Downtown & culture
The old townsite, alive every night
Palm-shaded plazas, a pint of local lager, a show at one of the country's best-sounding halls: downtown Chandler is the East Valley's walkable hometown center.
What is there to do in downtown Chandler?
In one walkable square mile you get a shaded green park, public art and murals, a nationally praised performing arts hall, and one of the East Valley's liveliest restaurant and brewery scenes. It is the kind of downtown that makes a suburb feel like a hometown.
The rhythm is easy: browse the galleries at the monthly Art Walk, catch a show at the Chandler Center for the Arts, and finish on a patio on San Marcos Place with the lights strung overhead.
See the full dining guide
Six stops in the old townsite
Dr. A.J. Chandler Park
The green heart of the old townsite, named for the city's founder: palms, shade, lawn and the stage that anchors downtown events.
City of ChandlerVision Gallery
Downtown's public-art showcase, a rotating gallery of regional work tucked inside the Chandler Center for the Arts complex.
chandlercenter.orgChandler Center for the Arts
A 1,500-seat performing arts hall famous for its rotating turntable auditorium, which can split into three performances at once. Acoustics regularly rank among the best in the country.
See what is on stageDowntown Chandler Art Walk
A monthly stroll of artists, musicians and street food through the historic district. The best free night on the downtown calendar.
Downtown ChandlerMurals & canal art
Big wall murals, including work along the SRP canal, give the old streets a contemporary gallery feel. Wander Arizona Avenue and the plazas.
Visit ChandlerChandler Museum
The city's story, from Dr. A.J. Chandler's 1912 townsite to today, told through exhibits and the restored McCullough-Price House nearby.
Visit ChandlerA quirky piece of history
The city that ran on ostrich feathers
In the early 1900s Chandler was one of the world's largest producers of ostrich feathers for women's hats, and founder Dr. A.J. Chandler kept his own ostrich farm. Today that heritage survives as the city's biggest annual party: the Ostrich Festival, complete with carnival rides, live music and its famous ostrich races.
After more than two decades at Tumbleweed Park, the festival now runs at Rawhide Western Town and Event Center. It remains the celebration that tells you spring has arrived in the East Valley.
Eat & drink downtown
Brewery row and beyond
Boston Street and San Marcos Place stack some of the East Valley's best patios within two blocks. Here is where downtown regulars actually go.
SanTan Brewing Company
The East Valley craft-beer original, right on San Marcos Plaza.
Spirit House Kitchen & Cocktails
Refined cocktails and a seasonal kitchen above the brewery bustle.
The Brickyard Downtown
A neighborhood favorite on Boston Street, 4.6 stars from local reviews.
Pedal Haus Brewery
Big patio, brewed-on-site lagers, right across from The Brickyard.
The Perch Brewery
A bird-cafe brewery downtown: patio seating and a full menu.
Grace Thai Downtown
Longtime downtown favorite for Thai classics on Boston Street.
The Hidden House
Farm-to-table comfort in a converted house near Commonwealth.
Downtown Chandler Cafe & Bakery
Breakfast and pastries on San Marcos Place, a local morning ritual.
Addresses and hours change, so check each spot's site before you head out.
Live next door to all of it
Downtown Chandler homes range from historic bungalows to new infill, and they trade fast. Want to see what is available within walking distance of the plaza?
Explore downtown homesGet in touch
Downtown, on your shortlist?
Tell PJ you want to be close to the plaza, and she will send current downtown-area listings.