This Week in Scottsdale 10/10/11 – 10/16/11

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.

Spotlight Event

Calling all horse lovers! Scottsdale is hosting a parade of equestrian events showcasing the city’s adoration for these amazing animals. It kicks off Oct. 12-15 with the Arabian Breeders Finals at WestWorld hosted by the Arabian Horse Association of Arizona.

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 10 October

• 3-5 p.m, Monday Movies at the Library. New Releases every week! Contact David Court or Dereth DeHaan, Desert Foothills Library, 480-488-2286, Desert Foothills Library, 38443 North Schoolhouse Road, Cave Creek, 85327.
• Scottsdale Mustang Poets, 6 pm at the Scottsdale Mustang Library. Open to poets and those who just wish to listen.

Tuesday 11 October

• 5 p.m. City Council meeting at the City Hall Kiva. Highlights include Item 6, McDowell Sonoran Preserve management planning and agreements, and Item 9 regarding long-term water treatment solutions for North Indian Bend Wash contamination.  Watch Cox CityCable Channel 11 or streaming via your computer.

Thursday 13 October

• 7 a.m. Mayor and Council Breakfast at the Preserve celebrates growing legacy
  of Scottsdale’s McDowell Sonoran Preserve, Gateway Access Area, 18333 N. Thompson Peak Pkwy. Janet Secor, assistant to the Mayor, (480) 312-7977.
• 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.
• 12:45 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. Monarch Butterfly Tag-and Release, very limited availability, DBG admission plus $8/$5 members/kids under 3 free. Desert Botanical Garden, 480.481.8188.
• 5 – 8 p.m. City of Scottsdale Development Impact Fee meeting. Description on AZCentral.com. Scottsdale Airport Terminal lobby, 15000 N Airport Drive at Butherus.
• 6 p.m. Free Flow Yoga every Thursday through October 27. 8-week series of FREE classes for everyone, including those new to yoga. On the WET Deck near SWEAT Fitness Center for vinyasa flow and power yoga. 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. Presented by W Scottsdale and Lululemon Athletica AZ.
• 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 14 October

• 7 – 9 p.m. Music in the Garden Fall Concert Series presents Domingo DeGrazia at Desert Botanical Garden, members $15, non $21.

Saturday 15 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.
• 7 – 9 p.m. Big Bugs Movie Nights. Have you dusted off those lawn chairs? We’ll be showing A Bug’s Life.  Space is limited, reserve your spot now. Admission: Included with paid Garden admission or Membership (must show Member ID to be admitted). (480) 481-8188. Desert Botanical Garden.
• The 2nd Annual Arizona Taco Festival is produced by Affordable Food Festivals and will be held on October 15, 2011, from 10am-7pm, at 7025 E. Via Soleri in downtown Scottsdale. General Admission is $10 (kids under 12 free). Food samples are $2 each. Tickets are available here.
• Maker Faire, the world’s largest DIY festival on Saturday, October 15th from 11am-7pm. A one-day, family-friendly event that celebrates arts, crafts, engineering, food, music, science and technology projects and the DIY mindset. Started in California in 2006, and now held all over the world, it’s making it’s premiere in Phoenix! Tickets available here.

Sunday 16 October

• 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm, band The Waters (Folk and Rock) 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.