There’s always something happening in Scottsdale!
Here are a few Scottsdale activities events (and occasionally an event from a neighboring city). This list focuses on free or inexpensive events & activities that offer unique experiences and good value, as well as links to City government meetings. If you are interested in participating, please check information links or call to confirm info, as dates/times are subject to change.
Ongoing
- Through 9 November. Speak Peace: American Voices Respond to Vietnamese Children’s Paintings, Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art, 480-874-4654.
- Through 19 November. Arizona Fall Ball, times vary, Scottsdale Scorpions @ Scottsdale Stadium, Salt River Rafters @ Salt River Fields at Talking Stick.
- Through January 2012. David Rogers’ “Big Bugs” at the Desert Botanical Garden (Phoenix), 480-941-1225.
- Until Oct 31: Scottsdale’s annual Pink Light District. Express your love, appreciation and gratitude of those touched by breast cancer
by sponsoring pink light bulbs, which are glowing brightly on the Marshall Way Bridge in downtown Scottsdale.
Monday 17 October
- 12:35 p.m. Scottsdale Scorpions vs. Desert Dogs. Scottsdale Stadium, 7408 E. Osborn Rd. Cost: $6.00 Adult $5.00 Senior Citizen & Youth (17 & under).
- 6:30-8:30 p.m. Music in the RAW Join in this unplugged acoustic open mic/song circle (for ages 13 & up). Play your songs & share your music experience with the group. Solo performers only. Come to play or come to listen. Civic Center Library.
Tuesday 18 October
- 5:30 p.m. City Council meeting at the City Hall Kiva. Watch Cox CityCable Channel 11 or streaming via your computer. 12 liquor licenses on the consent agenda, PLUS, three airpark residential entitlements covered in our column on that subject last week have major implications for the city planning process and the whole purpose of our General Plan.
Wednesday 19 October
- 12:30 p.m. Scottsdale Scorpions v. Solar Sox. Scottsdale Stadium, 7408 E. Osborn Rd. $6.00 Adult $5.00 Senior Citizen & Youth (17 & under).
- 6:30-8:30 p.m. Finding Ghosts in Phoenix. The authors of Scare-izona, have researched the hot, haunted spots in Phoenix and live to write and tell the tales. Join them as they present the facts from their latest book, Finding Ghosts In Phoenix. Civic Center Library.
Thursday 20 October
- 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Magic On Main, 7022 E. Main Street, Scottsdale Celebrate the plantscape design company’s 20 years on Main with YouTube phenomenon Obadiah Parker, sculptor Kevin Caron and jewelry from Azalea Decor. The event benefits the Southwest Autism Research and Resource Center. Free to attend, donations accepted. (602) 840-6447.
- 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Free SMoCA Thursdays, Designed by award-winning architect Will Bruder, SMoCA’s five-gallery minimalist building (an ingenious renovation of a former movie theater) includes a public “skyspace” by the acclaimed artist James Turrell (one of only a handful in the world), where visitors can experience the ever-changing light of the desert sky. Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art, (480) 874-4666.
- 6 p.m. Free Flow Yoga every Thursday through October 27. 8-week series of FREE classes for everyone, including those new to yoga. Presented by W Scottsdale. Extended happy hour at Shade Lounge follows from 7 to 9 p.m. with such drink offerings as $3 beers, $5 well drinks and select wines, plus half-off food items. Bring your own mat.
- 7 to 9 p.m. every Thursday, Art Walk, Scottsdale Arts District, just west of Scottsdale Road along Main Street and on Marshall Way north of Indian School Road to Fifth Avenue.
Friday 21 October
- 7 – 9 p.m. Music in the Garden Fall Concert Series presents Silver Thread Trio featuring The Rosano Brothers at Desert Botanical Garden, members $15, non $21.
- 8 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. Scottsdale Fall Classic Hunter Jumper Horse Show. Beautiful horses & skilled competitors. Watch the horse and rider negotiate the courses. Cost to participants, but free to the public. At WestWorld.
- 7 – 11 p.m. Taste of the Town at Scottsdale Quarter. Signature dishes from some of the finest restaurants in the valley, complimented by fine wine and premium beer. Proceeds will benefit more than 2,400 Arizona families affected by neuromuscular diseases registered with the Muscular Dystrophy Association. Tickets $50.
Saturday 22 October
- 4pm – 8pm, McDonald’s Rock ‘n’ Roll Classic Car Show – Every Saturday night for over 20 years! Classic cars and motorcycles in a free open air event complete with 50’s era music provided by “Party Time DJ’s. An average night showcases anywhere from 250 to 500 cars and up to 150 motorcycles. FREE admission. The Pavilions at Talking Stick.
- 10:30 am – 1 pm Landscape Workshop: Irrigation Maintenance, Troubleshooting & Repair Gets the basics on good maintenance practices, advice on problem solving and techniques to keep your irrigation system running smoothly. FREE. Mustang Library, 10101 N. 90th St.
Sunday 23 October
- 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm, band The Crown Kings is this week’s act for Sundays LIVE at the Quarter (every Sunday in October). After leisurely Sunday shopping head over to *The Quad and enjoy live music by local favorites. Scottsdale Quarter, The Quad is located near True Foods.
- Sommelier Sundays at Iruna. Valley sommelier David M. Johnson offers an informal wine tasting on Sundays. Tapas are available for purchase. 7217 East 1st Street, Scottsdale.