Phoenix Food and Drink Festivals Happening in Spring 2020

Spring may officially begin in March, but in Phoenix, the outdoor goodness starts soon after the new year begins. Fun weather, great food, and a general revelry in the air combine to produce a whole bunch of food and drink festivals all across the Valley. And if you need something to literally keep your 2020 festival goals in check, we have a handy checklist.

Below is our list of more than 30 occasions for tasting culinary delights, enjoying the outdoors, seeing some of our best chefs, and getting your daytime drink on this spring. 

Tacolandia 2020

Saturday, January 25
Margaret T. Hance Park
1202 North Third Street

Get a running start on the food festival season with Tacolandia 2020, where a ticket buys you unlimited tacos (who needs Taco Tuesdays?) from 1 to 5 p.m. Enjoy live entertainment, award-winning tacos, and access to vendors offering topnotch taco samples. Phoenix New Times' fourth annual Tacolandia festival is offering general admission tickets for $25, VIP tickets for $45, and a four-pack of tickets for $23.75 each.

The Arizona Wine Festival

Saturday, January 25, and Sunday, January 26
Heritage Square
113 North Sixth Street

Wine and food trucks is the deal at The Arizona Wine Festival. More than 20 Arizona wineries will pour over 200 wines, while up to seven food trucks will help fuel your thirst for more taste-testing. Held at the historic Heritage Square, the 21-and-over event is happening from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday, January 25, and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday, January 26. Presale tickets are $20 to $45 at the gate, while general tickets are $25 to $55.

Chinese Culture and Cuisine Festival

Friday, February 7, to Sunday, February 9
Margaret T. Hance Park
1202 North Third Street

Celebrate the year of the rat at the Chinese Culture and Cuisine Festival. The three-day party includes a mahjong booth, tai chi demonstration, Ping-Pong tournaments, and authentic Chinese cuisine. The festivities will be held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Friday, February 7, and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on both Saturday and Sunday, February 8 and 9. Admission is free.

Arizona Strong Beer Festival

Saturday, February 8
Steele Indian School Park
300 East Indian School Road

The 20th annual Arizona Strong Beer Festival is serious about showcasing several local breweries. This year features 130 breweries with more than 500 beers on tap. That isn't a typo. Beer lovers can rejoice — there will be no need to bar-hop that weekend. Arizona Strong Beer Festival is 1 to 5 p.m., and tickets start at $60.

Arizona Native Edible Experience

Saturday, February 8
Western Spirit: Scottsdale’s Museum of the West
3830 North Marshall Way, Scottsdale

One of the best events to attend on the winter-into-spring circuit, the Arizona Native Edible Experience is held in downtown Scottsdale and offers edible gatherings from the culinary leaders of several Arizona tribes. The 2020 Arizona Native Edible Experience goes from 6 to 9 p.m., and the cost is $25 — and it occurs during the same weekend as the Arizona American Indian Festival.

Laveen BBQ Festival

Saturday, February 8
Cesar Chavez Park
7858 South 35th Avenue, Laveen

Fans of barbecue and free things will certainly enjoy the 68th annual Laveen BBQ Festival. On hand: local entertainment, craft beers, and, of course, barbecue. The Laveen Community hosts this event from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. with free admission. However, if you intend to purchase food, bring plenty of cash.

Corks & Cactus

Saturday, February 8, and Sunday, February 9
Desert Botanical Garden
1201 North Galvin Parkway

Sample wine as you stroll the Desert Botanical Garden during the Corks & Cactus two-day event. There will be 40 wines to sip, plus live music on both days by artists like Palo Brea and Brian Chartrand Trio. All wines can be purchased at the garden’s retail store. The 21-and-over event runs from 1 to 4:30 p.m. on both days. General admission tickets are $45 per day.

