Phoenix-Area Activities to Enjoy During Maker Festivals Mesa

Excited for the Maker Festivals Mesa/Phoenix 2023 and looking at the local area for exciting things to do on your down time? Look no further! We have a list of fun museums, hiking trails, shops and more for you to enjoy while in Mesa. When you’re not busy workshopping and socializing with fellow crafters, take some time to shop some local vendors, walk a couple of their beautiful trails and wind down at a show. These Phoenix-area activities are unmissable!

The Mesa Convention Center is only a 10-minute walk from downtown, so make sure to take a break to explore more of the surrounding area. 

Related: Phoenix-Area Local Yarn Shops

Arts and Culture 

Arizona Museum of Natural History 

Take a deep dive into Arizona’s past by visiting the Arizona Museum of Natural History. Here you can find an impressive collection of prehistoric fossils and bones, pan for gold and explore galaxies while learning more about native cultures and people. This 80,000-square-foot area displays ongoing and new exhibits as well as anthropological and paleontological projects. Tickets are available for purchase in advance as well as in person.  

Travel: 9 min walk from the Mesa Convention Center 
Hours: Tues-Sat 10am-5pm; Sun 12-5pm; closed Mon 

Southwest Shakespeare Company 

Fancy a bit of Shakespearean entertainment? The Southwest Shakespeare Company is a classical theatre group that has been showcasing Shakespearean plays on the stage for 30 years. While in town for Maker Fest, pop down to the Southwest Shakespeare Company to see their showing of Macbeth, on stage from October 13-28. 

Travel: 8 min walk from the Mesa Convention Center 
Hours: Show hours vary 

Mesa Contemporary Arts Museum 

The Mesa Contemporary Arts Museum is a great way to take a look at some modern visual art from artists across the world. They provide support through solo, group and juried exhibitions and promotes education of the local community. The museum features exhibits of all types of media, including painting, sculpture, and photography. The vibrant and detailed installations are truly a sight to see. 

Travel: 9 min walk from the Mesa Convention Center 
Hours: Tues-Sat 10am-5pm; Sun 12-5pm; closed Mon 

Neighborhood Comedy Theatre 

Neighborhood Comedy Theatre presents all age improv, variety and sketch comedy each week. There are several shows to choose from the weekend of Maker Festivals so make sure to check one out and end the day with a laugh and good vibes.  

Travel: 16 min walk from the Mesa Convention Center 
Hours: Show times vary on Thurs-Sat nights 

Outside Adventures 

Hot Air Balloon 

Among different air adventures such as skydiving and aerobatics, you can also take a relaxing air tour via hot air balloon. You can watch the sunrise or get a breathtaking view of Arizona’s terrain by taking on Mesa in the sky. Some of the hotels in Mesa are serviced by two local hot air balloon companies that will pick you up and take you up for 45-60 minutes. 

Phoenix Zoo 

Take a break from crafting and rejuvenate your creativity by visiting the Phoenix Zoo. Here you can visit wildlife in several climates, from the desert to the tropics. You can also watch different animal presentations, visit monkey village and take a ride on the safari cruiser.  If purchased online, tickets for people aged 14+ are $37.95 while those ages 3-13 are $27.95. 

Travel: 20 min drive from the Mesa Convention Center 
Hours: Open every day from 7-11am UNTIL AUGUST 31 (hours are subject to change) 

Pioneer Park 

One of the parks closest to the Mesa Convention Center is Pioneer Park. It is a beautiful outdoor area fun for everyone to enjoy with picnic ramadas and an area to play horseshoes available for reservation. With a 500-foot suspension bridge for anyone to use, food truck area, historic monuments, basketball courts, a water wall and splash pad, visiting Pioneer Park is a great way to wind down outside after a busy day. 

Travel: 14-minute walk from the Mesa Convention Center 
Hours: Mon-Thurs 10am-9:30pm; Fri-Sat 10am-10:30pm; Sun 12-9:30pm 

Golf Courses 

Play a game of golf with your friends while taking in the breathtaking views of the mountains and local wildlife. There are a bunch of scenic golf courses that Mesa has to offer, whether you are wanting to play a 9- or 18-hole game. These clubs and courses also have several other amenities for you to enjoy, such as disc golf and driving ranges. 

Hiking Trails 

Enjoy the beautiful desert scenery via the various hiking trails in Mesa. You can explore the wildlife, plant-life and mountain views in these parks and forests by horseback, bike or on foot. Another scenic trail to try is the Apache Trail, which will take you by a ghost town, Canyon Lake and the Superstition Mountains. If you need to take a rest and fuel up for the rest of your adventures, you can also visit the Tortilla Flat along the Apache Trail. 

Shops Around the Block

Main Street Antique Mall 

The Main Street Antique Mall is a 28,000 square foot mall full of all things antique, worth the treck to see local antiques and crafts. You can find anything and everything here. You never know what may be on sale!  

Travel: 19 min drive from the Mesa Convention Center 
Hours: Every day 10am-5:30pm 

Downtown Vintage and Antique Stores 

Can’t make the 19-minute drive to the Main Street Antique Mall but still want to look at some fascinating antiques? You can visit some of the closer antique and vintage shops such as Buckhorn Vintage and Meat Market Vintage. The local shops are always a great way to support local businesses and find a hidden gem.  

Travel: 15 min walk from the Mesa Convention Center  
Hours vary 

The Plant Bodega Company AZ 

Calling all plant lovers! Visit The Plant Bodega Company AZ to take a look at local Arizona growth. You can find leafy plants, cacti and other plant accessories here and can learn more about plant care and cultivation. Go ahead and head to the Plant Bodega Company in the heart of downtown Mesa to bring home a part of Arizona’s natural scenery. 

Travel: 19 min walk from the Mesa Convention Center 
Hours: Wed-Fri 12-7pm; Sat 11am-7pm; Sun 11am-4:30pm; closed Mon-Tues 

The Book Gallery 

The Book Gallery is a local bookstore located downtown. The huge space is occupied by a wide selection of used books. Their oak shelves are packed full of books from a wide range of genres. 

Travel: 12 min walk from the Mesa Convention Center 
Hours: Tues-Sat 10am-6pm; closed Sun-Mon 

There is plenty to do while in mesa for the Maker Festivals Mesa/Phoenix. Make sure to enjoy the Arizona wildlife by going on a hike, treat yourself to a souvenir at a local antique store and become inspired by the local artists at a museum. 

Are there Phoenix-area activities in your agenda that is not on our list? Comment it below!