Explore Downtown Fountain Hills

On the east side of Greater Phoenix is a Downtown area known for its vibrant art displays, dark sky views, and beloved local shops. Downtown Fountain Hills offers small town charm, access to some of Arizona’s top hidden gems, and space to play.

Join us for free outdoor concerts, art festivals steps from the World Famous Fountain, and relaxing experiences curated by small businesses.

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Check Out Art on the Avenue Fountain Hills / Farmer’s Market

16858 Avenue of the Fountains Fountain Hills, AZ 85268

Open every Wednesday, from November 2025-April 29, 2026

10:00 AM - 2:00 PM

👩‍🌾 Family-friendly (room for strollers and outdoor play)

🦮 Dog-friendly (leash and waste cleanup are required by law)

A local favorite, and a place to share what’s local! When you visit our Wednesday markets, you’ll taste what Downtown Fountain Hills has to offer. Find everything from Chef Debbie J. Elder’s seasonal meals-to-go (the maker of The Culinary Curator) to The Whimsical Spirits’ seasonal centerpieces.

Event Details

Staying for the day?

✨ Find a restaurant close to this event with views of the famous fountain.

✨ Check out our itinerary for Fountain Park activities (another stroller-friendly area, adjacent to Downtown Fountain Hills).

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Free Outdoor Concerts Unlike Anywhere Else

🎹 3rd Thursday Concert Series at Centennial Pavilion

Catch blues artists, jazz, rock, and more at these free outdoor concerts in Downtown. No RSVP needed–bring blankets, lawn chairs, and your favorite people. As one of the only downtown entertainment districts globally that offers certified dark sky views, we’re excited to bring you relaxing music under the stars.

🕕 3rd Thursdays until April 16, 2026, from 6:00 - 7:30 PM

🎸 Concerts on the Avenue

On select Thursdays, recognized bands from around the Valley gather our community together with live music, yard games, and high spirits. No RSVP needed–bring lawn chairs, blankets, and an appetite if you plan to dine locally.

🕕 April 2, 9, 23, & 30, 2026, from 6:00 - 8:00 PM

Things To Do in #DowntownFH

If your vibe includes walking among vibrant, larger-than-life art pieces, dining deliciously with friendly community, and lounging outside with beautiful mountain and desert landscape views, you must join the fun. We offer it all, without being far from Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport, Scottsdale Fashion Square, and the McDowell Mountains. Come for an event that brings back your childhood glee, and stay for the people who make Downtown Fountain Hills.

If you’re local to Arizona, our Downtown area is great for a night out, weekend away, or a relaxing staycation. Traveling visitors can stay in Downtown Fountain Hills and find endless activities around Town and the surrounding areas.

Shop Local

Downtown Fountain Hills is home to many locally owned clothing stores, gift boutiques, and art galleries. Park for the day and find hidden gems, like P39 Apothecary, AZ Stone Co., and Gypsy Bungalow, as you explore the area. When you shop in Downtown Fountain Hills, you’re supporting dozens of family-owned, local businesses.

Search for a Local Business

Dine Different Cuisines

When you visit the Downtown area, you have a variety of cuisines to choose from, including Mexican food, Italian food, and Greek dishes. Unwind comfortably indoors or dine under the stars on one of the many outdoor patios available. In addition to local sit down dining options, you’ll find Streets of New York, Sofrita, Alexander’s Greek Kitchen, and several bars.

See all Dining Options

Go on a Self-Guided Public Art Walk

Alongside our local businesses and gathering spaces are larger-than-life outdoor art pieces. Explore over 150 installations (one of AZ’s largest collections of public art), take photos by vibrant murals and sculptures, and find unique stories when you visit Downtown Fountain Hills. The Public Art Walk is FREE and self-guided.

Get the Public Art Walk Map

Find the Best Photo Ops

Downtown is surrounded by stunning views of the McDowell Mountains, Four Peaks, and the World Famous Fountain, making nearly every stop photo worthy. Step up your selfie game and group photos by posing in front of any of our outdoor art installations or the naturally beautiful landscape adorning our streets. Be sure to tag #DowntownFountainHills!

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Visit the River of Time Museum

At the heart of our Avenue District is a museum rich with Arizona’s history. Learn about the ancient communities who found home in the Lower Verde River Valley, and the beginnings of Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation’s Indian Tribe. The River of Time Museum draws attention from families worldwide and offers seasonal exhibits and events.

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Attend Community Art Events

Join a community buzzing with creativity! Downtown Fountain Hills and the local businesses making our community are focused on curating experiences that invigorate the body, mind, and spirit. Fountain Hills Artist Gallery’s events, Culinary Curator’s events, and the annual Fountain Festival of Fine Arts & Crafts are great ways to get a feel for the everyday in Downtown.

Explore Upcoming Art Events

Home of the International Dark Sky Discovery Center

Something big is happening! Fountain Hills’ International Dark Sky Discovery Center is currently under development with an expected opening later in 2026. Located in the center of Downtown Fountain Hills, your upcoming visits will include grand views of the night sky (it’s the largest telescope found in the Greater Phoenix Area!), access to the state-of-the-art planetarium, hands-on learning, and so much more. Get announcements and updates related to the opening:

Subscribe to IDSDC’s Newsletter

Upcoming Events

Downtown Fountain Hills’ events are vibrant, welcoming, and unique. Check out the full event calendar to find activities that speak to you and your crew, or join our community in one of these regularly scheduled celebrations:

Festival of Fine Arts & Crafts

Join tens of thousands of people in February and November for one of the largest arts & crafts fairs in the Southwest. Over 500 global artists and artisans fill the Downtown area with booths, live music, and activities. This bi-annual festival is free to enter.

