March arrives in just a few days, and Mesa is already stacking up a solid lineup of community events, local festivals, and weekend markets worth clearing your schedule for.
Whether you’re a longtime resident or visiting Mesa, AZ for the first time in spring, this guide covers the top things to do in Mesa, AZ, in March 2026, complete with dates, locations, hours, and everything you need to show up ready.
March 7: Free Outdoor Art and Live Music to Start the Month
First up, just over a week away, is the Sunland Arts and Crafts Spring Event on Saturday, March 7, at Sunland Village, Mesa, AZ, running from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Admission is free.
This outdoor Arizona craft show brings together fine art, handmade crafts, and locally made goods from exhibitors across the region. Two outdoor stages keep things lively with regional and local musicians performing throughout the morning and afternoon.
One thing to note: there are no food booths on site, so plan to eat before you arrive or grab something nearby.
March 13 to 15: The Biggest Weekend of the Month
Two major Mesa events are scheduled for the same weekend. Start planning now because one of them requires you to buy tickets in advance.
Tasty Nights Street Food Festival
Location: Arizona Athletic Grounds, 6321 S Ellsworth Rd, Mesa, AZ 85212
Hours: Friday through Sunday, 2:00 PM to 10:00 PM
Tickets: Online only. No tickets sold at the door.
Parking: Free, with ADA parking available.
This traveling national street food festival brings together curated vendors, live entertainment, and a pop-up maker market for a three-day run right here in Mesa. Kids 5 and under get in free. Here’s what the weekend includes:
-
Street food and global-inspired eats from featured vendors
-
Desserts and specialty drinks
-
A local makers and vendor market
-
Live DJs and entertainment every night
-
Games and family-friendly activities throughout
Tickets are only available online, so if you’re planning to go, this week is the right time to grab them before the weekend rush.
ALT Fest at Mesa Arts Center (Free)
On Friday, March 13, Mesa Arts Center hosts its free celebration of art, light, and technology.
Location: Mesa Arts Center, 1 E. Main Street, Mesa, AZ
Hours: 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM
Admission: Free
The night features interactive art installations, augmented reality experiences, live music, and open art studio demonstrations. Food is available on site.
This is one of the standout free community events in Mesa, Arizona, this spring, and it kicks off the Tasty Nights weekend perfectly if you want to double up on Friday.
March 21: Two Events, One Saturday
Both events below fall on the same day, and the timing works out well enough to attend both.
Made by Crafters Market
Saturday, March 21 | 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM
Mesa Convention Center, 263 N Center Street, Mesa, AZ 85201
A morning and early afternoon market featuring independent artists and local makers selling handmade goods. It’s a straightforward, low-key way to shop local and find products made by people in your own community.
Mew-seum Cat Fest 2026
Saturday, March 21 | 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Mesa Historical Museum, 2345 N Horne, Mesa, AZ 85203
Admission: Free, including museum entry
Now in its third year, this free community event at Mesa Historical Museum draws cat owners and enthusiasts from across the valley. Yes, your cat is welcome to come. The day includes:
-
DIY cat toy crafts and make-and-take art activities
-
Educational talks focused on feline care and rescue
-
Local vendors with products and services for cats and cat owners
-
Adoptable cats from local rescue organizations
-
Food trucks on site
-
The Karen Kuykendall cat art exhibit is included with free museum admission
Since the Crafters Market wraps at 3:00 PM and Cat Fest runs until 4:00 PM, it’s easy to do both in one trip if you head to Crafters first.
Plan Before You Go: Quick Tips for March Events in Mesa
A few things worth knowing before heading out to any of these local events and promotions in Mesa, AZ, this March:
-
Buy Tasty Nights tickets now, since no door sales are available, and the weekend will sell fast
-
On March 21, start your day at the Crafters Market, then wrap up at Cat Fest before 4:00 PM
-
Bring a jacket for evening events since March nights in Mesa can cool down noticeably after sunset
-
Check Visit Mesa for seasonal deals on dining, hotels, and local attractions before you head out
-
Arrive early on March 7 if you want a good spot near the music stages before foot traffic picks up
Stay Connected With What’s Happening in Mesa
This is just a snapshot of what’s coming up in March. New events, local business promotions, and neighborhood updates get added regularly throughout the season. For the full picture, browse the latest articles and keep your finger on the pulse of everything going on across Mesa, from spring events to community news that actually affects your neighborhood.
Sources: eventbrite.com, mesaartscenter.com, visitmesa.com, tastynights.com, festivalnet.com, mesahistoricalmuseum.com
Header Image Source: eventbrite.com
