.
Persian New Year Festival
The Persian New Year Festival in Scottsdale has a full slate of events this year.
It kicks off on Wednesday, Feb. 28, with the Desert Dream fashion show featuring hand-crafted attire reflecting Persian traditions, stylistic history and regional diversities. It's at Scottsdale’s Museum of the West, 3830 N. Marshall Way. Tickets are regularly $150 but are on sale for $125 for a limited time.
On Thursday, Feb. 29, "Voices Unveiled" will be presented at Stagebrush Theater, 7020 E. Second St. The three-part composition by Ehsan Matoori is inspired by traditional folk music and features two Persian female vocalists, Maliheh Moradi and Mina Deris. Ticket prices start at $45.
The festival ends on Saturday, March 2, with a vibrant celebration on the Scottsdale Waterfront, 4420 N. Scottsdale Road. Immerse yourself in Persian culture with food, vendors and live entertainment from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tickets are $10; children under 12 get in free.
Details: 6-9 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 28; 6 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 29; and 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday, March 2, in Scottsdale. persiannewyearfestival.org.
Artlink's Art Detour
Artlink presents Art Detour, a monthlong celebration of the Arizona arts and culture community. The event will showcase a wide range of art forms, including visual, performing, culinary arts, fashion design, public art and more. Art Detour is a self-guided celebration of arts and culture across the Valley. Participants can explore a diverse array of over 300 events and exhibitions. Check the website for locations and updates.
Details: March 1-31. artdetour.com.
M3F Music Festival
The nonprofit M3F music festival donates 100% of its proceeds to charity, with $2 million donated since 2022. The 2024 M3F lineup features three stages encompassing EDM, indie, pop and R&B with artists like Dominic Fike, Dayglow and Arlo Parks. The festival moves to Steele Indian School Park in 2024, offering a larger location with more art activations and a capacity of 20,000.
Details: 1 p.m.-11 p.m. Friday, March 1 and noon-11 p.m. Saturday, March 2. Steele Indian School Park, 300 E. Indian School Road, Phoenix. $90-$215. m3ffest.com.
Phoenix Scottish Games
The highlands come to the desert as the 59th annual Phoenix Scottish Games offer a celebration of Scottish culture with pipes and drums, highland dancers, athletics, Celtic bands and the Gathering of the Clans. Enjoy live entertainment, interactive displays and athletic events. The festival features traditional folk, bluegrass and rock music rooted in Scotland, along with caber toss, sheaf toss, hammer throw and Putting the Stone. The Celtic Village offers shopping for traditional goods and a Scotch Whisky tasting.
Details: 9 a.m.-9:30 p.m. Friday-Sunday, March 1-3. Gilbert Regional Park, 3005 E. Queen Creek Road. $18. phoenixscottishgames.com.
Melrose Street Fair
The Melrose on 7th Avenue Street Fair is an annual event in Phoenix's Melrose District, covering over half a mile from Indian School Road to Camelback Road. The free fair has more than 200 local artisans, food trucks, live music, a farmers market, kids zone, craft beer garden and local businesses. Chester's Classic Car Show will present over 100 classic vehicles.
Details: 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, March 2. Along Seventh Avenue from Indian School Road to Campbell Avenue, Phoenix. Free. melrosemerchantsassociation.com.
Heard Museum Guild Indian Fair and Market
The Heard Museum Guild Indian Fair & Market is recognized as one of the largest American Indian art markets. It features over 600 Native artists from 116 tribal affiliations in the U.S. and Canada, showcasing traditional and cutting-edge art forms. Visitors can meet and purchase directly from multiple generations of American Indian artists, supporting the Heard Museum's mission of advancing American Indian art.
Details: 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday-Sunday, March 2-3. Heard Museum, 2301 N. Central Ave., Phoenix. $25. heard.org.
Chandler Chamber Ostrich Festival
Celebrate the history and heritage of Chandler at the 34th annual Ostrich Festival. It offers concerts, rides, entertainment, food vendors and other attractions. Visitors can see the festival's namesake ostriches up close in a viewing area where the birds can roam around. The Ostrich Festival highlights the city's historical connection to ostrich farming.
