The 32nd Chandler Ostrich Festival will bring together Flo Rida, the Beach Boys, Nelly, Walker Hayes, fair rides and, of course, ostriches this month in metro Phoenix.
That’s a lot (and quite an eclectic bunch), but that is because the event will take place over two weekends — March 11-13 and 17-20 — for the first time. This year also marks the first Ostrich Festival since 2019 due to the pandemic.
Longtime residents might remember the festival for its ostrich races, which garnered multiple protests. However, the Chandler Ostrich Festival has not hosted races since 2019. Instead, there are ostrich viewing areas, musical performances, fair food and rides.
Here’s everything you need to know about this year’s event.
Festival history:Chandler’s long — and contentious — history with ostriches
When is the 2022 Chandler Ostrich Festival?
The festival spans two weekends this year: Friday-Sunday, March 11-13, and Thursday-Sunday, March 17-20.
How much are tickets to the Chandler Ostrich Festival?
Tickets can be purchased at https://www.tixr.com/groups/ostrichfestival or at select Bashas’ and Food City stores.
Pricing at these stores is $20 per person, $15 for ages 4-12 and $32 ($3 off the regular price) for unlimited ride wristbands. The $125 family pack, which covers two adults, two children and two unlimited ride wristbands, is exclusively available at these locations.
Go to https://www.bashas.com/promotions-sweepstakes to find a participating Bashas’ store near you and https://myfoodcity.com/events for Food City locations.
Here’s the price range for festival admission:
- Adults: Starting at $20.
- Children (4-12): Starting at $15.
- Kids under 4: Free.
- Unlimited ride wristbands: $35.
- VIP: $50-$200.
VIP admission includes VIP tent access, front-row access, one meal and three drinks.
Ride tickets purchased at the festival cost $1 each, and the number of tickets required for each ride varies.
Parking at Tumbleweed Park (at Hamilton and McQueen roads) costs $10. Passes can be purchased ahead online or at the venue (credit cards only).
Tickets purchased for the 2020 and 2021 events will be honored this year.
Who’s performing at the 2022 Ostrich Festival?
Here’s the main stage lineup for both weekends:
- Friday, March 11: The Band Perry and Uncle Kracker.
- Saturday, March 12: Walker Hayes.
- Sunday, March 13: Flo Rida.
- Thursday March 17: The Spazmatics
- Friday, March 18: The Beach Boys.
- Saturday, March 19: Nelly.
- Sunday, March 20: The Four Tops and The Temptations.
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Chandler Ostrich Festival rides
There are more than 50 fair rides at this year’s festival. Some of these attractions include:
- “Giant wheel” Ferris wheel.
- Wave Swinger, a swing ride that tilts to the side.
- Eagle 16, which is “larger than the traditional Ferris wheel.”
- Grand Carousel.
- The Inversion, which swings side to side before flipping upside down.
- The Vertigo, a 100-foot tower that spins riders on swings.
Best things to do in March:Mecum Auctions, Chicago Fest and more in the Valley
Chandler Ostrich Festival 2022
When: March 11-13 and 17-20.
Where: Tumbleweed Park, 745 E. Germann Road, Chandler.
Admission: Starting at $20, $15 for ages 4-12, free for age 3 and younger.
Details: 480-588-8497, https://ostrichfestival.com.
Reach the reporter at [email protected]. Follow her on Twitter @kimirobin and Instagram @ReporterKiMi.
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