Daily editionFriday, October 3rd, 2025
Good morning, Chandler.
The Good Day Chandler Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Friday, the 3rd of October.
Community
The City of Chandler invites residents to ChandlerTalks: Dream BIG, build small, a free event on Oct.15 at the Chandler Center for the Arts, where small-scale developers Jim Heid, Lorenzo Perez and Sin Heikwok will explain plans to address missing middle housing needs.
Residents can also give feedback on the draft General Plan until Dec.1.
City of ChandlerRead more
A community leader and veteran urged Chandler residents to choose nonviolence in public discourse in light of Peace Week — held Sept. 21–27 —, which honored our tradition of safety and respect.
He noted that while the First Amendment protects our rights, it also requires us to listen and build bridges amid differences.
Chandler IndependentRead more
Harvest Nights returns to the valley just in time for Halloween and offers a full sensory autumn adventure—providing wholesome family fun for local residents.
Reporter Zach Busse shared further details on the event.
12 NewsRead more
Culture
The free Sonoran Sunset Series will launch on Oct. 16 at Veterans Oasis Park where local artists will perform live music monthly until March 19, featuring genres from folk+rock to indie sounds.
Attendees must bring blankets and lawn chairs as seating is first come and alcoholic beverages are not allowed.
City of ChandlerRead more
Education
Angelica Abbey, a sixth-grade teacher at Frye Elementary in Chandler, is one of five semifinalists for the 2026 Arizona Teacher of the Year award and the only East Valley contender, and she will learn next month if she wins benefits including a $15,000 prize (the contest also opens doors to national recognition and travel opportunities).
Chandler ArizonanRead more
Government
The City of Chandler is planning to raise utility rates for water at 15%, wastewater at 15%, reclaimed water at 18% and solid waste at 6% to cover rising operating costs and infrastructure projects.
Public meetings are scheduled for Oct 9 at 5:30 p.m., Oct 14 at 4 p.m. and Nov 10 at 4 p.m., and council readings are set for Jan 8, 2026 at 6 p.m. and Jan 22, 2026 at 6 p.m.—the new rates will take effect March 2, 2026.
City of ChandlerRead more
Chandler City Council honored 8-year-old Sam Kumar for his award winning essay during Constitution Week on Sept. 15.
Mayor Kevin Hartke recognized him (the only Arizona winner) for his writing about America.
Chandler IndependentRead more
Health
The city of Chandler earned two health awards for employee and community wellness at a Sept. 18 City Council meeting.
It received a Healthy Arizona Worksite Platinum Award from the Arizona Department of Health Services as well as Impact and Valentines for Life awards from Vitalant—recognizing its strong health programs and blood drive coordination.
Chandler IndependentRead more
Chandler Events
AZ Mariachi and Folklorico Festival
Saturday, October 4th, 2025 · 7:00-8:30 p.m. — Chandler Center for the Arts — Cost info not provided — Celebrate vibrant Mariachi music and folkloric dance in a lively cultural showcase.
Javi Bailon's Comedy Night
Sunday, October 5th, 2025 · 8:30-10:00 p.m. — Mic Drop Comedy — Tickets required — Get ready for a hilarious night with Javi Bailon!
Once Upon A Mic
Thursday, October 9th, 2025 · 7-10 p.m. — Mic Drop Comedy — Free entry — Enjoy mid-week eats and laughs while discovering emerging talent from the Phoenix comedy scene.
One of These Nights: Tribute to the Eagles
Friday, October 10th, 2025 · 8:00 – 9:30 PM — Gila River Resorts & Casinos - Wild Horse Pass — $49, $39, $29 — Enjoy a tribute to the Eagles that will take you on a musical journey.
Chandler Arizona Business Networking Event
Tuesday, October 14th, 2025 · 11:30 a.m. — La Ristra New Mexican Kitchen — $25 drop-in fee — Network with entrepreneurs and influencers to build valuable business relationships.
The Machine - A Pink Floyd Laser Experience
Friday, October 17th, 2025 · 7-9:30 p.m. — The Showroom At Gila River Hotels & Casinos — Tickets from $19 — Experience a mesmerizing Pink Floyd laser show performed by The Machine.
Live Show with Phan Duy Anh - Tung Yeu
Saturday, October 18th, 2025 · 8:00-9:30 p.m. — The Showroom At Gila River Hotels & Casinos — $70, $40 — Experience a vibrant live performance by Phan Duy Anh in an exciting casino venue.
Chandler Business Networking Event
Tuesday, October 21st, 2025 · 11:30 a.m. — La Ristra New Mexican Kitchen — $25 drop-in donation for non-members — Build meaningful connections and collaborate for business growth in a heart-centered community.
MSU Symphony Band and Wind Symphony
Thursday, October 23rd, 2025 · 7:30-9 p.m. — Chandler Center for the Arts — Cost info not listed — Experience a captivating evening of orchestral music featuring talented soloists and a vibrant program.
Busta Rhymes Concert
Friday, October 24th, 2025 · 8:00 - 9:30 p.m. — The Showroom At Gila River Hotels & Casinos — Tickets from $49 — Experience an electrifying live performance by the hip-hop legend Busta Rhymes.