Ostrich Festival Crowds, Family Museum Fun and St. Patrick’s Events Lead Chandler Weekend
Chandler, AZ – March 16, 2026 – The Ostrich Festival draws crowds, families explore Phoenix Lights fun, and St. Patrick’s events wrap up across town.
It was a busy weekend across Chandler as signature events, family activities and seasonal celebrations filled the calendar.
Ostrich Festival Takes Over Rawhide
The 36th Annual Chandler Chamber Ostrich Festival returned for its first weekend at Rawhide Western Town and Event Center, drawing large crowds Friday through Sunday.
This year marks the festival’s move to the new venue, giving organizers more room for rides, food vendors and headline concerts. Performers over the opening weekend included Kansas, Ravyn Lenae and Jo Dee Messina, with additional headliners set for March 20–22.
City leaders have called the relocation a major step forward for one of Chandler’s most recognizable traditions.
Families Mark Phoenix Lights Anniversary
On Sunday afternoon, the Chandler Museum hosted a special Play Day themed around the Phoenix Lights anniversary. Families dropped in for space-inspired games and hands-on activities exploring the mysterious 1997 sighting.
The free event blended local history with interactive fun, continuing the museum’s monthly series designed to bring multigenerational visitors together.
St. Patrick’s 5K Wraps Up Tuesday
Runners still have time to participate in the city’s St. Patrick’s Day 5K virtual run, which continues through Tuesday, March 17. Participants can complete the race at their own pace while receiving a themed shirt and bib.
The flexible format has made the event a popular option for residents looking to celebrate the holiday while staying active.
Arts Scene Stays Busy
Meanwhile, theatergoers filled seats at the Chandler Center for the Arts for performances of Shrek The Musical over the weekend, part of a packed spring schedule at the downtown venue.
With another weekend of the Ostrich Festival ahead and spring events ramping up, Chandler’s March calendar shows no signs of slowing down.
Sources
https://www.abc15.com/entertainment/events/vanilla-ice-the-commodores-and-baby-bash-to-perform-at-chandlers-2026-ostrich-festival
https://www.chandleraz.gov/events/play-day-phoenix-lights-anniversary
https://runsignup.com/Race/Events/AZ/Chandler/StPatrickSDay5KVirtualRunChandler
https://phoenix.theater/march/
