PHOENIX — If your New Year's resolution was to have more fun, go to more festivals or get outside more, you are in luck!
The Valley will host more than 70 festivals over the next five months: everything from chocolates and sweets to auto auctions, country concerts, rowdy golf tournaments, craft beer and spirits; barbecue, bourbon and chili; all-you-can-eat salsa, and everything in between.
Find your next festival below.
Jan. 11-13 - ACE Comic Con: Tom Hiddleston (Loki), Krysten Ritter (Jessica Jones), Charlie Cox (Daredevil) and WWE's Becky Lynch, Alexa Bliss and Lilian Garcia are scheduled to attend the three-day arena-style convention. It is ACE Comic Con's second show in Arizona. There will also be Q&As with the stars, paid autographs and photo opportunities, and vendors around the arena. More information.
Jan. 11-13 - Maricopa Home & Garden Show: Planning a home renovation? Dozens of companies and vendors will be at the Arizona State Fairgrounds to help with those renovation projects. "Tiny Homes Street of Dreams" returns with "mini mansions," homes made out of containers and two-story mini-homes. There will also be "DIY" crafts, wine tasting, furniture, and demos. More information.
Jan. 12 - Glendale Glitter and Glow: This is the last chance of the season to see the 1.6 million LED lights twinkling around downtown Glendale. There will be 18 hot air balloons, live music from local bands and groups, and other activities. The free event runs from 4 p.m. - 10 p.m. More information.
Jan. 12-20 - Barrett-Jackson Auto Auction: Get an up-close look at luxury, exotic and classic cars and trucks and watch as they quickly hit the auction block, each sold for thousands of dollars in a matter of seconds. Hundreds of cars will fill the lots at WestWorld of Scottsdale during the nine-day auction. More information.
Jan. 16-20 - Russo and Steele Collector Automobile Auction: Get an up-close look at more than 800 European sports cars, American muscle cars, hot rods and custom cars, then watch them hit the auction block. This is the 19th annual auction for Russo and Steele in Scottsdale and its third at Salt River Fields. Guests can shop from more than 100 vendors and grab a bite to eat before the next car hits the block. More information.
Jan. 17-21 - Chandler International Film Festival: More than 200 movies will be screened during the third Chandler International Film Festival. This year, the festival will be housed at Flix Brewhouse, which opened in December in downtown Chandler. The festival will also have paneled discussions for filmmakers, workshops and an expo. More information.
Jan. 19 - Chandler Multicultural Festival: An annual free festival that celebrates Chandler's community heritage and culture. It coincides with the Chandler International Film Festival. There will be free cultural performances, food and drink vendors with items for sale, and public film screenings. More information.
Jan. 25-27 - Arizona Balloon Classic: Watch hot air balloons compete in various "Hare and Hound" races where balloon operators will have to drop markers from the air onto targets on the ground. There will also be hot air balloon rides, tethered balloon rides, music, a beer garden, cooking demos and a stunt bike show. More information.
Jan. 26 - Brunch Bash: A brunch-themed food festival where local restaurants, bars and chefs will create sample-sized sweet and savory dishes and cocktails. There will also be live music and beach-themed games. More information.
Jan. 26 - Phoenix New Times' Tacolandia: An all-you-can-eat taco festival featuring tacos from local restaurants and taquerias. Restaurants include Willie's Taco Joint, Los Sombreros, Mr. Mesquite Taqueria and Z'Tejas. More information.
Jan. 28 - Feb. 3 - Waste Management Phoenix Open: Known as "The People's Open" and "The Greatest Show on Grass," the annual PGA tournament returns to Scottsdale's TPC golf course. The PGA's top golfers will compete for the $7.1M purse, while spectators cheer them on from the famous 16th Hole. At night, just outside the gates is the Coors Light Birds Nest concert series. This year's acts include Old Dominion, Jake Owen, The Chainsmokers, Snoop Dogg, and Martin Garrix. More information.
