Annual Events & Festivals in Glendale, AZ
From spring baseball and bustling food and culture festivals to holiday lights and major stadium events, Glendale’s event calendar stays busy year-round. Visitors come for Spring Training at Camelback Ranch, the excitement of the Fiesta Bowl, seasonal festivals, Christmas parades and family-friendly events that bring the city alive.
With a mix of sports, food, entertainment and local traditions, annual events in Glendale are worth planning around.
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Folk & Heritage Festival
Each February, Glendale’s Folk & Heritage Festival fills Sahuaro Ranch Park with music, storytelling, dance, and tradition. This two-day event hosts hundreds of performers on several stages, hands-on workshops, artisan vendors, food trucks, and family activities like the Plein Air painting competition. It’s one of the city’s most unique celebrations of arts, culture, and heritage.
Chocolate Affaire
Held each February in Downtown Glendale, the Chocolate Affaire is one of the city’s most recognizable annual festivals, featuring chocolatiers, confectioners, live music, food trucks, and family-friendly activities. This free event is a great way to enjoy Glendale’s historic downtown and its famous food celebration.
Spring Training at Camelback Ranch
Each spring, from late February to late March, Camelback Ranch welcomes baseball fans from all around the country for Cactus League Spring Training. As the spring home of the Los Angeles Dodgers and Chicago White Sox, this event brings a steady flow of visitors to the stadium’s sunny, desert-inspired layout for one of Glendale’s biggest tourism draws.
Fiesta Bowl & Stadium Events
Glendale is full of energy during the Fiesta Bowl season in December and other big events held year-round at State Farm Stadium. The stadium hosts college football, major concerts like Ed Sheeran in June 2026 and Karol G in August 2026, plus international sports and championship games that bring visitors from all over. These top events make Glendale a great place to visit for sports, entertainment and vacations at any time of year.
Holiday Events & Christmas Traditions
During the holidays, Glendale shines with Christmas parades, events, seasonal holiday markets, festive shopping areas and family traditions that return each winter. Holiday light displays like Glendale Glitters and events throughout Downtown Glendale create a joyful atmosphere that draws both residents and visitors. Historic spots like Catlin Court and Old Towne are especially popular, with charmingly decorated streets, holiday entertainment and walkable shopping areas adding to the experience.
More Annual Events by Season
Spring Events & Festivals
Springtime in Glendale sees outdoor markets, food festivals, community celebrations and Cactus League baseball action. It's a popular time for patio dining, live entertainment and family events across the city.
Summer Events & Community Celebrations
During summer, Glendale shifts to indoor entertainment fun at Westgate Entertainment District, after-dark programming and family activities to accommodate the warmer temperatures. Visitors can still find concerts, community celebrations, shopping and attractions throughout the season.
Fall Festivals & Signature Events
Fall brings cultural festivals, football games, outdoor parties and big shows at State Farm Stadium and Desert Diamond Arena. Halloween and other autumn events make this one of Glendale’s busiest times of year.
Holiday Events & Winter Traditions
At the end of the year, Downtown Glendale is filled with Christmas parades, markets, light displays and traditional celebrations. With decorated historic areas and festive shopping, it’s the most colorful time to visit.
Plan Your Visit Around Glendale Events
Many of Glendale’s biggest events take place near hotels, restaurants and attractions, so you can easily turn an event-filled weekend into a longer stay.
Ready to visit Glendale? Use our events calendar to plan around Glendale, Arizona events, biggest festivals and celebrations.