PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                        April 2, 2026

Arizona Water Awareness Festival Returns Saturday, April 11

The event brings together agencies and partners to showcase water conservation and protection

PHOENIX — Families looking for some fun activities this weekend can head to Steele Indian School Park for the Arizona Water Awareness Month Festival, a free, interactive event where kids and adults can explore water through hands-on activities, games, and immersive experiences.

Hosted by the Arizona Department of Water Resources (ADWR) and the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ), the festival brings together more than 20 organizations for a day of learning, exploration, and family-friendly fun.

WHAT: Arizona Water Awareness Month (WAM) Festival

WHEN: Saturday, April 11, 2026, from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

WHERE: Steele Indian School Park – 300 E Indian School Rd., Phoenix, AZ 85012

COST: Free and open to the public

WHY YOU SHOULD GO:

• Free outdoor event for all ages
• Hands-on activities and games for kids
• Virtual reality tour of a water treatment facility
• Interactive booths, demonstrations, and giveaways
• Gourmet  food trucks and eateries 
• Live acoustic sessions from local artists
• A fun way to spend time outside and learn about Arizona’s most precious resource

WHAT YOU’LL SEE & DO:

• Ride an energy-generating bike and see how much power it takes to move water
• Step inside a virtual reality tour of a water treatment facility
• Try hands-on water science activities
• Watch live water quality monitoring demonstrations
• Explore exhibits on rivers, wildlife, and water conservation
• Visit dozens of interactive booths from across Arizona

WHY IT MATTERS:

Water plays a role in nearly every part of life in Arizona—from what we drink and eat to how we enjoy the outdoors. This event gives families a chance to learn where their water comes from, how it’s treated, and how it’s protected across the state.

ADWR works to conserve and manage Arizona’s water supply, while ADEQ ensures that water is safe to drink and protects the quality of rivers and lakes.

PARTICIPANTS WILL INCLUDE:

The festival features more than 20 organizations, including Arizona State University Kyl Center for Water Policy, Arizona Project WET, City of Phoenix, Salt River Project, Central Arizona Project, Maricopa County Flood Control District, EPCOR Water USA, Arizona Water Company, Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management, Sierra Club, YMCA, and others. The festival also will feature live entertainment provided by Mean Gene & Kid Keith, Manic Monkeys, and the Frequency Principle.  Local food will be provided by JT’s Curry Wagon, Cones & Shaved Ice, Cool Vybz Jamaican Restaurant and Baked Chemistry.

CONTACTS:
ADWR Public Information Officer
602-771-8079
smevans@azwater.gov

ADEQ Public Information Officer
480-670-0568
pio@azdeq.gov

###