Why Mesa?
Mesa is the third-largest city in Arizona,and it wears many hats. From the family-friendly suburbs of East Mesa to the evolving downtown arts district,Mesa offers more space,more affordability,and more diversity than its neighbors.
The downtown arts district keeps growing around Mesa Arts Center,Arizona's largest arts center,while the expanded Mekong Plaza brings a wave of new Asian dining to Dobson Road. Red Mountain and Usery Mountain trails anchor an outdoor lifestyle,and major projects like Legacy Park continue to reshape the city's future.
Mesa's strategic location along the Loop 202 and Loop 101 freeways puts Phoenix, Tempe, and Mesa all within a 20-minute drive.
Fall in Mesa
Vertuccio Farms Fall Festival
A beloved East Valley fall tradition on 25 acres at 4011 S. Power Road, open October 2-31. A 5-acre corn maze, ropes course, mega slide, mini golf, train rides, and carnival games. Presale tickets around $10, gate $17.
Merry Main Street & the Mesa Christmas Market
Downtown Mesa's holiday season kicks off with tree lighting, Santa visits, and ice skating along Main Street, and the European-style Mesa Christmas Market (Dec 11-13) adds artisan stalls, warm food, and live entertainment.
Mesa Arts Center Fall Performances
Fall 2026 brings John Scofield (Oct 28), Salt River Brass: Heroes (Nov 8), Straight No Chaser (Nov 10), Outlander In Concert (Nov 15), The Wiz (Nov 20-22), The Fab Four (Nov 27), Mannheim Steamroller Christmas (Nov 28-29), Herb Alpert (Dec 6 & 15), Nina West (Dec 16), Dave Koz (Dec 18), GENTRI (Dec 19), and Cirque Musica Holiday Wonderland (Dec 19) to the Mesa Arts Center, right after the free 20th Día de los Muertos Festival wrapped the plaza (Oct 24-25). Free gallery visits available all season.
Mesa Feastival
Monthly food truck extravaganza at Pioneer Park (526 E Main St) with 10-20 gourmet food trucks, live music, and boutique vendors on select Saturdays this fall, 5:30-9:00 p.m. Free admission and a great way to spend a fall evening.
Mekong Plaza Fall Dining
Mesa's beloved Asian dining destination keeps drawing crowds with its $10 million expansion: Haidilao Hot Pot, Udon Shin, Meet Fresh, bb.q Chicken, and more. Cooler weather makes the patio seating and market strolls even better.
Where to Eat in Mesa
Haidilao Hot Pot
Mekong Plaza, Mesa
The world-famous Chinese hot pot chain at the expanded Mekong Plaza. Known for extraordinary service, theatrical noodle-pulling,and a dining experience unlike anything else in the Valley.
Udon Shin
Mekong Plaza, Mesa
The first U.S. location of the renowned Tokyo noodle restaurant at Mekong Plaza (138 S. Dobson Rd.). Known for its viral carbonara udon, crispy tempura,and authentic hand-made fresh udon noodles.
Nadu
Desert Ridge Marketplace, Mesa
A Michelin-recognized Indian restaurant from acclaimed chef Sujan Sarkar that opened in June 2026. Modern Indian cuisine with bold flavors, elegant presentation,and a stunning dining room.
Sablé Boulangerie
Mesa, AZ
A charming French bakery that opened in Mesa in May 2026. Fresh-baked croissants, baguettes,and delicate pastries made from scratch daily.
Pinnacle Beer Company
Downtown Mesa
The Scottsdale-based brewery opened a second taproom and kitchen in downtown Mesa in spring 2026. Great craft beer and elevated pub fare in the arts district.
Cider Corps
31 S Robson Blvd, Mesa
Mesa's first cidery, producing small-batch hard ciders in the downtown arts district. Tasting room with patio seating.
Beer Research Institute
1028 S Alma School Rd, Mesa
Experimental craft brewery with a constantly rotating tap list. If you like trying something new, this is your spot.
bb.q Chicken & Pub
Mekong Plaza, Mesa
Korean fried chicken and craft beers at the newly expanded Mekong Plaza. Known for crispy, double-fried chicken with signature sauces.
Zeitouna Lebanese
East Gate Plaza, Mesa
A new Lebanese restaurant at East Gate Plaza serving authentic Middle Eastern cuisine. Falafel, shawarma, hummus,and traditional Lebanese specialties.
