Best concerts and things to do in Phoenix
It’s what we’ve all been waiting for: The NCAA March Madness Final Four 2024 tournament is finally here and there’s so much going on that there’s no way you can complain about not having weekend plans in metro Phoenix.
Whether you’re a basketball fan or not, there’s something for everyone happening April 5-8 in downtown Phoenix and at Westgate Entertainment District and State Farm Stadium in Glendale.
From free concerts and the Fan Fest experience in downtown Phoenix to parties and free open practices in Glendale, plus where all to drink and dine all around the Valley of the Sun, here’s your ultimate guide to the 2024 NCAA men’s Final Four events happening around Phoenix this weekend.
March Madness Music Festival featuring the Jonas Brothers
If you’re not a basketball fan, you might feel left out of the excitement. But you don’t have to love sports to have a great time at the March Madness Music Festival happening Friday-Sunday, April 5-7, at Margaret T. Hance Park in downtown Phoenix.
The entire event is free and no tickets are required. You might want to head downtown early to secure a good spot; if the event reaches capacity, fans will have to wait in line until space opens up.
The lineup is killer. EDM DJ Zedd is the Friday headliner, preceded by Renee Rapp, from “Mean Girls: The Musical” on Broadway and the 2024 film adaptation, who will perform music from her new record. The Jonas Brothers will headline on Saturday, and Sunday packs a punch with The Black Keys and Mumford & Sons.
For the full lineup plus tips and tricks to make the best of the free experience, check out our complete guide to March Madness Music Festival.
ESPN College GameDay in Glendale
Westgate Entertainment District, adjacent to State Farm Stadium in Glendale, is hosting ESPN’s College GameDay, with broadcasts live before the semifinal game on April 6 and the championship on April 8, plus a Fan Zone with tons of activities and more.
Here’s everything to know about ESPN College GameDay in Glendale, including how much parking costs.
See the Final Four 2024 team practices for free at State Farm Stadium
Let’s add another free, family-friendly event to your already jam-packed calendar, shall we?
On Friday, April 5, the Men’s Final Four Friday fan event at State Farm Stadium presents a day full of open practices before the NABC-Reese’s All-Star game that night.
To see each team’s practice schedule and other details, check out our guide to the Men’s Final Four Friday event.
Wait, who’s playing again?The Final Four teams of the men’s NCAA Tournament
NCAA Final Four Fan Fest 2024 in Phoenix
While the vast majority of the Final Four hoopla will be taking place in Glendale, that doesn’t mean downtown Phoenix is losing out on any of the fun.
The Phoenix Convention Center will be the hub for all fan events over the weekend including games, autograph signings, special appearances by celebrities and athletes and more.
Our guide to the 2024 Final Four Fan Fest has everything you need to know about tickets and what you can do.
Where to find the best burgers in Phoenix
Thousands of readers voted in our March Madness-inspired Burger Bracket to decide once and for all who in metro Phoenix makes the best hamburger. Here’s the restaurant with the best burgers in Phoenix.
Places to eat and drink in Glendale, AZ
Westgate Entertainment District, next to State Farm Stadium in Glendale, has numerous dining and nightlife options, and there are many more throughout Glendale.
It can get a bit overwhelming, so you won’t want to miss our guide to dining and drinking at Westgate Entertainment District and this list of new restaurants in Glendale.
Sahuaro Ranch Park: A hidden gem in Glendale
Sahuaro Ranch Park in Glendale is a surprising oasis in the desert with peacocks, citrus trees, old ranch homes and a rose garden. Here’s what makes this park so special and why you should check it out during Final Four weekend.
Best places to see Arizona wildflowers in 2024
Yes, the Sonoran Desert is capable of sprouting gorgeous wildflowers and while this year isn’t revealing a superbloom, Final Four weekend comes during peak flower season. Here are the best spots to see Arizona wildflowers this spring.
Meredith G. White is the entertainment reporter for The Arizona Republic |azcentral.com. You can find her on Facebook as Meredith G. White, on Instagram and X, formerly known as Twitter, as @meredithgwhite, and email her at meredith.white@arizonarepublic.com.
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