Details: 2 p.m.-midnight Friday, March 8 and 15; 10 a.m.-midnight Saturday, March 9 and 16; 10 a.m.-11 p.m. Sunday, March 10 and 17. Tumbleweed Park, 745 E. Germann Road, Chandler. $30. ostrichfestival.com.
Tempe Festival of the Arts
The Tempe Festival of the Arts, with a history spanning over 50 years, is one of the longest-running festivals in the Southwest. It presents a diverse array of over 350 artists from around the country. Attendees can immerse themselves in local music, explore a Kids Block and indulge in a variety of foods and beverages.
Details: 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Friday-Sunday, March 8-10. Along Fifth Street between Myrtle and Ash avenues in downtown Tempe. Free. tempefestivalofthearts.com.
Mask Alive! Festival of Masks
The Cultural Coalition's annual Mask Alive! Festival of Masks celebrates the global artistic tradition of storytelling through masks, featuring dance and music performances representing cultures including Mexico, Japan, West Africa and Egypt. There will be food trucks, local artisans and kids' craft activities.
Details: 2-5 p.m. Sunday, March 10. Pioneer Park, 526 E. Main St., Mesa. Free. culturalcoalition.com.
Cave Creek Sculpture & Wine Festival
The second annual Cave Creek Sculpture & Wine Festival showcases a diverse array of artists from around the world. Attendees can see and buy traditional and contemporary sculptures, including bronze, wood, stone, jewelry, glass, ceramic and mixed-media creations. There will be live music, wine and spirit tastings and microbrews to sample.
Details: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Friday-Sunday, March 15-17. Stagecoach Village, 7100 E. Cave Creek Road, Cave Creek. $5. thunderbirdartists.com.
Irish Fountain Fest
Fountain Hills presents the Irish Fountain Fest, where the famous fountain will turn emerald green at noon and 4 p.m. Expect traditional Irish folk music by Frank Mackey, performances by the Kilted Spirit Band and Phoenix Pipe & Drum Band and a Celtic rock band called Traveler. The festival also features food trucks, the Crescent Crown Beer Garden and more.
Details: 2-5 p.m. Saturday, March 16. Fountain Park, 12925 N. Saguaro Blvd., Fountain Hills. Free. experiencefountainhills.org.
Arizona Aloha Festival
Celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Arizona Aloha Festival by experiencing the vibrant spirit of aloha and the rich cultures of the South Pacific islands. This two-day event features live entertainment, including music and dances on multiple stages, along with lectures and storytelling about Hawaii and Polynesia. The Island Marketplace offers traditional crafts, fresh flower leis, baskets, hats, carved bone necklaces, tapa cloth and more. There will be crafts for children, and all ages can take a ukulele lesson. The food court will offer Hawaiian and South Pacific favorites like kahlua pig, vilo vilo chicken and Spam musubi.
Details: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday-Sunday, March 16-17. Tempe Town Lake, at Mill Avenue and Rio Salado Parkway. Free. azalohafest.org.
Luke Days
Luke Days is an airshow and open house at Luke Air Force Base. Spectators can be awed by performances by the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds and F-35 Demo Team, as well as see ground exhibits showcasing Air Force technology and missions.
Details: 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday-Sunday, March 23-24. Luke Air Force Base, 14185 Falcon St., near Glendale. Free. luke.af.mil.
Arizona Dragon Boat Festival
The festival celebrates the ancient Chinese tradition of dragon boat racing, where teams paddle in long, narrow boats decorated like dragons. Participants ranging from community groups to corporate teams, compete in races, promoting teamwork, fitness and cultural awareness. The festival also includes cultural exhibits, food vendors and entertainment.
Details: 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday-Sunday, March 23-24. Tempe Town Lake, Mill Avenue and Rio Salado Parkway. Free. azdba.org.
Rainbows Festival
Phoenix Pride presents the annual Rainbows Festival and Street Fair. The free two-day festival celebrates LGBTQ+ diversity and features 150 exhibitors and two stages of entertainment. Everyone is welcome at one of Arizona's biggest LGBTQ+ celebrations.
Details: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday-Sunday, March 23-24. Historic Heritage Square, 113 N. Sixth St., Phoenix. Free. phoenixpride.org.