Jan. 30 - Feb. 2 - Coors Lights Birds Nest concert series: When the tournament ends for the day at the Waste Management Phoenix Open, the party begins at the Coors Lights Birds Nest. The 21-and-up venue will have four nightly concerts. This year's lineup includes Old Dominion, Midland, Brandon Lay, Jake Owen, Lee Brice, Michael Ray, The Chainsmokers, Snoop Dogg, Martin Garrix, DJ Vice and Justin Mylo. Sold out: The Chainsmokers and Snoop Dogg concert is sold out. More information.
Feb. 2 - The Great Canadian Picnic: A free community festival at the South Mountain that celebrates Canadian heritage with poutine, rock climbing, classic cars, live music, a snow slide, and petting zoo. More information.
Feb. 2-3 - Arizona Vegetarian Food Festival: Explore and learn about vegan-friendly and plant-based foods and products at this two-festival. There will be guest speakers, chef demonstrations, and live entertainment. More information.
Feb. 7-16 - Arizona Beer Week: For ten days, breweries, taprooms and restaurants will host special beer pairings, tap takeovers, specialty brews, and collaborations. Events happen throughout the state so you will want to check the website for an updated list of events. All of it leads up to the Arizona Strong Beer Festival, Feb. 9. More information.
Feb. 8-10 - Wickenburg's Gold Rush Days: Experience a bit of the Old West and learn about Wickenburg's history at this three-day celebration. The event includes a carnival, rodeo, parade, a theater show, classic car show and artisan fair. More information.
Feb. 8 - 10 - Chinese Culture and Cuisine Festival: A three-day food and culture festival with martial arts demonstrations, dragon dances, lion dances, music, tea garden and food vendors. More information.
Feb. 9 - Arizona Strong Beer Festival: This festival is all about beer. Whether you like ales, IPAs, stouts, or everything in between, there will be hundreds of beers to taste at the Arizona Strong Beer Festival. More information.
Feb. 9 - CulturePOP Block Party: A community culture and food festival with live entertainment, street performers, kids activites, and food and wine from around the world. More information.
Feb. 9 - D-backs Fan Fest: Get to know the Arizona Diamondbacks before the start of Spring Training and the 2019 season at Salt River Fields. There will be chances to meet D-backs players, get autographs and take photos. There will also be inflatables, batting cages and other baseball-themed activities. More information.
Feb. 9-Mar. 31 - Arizona Renaissance Festival: Hear ye! Hear ye! Step back in time to the Renaissance with live jousting, jesters, oversized turkey legs, fried foods, wooden rides, and an artisan marketplace. More information .
Feb. 9-10 - Glendale Chocolate Affaire: Love chocolate? You'll want to know about this event. Nearly 40 chocolate makers will be part of Glendale's Chocolate Affaire. The annual chocolate event is presented by the Cerreta Candy Co., a local business that makes its own candy and offers tours of its factory. More information.
Feb. 9-10: Buckeye Air Fair: A free two-day airshow at Buckeye Municipal Airport. There will also be vintage aircrafts on display, demonstrations, AZSciTech exhibitions, and entertainment. More information
Feb. 16 - Queen Creek S’more Sweets Festival: Whether you like chocolate fountains or candy-themed cocktails, candy is the name of this relatively new festival to the Valley. More than a dozen businesses will be there selling different candies, treats and confections. There will also be games and kids activities. More information.
Feb. 16 - Laveen BBQ Festival: You can taste different barbecue creations from restaurants and pitmasters at this community festival at Cesar Chavez Park. There will also be local music, craft beer and inflatables. More information.
Feb. 16 - Chili Bourbon Festival: The second Chili Bourbon Festival moves to downtown Chandler in 2019 where restaurants and chefs will showcase traditional, spicy and regional chili recipes. There will also be more than a dozen bourbons to sample, along with eating contests, country music and lawn games. More information.
Feb. 16-17 - Street Eats Food Truck Festival: Sample menu items from more than 60 food trucks at Salt River Fields at Talking Stick. Each truck will have a $2 sample item as well as their regular menu items. Guests can expect live music and lawn games, eating contests, cooking classes, a marketplace, and a kids zone. More information.
