Your guide to Desert Sky Music Festival in Mesa: Set times, parking and more

Country music fans will stampede to the East Valley this weekend for some toe-tappin', down-home tunes.

The Desert Sky Music Festival on Saturday, Nov. 23, at Riverview Park in Mesa will be headlined by Grammy-nominated country pop singer-songwriter Walker Hayes (and chart-topping act the Eli Young Band.

The annual music festival, launched last year by Arizona concert and event promoter Forty8 Live, will also feature performances by TikTok-famous country singer-songwriter Spencer Crandall and Arizona-born artists Avery Anna, Lacey Rashea and Matt Farris.

How much are Desert Sky Music Festival tickets? Where can you park at Mesa Riverview? Here’s a complete guide to Desert Sky Music Festival 2024 with everything y’all should know about the event.

When and where is the Desert Sky Music Festival 2024?

The Desert Sky Music Festival is on Saturday, Nov. 23, at Riverview Park, 2100 W. Rio Salado Parkway in Mesa.

What time is Desert Sky Music Festival 2024?

Gates open at 1 p.m. The festival ends at 10 p.m.

Desert Sky Music Festival 2024 tickets

Desert Sky Music Festival 2024 tickets are available at forty8live.com/desert-sky-music-festival.

General admission tickets are $48 per person. Children’s admission is $28 for ages 4 to 12. Kids 3 and under are free.

VIP tickets are $398 per person. Perks include an exclusive entrance, a souvenir lanyard, a catered meal, eight alcoholic beverages, VIP entertainment, games and access to a private bar and standing pit in front of the stage.

Age limits

Desert Sky Music Festival is an all-ages event and kids and families are welcome. You must be 21 or older with a government-issued ID to purchase or drink alcohol.

Desert Sky Music Festival schedule

Here’s a complete list of set times for the festival on Saturday:

• 1 p.m., DJ Cowboy
• 1:30 p.m., Lacey Rashae
• 2:15 p.m., DJ Cowboy
• 2:45 p.m., Matt Farris
• 3:30 p.m., DJ Cowboy
• 4 p.m., Spencer Crandall
• 4:45 p.m., DJ Cowboy
• 5:25 p.m., Avery Anna
• 6:15 p.m., DJ Cowboy
• 6:45 p.m., Eli Young Band
• 8 p.m., DJ Cowboy
• 8:30 p.m., Walker Hayes

Weather forecast for Saturday in Mesa

Saturday's forecast is predicting clear skies with temperatures in the low 80s throughout the afternoon. It will be chilly in the evening, though, so a hoodie or jacket would be a good idea.

Getting to Riverview Park in Mesa

Riverview park is located on the northwest corner of Dobson Road and Rio Salado Parkway. Take the Loop 202/Red Mountain Freeway to Dobson Road (Exit 10) and then go south to either Riverview Auto Drive or Cubs Way. Head west and follow signs to the parking lots.

Can I take Uber or Lyft to the Desert Sky Music Festival?

Yes. A pick-up and drop-off area for ride-sharing services will be located just east of the festival.

Desert Sky Music Festival parking

Free parking lots are available along Rio Salado Drive and Waveland Avenue. Reserved parking is located off Riverview Auto Drive and is $40 per vehicle.

What should I expect at security at Desert Sky Music Festival?

According to organizers, bag searches, pat-downs and other screenings will be conducted prior to entry. Attendees who are 21 and over will be issued a wristband to buy alcohol.

Is there re-entry?

Re-entry is not allowed at Desert Sky Music Festival.

What is the bag policy at Desert Sky Music Festival?

Small, lightweight backpacks, drawstring bags or purses no larger than 12 inches by 12 inches by 12 inches will be allowed. All bags will be subject to search at any time inside the festival.

What can I bring to Desert Sky Music Festival?

Sunscreen lotion, hats, sunglasses, cameras, prescription medication, snacks for small children and one sealed bottle of water are all permitted. General admission attendees can bring chairs, provided they don’t block anyone else’s view of the stage.

What items are prohibited at Desert Sky Music Festival?

The following items can’t be brought into the festival:

• Coolers and outside food or beverage
• Fireworks and explosives
• Firearms, knives or other type of weapon
• Laser pointers
• Drones
• Umbrellas larger than 48 inches in diameter
• Shade structures and tents
• Pets (with the exception of service dogs)
• Any illegal substances or harmful chemicals
• Wheeled devices like bikes, wagons and skateboards
• Any items considered to be dangerous or disruptive by security or staff

Will food and drinks be available at the Desert Sky Music Festival?

Of course. Various food vendors will be available in the southwest corner of the festival grounds. Full bars will be available throughout the event and in the VIP section where 21 and over attendees with wristbands can purchase alcohol. Not all vendors will accept debit or credit cards, so you’ll want to bring some cash (ATMs will be available at the event).