Street Eats Food Truck Festival

Saturday, February 8, and Sunday, February 9
Salt River Fields at Talking Stick
7555 North Pima Road, Scottsdale

If you've been waiting to try a special something from a local food truck but haven't been there at the right time or place, now is your chance to achieve that goal. The Street Eats Food Truck Festival will showcase 55 vendors, and every menu will include $2 samples. Once inside the festival, use cash or credit at all bars and food trucks while taking in the live bands, lawn games, eating contests, local vendor marketplace, kids' zone, and cooking classes. Street Eats Food Truck Festival is 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on both days. Tickets start at $8 and kids under 12 are free.

Mesa Margarita Festival

Sunday, February 9
Mesa Convention Center, Building A
263 North Center Street, Mesa

Margaritas, anyone? Whether you enjoy a classic margarita or a modern twist on the recipe, you have an opportunity to find your favorite at the Mesa Margarita Festival. But it isn't all about the drinks. There will be a variety of tacos to complement your margarita of choice. The party is happening from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and tickets start at $12.

Southwest Cajun Festival

Saturday, February 15
Dr. A.J. Chandler Park
178 East Commonwealth Avenue, Chandler

No need to book that plane ticket to New Orleans — the Southwest Cajun Festival is in our backyard and features a celebration of everything Cajun, including food and entertainment. The musical stage includes performances from four bands: Hoodoo Coasters, Bluesman Mike, NolAz Band, and Souled Out Jazz Band. There will also be watermelon-, sausage-, and crawfish-eating contests. For the especially edgy among us, flame-throwing, sword-swallowing, a Mardi Gras photo booth, and a kids zone will provide interactive entertainment. Southwest Cajun Festival is noon to 9 p.m. and tickets start at $8.

Sweets Festival

Saturday, February 15
Gilbert Civic Center Town Park
50 East Civic Center Drive, Gilbert

Think of Candy Land coming to life, and you're close to the Sweets Festival in Gilbert. Attendees can try sundaes, waffles, cotton candy towers, chocolates, cupcakes, and a never-ending path to whatever sweet treat catches your eye. Cocktails and savory items are also available in case you need some balance. The Sweets Festival is 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., and tickets are $7.

Arizona Vegetarian Festival & Symposium

Friday, February 15, and Saturday, February 16
Scottsdale Civic Center Amphitheater
3939 North Drinkwater Boulevard, Scottsdale

If you've recently embraced the vegetarian lifestyle, check out the Arizona Vegetarian Festival & Symposium. The event is vegan and includes lectures, demos, and panels on food. The 2020 Arizona Vegetarian Food Festival starts at 10 a.m. on Saturday, February 15 and ends at 5 p.m. on Sunday, February 16. General admission starts at $20.

Arizona Cocktail Weekend

Friday, February 15, to Sunday, February 17
Multiple Locations

If you're looking for something to do during Presidents' Day Weekend, the ninth annual Arizona Cocktail Weekend offers three nights of unlimited tastings at different venues. Think of it as a pop-up bar showcasing the best drinks the Valley has to offer. Participants include Bitter & Twisted Cocktail Parlour, Blue Hound Kitchen & Cocktails, The Gladly, and others. Tickets start at $40. Times are yet to be announced.

2020 Devour Week

Saturday, February 15, to Sunday, February 23
Multiple Locations

Devour Week is a multiday culinary event offering the chance to experience cuisine and drinks by Arizona’s most well-known chefs and bartenders. The signature event, the Devour Culinary Classic, will be held again across Desert Botanical Garden. Other Devour Week events include the Devour Phoenix Bartending Competition, the Seven Chefs Dinner, and Devour the World. Ticket prices and venues vary — and sell out fast, so act quickly if you plan to attend any of these events.

Brunch Bash Festival

Saturday, February 22
Civic Space Park
424 North Central Avenue

The Brunch Bash Festival offers attendees eggs Benedict, pancakes, waffles, a cereal bar, and an array of specialty breakfast dishes. Cocktails will include bloody marys, mimosas, and more. There will be acoustic musical performances, a designated VIP area, and beach games. A portion of the proceeds will benefit Love Pup, and guests are welcome to bring their pooches. The Brunch Bash Festival is 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and tickets start at $8. Additional food items are available for purchase at individual vendors.