Feb. 17-24 - Devour Week: A week of premium culinary events and competitions, including the Devour Culinary Classic, Seven Chefs Dinner, Devour The World, and the Devour Bartending Competition. Devour Culinary Classic is a two-day food and drink event with unlimited samples from the Valley's top restaurants, hotels and chefs. More information.
Feb. 21 - Mar. 26 - Cactus League Spring Training: Baseball is back! Grab a mitt and some friends and head to one of Arizona's 10 spring training stadiums to watch a game. Fifteen teams come to Arizona for spring training: Arizona Diamondbacks, Chicago Cubs, Chicago White Sox, Cincinnati Red, Cleveland Indians, Colorado Rockies, Kansas City Royals, Los Angeles Angels, Los Angeles Dodgers, Milwaukee Brewers, Oakland Athletics, San Diego Padres, San Francisco Giants, Seattle Mariners and Texas Rangers. More information.
Feb. 21-24 - Lost Dutchman Days: An annual celebration in Apache Junction that consists of a bratwurst and beer party, parade, carnival, royal court, arts and crafts fair and rodeo. The events and times vary over the span of four days. More information.
Feb. 22-24 - The Great Fair of Fine Arts & Crafts: A three-day outdoor art fair in Fountain Hills featuring artworks from nearly 500 artists and artisans from around the world. There is also food vendors and a beer garden. More information.
Feb. 23-24 - Matsuri Festival of Japan: Learn about Japanese culture, cuisine, art and music at this free three-day festival, which celebrates its 35th anniversary in 2019. This year's theme is "Japan Old and New." More information.
Feb. 23-24 - Italian Festival of Arizona: Experience Italian food, music and culture at this two-day festival in Scottsdale. This year's music lineup has not been announced yet. More information.
Feb. 23-24 - PHX Vegan Food Festival: Learn what it means to be vegan, how to make vegan-friendly food and connect with vegan-friendly restaurants and businesses at this two-day festival. This will also be live music and cooking demonstrations. More information.
Mar. 1 - Rockin’ Taco Rumble: An all-you-can-eat taco-tasting festival in downtown Phoenix where local restaurants and chefs will compete for the "People's Choice" and judge's awards, each carrying a $500 prize. This is the second year for the festival. Attendees can wash it down with craft beer and listen to music. More information.
Mar. 2 - Melrose on 7th Avenue Street Fair: More than 20,000 people attend this annual street fair in Phoenix's Melrose District. More than 200 artists, crafters, merchants and food trucks will line 7th Avenue showcasing their works. Don't forget to check out the classic car show. More information.
Mar. 1-3 - McDowell Mountain Music Festival (M3F): The non-profit music festival celebrates 16 years in 2019. It donates all of its proceeds to local charities. This year, Odesza and Empire of the Sun are the top-billed acts. The full lineup includes more than 30 acts. There is also a kids zone, a marketplace with local vendors, live art, and food and drink vendors. More information.
Mar. 2-3 - Innings Festival: Incubus, Eddie Vedder, Sheryl Crow, and Jimmy Eat World have been tapped to perform at the baseball-themed music festival along Tempe Town Lake. The festival coincides with Spring Training and made its debut in 2018. This year, the festival drops from three days to two. Other acts include Cake, GroupLove, Blues Traveler, St. Paul and the Broken Bones, and Shakey Graves. More information.
Mar. 2-3 - Polish Festival: Experience Polish culture and food at their annual festival. Pierogis, cabbage rolls, hunter's stew and sausage, and sauerkraut will all be available for purchase. There will also be music and games. More information.
Mar. 2-3 - Heard Museum Indian Fair & Market: One of the Heard Museum’s signature events showcasing Native American artists’ work and performances. More information.
Mar. 2-3 - Glendale's Folk and Heritage Festival: The two-day festival celebrates 30 years in 2019. Learn about and listen to folk music and the history of Sahuaro Ranch Park. More information.
Mar. 2-3 - Tres Rios Nature Festival: A free outdoor festival with fishing, canoeing, bird tours, and entertainment on the main stage. More information.
