Why Gilbert?
Once known as the "Hay Shipping Capital of the World," Gilbert has transformed into one of the most desirable cities in the Southwest. The Heritage District anchors the community with locally owned restaurants, craft breweries, and a walkable downtown that hosts events year-round.
Gilbert's public schools consistently rank among the best in Arizona, making it a top choice for families. The city balances rapid growth with a commitment to open spaces, parks, and community character. The Riparian Preserve, SanTan Village, and a thriving food scene give residents plenty to love.
Located just 20 minutes from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport and with easy access to the 202 and 60 freeways, Gilbert offers suburban tranquility without sacrificing connectivity.
Fall in Gilbert
Harvest in the Heritage District
Gilbert's monthlong fall celebration runs through November 2 with themed events, Family Nights, artist activations, and the Great Gilbert Gourd Hunt. Downtown Gilbert is at its most charming all season.
Mother Nature's Farm Pumpkin Patch
A beloved Gilbert autumn tradition at 1664 E. Ray Road, open Sept 26-Nov 1. Hayrides, pumpkin patch, spider web crawl, animal feeding, and the Adventure Maze. $17 admission includes a pumpkin.
Concerts in the Park
Free live music at Water Tower Plaza in the Heritage District every Thursday evening in October, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Grab dinner from a nearby spot and enjoy the cool fall air.
Fall Trail Mornings
With the heat gone, the Riparian Preserve and Crossroads Park trails are glorious in the morning. Fall is peak birding season at the Water Ranch, so bring binoculars and a full water bottle.
Heritage District Fall Evenings
The Heritage District patios are the place to be as temperatures drop. From Culinary Dropout to Rosewood, downtown Gilbert fills with locals every evening for dinner, live music, and golden-hour strolls.
Where to Eat in Gilbert
Bojangles
3765 S Val Vista Dr, Gilbert
The North Carolina-based chain famous for Cajun-style fried chicken, scratch-made biscuits, and sweet tea just opened its first Arizona location today (July 20, 2026) at 3765 S. Val Vista Drive. This is the first of 20 planned Arizona locations — a huge deal for Gilbert.
Perry's Steakhouse & Grille
1835 S SanTan Village Pkwy, Gilbert
Award-winning Texas steakhouse — Gilbert's first — now open at Northside at SanTan Village. Prime cuts, a legendary pork chop, and an extensive wine list. A major new dining destination for the East Valley.
Mo' Bettahs Hawaiian Style Food
5378 S Power Rd, Gilbert
The Hawaiian plate-lunch chain opened its first Arizona restaurant in Gilbert in May 2026. Teriyaki chicken, kalua pig, katsu chicken, and shrimp tempura. A taste of the islands on the Eastside.
Maison William Porter
228 N Gilbert Rd, Gilbert
A French-inspired bakery in downtown Gilbert from chef/owner William Porter, who studied pastry in France. Artisan breads, pastries, and croissants made from scratch daily.
The Mission — Gilbert
3150 E Ray Rd, Gilbert
Latin-inspired cuisine has arrived in Gilbert at Epicenter at Agritopia. Hand-crafted tableside guacamole, an extensive tequila list, and a stunning courtyard setting. Opened February 2026.
Rosewood
366 N Gilbert Rd, Gilbert
An upscale new concept from the Aftermath team in the heart of the Heritage District. Elevated American fare and craft cocktails in a stylish downtown setting.
Arizona Wilderness Brewing
721 N Arizona Ave, Gilbert
Award-winning craft brewpub known for locally inspired brews, hearty gastropub fare, and a commitment to Arizona ingredients. A Gilbert favorite.
Culinary Dropout
383 N Gilbert Rd, Gilbert
Lively gastropub in the Heritage District with craft cocktails, live music, and a sprawling patio with misters — perfect for summer evenings.
Goldwater Brewing Co. — Gilbert
685 S Gilbert Rd, Gilbert
Gilbert got its fourth Goldwater Brewing Co. taproom in mid-2026. Award-winning craft beers, a welcoming local vibe, and a great addition to Gilbert's growing brewery scene.
The Milkshake Factory
Gilbert, AZ
The beloved Pittsburgh-based milkshake and confectionery chain has expanded to Gilbert. Hand-dipped milkshakes, premium chocolates, and old-fashioned sweets for the whole family.
