Heritage District has so much to offer
Downtown Gilbert is known by the locals as the Heritage District. It is now a collection over 30 restaurants in a fun and vibrant space, adding some of the top restaurants in the metro Phoenix food scene to the best of Gilbert’s locally grown creations.
The district features the Hale Centre Theatre with Broadway shows and active weekend markets, including the popular Gilbert Farmers Market. You’ll find a family-friendly environment, a vibrant nightlife, and a plethora of pet-friendly restaurant options with ample patio space. And when you want to explore using pedal power, Gilbert’s 135-mile trail system connects the Heritage District to parks and attractions throughout town.
DINING
SHOPPING
PARKING & RIDE SHARE
DOWNTOWN EVENTS
Dining
Perhaps you’ve heard, downtown Gilbert is now the place to eat. And we couldn’t be prouder of the developments. The Heritage District has evolved into a vibrant dining hub with a diverse mix of restaurants, earning the area high marks as one of the top foodie neighborhoods in metro Phoenix and a unique culinary destination.
Shopping
Expect an eclectic retail experience filled with a diverse shops and stores that feature all types of products and services. There are one-of-a-kind, chic boutiques and specialty purveyors that sell furniture, locally-crafted art, antiques, seasonal gifts and unique merchandise you can’t find anywhere else. Tattoos and retro candy are also on the shopping list in the Heritage District.
Arts & Culture
Mural clad brick walls, glowing benches, a solo gopher, waterways art, and a color changing water tower are a few creations found in the district. Not to mention, an established theater, historical museum, and gallery to feed your cultural side.In the early 1990s, Gilbert leveraged its agricultural past to create a vibrant dining and cultural scene. Downtown Gilbert’s historic buildings transformed into inviting spaces for socializing and dining, marking a new chapter in the town’s evolution.
Water Tower Plaza
Gilbert’s Water Tower Plaza is in the heart of the Heritage District and is home to a variety of events throughout the year. It’s also the perfect place take a break and enjoy the sights and sounds of Gilbert’s bustling downtown district. The park forms a plaza surrounding the historic Gilbert Water Tower and Historic Adobe Pump House, formerly Gilbert’s first jail. Water Tower Plaza is currently undergoing a park enhancement and is scheduled to open Fall 2024.
Downtown Events
In Gilbert’s Downtown Heritage District, where history meets modernity, a symphony of events unfolds. Concerts at Water Tower Plaza set the rhythm, drawing families to picnic on warm evenings. Meanwhile, the Saturday Farmers Market buzzes with fresh produce and artisanal delights. The Annual Gilbert Days Parade paints the streets with equestrians, floats, and cheers—a cherished town tradition. Seasons bring their magic, from festive fall events to twinkling lights. The Gilbert Art Walk showcase local artists of all medians, while the historic Hale Theatre stages captivating performances. Here, life dances to its own melody—a celebration of community, creativity, and connection.
20th Annual “Art of Quilting” Show
The Beatles at Hale Concert Hall
The Scarlet Pimpernel at the Hale Theatre
Gilbert Farmers Market
Higher Education
The Heritage District is home to two universities operating out of one state-of-the-art facility. Students are offered a high-quality education with the easygoing and fun loving downtown Gilbert vibe.
Park University
In the heart of the Heritage District, the Gilbert Campus offers a traditional daytime campus and NAIA-level athletics, a first for the university outside of Parkville. Visit the campus at the University Building, 92 W. Vaughn Ave., Gilbert, AZ.
University of Arizona
The College of Nursing is consistently ranked as one of the top programs in the country for transforming nursing education, research and practice. A bachelor of science degree in nursing is offered at the University Building in Gilbert. The four-semester, upper-division program blends online and traditional classroom learning, focusing on integrative health and well-being assessment, and promotions that will help students become successful registered nurses.
Parking & Ride Share
It’s free, all free! Downtown’s can be a carousel of cars seeking parking, but not in Gilbert. Two free parking garages, surface lots, and even on-street parking awaits. You’ll find plenty of room for your bicycle, motorcycle, or Vespa as well.
Maps
UPCOMING EVENTS
There are many great events happening weekly and annually. Please visit our calendar for updated information on events in Gilbert.
SIGN UP TO RECEIVE UPDATES
It’s easy! Just provide us with your name and email and soon you will be receiving current deals, travel tips, and upcoming events for your Gilbert Visit!
GET YOUR FREE TRAVEL GUIDE
You can download or we'll mail you a FREE guide to help you plan your next trip to Gilbert.