Activities, Art, Culture, Fashion

Scottsdale This Week, Feb 6-12

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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

  • Celebration of Fine Art, now through March 25, 2012, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily, Big white tents southwest of Hayden Road and the Loop 101 at Exit 35, Watch art as it’s being created as more than 100 artists set up working studios, Adults/$10, Military and Seniors/$8, and children under 12/Free, call (480) 443-7695.
  • Now through April 1, 8th Annual Arizona Fine Art Expo – 10 a.m. – 6 p.m., Southwest corner of Jomax & Scottsdale Rd. 100 nationally acclaimed fine artisans working in studio environment, hands-on art demonstrations and workshops, entertainment, a café, weekends feature musical entertainment, $8, , 480-837-7163.
  • 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 6 February

  • 7:30 pm, with 6:30 pm talk, ASU @ The Center – True North, Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts, featuring Lynne Aspnes and John Wickey, harp and Justin Bruns, violin, performing Rimsky-Korsakov’s beloved Scherezhade, Debussy’s iconic Afternoon of a Faun and more. $10

Tuesday 7 February

  • 3:30 p.m. Scottsdale City Council special meeting for judicial appointments, regular meeting starts at 5:30 p.m.
  • 6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Arizona Centennial Celebration In Historic Arizona Photographs, Civic Center Library Auditorium. Examples of various 19th and early 20th century photographic formats used and images of daily life, public events, personalities, mining, Native Americans, and the environment of early Arizona. High quality copies of rare and little seen original historic photographs and postcards. Presented by AHC Roads Scholar and vintage photographer collector and preservationist, Jeremy Rowe.
  • 7 p.m., Talk Cinema #5, Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art, downtown Scottsdale. Audience members are the critics at this sneak-preview film series that screens award-winning indie and foreign films before their theatrical release. Surprise selections by critic Harlan Jacobson from leading festivals are introduced and followed by moderated conversations hosted by distinguished guest speakers. $19/Students $10.

Wednesday 8 February

Thursday 9 February

  • 10 a.m. to 8 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.
  • Noon – 1:30 p.m. Native Trails, performances take place from 12:00 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. in the outdoor amphitheater at the Scottsdale Civic Center Mall. This week featuring David A. Montour; flutes. 10th anniversary season of free outdoor festivals celebrating the Native American cultures of the Southwest through song and dance; artisans selling specialty items like jewelry, baskets, flutes and paintings; local merchants who will sell fresh and packaged items indigenous to the area; home bread, muffins, and soup mixes that combine staple ingredients used by Hopi, Diné and Zuni tribes; and food vendors offering local culinary delights that you can enjoy on the spot for a picnic in Scottsdale’s sunny winter weather. Bring your blanket or lawn chair to Civic Center Park and enjoy idyllic weather and exciting performances that will take you on a journey to the first Nations of Arizona and North America.
  • 6 – 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.
  • 6 – 9 p.m. Avant Garden: Mexico at the Desert Botanical Garden, Get some ideas for Valentine’s Day with a spicy Mexican cooking demonstration followed by a flamenco dance performance. Gen Adm $18, members $12. No children for Avant Garden events. Fabulous Food Fine Catering and Events will be available for an additional charge. A full cash bar and $6 glasses of  house wine.
  • 7 – 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. This week Taste of Art Walk features restaurant samples!
  • 7 to 9 p.m.  Free Stagecoach rides, Thursdays and 1 to 4 p.m. Saturdays through March, Fifth Avenue and Southbridge area west of Downtown.
  • 7:30 p.m., Metropolitan Klezmer, Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts. Collaborative adventure of eight exceptional New York musicians creates inspired neo-traditional interpretations of rollicking Yiddish dance, swing and tango, plus genre-expanding originals. Tickets start at $29.

Friday 10 February

  • 10 a.m – 5 p.m. Made in Arizona Festival, Old Town -Scottsdale on Fifth Avenue between Scottsdale Road and Goldwater Blvd. Three-day celebration, featuring local independent artists, local musicians, local authors, businesses and local food and prepackaged products. 100 select booths showcasing Arizona entrepreneurs will display and sell one-of-a-kind works of art.
  • High Noon, HASHKNIFE! Pony Express Arrival, Hashknife Sculpture – Scottsdale Waterfront. The Hashknife Pony Express makes its ride every January traveling 200 miles from Holbrook to Scottsdale, Arizona, and delivering 20,000 first-class letters by horseback. The delivery of the mail kicks off the Scottsdale Jaycess Parada del Sol Celebration.

