The Chandler Jazz Fest was a great time. The weather was perfect, the atmosphere was relaxed and…read moreeasygoing, and the artists were outstanding. If you plan to go, don't forget sunscreen there's very limited shade, mostly just under trees. Bringing a camping chair or blanket is a must unless you want to stand the whole time or sit in the grass with the bugs. Parkin was easy to find and FREE!! There were a few food options, including a lemonade stand, popcorn tent, pretzel cart, and what looked like a burger stand. Most of the other tents seemed to be craft vendors or event sponsors. We went earlier in the day and left before dark, and it's definitely something we'd look forward to attending again next year.

Loved the annual Chandler Jazz Festival this weekend. It's completely free to attend and there are…read morenumerous bands that play all up and down the street, as well as at the main stage set up in the middle of downtown Chandler at A.J. Chandler Park. It was a beautiful afternoon and after watching some of the jazz bands we walked down the street for a glass of wine at one of the nearby merchants.

We love to festival so we walked from the apartment down to the festival. It was dog friendly so…read morebrining Bella was a fun perk. It was great to see so many people walking around enjoying the food, music, and cooler weather. The booth vendors were all friendly and served is some really tasty Filipino food (Lechon Paksiw and pork skewers) and Mexican drinks (lemon lime & Strawberry). I am sure the music and dancers were voluntary but we were hoping to see a bit more diversity in the performers. All that did perform were fantastic and provided great energy to the festival.

I didn't expect too much from this little event but I was surprising entertained…read more The Multiculture Fest highlights our cultural diversity through music, dance, art, storytelling and more. This free event was held in the downtown Chandler Library Plaza. Parking was plentiful (library garage) and lots of room to roam. The 2011 event had 2 stages. They performances ranged from Flamenco dancing, American Indian hoop dancing, Japanese Aiko, Jaguar step team, Chinese dances, & African rooted music w/ Puerto Rican dance forms. The stage was a little small from some of the performers so they did their thing on concrete. The food vendors were as mixed as the performances from Indian fry breads, Navajo tacos, tamales, beef kabob, mini donuts, crepe lunch truck, dipping dots, Caribbean cuisine & Mexican paletas. There's the usually fare of shaved ice, kettle corn, & hot dogs. There were plenty of tables to eat & sit on. Food & drinks prices were very reasonable. The arts / craft vendors were very limited. For free kiddie fun, there was 1 jumpy and climbing ring which were too crowded from my small kids. Tips: use the library restrooms if you hate the potty johns.

This year was the 3rd annual South Pacific Island Festival and the first time visiting the festival…read morefor us. The downtown Mesa location was perfect with lots of areas to sit and it was no problem finding parking close by. The festival itself is very small and has a limited number of food and merchandise vendors but it was still fun to browse the wares and we tried out some food we had never had before. The main draw at this festival is probably the cool acts on the stage. There was fire dancing, some trivia, and all sorts of different cultural dances which we enjoyed. For the future it would be nice to see a list of vendors online and also a list of the different acts and performances so we know what time to come. We got here towards late afternoon and it looked like a few vendors had already packed up and left which was disappointing since the event was supposed to be going on until 9 and there weren't that many vendors to begin with. Some vendors I remember at the festival: - Aloha Express - Afe Mai island cuisine - Island Boba - Rohana Face Painting - Malasadas booth As for merchandise, there were a lot of island pride merchandise (i.e., Samoan, Hawaiian), sarongs, the requisite Hawaiian shirts, and jewelry. There was also a fabric merchant there selling beautiful bolts of island prints. If only I had better sewing skills I'd be tempted to get a few yards of something!

Good food ! In fact sooo delicious! Entertainment was top notch !!! I was glued to the performance…read morethe entertainers were so awesome & so talented! I've gone the last three years to the Christmas Performance.... I'm suggesting everyone go see the Christmas Show & enjoy DINNER & the SHOW

The age average is probably 70ish. I've been here now twice as both occasions were gifted for my…read morebirthday. I still enjoyed my time each time even though we were probably the youngest as someone got my husband and I tickets here for my birthday the past two years. The music was fantastic and we saw the variety show and the Grand Finale show and I enjoyed seeing multiple genres of music. The lead singers and musicians were phenomenal, and I absolutely loved the costume changes. The outfit changes really held my attention and was a great part of the show. The food, however, was just okay. I wouldn't come here for the food alone, but rather for the overall experience and to do something different. The meal included vegetables, potatoes, mashed potatoes, spinach cheese ravioli, chicken Parmesan, pulled pork dish, and a pineapple fish dish. This was the same food both times we went, so I'm not sure if they ever change it, I wish they did for a change. The pulled pork and cheese ravioli were good, but I wasn't a fan of the other dishes. The chicken Parmesan was probably the worst I've had as it wasn't at all what I expected from a traditional chicken parm. Dessert is a slice of chocolate cake that's already at your table when you arrive. I did think it was a nice touch that they pass out foil before the show ends so you can take it home and not waste it. The recommended tip listed on a sign at the table is $5 per person, so in addition to your ticket price, expect to pay at least that much extra. Drinks are also not included, so that's another added cost. Overall, this is a great experience, more so for 50+ and would make a fun gift, especially for a couple looking to do something different. I wish they had a family friendly show where it encouraged families with kids as I could see my kids who love music at 2 and 4 enjoying the show and dancing! I sat about in the middle of the theater and had a good view of everything. I really think most seats will be just fine!

