Chandler features a wide variety of ways to spend the weekend, from shopping and dining to live entertainment, local events, and outdoor recreation. Whether you are planning a relaxed afternoon or a full weekend itinerary, there are plenty of things to do in Chandler, AZ, for a variety of interests.
Avant at Fashion Center places residents near many of the area’s most popular destinations. Located close to Loop 101 and Loop 202, the community is approximately two minutes from Chandler Fashion Center and nine minutes from Downtown Chandler, making it easy to explore nearby weekend entertainment.
Shop, Dine, and Spend the Day at Chandler Fashion Center
Chandler Fashion Center offers more than 180 stores, with a mix of department stores, fashion retailers, beauty brands, and specialty shops. This makes the Chandler mall an easy place to browse for a few hours or check several errands off your list in one trip.
The dining scene goes far beyond the food court, featuring a mix of casual spots and sit-down restaurants surrounding Chandler Fashion Center. Whether you need a fast coffee run or a table for date night, there’s a spot for every occasion.
Visitors can catch a movie at Harkins Theatres or play arcade games at Round1, Chandler Fashion Center is a go-to sanctuary during the peak of summer.
Explore Downtown Chandler Restaurants, Bars, and Events
Downtown Chandler is one of the city’s most popular destinations for dining, entertainment, and community events. Independent storefronts, public spaces, and a full community calendar make the historic district easy to explore during an afternoon or evening out.
Downtown Chandler Restaurants
Downtown Chandler restaurants range from casual cafés and brunch spots to chef-driven dining experiences. Many feature outdoor patios, making the district a popular place to enjoy dinner, drinks, or a relaxed weekend meal.
Local Bars and Nightlife
As the sun goes down, Downtown Chandler offers a variety of cocktail bars, breweries, and taprooms within walking distance of one another. Visitors can find happy hours, late-night drinks, and live music throughout the district.
Community Events Throughout the Year
Many of the most popular Downtown Chandler events take place throughout the year, including art walks, seasonal festivals, live music, and holiday celebrations. Check the local event schedule before visiting to find pop-ups, live entertainment, and other community programming.
Browse the Downtown Chandler Farmers Market
The Downtown Chandler Farmers Market is a popular weekend stop for fresh produce, baked goods, locally made foods, and handcrafted products from Arizona vendors. Held in the heart of Downtown Chandler, the market offers a relaxed way to shop local while enjoying the area’s historic streets and nearby businesses.
Since the market is free to browse, it’s also one of the free things to do in Chandler before grabbing coffee, brunch, or lunch nearby. Pairing the Downtown Chandler Farmers Market with a walk through the district’s shops and restaurants makes it an easy addition to a morning of weekend activities in Chandler.
See a Performance at Chandler Center for the Arts
Chandler Center for the Arts hosts a year-round lineup of concerts, theater productions, dance performances, comedy shows, and community events. The schedule includes nationally touring acts and local performances, offering a range of live entertainment in Chandler.
Check the Chandler Center for the Arts schedule ahead of time to include a live performance in your weekend plans. Pairing a show with dinner at a nearby restaurant also creates a simple date-night itinerary in Chandler.
Plan an Indoor Entertainment Day
When temperatures rise, indoor attractions offer a comfortable way to stay active without spending the afternoon outside. From competitive racing to bowling and arcade games, there are plenty of indoor things to do in Chandler for couples, families, and groups of friends.
Race at K1 Speed Chandler
For high-speed fun, K1 Speed Chandler offers indoor electric go-kart racing on a professionally designed track, plus arcade games and a relaxed lounge. The venue works well for friendly competitions, dates, and group outings.
Play, Bowl, or Dine at Main Event Chandler
Main Event Chandler combines bowling, laser tag, arcade games, virtual reality experiences, billiards, and on-site dining. The range of activities makes it a practical option for indoor fun in Chandler, especially when desert summer heat or rare rainstorms keep you off the trails.
Spend Time Outdoors at Chandler Parks
Chandler’s parks provide places for morning walks, weekend picnics, and outdoor recreation. Many include walking and biking paths, playgrounds, sports courts, shaded coverings, and grassy gathering areas.
Local parks are great for early-morning walks, dog-friendly outings, and relaxed outdoor picnics before the heat sets in. The parks highlighted below each offer a different experience, from scenic nature trails and wildlife viewing to lakes, recreational amenities, and neighborhood green spaces.
Walk the Trails at Veterans Oasis Park
Veterans Oasis Park features more than four miles of walking paths through desert and wetland environments. The varied habitats support birdwatching and other wildlife viewing. The Environmental Education Center also offers educational programs for families.
Relax or Get Active at Desert Breeze Park
Complete with walking trails, sports courts, picnic spots, and a lake, Desert Breeze Park is an expansive hub for outdoor recreation in Chandler. Highlights like playgrounds and the seasonal Desert Breeze Railroad make it an easy choice for family outings.
Visit The Park at Copper Creek
Located near Chandler Fashion Center, The Park at Copper Creek provides a quieter alternative to the city’s larger parks. It works well for a quick morning walk or a brief afternoon break.
Make Reservations for an Elevated Dinner in Chandler
Finish off the day at a highly rated restaurant in Downtown Chandler. The area offers a mix of contemporary American dining, classic steakhouses, and craft cocktail bars, most located within walking distance of one another.
Live Close to Shopping, Dining, and Entertainment at Avant at Fashion Center
With Chandler Fashion Center, downtown dining, and local parks all nearby, there is always plenty to do close to home. Whether your weekend includes a morning at the farmers market, an afternoon outdoors, or dinner followed by a live performance, Chandler offers a range of nearby activities.
Avant at Fashion Center places you close to many of the area’s most popular destinations while offering the convenience of modern apartment living. If you’re searching for luxury apartments in Chandler near Chandler Fashion Center, Avant also offers access to Loop 101 and Loop 202.
Schedule a private tour of Avant at Fashion Center today and discover apartment living near Chandler’s shopping, dining, parks, and entertainment.