Crust Simply Italian
Gilbert, AZ
A new Italian spot in Gilbert serving hand-tossed pizzas, house-made pasta, and classic Italian dishes. Part of the latest wave of exciting new restaurants on the Eastside.
Luna Grill
Gilbert, AZ
The California-based Mediterranean fast-casual chain opened its second Arizona location in Gilbert. Fresh, healthy Mediterranean fare including grilled kebabs, hummus, bowls, and salads.
Ghost Donkey (Coming Soon)
Heritage Park Development, Gilbert
A Mexican-inspired bar from Flagship Restaurant Group, opening as part of the new Heritage Park development in Gilbert's Heritage District.
Blue Sushi Sake Grill (Coming Soon)
Heritage Park Development, Gilbert
A modern sushi and sake concept joining the Heritage Park development. Hand-rolled sushi, creative rolls, and an extensive sake menu in a sleek new setting.
Bottles & Boards
1525 N Gilbert Rd, Gilbert
A new wine bar in Gilbert featuring an eclectic selection of wines, craft beers, and small plates. A warm neighborhood spot perfect for an evening out.
Fogo de Chão
Gilbert, AZ
The acclaimed Brazilian steakhouse opened its first Gilbert location, bringing its legendary endless churrasco with fire-roasted meats carved tableside, a gourmet market table, and a curated wine list. A major new celebration spot on the Eastside.
Maeva
50 W Vaughan Ave, Gilbert
A French tasting-menu restaurant in Gilbert serving an intimate multi-course experience. A polished new addition to Gilbert's chef-driven dining scene, perfect for a special night out.
Things to Do in Gilbert
Heritage District Stroll
Walk the tree-lined streets of downtown Gilbert, browsing boutique shops, public art, and some of the best restaurants in the East Valley. The new Heritage Park development is now open, adding restaurants, a public square with water features, public art,and fresh places to gather. More concepts, including Ghost Donkey and Blue Sushi Sake Grill,continue to debut in the coming months.
Gilbert Heritage Market
Weekly farmers market with local produce, artisan goods, food trucks, and live music. A Saturday morning ritual for many Gilbert families. Running every Saturday through summer.
Riparian Preserve
Over 100 acres of wetlands, trails, and wildlife observation areas. One of the best birding spots in the Valley. Visit at sunrise in summer for the best birding and coolest temperatures.
SanTan Village
Open-air shopping and dining destination with national retailers and local eateries — including the new Perry's Steakhouse at Northside. Splash pads nearby for the kids while you shop.
Events in Gilbert
Gilbert Farmers Market
Located at Chandler-Gilbert Community College (Gilbert & Pecos), over 150 local vendors. Summer hours: 7-11 a.m., switching to 8 a.m.-12 p.m. in October.
Gilbert Concert in the Park
Free outdoor concert at Water Tower Plaza. Live music under the stars. Check back for fall dates.
Gilbert Cinemas: Movies in the Park
Free family-friendly outdoor movie on the Gilbert Civic Center Lawn. Check back for upcoming screenings.
AZ Sunrise Series - Riparian Preserve
This guided sunrise walk at the Riparian Preserve took place August 8. Check back for the next date.
Food Truck Friday
A rotating lineup of food trucks in the Heritage District. On hold through the hottest months -- returning as fall weather arrives. Check back for dates.
Gilbert Outdoors Expo
Outdoor recreation celebration at the Riparian Preserve. Check back for future events.
Harvest in the Heritage District
Gilbert's monthlong fall celebration in the Heritage District with themed events, art installations, family nights, and community activities.
Riparian Preserve Public Star Party
Stargazing under dark desert skies at the Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch. Telescopes provided, free.
¡Viva! Hispanic Heritage
Gilbert celebrated Hispanic Heritage Month with live music, traditional dance, food vendors, and family fun at the Gilbert Civic Center. A wonderful free community night. Check back for next year.
Sound Bites Music & Food Festival
The one-day music festival at Gilbert Regional Park wrapped October 9 with headliner Blues Traveler, plus Spin Doctors and Wyves. Food trucks, craft beer, and family fun. See you next year.
Gilbert Days
Gilbert's signature annual celebration with a parade through the Heritage District (Nov 21), a free music festival at Gilbert Regional Park, a half marathon, and the Gilbert Days Rodeo at Horseshoe Park.
Riparian After Dark
A magical holiday light display at the Riparian Preserve, transforming the desert wetlands into a winter wonderland.