I attended a play at Mesa Arts Center. Due to an incredible stroke of luck, the Dia de los Muertos…read moreFestival was happening right next to the venue, so I checked it out after the show. There are a few things I look for in a festival and this one crosses off all of the boxes. First, ease of parking. There is plenty of free parking on the street surrounding the festival. I found a spot a few minutes away by foot without much effort. Second, free admission. This is the case with this festival. Third, entertainment. I was there for about an hour and some change and saw three different performances: singing, dancing, and a cultural ritual. I have always been fascinated by Dia de los Muertos, a celebration of death, so it was so cool to see this holiday celebrated through song, dance, and ritual. Not to mention the beautiful outfits! Awesome to take part in this from a cultural perspective. Fourth, the food. Since I had dinner plans, I only wanted a snack. I hit pay dirt with a churro, one of my favorite desserts and one that I haven't had in quite a while. If you're looking for something a little more hearty than dessert, there were 15 or so food trucks/food stands. A nice selection that I'll definitely check out the next time I attend this festival. Fifth, the beverages. There were a good number of options, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic. I went with a cantaloupe agua fresca for $5, which I found reasonably priced for the size (it was large) and the venue (a festival). Beyond all that I mentioned above, there were a ton of vendors selling everything under the sun including art, clothing, pottery, candles, souvenirs, and more. There also wasn't a long line anywhere I went. The beauty of a festival is learning about different cultures. I came away from this festival with that appreciation. And also an appreciation for how well planned and well run this event is.

I tried to check in to no avail. I was told I was too far away even though I was right there. In…read moreany event, this Day of the Dead festival is so much fun. A ton of vendors selling their wares, face painting, clothing, a large food court, a magnificent alter, an alter contest and entertainment all through the day. You could get Katrina painting on your face and black veils. We really enjoy seeing the culture and practices. Free street and lot parking

I put on my boots and took my appetite to the 14th Annual KNIX Barbeque & Beer Festival! There were…read moreover 30 BBQ pit masters and country stars Chris Janson, Craig Morgan, Hailey Whitters and Connor Smith were the live performances. There was an area with kiddie rides and there were also vendors selling shirts, hats, etc. We rode our bikes so skipped paying for parking but from what I saw parking was $10 and there was preferred parking for $20. We arrived at about 4:30 in the afternoon and breezed through the ticket process and security very quickly. We set our chairs out for where we wanted to sit for the concert and then walked around the grounds. I felt like there were adequate portable restrooms for the number of people in attendance and the food and bar lines were not bad at all. There were lots of police patrolling so it felt like a safe environment. I loved that there were families in attendance for the shows. It was fun to watch the kids dancing to the music! We had BBQ pork and beef nachos, which was a huge portion, but also came with a hefty price tag of $23. They were very good and this is coming from a woman who isn't a big fan of bbq, but I love nachos! I recommend this event and we've also already purchased tickets for KNIX's event in November, although that event will be held at Rawhide. Chili and Bourbon Festival!

We attended this event with a group of friends. They closed off one of the streets in San Tan…read moreVillage Mall and the vendors set up their tents There were plenty of tastes of the various foods that the vendors brought with them. The cost of admission included up to 10 drinks which was about eight more than I can typically drink so it was a little bit of a waste to buy ticket that included 10 alcoholic beverages. We had a great time. Would definitely consider going back next year. There was a nice variety of vendors.

What a great event! Great food by the restaurants in San Tan Mall, great beer, great music, just a…read morefun time overall. My only complaint would be the restaurants need to provide more vegetarian/vegan choices. My friend had to go to Chipotle and buy dinner since she couldn't eat much of the food offered. The event would probably get even more attendees that way! Either way, a great way to support a wonderful cause.

Went to my second Fall Fest back in November with my best friend and we had a fantastic time, even…read morecoming away with a souvenir wine glass from the beer garden and since we were two of the first 500 people to attend, we each got a backpack full of Fall Fest swag and coupons! As always, we enjoyed interacting with each of the vendors and getting in on the interactive scavenger hunt. A great way to spend a November Saturday and fun for all ages. I WILL attend Fall Fest 2020!

Not as big as I expected from the advertising. Needed more shade spots and more fun booths.read more