Herb Festival

Saturday, February 22
Arizona Herb Association
4341 East Broadway Road

AZ Herb Association presents the fourth annual Herb Festival, and this year's festival focuses on lavender. A clinical herbalist will lead discussions on how to cultivate lavender and use it for medicinal purposes. The Herb Festival goes from 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and tickets are $35 — which includes continental breakfast.

Arizona Matsuri

Saturday, February 22, and Sunday, February 23
Steele Indian School Park
300 Indian School Road

Those who love Japanese culture and food will want to check out the Arizona Matsuri Festival. The 36th annual festival's theme is the samurai. Food connoisseurs will have the opportunity to try ramen, rice dishes, takoyaki, yakitori, okonomiyaki and other foods. A sake and beer garden will also be located on the grounds. Several arts and craft stalls will be set up, and guests can explore various aspects of the Japanese culture. The festival will be held from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and, most importantly, admission is free.

Cave Creek Beer Festival

Saturday, February 29
Stage Coach Village
7100 East Cave Creek Road, Cave Creek

Need an excuse to venture into Cave Creek? At the Cave Creek Beer Festival, you can enjoy craft brews made by locals while walking through an open landscape — much of Cave Creek feels like you've left the city behind anyway. The festival will showcase ciders, meads, and kombucha, plus pub food available for purchase. The party is happening at Stage Coach Village from 1 to 5 p.m. and tickets start at $45.

Phoenix Vegan Food Festival

Saturday, February 29
Margaret T. Hance Park
1202 North Third Street

The Phoenix Vegan Food Festival is a completely plant-based event. Highlights include vegan food trucks, restaurants, and an artisan market featuring vegan-friendly food and products. There will also be chef demo presentations, two stages of music and entertainment, community activities, and an activity area for kids. The festival will be held from noon to 10 p.m. Tickets start at $29.

Chili Bourbon Festival

Saturday, February 29
Dr. A.J. Chandler Park
178 East Commonwealth Avenue, Chandler

Chili and bourbon? Yes, please. The third annual Chili Bourbon Festival will showcase chili (obviously) from local home cooks and chefs, as well as bourbon (also obviously). Enjoy craft beer and country music in downtown Chandler as well as entertainment like flame-throwing, a Frito pie challenge, and a chili dog-eating contest. The Chili Bourbon Festival is noon to 9 p.m. Tickets are $10 presale and $15 the day of the event.

Melrose Street Fair

Saturday, March 7
Melrose District
Seventh Avenue

The Seventh Avenue Merchants Association (SAMA) hosts the annual Melrose Street Fair. Expect a classic car show with 200 vintage cars, as well as food trucks, more than 200 art vendors, activities for kids, and the opportunity to enjoy craft beer while walking through the Melrose District. The street fair is held along Seventh Avenue from Camelback Road to Indian School Road from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Parking and entry is free, but cash is recommended for food and other purchases.

Maricopa Salsa Festival

Saturday, March 7
Copper Sky Regional Park
44345 Martin Luther King Junior Boulevard, Maricopa

Arizona is serious about its salsa. The Maricopa Salsa Festival is a place where people can try various kinds of salsa, from traditional recipes to more contemporary varieties. There will a chili pepper-eating contest, a beer garden, and a kids zone' just in case you want to move beyond sauce tastings. The festivities will be held from noon to 8 p.m. Tickets are $5, but bring extra cash for parking.

Downtown Mesa Brewfest

Saturday, March 14
Downtown Mesa
Macdonald Street

No entry fee and plenty of beer sounds like a great start to a Saturday. The fifth annual Downtown Mesa Brew Fest will host more than 25 breweries with over 70 beers on tap. Think hops, fruity ale, or a smooth chocolate stout paired with food truck orders, live music, live art, and games like giant beer pong and cornhole. Beer tickets will be available for purchase at the event for $5 (per 12-ounce pour) and require cash. It's all happening on MacDonald Street north of Main Street from 1 to 6 p.m.

