Chandler Ostrich Festival announces move to Rawhide for 2026

One of the Valley’s most popular events is getting a new home for 2026.

The Chandler Chamber of Commerce, Gila River Indian Community and the City of Chandler announced Thursday morning that the Chandler Chamber Ostrich Festival will move to Rawhide Western Town and Event Center for the 2026 event and beyond.

This year’s festival will once again take place over two weekends: March 13 to 15 and March 20 to 22. 

“The Ostrich Festival has become such a beloved and expansive event that it’s ready for a new home,” Terri Kimble, president of the Chandler Chamber of Commerce said in the announcement. “Rawhide provides the space and infrastructure to take the festival experience to the next level for our community.”

Tumbleweed Park has hosted the festival since 2003. But with new amenities in place at the park, including an 18-court pickleball facility, a four-field diamond sports complex and multiple multipurpose athletic fields, the festival will now move to Rawhide.

Rawhide, which hosts other large events including the Goldrush EDM festival and the Pratt Brothers Christmas experience, will be able to facilitate the continued expansion of the Ostrich Festival at a venue equipped to accommodate increased attendance rates, additional parking and infrastructure.

For 2026, the festival will also feature a refreshed layout and updated amenities, including indoor vendor space, permanent restrooms and running water throughout the grounds. There will be additional room for attractions, carnival rides and activities, as well as opportunities to learn more about the history of the Chandler Chamber Ostrich Festival. 

“The Ostrich Festival has long been one of Chandler’s most cherished traditions, celebrating our unique history with ostriches,” Chandler Mayor Kevin Hartke said in the announcement. “We’re grateful to the Chandler Chamber of Commerce and its partners for their commitment to build on the festival’s success while honoring the heritage and family-friendly attractions that make this a truly special event.”

Founded in 1989 to celebrate Chandler’s early ostrich ranching heritage, the Chandler Chamber Ostrich Festival has grown from a downtown event into one of Arizona’s premier family festivals. After relocating to Tumbleweed Park, the event built enough momentum to offer two full weekends of family-friendly entertainment featuring national headliners including The Fray, Gin Blossoms, The Band Perry, Nelly and Tyler Hubbard, along with more than 40 rides, attractions and hundreds of vendors.

The festival’s 2026 music lineup will be announced soon.

Rawhide Western Town and Event Center is located at 5700 W. North Loop Road, Chandler.