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, & unique experiences, as well as links to important 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.
Also check our Great Links page.
Ongoing
- Exhibits at SMoCA, Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art, FREE every Thursday from 10-5, 480-874-4654.
- Scottsdale’s Downtown Trolley is a free ride to anywhere you want to go Downtown. Ride around in environmentally friendly bio-diesel shuttles complete with air conditioned comfort during warm weather and fresh air during cooler temperatures. The Downtown trolleys run daily, every 15 minutes from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and on Thursdays until 9 p.m. for ArtWalk. The Downtown trolleys connect with Scottsdale’s free Neighborhood Trolley, Tempe’s Orbit trolley system, the Valley Metro bus system and even Light Rail. More information on the Scottsdale’s trolley routes can be found here or by calling (480) 312-3111.
Monday 21 November
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2:30 PM Airport Advisory Commission Special Meeting. Discussion and Possible Action Regarding Land Use Compatibility Around the Airport. Scottsdale Airport Terminal Lobby, 15000 N Airport Drive.
Thursday 24 November
- HAPPY THANKSGIVING!
- 6 to 10 p.m. every Thursday, ArtBridge Thursdays, Featuring painters, sculptors, illustrators, wood carvers, metal smiths, weavers, and other artists. Live Music and artistic demonstrations. Marshall Way Pedestrian Bridge. Free.
Friday 25 November
- 10 a.m. Great Arizona Puppet Theater at Scottsdale Promenade near Nordstrom Rack. Free.
- 10:30 a.m. Vocal Fix Welcomes Santa Claus at Scottsdale Promenade near Nordstrom Rack. Free.
- 11 a.m. Free photos with Santa Claus at Scottsdale Promenade near Nordstrom Rack.
- 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Talking Stick Fine Art & Wine Festival at Talking Stick Fields, 7555 N Pima Road. $5.00 admission, free parking.
- 5 p.m. & 8 p.m. Capitol Steps. Celebrating their 30th anniversary, the Washington, D.C.-based Capitol Steps are an annual Thanksgiving weekend tradition at Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts. Set to popular music, the group’s political satire pokes fun at all sides of the issues, from left to right. Tickets are $49 & $59.
Saturday 26 November
- 8 a.m. – 11 a.m. Flapjacks At The Firehouse. Bring a new unwrapped gift to Scottsdale’s newest Fire Station and receive a free pancake breakfast.
- 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Talking Stick Fine Art & Wine Festival at Talking Stick Fields, 7555 N. Pima Road. $5.00 admission, free parking.
- 7:45 a.m. Fall Public Hike, McDowell Sonoran Conservancy, Tom’s Thumb Loop. Arrive at Gateway Trailhead by 7:45 a.m. A 12-mile hike includes steep, sustained climbs to gain an elevation of 2,500 feet on Gateway, Windgate Pass, East End and Tom’s Thumb trails, and features stunning views and fascinating rock formations along the way. This 6 hour hike is for hardy hikers.
- 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Small Business Saturday at The Plaza at South Bridge, 6th Ave & Stetson. Small Business Saturday is a national initiative that declares a day to support the local business that create jobs, boost the economy, and preserve neighborhoods around the country. First there was Black Friday, then Cyber Monday. Now, Small Business Saturday is an event that drives shoppers to local, independently-owned merchants.
- 8 a.m. – 1 p.m. Old Town Farmer’s Market features local growers and specialty food producers. Wide variety of organic and pesticide free produce, seasonal specialities, natural meats, free range eggs, artisan breads, local cheeses, jams, tamales, and more. 3802 N. Brown Avenue. Free.
- 4pm – 8pm, McDonald’s Rock ‘n’ Roll Classic Car Show – Every Saturday night for over 20 years! The Pavilions at Talking Stick. FREE admission. 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.
Sunday 27 November
- 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. Arizona Paint Horse Club’s ‘Harvest of Color’ Competition, WestWorld. These horses make great companions and perform well in competitions. The Paint Horse is highly intelligent, friendly, and easily trained. Free.
- 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. SouthBridge SunDays . Artisan Foods, arts and crafts, live art performances. Live music on the patio of the adjacent restaurant, The Herb Box. Southbridge on the Canal, 7135 E. Camelback Rd. Free.
- 5:30 p.m. Pinnacle Peak: Changing Frontier, Holiday History Book Talks and Signings at el Pedregal. During each presentation of “Pinnacle Peak: Changing Frontier,” Les Conklin, who authored “Pinnacle Peak” with the Greater Pinnacle Peak Association, will display historic photographs and describe the roles of Cave Creek and Scottsdale in the history and development of the Pinnacle Peak area and the creation of Pinnacle Peak Park. For information and registration, visit the Event Page or call (480) 361-6498.
- Sommelier Sundays at Iruna in Old Town. Valley sommelier David M. Johnson offers an informal wine tasting. Tapas are available for purchase. 7217 East 1st St.