Chandler Calendar of Events

The popular Ostrich Festival is part of Chandler's recent history, but it is based on Chandler's colorful early history of ostrich ranching, which included raising these unusual creatures for their stylish and expensive plumes. The Ostrich Festival is held each March, and this year marks Chandler's 22nd annual Ostrich Festival!

The event takes place at Chandler's Tumbleweed Park and has grown to become one of the premier festivals in the southwest, with 250,000 to 350,000 people attending the three-day celebration each spring. 

The Ostrich Festival is a community family event featuring live ostrich races and ostrich-themed activities, national and regional entertainment, carnival midway, scrumptious food, upscale arts & crafts, and much more.

In addition to bringing in nationally known musical groups, the festival also features some of the most popular local and regional talent in the Southwest. There are also performances by dozens of local community groups throughout the weekend performing music, dance, and more.

The awesome ostrich is also featured in Ostrich Alley where you can purchase ostrich foods, feather dusters, leather goods and other merchandise. See young, live ostriches and emus up close and learn about them from the experts who raise the birds.

Come on down to Downtown Chandler BBQ Throwdown… This event is designed for the whole family to enjoy. Throw out the lawn and chairs and picnic blankets and prepare to witness Chandler's largest and best BBQ Cook-off. Live entertainment, all ages Kid"s Zone, Bike Show with the traditional backyard BBQ atmosphere, this is sure to be a finger licking good time. This sanctioned BBQ event held by the International Barbeque Cookers Association (IBCA) in partnered with AZ BBQ Club.

Event proceeds will benefit the Boys and Girls Club of the East Valley and Chandler Service Club with
proceeds from our ticket and beer garden sales. With an estimated attendance of 5,000 plus patrons (local,
regional and national) this is a one cook-off you’re not gonna want a miss!

• The cookoff, which runs from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m on March 20, 2010., will be the largest International Barbeque Cookers Association (IBCA) sanctioned BBQ event in Arizona, with 30 teams from all over the country. 


• Highlights of the events include music and entertainment, a custom bike show, an eating contest, and a fun-filled kids zone. 


• There will be a competition for the best in four categories: pork ribs, pork shoulder/butt, brisket, and half chicken. There will also be a backyard division for chicken, burgers, carne asada and salsa. The head celebrity judge is former Arizona Cardinals All-Pro Kwamie Lassiter. 


• Professional and amateur chefs will compete for more than $10,000 in cash and prizes,and the coveted Golden Cactus prize for first place.


• General admission is $10 for adults, which includes five BBQ tastes. Admission for kids is $10 and includes access to the kids zone and 5 BBQ tastes. Tickets available at www.bbqchandler.com or www.chandlerbbq.com.

The event, presented by HDE Events, will benefit the Boys and Girls Club of the East Valley.