Wetzel's Pretzels
Mesa, AZ
The beloved California-based soft pretzel chain landed in Mesa in late summer 2026. Fresh-baked pretzels, cheese sauce,and dips make a perfect mall treat.
Il Forno Bello
Mesa, AZ
A wood-fired pizzeria in Mesa from a Pizzeria Bianco veteran, newly open this fall. Blistered crusts, classic Italian pies, and a warm neighborhood room make it one of the season's most talked-about Mesa openings.
Angry Crab Shack - North Mesa
Gilbert & McKellips, Mesa
The Cajun-inspired seafood chain opened its 19th Valley location at Gilbert and McKellips in north Mesa. Build-your-own seafood boils, catfish baskets, and lobster rolls in a lively, hands-on setting.
Things to Do in Mesa
Mesa Arts Center
The largest arts center in Arizona with four theaters, five galleries,and over 1,500 performances annually. Free gallery visits are a perfect air-conditioned outing,and the fall lineup includes Zeds Dead(Sept,,, 19),A.J. Croce(Sept,,, 16),and more. Check the website for upcoming show dates.
Mekong Plaza
Mesa's vibrant Asian dining and shopping destination just completed a $10 million expansion,adding 12 new businesses including Haidilao Hot Pot, Udon Shin,Meet Fresh,bb.q Chicken,and Snowy Village. A must-visit culinary destination for pho,dim sum,hot pot,boba tea,and Korean fried chicken.
Red Mountain Trail System
Over 20 miles of desert trails winding through the stunning Red Mountain Formation. Perfect for hiking,mountain biking,and horseback riding. Fall tip: start early,and bring plenty of water.
Arizona Museum of Natural History
Dinosaur exhibits,gold mining history,and a Southwest artifact collection. A favorite field trip destination for Valley families and an ideal air-conditioned stop year-round.
Events in Mesa
Mesa Community Farmers' Market
Mesa's community farmers market on a summer schedule - Fridays 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.(June-September). Local growers,food artisans,and handmade goods.
Mesa Feastival
Mesa's beloved food truck extravaganza at Pioneer Park (526 E Main St) keeps rolling: October 17 and 31, November 14 and 28, and December 12 and 26. 10-20 gourmet food trucks, live music, and boutique vendors, free admission 5:30-9:00 p.m.
East Valley Health & Wellness Expo
The 26th annual East Valley Health and Wellness Expo was held at the Mesa Convention Center. Check back for the 27th edition in 2027.
The Australian Pink Floyd Show
The world's biggest Pink Floyd tribute show performed at the Ikeda Theater. Check back for future performances.
Gathering of the Ghouls
The late-summer spooktacular at the Mesa Convention Center with Halloween-themed fun was a hit. Check back for next year.
Roger Daltrey: A Great Night Out
The legendary Who frontman performed a deeply personal show at the Ikeda Theater. What a rare night with a rock icon.
Stamp & Scrapbook Expo
The Southwest's largest paper crafting expo at the Mesa Convention Center. Dozens of vendors,and creative workshops.
Vertuccio Farms Fall Festival
A beloved East Valley fall tradition on 25 acres at 4011 S. Power Road. A 5-acre corn maze,ropes course,super mega slide,mini golf,train rides,and carnival games. Presale tickets around $10,gate $17.
Mesa Temple Christmas Lights
The annual Mesa Arizona Temple Christmas Lights display opens November 28 and runs through December 30, with thousands of twinkling lights, a live nativity, and nightly musical performances.
Japanese Film Festival Arizona
A curated selection of contemporary and classic Japanese cinema at the Media and Immersive Experience (MIX) Center. A cultural highlight for film lovers.
Copper State Whiskey Festival
A celebration of whiskey at Sloan Park in Mesa featuring distillery tastings,expert seminars,food pairings,and live entertainment.
Mesa Santa Express
A magical holiday train experience with Santa riding the rails. Holiday lights,caroling,and festive treats for the whole family.
A Drag Queen Christmas
A glittering holiday spectacular at the Ikeda Theater,Mesa Arts Center. Drag stars from RuPaul's Drag Race perform festive numbers,and holiday classics.
Beth Hart at Mesa Arts Center
Grammy-nominated blues-rock powerhouse performed at the Ikeda Theater, Mesa Arts Center. A raw, soulful night.
Patton Oswalt at Mesa Arts Center
Emmy and Grammy-winning comedian brought his sharp stand-up to the Ikeda Theater, Mesa Arts Center.
