Chandler Ostrich Festival 2024: Here's the lineup, ticket prices and who gets in free

Tiffany Acosta, Arizona Republic

March 7, 2024 at 9:00 PM·4 min read

The 2024 Chandler Chamber Ostrich Festival is just around the corner. With a diverse range of attractions from thrilling rides to headlining concert performances by Big & Rich, Gretchen Wilson, Shaggy, Los Tucanes de Tijuana and more, there's something for everyone to enjoy.

Visitors to the 34th Chandler Ostrich Festival can indulge in favorite foods from Flaco’s Tacos, Hot Dogs del Sur, Wetzel's Pretzels and more. And all your favorite thrill rides will be there, from classics like the Grand Carousel to adrenaline-pumping attractions like the Turbo Speed and Inversion.

Here's everything you need to know about the Chandler Ostrich Festival 2024.

When is the Chandler Ostrich Festival 2024?

The Ostrich Festival takes place over two weekends. Here's the schedule:

Friday, March 8: 2 p.m.-midnight.
Saturday, March 9: 10 a.m.-midnight.
Sunday, March 10: 10 a.m.-11 p.m.
Friday, March 15: 2 p.m.-midnight.
Saturday, March 16: 10 a.m.-midnight.
Sunday, March 17: 10 a.m.-11 p.m.

What happens at an Ostrich Festival?

The Chandler Ostrich Festival brings together concerts, carnival rides for all ages, specialty acts and numerous food and souvenir vendors.

Thrill seekers can ride the Zipper, Giant Wheel, Wave Swinger and Turbo Speed. Little kids will like the Wacky Worm Coaster, Mardi Gras Funhouse and Looney Tooter Train.

Entertainment includes shows by OFF Axis Stunt Group, who perform acrobatics off a trampoline wall as well as BMX and parkour stunts, and mesmerizing bubble performances by Megan the Bubbleologist. Check out the All-Alaskan Pig Races and interactive exhibits at the Kids Zone.

An ostrich stands at the edge of the pen at the Ostrich Festival on March 19, 2023, at Tumbleweed Park in Chandler.

Ostrich Festival 2024 lineup, times

The Chandler Ostrich Festival 2024 lineup include a genre-spanning list of performers for a mix of pop, country, rap and regional music. Here's the headliner schedule:

Friday, March 8: Paul Russell, 8-9 p.m.; Shaggy, 9:30-10:45 p.m.
Saturday, March 9: Big & Rich featuring Gretchen Wilson with Cowboy Troy, 9-11 p.m.
Sunday, March 10: Los Tucanes de Tijuana, 8:45-10 p.m.
Friday, March 15: Yung Gravy, 9:15-10:30 p.m.
Saturday, March 16: Madeline Edwards, 6:15-7:15 p.m.; Lauren Alaina, 7:45-8:45 p.m.; Chris Lane, 9:15-10:30 p.m.
Sunday, March 17: Wynonna Judd, 8:45-10 p.m.

Chandler Ostrich Festival history

The Ostrich Festival's roots trace back to Dr. A.J. Chandler, who introduced ostriches to Arizona after being inspired by seeing them at the 1893 Columbian Exposition in Chicago. By 1905, Chandler had a thriving herd of ostriches on his Mesa ranch, leading to a boom in ostrich farming across the region to meet the demand for ostrich feathers in fashion trends.

The first Chandler Ostrich Festival took place in 1988, replacing the city's previous spring festival. Its goal was to celebrate Dr. Chandler's and the city's ostrich farming history and provide a fun gathering for residents and visitors.

Ostriches are on display at the Chandler Ostrich Festival, but there are no ostrich races and visitors can't ride the ostriches. The festival has faced scrutiny over animal treatment concerns, prompting organizers to distance themselves from such activities.

Chandler Ostrich Festival 2024 tickets

Tickets for the Ostrich Festival are available at ostrichfestival.com. General admission starts at $35, $20 for ages 5-12. VIP tickets cost $150. Three-day weekend passes start at $45 for children and $90 for adults, with VIP options priced at $400.

Are kids free at the Ostrich Festival?

Kids aged 4 and under get free admission to the Ostrich Festival.

Chandler Ostrich Festival 2024 prices, wristbands

Ride tickets are priced at $1 each, with ride costs ranging from three to 10 tickets per person.

Unlimited-ride wristbands cost $40 and you can buy them at Purchase & Reload kiosks in the carnival area of the festival.