There is a saying that “if you’re lucky enough to be Irish…you’re lucky enough. The person who coined the saying didn’t know about Chandler’s Pot of Gold Music Festival. The three-day, all ages, rain-or-shine event held at the Rawhide Western Town and Event Center brings a bit of the Irish to the Valley March 16-18, 2018 with a jam-packed lineup for music, entertainment, and other shenanigans. 

This isn’t just for music lovers. There are plenty of things to feast your eyes on, a variety of food and drink to overindulge in, and multiple areas to explore. With so much happening, we wouldn’t want you to be green on the ins and outs as a first-timer so Neighborhoods.com has put together a helpful guide to help you get your “Irish on.” 

Location

Courtesy of Pot of Gold

Easily accessible from Loop 202 or East Queen Creek Road to Interstate-10, the venue is located at 5700 North West Loop Road. Opening their doors daily at noon and running through midnight each day, prepare for delays on South Maricopa Road and Wild Horse Pass Boulevard.

Parking is available starting at 10 a.m. each day with a $10 parking fee and the event is rain or shine so consider possible changes in weather. But also consider this is Arizona and a full day in the sun plus consuming one to several-ish drinks can take a lot out of you. Helpful hint: there is an air-conditioned building to the side of the stage. Pop in as often as possible for heat relief. Another good thing to remember is that the venue has a one-way entry policy so don’t forget anything in the car or you might be out of luck.

Tickets are between $75 and $200 depending on which day and how many days you attend. You may want to consider a VIP experience for access to the VIP lounge at the main stage, VIP viewing areas, and a catered dinner at the Rawhide Steakhouse onsite each night for $230. For other information and for purchasing tickets click here.

Food

Courtesy of Graz Kitchen Fresh

Did we mention the heat? There are free water fill-up stations and plenty of places to buy green beer. Vendors for this year have yet to be announced but last year saw favorites like The Spot’s gourmet pizza and chicken and waffles. Considering there will be ample food choices for your hunger pains and “munchies,” you won’t go hungry. 

But if you want to try some breakfast places for filling meals so you can spend the rest of the time galavanting throughout the event’s activities, Chandler is home to several buzz-worry eateries. Wonderful Wanda’s near the Sorento and Crestview neighborhoods serves breakfasts, like corned beef hash and Redneck Eggs Benedict, all day long. Graz Kitchen Fresh by the Hearthstone neighborhood, lets you build your own breakfast burritos. And First Watch in Fulton Ranch offers Super Seed Protein Pancakes so you can mosh til your heart’s content. 

Lineup

Courtesy of Pot of Gold

This year’s lineup is guaranteed to bring high-energy to the two stages with a diverse group of acts from punk and reggae to electric and rock. Friday night starts off with Russ followed by PNB Rock, DEJ Loaf, Ezri, and others. Saturday welcomes Phil Lesh & the Terrapin Family Band, with appearances by Cody Jinks, St. Paul and the Broken Bones, Big Head Todd and the Monsters, and Midnight North, to name a few. And Sunday closes with Rebelution, Dirty Heads, Pepper, and more. 

Recent Grammy winners The Infamous Stringdusters are also expected to perform. In an interview with Live For Music, when asked about their upcoming performance fiddle player Jeremy Garrett said, “we are very excited to make it out to Pot Of Gold Festival this year. We are jamming harder than we ever have and are looking forward to sharing that with everyone this season.”

For a complete line up click here and for a full list of artists visit here. 

Entertainment

Vendor Village / Courtesy of Pot of Gold

In between acts when you need a change of scenery during the three-day event, you will find plenty of spaces intended for alternative entertainment. The Space Lab Area features interactive areas that promise to “bring a smile to your face.” Arcade Alley features various classic pinball machines and other games. Vendor Village features every kind of band merch you can think of and you can even have your own t-shirts printed. Art Land features various local and regional artists showcasing one-of-a-kind pieces. Finally, Shady Lane features a relaxing atmosphere, allowing you to cool down between bands. 

Where to Stay

Courtesy of Sheraton Wild Horse Pass

Curadora has partnered with Pot of Gold Music Festival and offers a complete list of hotels near the event at a discounted rate. Options like Best Western Plus Chandler Hotel and Suites, just 2.8 miles from the event, and Extended Stay America Phoenix-Chandler, 3.7 miles from the event, offer all the comforts of home. For a resort atmosphere just three miles from the festival, enjoy the Sheraton Grand at Wild Horse Pass for their water complex, equestrian center, and golf course.