Mar. 8-10 - NASCAR Weekend at ISM Raceway: Rev those engines race fans because NASCAR returns to Arizona for its spring racing series, the TicketGuardian 500. In November, the race track unveiled all of its renovations including a new finish line, an upgraded infield, new seats, and a revamped Midway. More information.
Mar. 8-10 - Scottsdale Arts Festival: Walk around Scottsdale's Civic Center Park where more than 100 artists will showcase and sell their works and compete in various categories. The three-day event benefits Scottsdale Arts. More information.
Mar. 8-10 - Chandler Ostrich Festival: A community festival that has been in Chandler for more than three decades. There are ostrich races (we're not joking!), pig races, a carnival, and nightly concerts. Flo Rida, The Commodores, and Andy Grammer will headline the nightly concerts. The Beach Boys headlined the festival in 2018. More information.
Mar. 9 - Arizona Caribbean Jerk Festival: A food and drink festival that celebrates Caribbean culture and cuisine. More information
Mar. 9 - Downtown Mesa BrewFest: Hang out in downtown Mesa and try some bites, beer and cocktails from local bars and restaurants. There will also be live music and entertainment. More information.
Mar. 9-10 - Arizona Aloha Festival: A two-day festival that celebrates Hawaiian and South Pacific culture through food, art, and dance. More information.
Mar 15-16 - Pot of Gold Music Festival: Lil Wayne, Post Malone and Cardi B. will headline the fifth Pot of Gold Music Festival over the St. Patrick's Day weekend. More information.
Mar. 16 - Phoenix St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Faire: Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with Phoenix’s annual parade and festival. Marching bands, Irish dancers, and bagpipers will make their way through central Phoenix. More information.
Mar. 22 - Burger Battle: An all-you-can-sample burger competition between Valley restaurants and chefs. Guests can sample as many burgers, fries and shakes as they want and will help decide the night's winners. More information.
Mar. 23 - The Good Life Festival: After nine years, 2019 will be the last year for the annual festival and open-house at Encanterra. Creedence Clearwater Revisited and Three Dog Night will headline. More information.
Mar. 23 - Maricopa Salsa Festival: Salsa makers will compete for cash prizes at the 15th annual Maricopa Salsa Festival. Attendees will be able to sample all the salsas, listen to live music, and kids can play in the Little Pepper Zone. More information.
Mar. 23 & 24 - Anthem Days: An annual community festival in Anthem, featuring a carnival, business expo, egg hunt, food, and entertainment. More information
Mar. 23 & 24 - Arab American Festival Arizona: An annual community festival in Anthem, featuring a carnival, business expo, egg hunt, food, and entertainment. More information
Mar. 24 - Arizona Bao Fest: Taste a variety of steamed buns, gua bao, BBQ pork buns, and sweet buns from local bakeries and businesses. There will be music and backyard-style games. Food and drink are not included in general admission ticket. More information.
Mar. 30 - The Great American Barbecue & Beer Festival: Spend the day listening to country music and enjoying barbecue in downtown Chandler. There will be nearly 60 pitmasters, restaurants and chefs with different barbecue option, as well as eating contests, beer and cocktails. More information.
Mar. 29-31 - Tempe Festival of the Arts: The annual art show brings 350 artists to downtown Tempe to showcase their works. It is free to walk around. There will also be live entertainment, food vendors, and live art shows. The festival celebrates 50 years in 2019. More information.
Mar. 30 & 31 - Arizona Dragon Boat Festival: Learn about dragon boat racing and watch teams of men, women and children compete against each other on Tempe Town Lake. More information.
Apr. 3-7 - Arizona Bike Week: A week-long event in Scottsdale with schedules rides, nightly concerts and vendors at WestWorld of Scottsdale. This year's lineup includes Buckcherry, 3 Doors Down, Godsmack, and George Thorogood and the Destroyers. More information.
Apr. 5-6 - Chandler Jazz Festival: A free festival with two days of jazz music and concerts in downtown Chandler. More information.
