Time Travel, Culinary Feasts, and Lunar New Year: What's On in Phoenix Today

Celebrate the Spirit of Phoenix this Saturday

Welcome to your essential guide for Saturday, February 21, 2026. The Valley is buzzing with a diverse array of cultural celebrations, world-class theater, and culinary excellence. Whether you are looking to travel back in time or explore the flavors of the future, today offers something for every local resident and visitor.

The 38th Annual Arizona Renaissance Festival

Today marks one of the most anticipated events of the season: the Arizona Renaissance Festival’s Time Traveler’s Weekend. Located just east of the city in Gold Canyon, this 50-acre medieval amusement park is currently in its prime. Visitors can witness armored jousting, browse the wares of over 200 artisans, and enjoy interactive performances across 16 stages. Today’s special theme encourages guests to don their best costumes from any era, bridging the gap between the 16th century and the modern day. The festival is open from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Cultural Festivals and Local Markets

For those staying closer to the city center, there are several vibrant community meetups to choose from:

• Lunar New Year Festival

  Head over to the District Stage at Desert Ridge Marketplace from 11:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. to celebrate the 9th Annual Lunar New Year. This year honors the Year of the Fire Horse with traditional lion dances, cultural performances, and family-friendly activities.

• Devour Culinary Classic

  Foodies should not miss the first day of the Devour Culinary Classic at the Desert Botanical Garden. Starting at 11:30 a.m., this event showcases the best of the Arizona food scene, featuring top local chefs and unique tastings amidst the beautiful desert flora.

• Downtown Phoenix Farmers Market

  Start your morning at the Arizona Center for the weekly farmers market. Open from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., it is the perfect spot to find seasonal local produce, handmade crafts, and specialty wellness items while supporting small businesses.

Theater, Music, and Public Exhibitions

The local arts scene is in full swing tonight with several high-profile productions and exhibits:

• Broadway and Local Theater

  Enjoy the classic mystery of "Clue" at ASU Gammage or catch the energetic "Million Dollar Quartet" at the Phoenix Theatre Company. Fans of drama can also attend "Next to Normal" at the Phoenix Performing Arts black box theater.

• Public Exhibitions

  The Arizona Science Center is currently hosting "Pompeii: The Exhibition," offering a rare look at over 150 authentic artifacts. For a contemporary experience, the Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art is featuring the immersive "Tidal Sky" exhibition by Casey Curran.

• Live Music

  For an evening of live tunes, Ag Session will be performing at Last Exit Live starting at 8:00 p.m., providing the perfect end to a busy Saturday.