Bottles & Boards Wine Bar
A new wine bar at 1525 N Gilbert Rd in Gilbert featuring curated wines, small plates, and a warm neighborhood atmosphere.
80s New Wave at Hale Centre Theatre
A high-energy tribute to The Police, The Cars, Talking Heads, and Elvis Costello lit up Hale Centre Theatre. A perfect throwback night out.
The Gatlin Brothers at Higley Center
Country music legends brought their classic hits to the Higley Center for the Performing Arts. A night of timeless country harmony.
Corey Kent at Gilbert Regional Park
Country rising star brings his high-energy live show to the Gilbert Regional Park. A perfect fall concert night.
A Christmas Carol at Hale Centre Theatre
The beloved holiday stage classic runs through Christmas Eve at Hale Centre Theatre. A Gilbert holiday tradition.
Assyrian Christmas Festival
A free, family-friendly Assyrian Christmas festival with live music, holiday food, craft vendors,and Santa photos.
The Motherhood Holiday Market & Expo
A holiday shopping market at Gilbert Regional Park with local makers, gifts for mom,and family fun.
Black Lagoon Halloween Pop-Up at UnderTow
UnderTow Gilbert at Epicenter transforms into an immersive Halloween pop-up with moody decor and themed cocktails. A creative grown-ups night out.
Concerts in the Park
Free live music at Water Tower Plaza in the Heritage District every Thursday evening in October, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Poor Barbie plays October 15 and Rylee Paige October 22. Bring a blanket and make it a dinner-and-a-show night.
BRONCTOBERFEST 2026
The festive October celebration at San Tan Ford wrapped October 10 with live music, food, and family fun. A free, easy Saturday that delivered.
Verde Vibes: Cactus Keys Dueling Pianos
A high-energy dueling pianos show comes to Gilbert on Friday, October 23. Request your favorite songs and sing along for a lively fall night out.
Moonlit Movies: Hocus Pocus
A free outdoor screening of the Halloween classic at 3945 E Williams Field Rd. Blankets, chairs, and fall movie magic for the whole family.
Gilbert Days Rodeo
Bull riding, barrel racing, and Western entertainment at Horseshoe Park & Equestrian Center, part of the Gilbert Days weekend. 7 p.m. Friday, 5 p.m. Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday.
Rides with Santa
Gilbert Fire & Rescue hosts its annual Rides with Santa event, collecting toy and gift-card donations while families visit with Santa.
Santa Paws Pictures with Santa
Bring the furry family members for holiday photos with Santa at a Gilbert park event. A joyful, pet-friendly way to capture the season.
Christmas on Comstock
A beloved Gilbert holiday tradition on Comstock Drive: 13 decorated homes, 110,000-plus lights, and snow machines. Free to drive or walk through.
Valor Christmas
A walk-through holiday light show in Gilbert with millions of lights, themed displays, and festive photo moments.
Farm Nights at Agritopia
Cozy farm evenings at Agritopia in Gilbert, 5-8 p.m., with dinner, fire pits, and the farm at its most charming under the fall sky. The October 7 date has wrapped, with October 21 and November 4 still to come.
Hi-Fi Holiday Concert at Hale
The Hi-Fi Holiday Concert lights up Hale Centre Theatre on December 3, kicking off the season with festive live music. A warm, family-friendly start to December.
Hazel Avenue's Gilbert Holiday Market
Hazel Avenue's Gilbert Holiday Market takes over Gilbert Regional Park, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., with 250-plus vendors, Santa and the Grinch, food trucks, and holiday cheer.
MOMFEST 2026: A Very Merry Holiday
MOMFEST returns to Gilbert Regional Park with a holiday edition: local makers, gifts for mom and kids, festive treats, and family fun.
Photos with Santa at SanTan Village
Free Santa visits and holiday photos at SanTan Village in Gilbert, a festive stop for families that runs from mid-November through Christmas Eve.
Merry Whatever 5K
A joyful, holiday-themed 5K through Gilbert Town Square. Costumes, jingle bells, and a fun run to kick off the season.
Holiday Lighting at the Water Tower
Downtown Gilbert lights its historic water tower for the holidays with crafts, carolers, seasonal activities, and family photo moments. Watch the town calendar for the official tree lighting date.
Thinking About Moving to Gilbert?
Tricia Manara has been helping families find their perfect Gilbert home for 19 years. She knows every neighborhood, every school zone, and every hidden gem.