Water Security, Ostrich Festival and Shrek Lead Chandler’s Friday Headlines
Chandler, AZ – March 13, 2026 – City leaders boost water security as Ostrich Festival opens and Shrek hits the stage this weekend.
Chandler is heading into the weekend with a mix of big community celebrations and serious long-term planning.
City Expands Well System Amid Drought Concerns
Chandler leaders announced this week that the city is expanding its municipal well system with the help of a $1 million federal grant. The move comes as Arizona faces ongoing uncertainty around Colorado River supplies.
City officials say groundwater currently makes up a small share of Chandler’s overall water use, but the additional well capacity will help during peak summer demand and provide added resilience if regional cutbacks occur.
Local and federal leaders gathered earlier this week at one of the soon-to-be-operational well sites, emphasizing that diversifying water sources is critical as drought conditions persist across the Southwest.
Ostrich Festival Kicks Off at Rawhide
The 36th Annual Chandler Chamber Ostrich Festival begins today, March 13, at its new home at Rawhide Western Town and Event Center.
The longtime community favorite runs two weekends, March 13–15 and March 20–22, bringing carnival rides, live music, food vendors and family-friendly entertainment. Organizers say the move to Rawhide gives the growing event more space while continuing its tradition of celebrating Chandler’s early ostrich ranching history.
Opening day festivities begin this afternoon, with headline performances and midway attractions scheduled throughout the weekend.
‘Shrek and Friends’ Takes the Stage
Also starting today, the Chandler Center for the Arts is hosting ‘Shrek and Friends,’ a family-focused stage production running March 13 through March 15.
The show adds another entertainment option for families already heading out for spring events. With multiple performances planned through Sunday, arts officials expect a busy weekend downtown.
Looking Ahead
Between infrastructure investments and major events, Chandler is balancing growth, sustainability and celebration. Residents can expect heavier traffic near Rawhide and downtown venues, along with a strong turnout as spring festival season gets underway.
Sources
https://www.kjzz.org/politics/2026-03-10/chandler-expanding-well-system-amid-regionwide-water-drought
https://business.chandlerchamber.com/events/details/36th-annual-chandler-chamber-ostrich-festival-52218
https://www.chandlercenter.org/
