As Arizona continues to grapple with the COVID-19 pandemic and the recent uptick in cases, the pandemic’s impact on events in 2021 is already underway. Some events have been canceled entirely, while others have been postponed, transitioned to virtual events, or haven’t made an official decision yet.
Most of the events in the Phoenix area — from food festivals to music festivals to concerts — have been on hold since March 2020, which is typically the state’s peak season for events and tourism.
Here is what we know about upcoming events:
THESE EVENTS ARE STILL BEING PLANNED
Waste Management Phoenix Open:
The Phoenix Open will be held Feb. 1-7, 2021 at TPC Scottsdale, though it will be a scaled-down version of the event. Fan attendance will be limited to 5,000 at the most each day, the tournament recently announced. General admission tickets are on sale, and have increased this year: $100-$125 per day (tickets were $45-$60 in 2020).
M3F Fest:
The non-profit music festival appears to have announced dates for its 2021 festival, March 5 and 6, but has not announced further details yet. “Couldn’t be more stoked to see you in 2021—safely, of course. More details coming soon. Stay tuned!” an Instagram post said.
Chandler Ostrich Festival: The 2021 Chandler Ostrich Festival has been postponed to the fall due to the ongoing pandemic and restrictions on large events. Dates were not announced. The 2020 festival was postponed to the fall and then canceled because of the pandemic.
Spring NASCAR Cup Series at Phoenix Raceway:
Similar to how the Championship race was hosted in November, a limited number of fans will be allowed inside the gates of Phoenix Raceway to watch the spring NASCAR races, March 12-14, 2021. Season ticket holders will receive priority and some fans with grandstand tickets will be moved to promote social distancing, the racetrack said. Others who’ve purchased tickets may not be able to have their tickets accommodated due to the restrictions, the racetrack said.
Barrett-Jackson:
The Scottsdale-based collector car auction has postponed its Scottsdale event from January to March 20-27 because of the pandemic. In October, Barrett-Jackson held an invite-only auction for bidders, sellers, and cosigners.
The Good Life Festival:
The one-night concert is scheduled for March 27 at its new home at Schnepf Farms in Queen Creek. For years, the annual event was held within the Encanterra community. Tickets are set to go on sale on Friday, Jan. 8. America, Don Felder, The Guess Who, and Nate Nathan and The Mac Daddy-O’s are scheduled to perform.
Country Thunder Arizona 2021:
So far, Country Thunder is scheduled for April 2021. The 2020 festival was postponed to the fall and then postponed again to the spring. Luke Combs, Eric Church, Dustin Lynch, and Morgan Wallen have been confirmed to the lineup, Country Thunder announced earlier this year.
Goodguys Rod & Custom Association Car Show:
The car show is scheduled for April 16-18 at WestWorld of Scottsdale in Scottsdale.
Thunderbird Artists:
It appears that Thunderbird Artists is moving forward with their winter and spring fine art shows, which are mostly held outdoors. Festivals are planned in Carefree, along the Scottsdale Waterfront, and Fountain Hills. Masks are required. A list of COVID-19 safety precaution are posted on their website.
THESE EVENTS HAVE BEEN CANCELED
Innings Fest:
The baseball-themed food and music festival has canceled its 2021 event, but plans to return in 2022.
Arizona Renaissance Festival:
After initially announcing plans to open the festival in 2021, the Arizona Renaissance Festival canceled its event “due to the increasing health and safety concerns related to COVID-19.”
Great Canadian Picnic:
The Great Canadian Picnic has canceled its event for 2021.
Chinese Culture & Cuisine Festival:
The in-person festival has been canceled, but there will be virtual events planned for Phoenix Chinese Week, according to the event’s website.
Matsuri Festival of Japan: The in-person festival has been canceled, but virtual events are being planned. Currently, dates are listed for Feb. 27 & 28, 2021.
Devour Phoenix:
The in-person food event has been canceled. Instead, Devour will host “Devour at Home,” a two-day takeout-only weekend where some of the Valley’s top chefs will create special to-go meals. The cost is $200. There will also be some virtual events.
Lost Dutchman Days:
Apache Junction has canceled all of its 2021 Lost Dutchman Days events, including the rodeo, parade, carnival, rodeo dance, and entertainment. This event was canceled “due to increasing health and safety concerns related to COVID-19.”
Buckeye Air Fair:
The City of Buckeye has canceled its yearly air show for 2021. However, planning is already underway to bring the show back in 2022.
Concours in the Hills:
Organizers have canceled the 2021 edition of Concourse in the Hills, a car show in Fountain Hills that benefits Phoenix Children’s hospital. The event plans to return in 2022.
Street Eats Food Truck Festival:
The annual food truck festival has canceled its 2021 event. The event is typically held at Salt River Fields at Talking Stick near Scottsdale.
Phoenix St. Patrick’s Day Faire & Parade:
The in-person parade and festival have been canceled. However, a virtual festival is being planned for March 13, according to the event’s website.
Tempe Empty Bowls:
The yearly event raises money for food banks, soup kitchens, and other non-profit organizations that support hunger in the City of Tempe. The 2021 event has been canceled.
Tempe Festival of the Arts:
The Spring Tempe Festival of the Arts has been canceled. Both of its 2020 events were also canceled because of the pandemic. A decision on the fall version of the event has not been made.
