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. 

racers at the start of the AZ48 half marathon 

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.

 

outdoor festival with booths featuring artwork on a sunny day with palm trees in the background

 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.

The Stillery - Live Music 

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.

SanTan Distillery

 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.

Veterans Oasis Park - Outdoor Recreation

 9. Hike Veteran’s Oasis Park

Explore desert trails, birding hotspots, and a paved Solar System Walk in this scenic 113-acre park.

a table filled with a variety of beer bottles and canned beer all produced in Chandler AZ

10. Raise a Pint of Local Craft Beer

Chandler’s growing craft beer scene pairs delicious brews with vibrant social spots.

SCHEELS Chandler ferris wheel

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.

indoor batting cages at Taroko Sports in Chandler AZ

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.

Arizona Railway Museum

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.

three people on horseback riding through the desert

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.

Chandler Center for the Arts

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.

Feringhee's Modern Indian Cuisine

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

Friends pose for a selfie in front of a mural at SanTan Brewing Co. in Chandler, AZ

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.

Tumbleweed Tree with colorful lights on with a sunset in the background.

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.