Italian Festival of Arizona

Saturday, March 14, and Sunday, March 15
Downtown Phoenix
Jackson Street

At the seventh annual Italian Festival of Arizona, be prepared to indulge in pasta, gelato, pizza, and wine. As you're enjoying your Italian food spread, listen to live performances while sipping Italian espresso. The festival is in downtown Phoenix on Jackson Street between Fourth and First streets from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Saturday, March 14, and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday, March 15. Tickets are $15.

Arizona Aloha Festival

Saturday, March 14, and Sunday, March 15
Tempe Beach Park
80 West Rio Salado Parkway, Tempe

If you're interested in South Pacific cuisine, the Arizona Aloha Festival is definitely worth checking out. There will be live performances, storytelling, an island marketplace, and of course, food. Choose from manapua, haupia, Vilo Vilo chicken, Spam musubi, Portuguese sausage, and tropical fruits. The event is family-friendly and will be held at Tempe Town Lake from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days. The best news about the Arizona Aloha Festival? No entry fee.

Taste of the World International Festival

Saturday, March 15
SoHo63
63 East Boston Street, Chandler

Diverse food culture has been gathered into one place at the Taste of the World International Festival. Musical numbers from around the globe will serve as a backdrop to the worldly cuisine from noon to 6:30 p.m. General admission tickets start at $15.

Arab American Festival

Saturday, March 20, and Sunday, March 21
Steele Indian School Park
300 East Indian School Road

At the Arab American Festival, learn about culture and try regional cuisine like falafel, hummus, gyros, and kabobs. In addition to food, there will be music, activities, a hookah lounge, and a kids' zone. The festival will be held from 4 to 10 p.m on both days. Tickets start at $5.

Arizona Bao and Dumpling Festival

Saturday, March 21
Margaret T. Hance Park
1202 North Third Street

Lover of great bao? You're in luck. The Arizona Bao and Dumpling Festival will showcase not only bao, but also takoyaki, potstickers, boba, and Asian desserts. Festivities will also be held on the grounds from 12:30 to 5 p.m. Tickets are $8 for entry, and cash or credit card is recommended to purchase items from individual vendors.

The Gem City Sours and Ciders Festival

Saturday, March 21
Cider Corps
31 South Robson, #103, Mesa

Don't pass on a chance to try sour ciders and craft beers at the Gem City Sours and Ciders Festival. This debut event will highlight 30 local and regional breweries, along with food trucks and music. The festival is 2 to 8 p.m. and tickets start at $35.

Gilbert Pizza Festival

Saturday, March 21
Gilbert Civic Center
50 East Civic Center Drive, Gilbert

Pizza is good any time of day, and we appreciate how the Gilbert Pizza Festival recognizes this essential fact. The debut event plans to host 15 to 20 pizza vendors, whose offerings you may pair with local craft beer, wine, live music, lawn games, a kids' zone with pizza-making crafts, and desserts like gelato and ice cream. The festival is from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tickets start at $10 and kids under 12 are free. Cash and/or credit cards are recommended to purchase food.

Barbeque & Beer Festival

Saturday, March 28
Tumbleweed Park
745 East Germann Road, Chandler

In its 11th year, the Barbeque & Beer Festival is changing things up by moving to a new location — Tumbleweed Park. But the elements are still the same: live country music, eating contests, beer, and of course, everything barbecue. Festivities will be held from noon to 10 p.m., and tickets start at $10.

African Fest USA

Saturday, March 28
Kiwanis Park
5500 South Mill Avenue, Tempe

African Fest USA is all about the culture, entertainment, clothing, and food originating from various African countries. The experience runs from 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. at the Ruben Romero Picnic Area. (Food vendor information is forthcoming.) Tickets are $20 for general admission, $5 for kids 6 to 12, and free for those 5 and under. A VIP pass is $100.