Snarky Puppy at Mesa Arts Center
The Grammy-winning jazz-fusion collective brought its electric, genre-blending live show to the Ikeda Theater on October 7. A night music lovers are still talking about.
Celebrate Mesa Fall Festival
The free family-friendly fall celebration at Red Mountain Multiuse Fields South wrapped October 10 with games, carnival rides, live entertainment, and food vendors.
Gorillaz at Mesa Amphitheatre
The genre-defying virtual band brings their high-energy show to the Mesa Amphitheatre.
José González
The acclaimed Swedish singer-songwriter brings his intricate guitar work and warm vocals to the Ikeda Theater.
Boz Scaggs: Rhythm Review
Soul-rock legend Boz Scaggs brought his Rhythm Review show to the Mesa Arts Center. A smooth evening of classic hits in the Ikeda Theater.
My Hero Academia in Concert
The hit anime series came to life with a live orchestra performing the beloved score at the Mesa Arts Center. A wonderful night for anime fans of all ages.
Ghostbusters in Concert
The classic 1984 film screened with the original score performed live by orchestra at the Mesa Arts Center. A spectacular night of movie magic.
The Rush Tribute Project
A note-perfect celebration of the music of Rush lit up the Ikeda Theater, Mesa Arts Center on October 8. Prog-rock classics for longtime fans.
Az Horror Fest 2026
A horror convention at the DoubleTree by Hilton Phoenix Mesa brought vendors, panels, cosplay, and all things spooky. Watch for next year.
8123 Fest
A two-day music festival at the Mesa Amphitheatre featuring indie rock,pop-punk,and alternative acts. A high-energy Halloween weekend tradition in downtown Mesa.
Arizona Craft Beer Fest
A celebration of Arizona craft beer at The Post in downtown Mesa. Dozens of breweries,live music,and food vendors.
Croptoberfest
The cozy fall craft event at Cozycraftroom in Mesa wrapped October 9. Seasonal DIY projects, warm drinks, and a relaxed evening of making something by hand.
Desert Grey Music Fest
A live music festival at The Nile Theater in downtown Mesa. Indie,rock,and eclectic sounds from local and regional acts.
Noël: Salt River Brass
Salt River Brass brings holiday brass arrangements to the Mesa Arts Center for a festive,family-friendly holiday concert.
Believe: Featuring the Phoenix Children's Chorus
A soaring holiday celebration featuring the Phoenix Children's Chorus at the Mesa Arts Center. Beloved carols and the warm glow of the season.
Merry Main Street
Downtown Mesa's holiday celebration with tree lighting,Santa visits,ice skating,a holiday market,and twinkling lights along Main Street.
Mesa Music Festival
Downtown Mesa's free music festival delivered over 200 performances on multiple stages along Main Street in October. Watch for the 2027 edition.
8123 Fest at Mesa Amphitheatre
A two-day indie, pop-punk, and alternative festival at the Mesa Amphitheatre, the Halloween weekend tradition for fans of the scene. Multi-stage, multi-band, and right downtown.
Haunted Hangar at Falcon Field
Free Halloween-morning trick-or-treating inside a WWII-era hangar at Falcon Field, 8-11 a.m., with city departments and aircraft up close.
Mesa Feastival: Saturday in the Park
Mesa's monthly food truck and live music gathering lands on Halloween at Pioneer Park, 5:30-9 p.m., with free admission and costumes encouraged.
Mesa Night Market
An evening market at the AZ International Marketplace with vendors, food, and community vibes under the lights.
Armored Saint at The Nile Theater
The veteran metal act brings its catalog downtown to The Nile Theater on Main Street for a loud Eastside night.
Salt River Brass: Heroes
The Mesa Arts Center brass season opens with a bright, family-friendly concert honoring local heroes.
Movements / Balance and Composure
Emo and post-hardcore favorites Movements and Balance and Composure co-headline the Mesa Amphitheatre. A cathartic night for genre fans.
Schnepf Farms Pumpkin & Chili Party
The Eastside farm favorite promoted by Visit Mesa wraps its season Saturday, Oct 31 at Schnepf Farms in nearby Queen Creek (24810 S Rittenhouse Rd): corn maze, U-pick pumpkins, hayrides, petting zoo, pig races, rides, and live music. Tickets through the farm page.
