Gilbert's community spirit marches on with the return of the annual Gilbert Days Parade and Festival, locking in November 21 and 22 for the festivities. The town's beloved tradition, in its 2025 edition, is set to include a softball tournament, live music, and various family-oriented activities. As reported by the Town of Gilbert, the affair kicks off with softball games on November 15 and 16 at Cactus Yards & Freestone, followed by a weekend packed with performances at Gilbert Regional Park.
Softball enthusiasts have until November 1 to register their teams for a shot at winning prizes in the tournament, which features Women's, Men's, Men's Upper, and Co-Ed leagues, with entry fees set at $375 per team. The festival at Gilbert Regional Park, presented by Earnhardt Auto Centers and Haydon Companies, LLC, will offer vibrant live music, games, and more, running from 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM on both days. Pre-sale tickets are priced at $5 plus fees, with children 12 and under getting in free, though registration is still required, according to the Town of Gilbert. On the entertainment front, bands such as the Dina Preston Band and Jemini are slated for Friday night, while The Grant Brothers and Ship Happens will take the stage on Saturday.
The much-anticipated parade theme for this year, "Out of this World," will see over 75 local schools, businesses, and community organizations participating, displaying floats representative of iconic styles and trends. It steps off at 8:30 AM on November 22, snaking its way down Gilbert Road between Elliot Road and Juniper Avenue. Attendees can find free parking throughout the Heritage District. Amidst the fun, note that several road closures will be in effect on parade morning to accommodate both the procession and the Gilbert Days Half Marathon, as detailed by the Town of Gilbert.
