Start your new year with big experiences in Chandler, Arizona! From destination races and festivals to outdoor adventures, culture, food, and more, we've put together a list of 20 of the best things to do in Chandler in 2026.
1. Run the AZ48 Half Marathon, 10K & 5K
Kick off your Chandler visit by racing on a flat, fast, USATF-certified course, perfect for runners chasing personal bests or qualifying for national marathons. Held each October in Downtown Chandler, this scenic run draws athletes from across the Southwest.
2. Explore the Chandler Museum
Discover Chandler’s history and evolving community through engaging exhibits with free admission and free parking at the Chandler Museum.

3. Attend the Fine Arts & Wine Festival
Each February, the Thunderbird Artists, in partnership with the Downtown Chandler Community Partnership, hosts this Downtown Chandler celebration, featuring 100+ artisans, wine tastings, and weekend fun.
4. Play a Round at San Marcos Golf Course
Enjoy a round of golf at Arizona’s first grass course, the San Marcos Golf Course, which opened in 1913, or make your way to one of Chandler’s seven golf courses, each offering a distinctive experience.
5. Catch Live Music Around Chandler
From intimate patios to larger stages, Chandler’s vibrant live music scene keeps the sound going year-round. Downtown Chandler is a popular destination for live music, with many restaurants and bars offering a variety of options most nights of the week.

6. Tour SanTan Brewing Company and Distillery
Sip locally crafted beers and spirits in Uptown Chandler with behind-the-scenes tours and tastings at Arizona's largest combined craft brewery and distillery.
7. Find Thrills at Andretti Indoor Karting & Games
Indoor fun awaits with high-speed karting, arcade games, bowling, and more at Andretti Indoor Karting & Games in Chandler.
8. Celebrate Chandler’s History at the Ostrich Festival
A fun March tradition that pays homage to Chandler’s early ostrich-ranching history with carnival rides, live music, and unique desert flair.

9. Hike Veteran’s Oasis Park
Explore desert trails, birding hotspots, and a paved Solar System Walk in this scenic 113-acre park.

10. Raise a Pint of Local Craft Beer
Chandler’s growing craft beer scene pairs delicious brews with vibrant social spots.
11. Shop at Chandler Fashion Center
The second-largest mall in the Phoenix area, Chandler Fashion Center, features hundreds of stores, dining options, and entertainment for a full day of shopping and fun.

12. Enjoy 24/7 fun in West Chandler at Taroko Sports
Visit Chandler’s newest entertainment destination featuring realistic batting cages, darts, arcade games, mini bowling, and plenty of time for fun! Open all day and every day.

13. Board a Vintage Train at Arizona Railway Museum
See historic rail cars and locomotives at this hands-on museum, open seasonally on weekends. Admission of $15 per adult, $10 for children aged 2-12 ($40 per family) includes a self-guided tour, access to at least four passenger cars and the caboose, and artifact displays. Comfortable walking shoes are highly recommended when visiting the Arizona Railway Museum.
14. Sip Through Chandler’s Craft Cocktail Scene
From intimate lounges to lively bars, the city’s cocktail culture is perfect for evenings out and enjoying Chandler’s nightlife.
15. Horseback Ride Through the Sonoran Desert
Experience Sonoran landscapes with guided trail rides that highlight local history when you visit the KOLI Equestrian Center.

16. Enjoy Performing Arts & Concerts in Chandler
Catch shows and touring acts at the Chandler Center for the Arts, including Grammy-winning artists Joss Stone and Ledisi.
17. Feel the Need for Speed at Radford Racing School
Try high-performance driving courses or a thrilling hot lap experience.
18. Savor Chandler’s Diverse Culinary Scene
From brunch favorites to global flavors and Arizona specialties, eat your way through the city. Did you know that Chandler is home to Arizona's only fine-dining Indian restaurant?

19. Take Photos with Must-See Chandler Murals
Chandler’s vibrant street art provides iconic photo ops throughout the city. Visitors will find a greater concentration of Chandler murals dotting the historic square in Downtown Chandler.

20. Visit the Chandler Tumbleweed Tree
This uniquely Arizona holiday icon is lit the first Saturday evening in December at one of Chandler’s largest festivals and stays lit through early January, offering a memorable seasonal photo backdrop.
Plan Your Chandler, AZ Trip
Make plans to visit Chandler this year, and get a head start by visiting our Plan Your Visit page. You'll find lodging information, transportation tips, and a great list of things to do to help you make the most of your trip.


