It’s a tough time to be a festival organizer as concerns about the covid-19 virus have forced the cancellation of hundreds of large events nationwide.
Here in the East Valley, there are two or three major food and drink festivals every weekend at this time of year. In fact, here are seven taking place over the next three weekends.
So far, none of these has been canceled. But if you’re planning to attend one or more, you’ll want to keep an eye on their respective websites and social media for any changes.
Downtown Mesa Brewfest
You’ll find much more than craft beers and cocktails at the sixth annual Downtown Mesa Brewfest from 1 to 6 p.m. Saturday, March 14. The dog- and family-friendly street fest also will have food trucks, food vendors, live music, and games. Info
Arizona Aloha Festival
Cool off with some shave ice and learn to play the ukelele at the 26th annual Arizona Aloha Festival from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, March 14, and Sunday, March 15, at Tempe Beach Park. There will be two food courts, three entertainment stages, and a large marketplace. Info
Gilbert Pizza Festival
Some of the Valley’s top pizza makers will be serving $2-$4 slices at the first-ever Gilbert Pizza Festival from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, March 21, at Civic Center Park. There will be lawn games, a vendor market, live music, and kids activities. Info
Arizona Bao & Dumpling Festival
You can enjoy a variety of creative Asian dishes at the Arizona Bao & Dumpling Festival from 12:30 to 5 p.m. Saturday, March 21, in downtown Chandler. There will be games and a marketplace of local pop culture art. Info
Gem City Sours & Ciders Festival
The all-new Gem City Sours & Ciders Festival will feature nine Arizona brewers alongside nine regional craft cideries from 4 to 8 p.m. Saturday, March 21, in downtown Mesa. In addition to sampling, the festival will have live music, food trucks, and pub games. Info
African Fest USA
Sample exotic and incredibly diverse cuisines at African Fest USA from 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Saturday, March 28, at Kiwanis Park in south Tempe. Enjoy music and dance performances, fashion shows, and a marketplace of art, spices, and clothing. Info
Barbeque & Beer Festival
County music’s Lee Brice and Craig Morgan will headline the 11th annual Barbeque & Beer Festival, which moves to Chandler’s Tumbleweed Park from noon to 10 p.m. Saturday, March 28. Expect to find 20-plus pitmasters, beer, spirits, and novelty food items. Info