Saturday 11 February

  • 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.
  • 10 a.m. Parada del Sol, Downtown Scottsdale, Trails End Celebration to immediately follow. The “World’s Largest Horse-drawn Parade.”  The Parade route runs north up Scottsdale Road from Oak to Indian School. Trail’s End celebration  will begin immediately afterward on 1st Avenue and Main St, between Brown Rd and Scottsdale Road. This is a huge block party for all ages, including the Kid’s Area with games, pony rides and much more.  There will be many food and merchandise vendors located throughout the area.
  • 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, 22nd Annual World Championship Hoop Dance Contest, Heard Museum in North Scottsdale. More than 70 of the top Native hoop dancers from the United States and Canada compete for cash prizes and the World Champion title. Enjoy dance performances as well as delicious fry bread and other American Indian foods. Admission (includes the event and museum): $15 adults; $13.50 seniors (65+); $9 American Indians and Heard Museum members, $4 for children age 4-12, FREE for children under 4.
  • 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Downtown Cultural Trolley Tours, starting/ending at the historic Old Adobe Mission. Private docent talk and tour prior to the start of the trolley tours of downtown Scottsdale. Guided tour of the Arts District, Hotel Valley Ho, SouthBridge and the Waterfront districts to learn about Scottsdale’s fascinating history, culture, arts and where to find extraordinary restaurants and shopping. Attendees will receive maps. RESERVATIONS ARE MANDATORY PLEASE RSVP to 480-634-6850 for reservations, seating is limited. These tours are being offered by Ultimate Art Tours.
  • Noon – 1:30 p.m. Native Trails, performances take place from 12:00 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. in the outdoor amphitheater at the Scottsdale Civic Center Mall. 10th anniversary season of free outdoor festivals celebrating the Native American cultures of the Southwest through song and dance; artisans selling specialty items like jewelry, baskets, flutes and paintings; local merchants who will sell fresh and packaged items indigenous to the area; home bread, muffins, and soup mixes that combine staple ingredients used by Hopi, Diné and Zuni tribes; and food vendors offering local culinary delights that you can enjoy on the spot for a picnic in Scottsdale’s sunny winter weather. Bring your blanket or lawn chair to Civic Center Park and enjoy idyllic weather and exciting performances that will take you on a journey to the first Nations of Arizona and North America.
  • 1 to 4 p.m. Free Stagecoach rides, Saturdays and  Thursdays 7 to 9 p.m. through March, Fifth Avenue and Southbridge area west of Downtown.
  • 2 p.m. & 5 p.m. Duke Ellington Orchestra, Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts. One of America’s most famous big bands, 480-994-2787.
  • 4 p.m. – 8 p.m., 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.
  • 7 p.m. Arizona Centennial Ball, Phoenix at The Activity Center of Arizona Christian University, 2625 E. Cactus Rd. An evening of historic fashion, live music and dance, $25.

Sunday 12 February

  • 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.
  • 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. 22nd Annual Winter Tractor & Engine Show, Glendale – Sahuaro Ranch Park Historic Area. Antique engine displays, engine demonstrations, tractor pulls, tractor plowing demonstration, parade, children’s events, food vendors, crafters. 623-930-4206
  • 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, 22nd Annual World Championship Hoop Dance Contest, Heard Museum in North Scottsdale. More than 70 of the top Native hoop dancers from the United States and Canada compete for cash prizes and the World Champion title. Enjoy dance performances as well as delicious fry bread and other American Indian foods. Admission (includes the event and museum): $15 adults; $13.50 seniors (65+); $9 American Indians and Heard Museum members, $4 for children age 4-12, FREE for children under 4.
  • Noon to 4 p.m., Sunday A’Fair, Scottsdale Civic Center Mall in Old Town Scottsdale, outdoor concerts by Arizona’s top musicians. Bring lawn chairs or a blanket for the grass, relax and enjoy the music. Browse the fine arts and crafts or shop outside the box at the Store @ Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts. There are fun, hands-on activities for children and families. Delicious food and beverages are available for purchase and picnic baskets are welcome. FREE.
  • 3 p.m. Sunday Outdoor Sculpture Tours, Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art. Learn more about the sculptures found in our nearby Scottsdale Civic Center Mall park by taking a free guided tour led by one of SMoCA’s expert docents. 1st Sunday* each month. Walk-ins welcome. SMoCA is proud to offer the FREE Sculpture Tours and FREE Museum admission in conjunction with Sunday A’Fair outdoor concert dates.
  • Noon, Music in the Garden Winter Concert featuring Dennis Rowland, Desert Botanical Garden,  jazz/R&B/soul, advance purchase recommended,  $15-21, noon, 480-481-8188.

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