Get ready for a fun-packed weekend in Phoenix! We have everything from medieval festivals and nature walks to theater performances and free street fairs happening on February 28th and March 1st. Don't miss the big outdoor festivals happening both days!
See our top picks
Arizona Matsuri: a Festival of Japan
Steele Indian School Park
A massive, free two-day cultural festival with performances happening Saturday and Sunday.
PUFFS presented by Valley Youth Theatre
Valley Youth Theatre
An indoor theater performance on Sunday offering laughs for the whole family.
Thrive to 5 Playfest
Arizona State Fair
A one-day, hands-on event on Saturday designed just for children under five.
· February 28
11FREE : Explore the plants and animals of our local nature area with guided bird tours and eco-crafts. This is a wonderful way to get outside and enjoy the early spring weather together.It’s a free, outdoor festival dedicated entirely to local ecology, perfect for curious kids.
: This three-day event features professional rodeo action and a big carnival with over 30 rides and attractions. Make sure to check out the parade if you're in the area!A classic Arizona tradition with rodeo action and carnival rides running through the weekend.
: Experience the heart of Mexican culture through live mariachi performances and cultural talks at the MIM. This is a fantastic way to introduce kids to world music.The MIM is always a hit, and this specific cultural celebration only runs through Sunday.
FREE : The fifth annual Playfest is a high-energy, hands-on event specifically for children from birth to five years old. It focuses on play-based learning and creating happy family memories.It’s a one-day, free event perfectly tailored for the youngest crowd (under 5).
FREE : Celebrate Japanese culture at this free two-day festival featuring Taiko drumming, martial arts demonstrations, and plenty of food vendors. It’s a great cultural immersion for the whole family.It’s a major, free cultural festival running both days of the weekend.
FREE : Head over to Peoria for a completely free arts event with live performances and hands-on interactive art activities. This is a great, budget-friendly option for Saturday afternoon.It’s a dedicated, free family arts festival happening on Saturday.
FREE : Let the kids climb on and explore real fire trucks, dump trucks, and excavators! Entry is free, though parking costs $9. It sounds like pure, noisy fun.A classic kid favorite—letting them interact with huge vehicles for free entry on Saturday.
: Catch a performance of 'Newsies Jr.' this Saturday! This is a great opportunity to see local talent in a fun musical production.It's a limited-run musical showing on Saturday, providing excellent indoor entertainment.
: Visit the Children’s Museum this Saturday for special programming honoring influential figures throughout Black history. This is the last weekend for this limited-run educational event.It’s one of the last days to catch this special Black History Month feature at a top kid attraction.
FREE : Catch a free screening of 'The Parent Trap' outdoors at the Arizona Boardwalk on Saturday night. Music and games start at 5 PM before the movie begins.Free outdoor movie night is perfect for a casual Saturday evening outing.
FREE : The Melrose Street Fair is a huge, free event featuring over 200 artisans, a dedicated kids zone, and a classic car show. Get downtown Saturday morning for the fun.A major annual street fair happening Saturday with a dedicated kids zone.
· March 1
2: If your kids love wizard schools but you want a funny twist, this is it. It’s the story of the underdog students who supported the famous hero. A great way to spend a Sunday afternoon indoors.Great local youth theater performance—we picked Sunday to offer an indoor option.
: If your little one needs to meet the Easter Bunny early, this photo opportunity is running this weekend. It's a classic early spring tradition.It's one of the few events confirmed for Sunday, offering early Easter-themed photos.
Also On· anytime this weekend
2: Time travel back to Camelot! This immersive fair features non-stop entertainment in the Village of Fairhaven. Let the kids explore the open-air Artisan Market and enjoy a day of historical fun.It’s a huge, immersive festival experience that runs all weekend long.
: See the legendary Harlem Globetrotters perform their incredible basketball skills and comedy acts. They have two showtimes on Saturday, so you can plan around nap schedules!A big, exciting live entertainment event that is great for slightly older kids and teens.
Frequently Asked Questions
What free kids events are on in Phoenix this weekend?
This weekend (Feb 28-01), you can check out the free Arizona Matsuri Festival at Steele Indian School Park, the free Peoria Arts and Cultural Festival on Saturday, and the free Touch-a-Truck event at Lake Pleasant on Saturday.
Are there any outdoor activities scheduled for Sunday, March 1st?
Yes, Sunday, March 1st features the continuation of the Arizona Renaissance Festival and the Tres Rios Nature Festival (which ends at 3 PM).
Where can we find family entertainment on Saturday evening?
For a free option, check out the Free Movies at the Boardwalk starting at 5 PM in Scottsdale. For something ticketed, The Harlem Globetrotters are playing two shows at the Mortgage Matchup Center.
