If your weekend group chat is still waiting for somebody to suggest a plan, Chandler has a music-filled option ready to go.

Rocktoberfest runs October 2 through October 4 at SanTan Gardens, combining live music with food, drinks, vendors, and festival games.

The three-day format gives you room to choose an evening out or an afternoon visit instead of squeezing everything into one window.

Start with the day that fits your schedule, then build your outing around the music you want to hear.

Three days, different windows

Friday's hours are 4:30 to 10 p.m., Saturday runs from 2 to 10 p.m., and Sunday runs from 2 to 8 p.m.

The event is described as family friendly, with alcoholic beverages available to guests who are 21 or older.

Advance admission starts at $15 plus fees, while the tourism listing shows prices rising to $20 or more on the event day.

General admission covers entry, with optional experiences sold separately, so check the ticket terms for your chosen visit.

For a group, agreeing on those details beforehand is easier than sorting them out at the entrance.

Let the music guide the plan

Friday's lineup includes tributes to Led Zeppelin and Pearl Jam.

Saturday features The Dirt, FlashPants, and Aeromyth, while Sunday includes Aeromyth and Rock Lobster.

If one band is your main reason to attend, confirm its scheduled set time before choosing when to arrive.

Leave a little breathing room in your plan so finding friends or getting food does not become a race against the first song.

For families, think about how long your children usually enjoy a busy outing and plan around that rather than the festival's full opening hours.

A shorter visit that works for everyone can be more enjoyable than trying to stay for the entire day.

Head to the right SanTan location

The venue is SanTan Gardens at 495 East Warner Road, rather than the company's downtown Chandler brewpub.

SanTan Gardens is associated with the company's brewing and distilling facility and hosts music and gatherings.

Put the venue name into your navigation app before leaving, especially if your usual SanTan visit takes you downtown.

Share that same destination with friends so nobody starts the evening at a different location.

Agree on a meeting point and decide how you will contact one another if the group gets separated.

If drinks are part of your plan, arrange a ride or a designated driver before the outing begins.

A little preparation goes a long way

Consider sun protection for an afternoon arrival and check the weather before deciding what to wear.

Comfortable shoes are a sensible choice when your plans include standing, browsing vendors, and moving between activities.

Check venue rules for bags, outside drinks, and other items rather than assuming the rules match another festival.

If you need an accessible seating arrangement or have another specific requirement, contact the organizer ahead of time.

You can also decide on a food-and-drink budget in advance so the ticket price does not become your only cost estimate.

The tourism guide highlights German-style food and contests as part of the fall celebration.

The easiest weekend plans are the ones everyone understands.

Choose your day, confirm your tickets, and send your friends the correct venue.

Then leave yourself time to enjoy the music.

Official 2026 Rocktoberfest event graphic. Image: SanTan Brewing Company.

Official information and sources

Official festival schedule

SanTan Gardens venue information

Chandler fall festival guide