Apr. 5-6 - Phoenix Lights Festival: A two-day EDM festival at The Park at Wild Horse Pass. The full lineup has not been announced yet. More information.
Apr. 6 - Fountain Hills Music Festival: A free one-day concert at Fountain Hills' famous Fountain Park. This year's lineup includes Return to Woodstock, Sugabeat, Rock Lobster, and Tempe. Besides music, there will be food trucks, kettle corn and shaved ice. More information.
Apr. 6-7 - Phoenix Pride Festival & Parade: A two-day festival that celebrates and promotes the LGBTQ community in Phoenix. The event boasts six stages, 150 performances, and nearly 300 vendors. This year the festival will add a Latin Carnival Stage. This year's headliners have not been announced. The parade will take place on April 7 in Phoenix. More information.
Apr. 10-14 - Maricopa County Fair: Head to the Arizona State Fairgrounds for deep-fried turkey legs and desserts, carnival rides and games, and livestock competitions. More information.
Apr. 11-14 - Country Thunder: A four-day country music festival in the middle of the desert in Florence, Arizona. This year's headliners are Dierks Bentley, Brett Eldredge, Tim McGraw, and Chris Stapleton. More information.
Apr. 13-14 - Scottsdale Culinary Festival: Sample dishes and cocktails from 40 local restaurants, businesses, bars and chefs at this yearly event. There will be live music on three stages, cooking demonstrations and kids activities. More information.
Apr. 13 - Nana’s Best Tasting Salsa Challenge: An annual salsa festival that benefits the Arizona Hemophilia Association. Attendees can sample more than 100 salsas -- everything from mild and tangy to hot and spicy -- and vote for their favorites. You can sample as many chips and salsa as you can handle. More information.
Apr. 20 - FRIED French Fry and Music Festival: Guests will be able to nosh on America's favorite vegetable while listening to music. The inaugural festival will have French Fry creations for $2-$3, indie music from local bands, artists and DJs. Facebook. It will be held at Margaret T. Hance Park. More information.
Apr. 20 - Southwest Cajun Fest: A Cajun-themed food festival with jambalaya, crawfish boils, fried gator, catfish and other foods. There will also be live music and craft beer. This year's music lineup has not been announced yet. More information.
Apr. 24-28 - Nirvana Food and Wine Festival: A premium food and drink festival hosted at the Sanctuary Camelback Mountain Resort & Spa that features Arizona and celebrity chefs. More information.
Apr. 27 - Arizona Craft Spirits & Cocktail Festival (formerly Chandler Craft Spirits Festival): Renamed for 2019, organizers say the Arizona Craft Spirits & Cocktail Festival will be "tastier, sweeter and funner." Those 21-and-up will be able to sample different spirits and cocktails. More information.
May 5 - Cinco de Mayo Phoenix: While many mistake Cinco de Mayo for Mexico's Independence Day (that is in September), the holiday marks Mexico's defeat over France in the Battle of Puebla. You can head to downtown Phoenix for the 26th Cinco de Mayo celebration with live music, lucha libre, and Mexican cuisine. This year's lineup has not been announced yet. More information.
May 11 - Moms and Mimosas: Mom can take a day to enjoy mimosas, brunch foods and Bloody Mary's at this new festival in Chandler. The event's website was not yet available.
May 17-26: Arizona Restaurant Week: Looking to try a new place to eat? Restaurant Week is a great way to start. Restaurants around the state will offer three-course dinners for $33 to $44. More information.
May 23-26 - Phoenix Fan Fusion: Debuting a new name in 2019, Phoenix Fan Fusion (formerly Phoenix Comic Con) will bring pop-culture celebrities, panels, and other geeky programming and events to the Phoenix Convention Center. This year's lineup has not been announced yet. More information.
JUNE
June 22 - Suds and Slides: Feel like you're at summer camp at this adults-only festival at Mesa Riverview Park. There will be inflatable water slides, a dunk tank, tug of war, three-legged race, cold beer, spirits and summer bites. More information. **Date changed.