Scottsdale Culinary Festival

Saturday, April 18
Scottsdale Civic Center Mall
3939 North Drinkwater Boulevard, Scottsdale

The Scottsdale Culinary Festival is a two-day weekend event that highlights at least 35 different restaurants in the Valley. Live music and the lawn make it fun for couples to dance to the music, or for families to have a picnic on the grounds. The event, which usually features a beer garden and culinary demonstrations, is 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tickets are $12 in advance, $15 at the gate.

Taco Fest

Saturday, April 4
Salt River Fields
7555 North Pima Road, Scottsdale

This particular festival is looking to celebrate all things “Tacos, Tamales, Tequila & Tango.” During Taco Fest, more than 30 food vendors from restaurants, food trucks, and area chefs will be making $3 tacos and tamales from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Attendees will also have the opportunity to vote for their favorite taco and tamale makers. Tickets are $12 in advance, and $15 at the gate.

Arizona Wine & Dine Culinary Festival

Thursday, April 9
Scottsdale Quarter
15059 North Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale

The Arizona Wine & Dine Culinary Festival showcases the world-class dining scene of prominent resorts and restaurants across our state. Chefs from local hotels will present their signature dishes, as well as cocktails. Live music by Nate Nathan and the MacDaddy-O's will be part of the entertainment. Festivities for the 21-and-over event will happen at Scottsdale Quarter from 6 to 9 p.m. Tickets start at $85.

Nirvana Food & Wine Festival

Thursday, April 16, to Sunday, April 19
Sanctuary on Camelback
5700 East McDonald Drive, Paradise Valley

Join award-winning chefs and winemakers at the Nirvana Food & Wine Festival. Enjoy a sit-down dinner backdropped by Camelback Mountain, plus many other festivities happening at Sanctuary on Camelback. Times and ticket prices vary.

FRIED, A French Fry & Music Festival

Saturday, April 18
Margaret T. Hance Park
1202 North Third Street

If french fries are your thing, FRIED, A French Fry & Music Festival is where you want to be. Food includes pizza fries, taco fries, pasta fries, chili fries, cheese fries, mac and cheese fries, poutine, and more. There will be outdoor entertainment and desserts to top off your waffle, curly, or shoestring fries. The festival will be held at Margaret T. Hance Park from noon to 8 p.m. Tickets start at $10, and children under 5 are free.

Polish Festival

Saturday, April 25, and Sunday, April 26
Our Lady of Czestochowa Parish
2828 West Country Gables Drive

Our Lady of Czestochowa Parish hosts the 17th annual Polish Festival, where you can learn about Polish culture and, of course, partake in Hunter's stew, cabbage rolls, buckwheat sausage, and sauerkraut. Cap off your meal with potato pancakes, crepes, pastries, or cakes. Festivities are from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Saturday, April 25, and from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday, April 26. Entry is free.

Rib Fest Throwdown

Saturday, April 25, and Sunday, April 26
Mark Coronado Park
15850 North Bullard Avenue, Surprise

Ever want to see Texas and Kansas City barbecue skills really hash it out? Cue the inaugural Rib Fest Throwdown. Held in Surprise, the two-day barbecue competition also offers live music, eating competitions, and a kid’s zone. The event is noon to 10 p.m. on Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday. Tickets are $10 day of for general admission, and kids 12 and under are admitted free.

Arizona Wingfest 2020

Sunday, April 26
Margaret T. Hance Park
1202 North Third Street

Looking for the best wings in Arizona? Try Arizona Wingfest 2020, where judges will decide out who has the hottest sauce, best barbecue, most creative dishes, and all-round top wings. Live entertainment will be blasting from the speakers from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tickets start at $10.

Earn Your Booze Fitness & Cocktail Festival

Saturday, May 2
Salt River Fields at Talking Stick
7555 North Pima Road, Scottsdale

If you love drinking and/or exercising with others, this is the spring festival for you. The Earn Your Booze Fitness & Cocktail Festival is a combination craft cocktail festival and full-stadium workout. Picture pop-up bars, food, music, games, and group exercises led by four Phoenix-area fitness studios. The event runs from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tickets are $30 for the 21-and-over event.

Editor's note: This article has been updated from its original version.