SSV Holidaze Craft Fair
A holiday craft fair at Sunland Springs Village Auditorium in Mesa featuring 70-plus local vendors with handmade gifts, crafts, and seasonal treats.
Mesa Christmas Market
A European-style artisan market in downtown Mesa with handmade gifts, holiday decor, warm food, and live entertainment, 5-9:30 p.m. each evening.
M&S Lights
An elaborate, Disneyland-style home light show in Mesa that draws crowds from across the Valley. A spectacular free holiday display worth the drive.
Stage 12 West
A brand-new restaurant and live entertainment venue on Main Street in downtown Mesa, opened October 2. Live music, elevated pub fare, and a fresh reason to spend an evening in the Arts District.
Downtown Mesa Sunset Market
The evening market along Main Street in downtown Mesa wrapped October 9 with local makers, food vendors, live music, and golden-hour vibes. Watch for the next one.
Steven Curtis Chapman: SPEECHLESS 25th Anniversary Tour
Five-time Grammy winner celebrates 25 years of his landmark album with an intimate acoustic evening at the Ikeda Theater, Mesa Arts Center.
Haunting on Main
Downtown Mesa's Halloween celebration takes over Main Street with trick-or-treating, costume contests, live music, and family-friendly spooky fun.
Dan and Phil: Hard Launch World Tour
Internet icons Dan and Phil bring their wildly popular Hard Launch World Tour to the Mesa Arts Center.
The Wiz
The Tony-winning soulful retelling of The Wizard of Oz takes the stage at Mesa Arts Center. A joyful, high-energy family weekend.
Mannheim Steamroller Christmas
The iconic Christmas music machine brings its beloved holiday show to the Mesa Arts Center. Fresh takes on classic carols.
Handel's Messiah by Symphony of the Southwest
An inspiring performance of Handel's Messiah at the Mesa Arts Center with full choir and orchestra. A soaring holiday tradition.
The Nutcracker by Ballet Etudes (Mesa)
Ballet Etudes celebrates 40 years of The Nutcracker with a full-scale production at the Mesa Arts Center. A picture-perfect family holiday tradition.
Cirque Musica Holiday Wonderland
A dazzling fusion of cirque acrobatics and holiday music at the Ikeda Theater, Mesa Arts Center. A spectacular family holiday show.
Mesa Arts Festival
Mesa Arts Center's free annual holiday arts festival fills the campus with artisan booths, live performances, hands-on art activities, and seasonal cheer.
National Geographic Live: Wild Oceans
Stunning photography and firsthand stories from the deep come to the Mesa Arts Center. A spectacular evening for nature lovers of every age.
John Scofield: Electrospective
Guitar legend John Scofield brings his Electrospective project to the Mesa Arts Center for a masterful evening of jazz, funk, and electric guitar exploration.
Straight No Chaser at Mesa Arts Center
The beloved a cappella group brings its signature harmonies and playful stage show to the Mesa Arts Center. A fun, feel-good evening for the whole family.
Outlander In Concert
The sweeping music of the hit series Outlander comes to the Ikeda Theater, performed live by a full orchestra with stunning visuals.
Herb Alpert & The Tijuana Brass
Music legend Herb Alpert and The Tijuana Brass bring their iconic sound to the Mesa Arts Center. A festive, horn-filled evening of timeless favorites.
Herb Alpert at Mesa Arts Center
Legendary trumpeter Herb Alpert returns to the Mesa Arts Center for an intimate evening of jazz and pop classics. A warm, elegant night out.
Nina West at Mesa Arts Center
Beloved entertainer Nina West brings a festive, family-friendly holiday show to the Mesa Arts Center. Music, comedy, and plenty of holiday sparkle.
Dave Koz and Friends Christmas Tour
Smooth jazz saxophonist Dave Koz and Friends bring their annual Christmas Tour to the Mesa Arts Center. A beloved holiday tradition full of seasonal classics.
GENTRI at Mesa Arts Center
The acclaimed vocal group GENTRI brings its soaring holiday show to the Mesa Arts Center. Big voices and cinematic arrangements make it a spectacular way to celebrate the season.
The Fab Four at Mesa Arts Center
The world's premier Beatles tribute brings its note-perfect recreation of the legendary band to the Mesa Arts Center. A spectacular trip through the Beatles catalog.
Considering Mesa?
From tech corridor homes to family-friendly master plans, Tricia can help you find the right fit in Mesa.