Daily Local Briefing for Chandler, AZ

Ramp closure to impact Loop 101/202 commuters

Drivers who rely on the Loop 101 to connect to the Loop 202 in Chandler should plan for extra travel time over the next two weeks. State transportation officials have closed the southbound Loop 101 Price Freeway ramp to eastbound Loop 202 Santan Freeway as part of ongoing interchange improvements in the southeast Valley. The closure began late Friday and is scheduled to last roughly two weeks, with signs directing drivers to alternate routes. Officials urge motorists to allow for delays, use detours posted on advisory maps, and watch for crews working near the ramps through the duration of the project.

Chandler Innovation Fair showcases student projects downtown

Downtown Chandler is turning into a hands-on science and technology hub this weekend as the annual Chandler Innovation Fair returns. The districtwide event brings together students, teachers, and local partners to highlight STEM projects, robotics demonstrations, and creative problem-solving from across Chandler schools. Families are invited to explore exhibits along Arizona Avenue, talk with students about their research, and learn how classroom ideas are being turned into real-world solutions. Organizers say the fair is designed to spark curiosity in young learners while connecting them with careers in engineering, tech, and advanced manufacturing that are growing in the East Valley.

Museum film night celebrates Arizona on the big screen

The Chandler Museum is capping the weekend with a free Film Friday screening of the classic Western ‘In Old Arizona.’ The 1928 film, known as one of the first major all-talking pictures, is being shown as part of the museum’s effort to connect local audiences with the state’s cinematic history. Attendees can expect an informal, family-friendly atmosphere, with staff on hand to share background on how early Hollywood portrayed the Arizona frontier. Seating is first come, first served, and light snacks are available, making it an easy stop for residents looking for a low-cost cultural outing close to home.

Big-name concert draws fans to Wild Horse Pass

Music fans are flocking to the Gila River Hotels & Casinos – Wild Horse Pass in Chandler as a major touring act takes the stage this weekend. The performance adds to a busy entertainment calendar at the resort, which has become a regional draw for concerts and nightlife on the city’s southern edge. Local businesses near the venue are expecting a bump in evening traffic from concertgoers dining and shopping before and after the show. Residents heading into the area are advised to anticipate heavier traffic on nearby surface streets around showtime.

Weekend roundup: nightlife and live music

Chandler’s restaurant and bar scene is also buzzing with live entertainment. A local favorite, Johnny City Band, is slated to bring dance hits to a popular Italian restaurant and wine bar, giving diners a chance to pair dinner with live music on the east side of the city. Nearby venues are promoting karaoke nights and informal gatherings throughout the weekend, part of a broader push by local businesses to keep residents close to home for nightlife instead of heading into central Phoenix or Scottsdale. Together with city-sponsored events, these small stages are helping keep Chandler’s evenings lively.

Sources

https://business.coolidgechamber.org/news/details/news-release-2-20-2026
https://chs.cusd80.com/
https://www.chandleraz.gov/events/film-friday-old-arizona-chandler-museum
https://www.phoenixconcerts.net/Gila-River-Hotels-and-Casinos/Diana-Ross/February-21st-2026-7613538/
https://happeningnext.com/event/johnny-city-band-va%E2%80%99-bene-italian-restaurant-and-wine-bar-eid3a0df0i9m9