April Spring 2024 events
Arizona Bike Week
Arizona Bike Week is one of the largest motorcycle events in the region, drawing enthusiasts from across the country. It's a weeklong celebration of motorcycle culture with bike shows, live music, motorcycle rides, vendor expos, charity rides and other entertainment.
Details: Noon-midnight Wednesday-Sunday, April 3-7. WestWorld of Scottsdale, 16601 N. Pima Road. From $28. azbikeweek.com.
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Maricopa County Fair
Get ready for all the fair fun as the Maricopa County Fair presents rides, carnival games, concerts and entertainment, exhibitions and food vendors. Don't miss the livestock shows and agricultural and art exhibits.
Details: 11 a.m.-midnight April 5-14. Maricopa County Fairgrounds, 1826 W. McDowell Road, Phoenix. $10. maricopacountyfair.org.
Uncorked Wine Festival
The fourth annual Uncorked Wine Festival returns to Scottsdale, offering a chance to sample over 100 wines and bubblies from around the world, along with seltzers and canned cocktails. The event features two sessions: early admission at 6 p.m. for $75, offering an extra hour of tasting with bonus pours, and general admission at 7 p.m. for $60, lasting until 10 p.m. Attendees can enjoy local food trucks and dance to DJ beats. For ages 21 and older.
Details: 6-10 p.m. Saturday, April 6. Salt River Fields at Talking Stick, 7555 N. Pima Road, on the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community. $60-$75. uncorkedwinefestivals.com.
El Puente Festival
The El Puente Festival showcases performances by professional artists and students, fostering cultural connections through music and dance. The 12th annual festival will feature a community parade and highlight the importance of preserving traditional arts and cultural practices. Performances include high school mariachi music and elementary school ballet folklórico dances, as well as free arts activities.
Details: 2-6 p.m. Sunday, April 21. Tempe Center for the Arts, 700 W. Rio Salado Parkway. Free. culturalcoalition.com.
May Spring 2024 events
Arizona Restaurant Week
Arizona Restaurant Week presents "Dine Around Arizona: Your Passport to Spring Restaurant Week.” The participating restaurants and their menus will be unveiled by May 1. With prix-fixe dinner options at $33, $44 or $55 per person, Arizona Restaurant Week encourages diners to explore a variety of eateries and support local restaurants.
Details: Friday-Sunday, May 17-26. arizonarestaurantweek.com.
Phoenix Fan Fusion
Phoenix Fan Fusion is back with a three-day extravaganza that encompasses pop culture, sci-fi, fantasy, comic books, video games, horror, and anime, featuring celebrity guests, discussion panels, an expansive exhibitor hall, Artists Alley with over 70 comic book creatives, nerd-focused activities and a vibrant cosplay community.
Details: 8:30 a.m.-11:30 p.m. Friday-Saturday and 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday, May 24-26. Phoenix Convention Center, 100 N. Third St. From $20. phoenixfanfusion.com.
Repticon Phoenix
With snakes, lizards, turtles, geckos, iguanas and more, Repticon Phoenix is bringing together reptile enthusiasts, breeders, vendors and the general public. Attendees can explore a wide variety of reptiles available for purchase, including snakes, lizards, turtles and more. Vendors will offer enclosures, feeders and accessories. Repticon also features educational presentations, seminars and interactive exhibits about the care and conservation of reptiles.
Details: 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, May 25 and 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday, May 26. Mesa Convention Center, 263 N. Center St. $11. repticon.com.
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Mesa Tattoo Expo
Get inked at the 2024 Mesa Tattoo Expo, hosted by Ink Masters Tattoo Show. Up to 150 award-winning tattoo artists and piercers will be present, offering various styles from realistic to traditional, black and gray to color. The event includes three days of on-the-spot tattooing and piercings, with up to $1,200 in free tattoo giveaways. Tickets are available only at the door, with a $5 discount before 5 p.m. Friday.
Details: 1-11 p.m. Friday, May 31, 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Saturday, June 1, 11 a.m.- 9 p.m. Sunday, June 2. Sheraton Mesa Hotel at Wrigleyville West, 954 N. Riverview, Mesa. $25 per day; a weekend pass is $40. inkmasterstattooshow.com.
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This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Spring bucket list 2024: Best things to do in Phoenix