Dark Sky Festival

As one of the only Downtown entertainment districts worldwide with a certified dark sky designation, you won’t want to miss any dark sky event–especially our annual Dark Sky Festival. Hear from astronauts and educators, jam to live music, and get your fill from local food vendors as you explore the night sky this March. This annual festival is free.

Concerts on the Avenue

Acoustic performers and live bands fill the Avenue District with music that inspires people to dance throughout the month of April! Join the community on select Thursdays in April. This outdoor concert series is free and accessible to all.

Art on the Avenue Fountain Hills / Farmers Market

From November through April, join the community in our fabulous Wednesday markets. Local business owners, AZ artisans, and skilled chefs and bakers bring their curated offerings to Downtown between 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM weekly. This market is free and accessible (great for strollers, wheelchairs, and other needs).

3rd Thursday Concert Series

From November through April, rock out to live music under the stars. Artists from all over Arizona set the scene every 3rd Thursday at the Centennial Pavilion in Downtown Fountain Hills. This outdoor concert series is free and accessible to all.

Thanksgiving Turkey Trot & 5K Run

Early birds on Thanksgiving morning can join thousands of peers in Downtown for a festive fitness walk or 5k run. Participate in our Costume Contest and revel in the hometown tradition. Registration opens on fhturkeytrot.com as the holidays come around.

Thanksgiving Day Parade

Downtown Fountain Hills’ Thanksgiving Day Parade is an annual tradition. Starting at 9:30 AM on Thanksgiving morning, you’ll catch local businesses, veteran groups, classic car drivers, Santa Claus, and other key figures brightening the streets in our classic parade. This traditional small-town event is free!

Stroll in the Glow

Join one of Downtown Fountain Hills’ most iconic December events! Stroll in the Glow is a glowing tradition featuring thousands of twinkling lights, a Christmas tree lighting, Santa, the Grinch, and Olaf moments, hot air balloons, and many other family-friendly activities. This holiday event is free.

Stay in Downtown Fountain Hills

If relaxation, friendly dining and shopping experiences, and beautiful places are your vibe, you’ll want to stay in Downtown Fountain Hills! Our Downtown area offers everything you need for an overnight stay, long weekend, or multiple day stay, with or without a car. Just 30 minutes from Phoenix, Scottsdale, and other major cities, Downtown Fountain Hills may also be the perfect place to stay when you’re visiting top Arizona attractions.

Hotels & Nearby Lodging

Fountain Park Hotel, a Best Western Signature Collection hotel, is located right in the action! Book your stay in Downtown Fountain Hills or explore nearby lodging options to access additional amenities.

Hosting your conference or meeting in AZ? Various venues in the area and across Fountain Hills are available! Give your team or clients the experience of a lifetime when you visit. Downtown Fountain Hills offers daytime activities centered around arts & culture, music, food, and drinks, and nighttime activities that offer the moon, stars, and beyond.

Find Your Way

Downtown Fountain Hills offers free parking throughout shopping, event, and outdoor areas. Check signage for specific hours and automobile needs.

If you’re traveling from the airport, consider rideshare through Uber, Lyft, or another provider for total vacation relaxation.

Public restrooms can be found throughout Downtown.

What Locals Like To Do

Downtown Fountain Hills truly offers it all, including late-night gathering places, spacious outdoor sitting areas, and a public park adjacent to the Downtown area. Explore where the locals like to hang:

Grapeables Wine Bar
Parkview Tap House
Crowning Glory Tea Room
Snowbird Ice Cream Co
Linear Park: Easy walking path in Downtown with water features and grassy areas
Fountain Park: 35 acres of walking and outdoor activity space adjacent to Downtown. Try your game at disc golf, lounge under the stars, or take advantage of the other park amenities.

Close to the World Famous Fountain

Adjacent to the Downtown area is a globally recognized fountain that, at its full height, is taller than Old Faithful, the Great Pyramid of Cheops in Egypt, and the Notre Dame Cathedral! Enjoy the sounds of rushing water, local wildlife, and families at play when you’re in the Saguaro Frontage district. Throughout Downtown, the World Famous Fountain can be seen topping buildings and against the desert backdrop.

The World Famous Fountain runs every hour on the hour for 15 minutes from 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM every day of the week. Attend one of our events to see the fountain shoot to its full height and change colors.

Experience Downtown

In Downtown Fountain Hills, there’s always something to do! Experience all that our local businesses have to offer while enjoying the preserved dark skies, naturally beautiful surrounding landscapes, and superior public services. Strategically managed by the Town of Fountain Hills, you and your group will feel immediately welcomed and taken care of when you step into our vibrant entertainment and business districts.

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Interested in breaking ground or expanding your business in Downtown Fountain Hills? The Town’s economic development team is here and excited to help. We offer a complete range of site selection services to assist your business in finding restaurant, retail, office, medical, and hospitality space.

Contact ecdev@fountainhillsaz.gov