I’m a die-hard Chandler mom. I love our little city and all it has to offer by way of entertainment, excellent schools, and a rich cultural experience.
One of my favorite events each year is the Chandler Multicultural Festival. Entrance to the event is completely free. Families can enjoy showcases of performers including indigenous dancers, martial arts demonstrations, belly dancing, Mexican folklorico dancing, and many others. Food trucks and booths line the park so event-goers can enjoy everything from Thai food to traditional Greek specialties. There will also be over two dozen merchandise booths to check out and support local business and over a dozen informational booths to learn about and support multicultural agencies.
The event takes place on January 14 at Dr. A.J. Chandler Park (the park near the Downtown Library). It is a not-to-be-missed good time!
If you head out to the park, here are a few tips for making the most out of your day:
- Bring folding chairs and blankets. You can spread out and make a lawn island for the fam while enjoying all the goings-on on stage.
- Bring plenty of water, hats, and sunscreen. It may be January, but you know Arizona and it can still get warm in the sun. There is hardly any shade in the heart of the festival so be prepared for a full day in the sunshine.
- Check the schedule ahead of time. The festival runs 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. but each performer only goes on once so if there is a particular event you don’t want to miss, make sure you’re there at the right time.
- If you have itty-bitties or kids with sensory concerns, bring some ear protectors to guard against the loud PA system.
- Bring cash just in case a particular booth/vendor you’re interested in purchasing from isn’t set up for taking cards and/or there is a technical glitch preventing their use of a card reader.
- Get into it! This is such a fun event and a wonderful opportunity to introduce kiddos, maybe for the first time, to some of these cultures so dance, play, and get involved with the performers to encourage your kiddos to do the same!
Tell us YOUR favorite part of the festival by tagging us in your festival-day posts!
