Spring is one of the best seasons in the valley. Mild weather, spring training baseball, outdoor festivals, concerts, patio dining, desert blooms, and fun runs fill the calendar from March through Memorial Day weekend.
March Events in Phoenix & Surrounding Areas
March 1–30 | Valleywide
Cactus League Spring Training
Preseason MLB games in Mesa, Scottsdale, Phoenix, Glendale, Peoria, Goodyear, Surprise, and Tempe.
https://www.mlb.com/spring-training
Through March 29 | Gold Canyon
Arizona Renaissance Festival
Jousting, artisan vendors, themed weekends.
https://arizona.renfestinfo.com
March 7–9 | Scottsdale
Scottsdale Arts Festival
Fine art, live music, food vendors.
https://scottsdaleartsfestival.org
March 8 | Phoenix
M3F Music Festival
Indie music festival at Steele Indian School Park.
https://m3ffest.com
Many of these spring events take place near some of the Valley’s most popular neighborhoods. You can explore my full Phoenix Neighborhood Guide here.
March 13–15 | Tempe
Tempe Festival of the Arts
Street art and family activities.
https://tempefestivalofthearts.com
March 15 | Phoenix
St. Patrick’s Day Parade & Faire
Irish celebration downtown.
https://phoenixstpatricksday.com
March 16 | Apache Junction
Lost Dutchman Marathon
Desert marathon with mountain views.
https://lostdutchmanmarathon.org
March 20–30 | Valleywide
Spring Break Resort Pool Season
Day passes at Scottsdale and Phoenix resorts.
March 22 | Scottsdale
Color Fun Fest 5K
Family color run.
https://thecolorfunfest.com
If you are spending time at festivals or spring training in the East Valley, my Scottsdale Neighborhood Guide breaks down lifestyle, price points, and housing options.
March 28–30 | Queen Creek
Good Life Festival at Schnepf Farms
Live music and family activities.
https://schnepffarms.com
April Events in Phoenix & Surrounding Areas
April 1–May 11 | Phoenix
Desert Botanical Garden Spring Butterfly Exhibit
https://dbg.org
April 4–6 | Florence
Country Thunder Arizona
https://countrythunder.com/az
April 6 | Tempe
Pat’s Run
https://patsrun.com
April 10–13 | Scottsdale
Arizona Bike Week
https://azbikeweek.com
April 11–13 | Phoenix
Phoenix Film Festival
https://phoenixfilmfestival.com
April 12 | Glendale
Glendale Jazz & Blues Festival
https://glendaleaz.com
April 13 | Mesa
Arizona Celebration of Freedom
https://mesaaz.gov
April 19 | Phoenix
Earth Day Festival at Steele Indian School Park
https://phxearthday.com
April 20 | Salt River
Salt River Tubing Opening Weekend
https://saltrivertubing.com
April 26 | Phoenix Zoo
Zoo Move & Groove 5K
https://phoenixzoo.org
April 27 | Chandler
Chandler Family Bike Ride
https://chandleraz.gov
May Events in Phoenix & Surrounding Areas
May 2–4 | Downtown Phoenix
Cinco de Mayo Phoenix Festival
https://cincodemayophx.com
May 3 | Scottsdale
Derby Day Party at Turf Paradise
https://turfparadise.com
May 4 | Phoenix
Star Wars Day at Arizona Science Center
https://azscience.org
May 9–11 | Valleywide
Mother’s Day Brunch Events
May 15–25 | Valleywide
Arizona Restaurant Week
https://arizonarestaurantweek.com
May 17 | Scottsdale
Hot Air Balloon Glow at Salt River Fields
https://saltriverfields.com
May 18 | Mesa
Mesa Music Festival Spring Edition
https://mesamusicfestival.com
May 23–26 | Valleywide
Memorial Day Weekend Pool Parties and Lake Trips
May 24 | Phoenix
Arizona Diamondbacks Fireworks Night
Family Friendly Spring Activities in Phoenix
Phoenix Zoo
Animal encounters and splash zones
https://phoenixzoo.org
Arizona Science Center
Hands on exhibits
https://azscience.org
OdySea Aquarium Scottsdale
Interactive marine exhibits
https://odyseaaquarium.com
McCormick Stillman Railroad Park Scottsdale
Train rides and playground
Desert Ridge Family Movie Nights
Gilbert Riparian Preserve Spring Walks
Peoria Pioneer Community Park Events
Surprise Aquatic Center Opening Days
Westgate Entertainment District Family Events
Adults Only Nightlife & Spring Events
Old Town Scottsdale Nightlife
Rooftop bars and live DJs
