Things to Do in Glendale, AZ: A Local's Guide for Residents and Newcomers
If you are thinking about moving to Glendale, or you just landed here, the first question is usually the same: what is there to do? Glendale is a bigger and more varied city than its reputation as "the football stadium town" suggests. Here is how I describe it to people I am helping find a home nearby.
Historic Downtown Glendale
Downtown Glendale, centered on Glendale Avenue and 58th Avenue, is the part of the city that feels like a small town. It is known for antique shops, small restaurants and tea rooms, and a walkable layout that is rare in the Valley. During the holiday season the city runs its Glendale Glitters light displays and festivals downtown, which draw people from all over the metro area. Dates and programming change each year, so check the city's events page.
Westgate Entertainment District
Westgate sits next to State Farm Stadium and Desert Diamond Arena. It is a pedestrian-style district of restaurants, shops, a movie theater and a large plaza with events and live music. If you are buying nearby, know that event days at the stadium and arena mean heavier traffic and parking restrictions in the area. That is worth factoring in when you tour homes close to Loop 101 and Glendale Avenue.
Sports: football, concerts and spring training
- State Farm Stadium: home of the Arizona Cardinals, and the host of major concerts and national events.
- Desert Diamond Arena: concerts and live events year-round.
- Camelback Ranch: the Cactus League spring training home of the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Chicago White Sox, usually February through March.
Parks and the outdoors
Sahuaro Ranch Park is a historic ranch property with a restored main house, gardens and open lawns, and it is a favorite for walks and picnics. Thunderbird Conservation Park, on the north side of the city, has desert hiking trails with views across the Valley. Cooler months, roughly October through April, are the time for both.
Family and animal attractions
Wildlife World Zoo, Aquarium and Safari Park is in the Glendale and Litchfield Park area and is a regular outing for local families. Check its website for current hours and pricing.
Things to do this weekend: how to find what is on
Many people search for "things to do in Glendale this weekend" or "today," and the best answer changes constantly. The most reliable sources are the City of Glendale's events calendar, the Westgate events page, and the venue sites for State Farm Stadium and Desert Diamond Arena. Downtown Glendale merchants post seasonal events, and the city parks department lists classes and community programs. I would rather point you to those than list dates that go stale.
Free and low-cost ideas
- Walk the shops and the park areas in Historic Downtown Glendale.
- Visit Sahuaro Ranch Park for the grounds and gardens.
- Hike a morning trail at Thunderbird Conservation Park in cooler months.
- Watch the Westgate plaza on a night with a free community event.
- Catch a Cactus League game, which is generally one of the lower-priced ways to see professional baseball.
Seasonal notes for newcomers
- October to April: the best months for being outdoors, and the busiest for events and spring training.
- Summer: plan outdoor activity for early morning or evening, and expect indoor options, pools and splash pads to be popular.
- Holidays: the downtown holiday lights and festivals are a highlight; arrive early because parking fills up.
Does living near attractions affect a home's value or comfort?
It can cut both ways. Being close to entertainment can be a plus for some buyers and a nuisance for others, because of noise, event traffic and parking. When I tour homes near Westgate or the stadium, I suggest visiting on an event day and on a quiet day to see both versions. Ask neighbors, and ask the seller about any event-day access limits.
Frequently asked questions
What is Glendale, AZ best known for?
Glendale is known for State Farm Stadium and Desert Diamond Arena, the Westgate Entertainment District, Camelback Ranch spring training and the antique shops and festivals of Historic Downtown Glendale.
Is Glendale good for families?
Many families like the parks, the range of housing and the variety of activities, from Sahuaro Ranch Park to the zoo in the nearby Litchfield Park area. The right neighborhood depends on your priorities, so tour the areas you are considering.
When is spring training in Glendale?
Cactus League games at Camelback Ranch run in the late winter and early spring, usually about late February through March. Check the team schedules for current dates.
How far is Glendale from downtown Phoenix?
It is about a 20 to 30 minute drive without heavy traffic, depending on the route and the time of day. Loop 101 and I-17 are the main routes.
What this means if you are buying
Glendale is large, and the experience of living in the north end near Arrowhead is different from living near downtown or near Westgate. Some buyers want walkability and older neighborhoods with character. Others want newer construction and quick freeway access. If you tell me what a good weekend looks like for you, I can narrow the search to the parts of the city that fit. You can also browse my Glendale real estate page and the guide to living in Glendale.
Events, hours, schedules and prices change. Check each venue or city website before you go.
