The Ostrich Festival is a beloved annual tradition and festival in Chandler owned by the Chandler Chamber of Commerce and produced by Steve LeVine Entertainment. The annual event is held each March and is Chandler's largest festival and celebrates Chandler's rich history and early ostrich ranching when ostrich plumes were all the rage in fashion.
The 2026 Arizona festival will be held at Rawhide Western Town and Event Center. The Ostrich Festival will be held over two weekends in March featuring live music, more than 35 carnival rides, food, games, activities and more in a fun tribute to our favorite bird, the ostrich.
FESTIVAL DATES AND TIMES:
WEEKEND ONE
Friday - March 13, 2026: 2 p.m. - Midnight
Saturday - March 14, 2026: 10 a.m. - Midnight
Sunday - March 15, 2026: 10 a.m. - 11 p.m.
WEEKEND TWO
Friday - March 20, 2026: 2 p.m. - Midnight
Saturday - March 21, 2026: 10 a.m. - Midnight
Sunday - March 22, 2026: 10 a.m. - 11 p.m.
MAIN STAGE HEADLINERS:
WEEKEND ONE
KANSAS - Friday, March 13, 2026
Ravyn Lenae - Saturday, March 14, 2026
Jo Dee Messina - Sunday, March 15, 2026
WEEKEND TWO
TBA - Friday, March 20, 2026
The Commodores - Saturday, March 21, 2026
TBA - Sunday, March 22, 2026
A hallmark of the event has been the main stage music performances and the 2026 Ostrich Festival is no exception. Each year the main stage hosts a variety of Ostrich Festival concerts from national talent and a number of music styles. With a new location in store for 2026, there will be a new exciting space to explore.
A favorite festival element of the younger Ostrich Festival attendees are the carnival rides. From a Zipper ride, "Giant Wheel" a large Ferris wheel, Wave Swinger and many more - the rides are sure to delight.
Important things to know and additional FAQ about the festival:
Admission
General admission tickets are priced per day and do not include rides. Adult, Children, VIP tickets which include a meal & 2 drinks, and VIP access and front of stage viewing area are available for advance purchase through the Ostrich Festival website.
Parking
Details TBA.
Clear Bag Policy
To provide a safer environment for the public and significantly expedite entry, the festival has implemented a CLEAR BAG policy that limits the size and type of bags that may be brought into the festival. Bags larger than 4.5" x 6" must be clear and clear bags not exceeding 20″ x 15″ x 9″ are the ONLY bags permitted into the festival. Exceptions to the enforced Clear Bag Policy include diaper bags, medical, event staff, and artists/performers. Metal detector screening and a search of all items being carried in will take place at festival gates.
Map and Schedule
Attendees may download a Chandler Ostrich Festival Schedule and Map from the event website.
Ride Tickets
Individual Ride Tickets are $1 per ticket. The amount of tickets needed for each ride ranges from 3 to 10 tickets depending on the type of attraction.
Cash Policies
The only cash that will be accepted at the Ostrich Festival will be at the ticket box office, carnival kiosks (rides and carnival games), and the wristband reload tents.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find details about accessible parking, prohibited items, officially designated drop off/pick up areas and more on the Chandler Ostrich Festival FAQ section.
For more information regarding any of the Ostrich Festival events, please contact the Chandler Chamber of Commerce at (480) 963-4571 or by email at info@chandlerchamber.com.
Fun facts about Chandler's Ostrich Festival history and everyone's favorite flightless bird:
- The Ostrich Festival began in 1989. (That's almost 40 years now!)
- The event was originally held in Downtown Chandler before expanding to new locations to accommodate more visitors and larger attractions.
- The festival was featured in the 1995 Whitney Houston film, Waiting to Exhale.
- The event was the setting for "Lover Boy", a Harlequin Romance book.
- A fun fact about Chandler's ostrich ranching history, Dr. A.J. Chandler owned one of the largest Ostrich herds in the valley.
- The ostrich is the largest living bird in the world.
- An ostrich can run at speeds of up to 40 miles per hour.
- Ostrich eggs are the largest of any bird.
- The wingspan of an ostrich is over six feet.
- An ostrich has a mighty kick, with a force of about 2,000 pounds per square inch.
- Ostriches don't have teeth.
- An ostrich has three stomachs, each serving a different function.
