Festivals and Events Journey to Scottsdale

There are festivals and events year-round in Scottsdale and there is bound to be an event taking place while you are visiting you will be interested in. Alternatively, you may want to plan your trip around a specific Scottsdale event or festival. Here are some to help get your planning started.

Arizona Fine Art Expo

The Arizona Fine Art Expo takes place in January through March. This Scottsdale event offers you the opportunity to meet the artists in their studios. Watch each artist create their art, then browse through the galleries, shops and studios. Sculptures, ceramics, fine art, jewelry, and more—there is something for every collector. Add to your collection or start a new one with original art from the expo.

Arizona Fine Arts Expo
26540 N Scottsdale Road
Scottsdale, AZ

Arizona Vegetarian Food Festival

In February, the Vegetarian Food Festival takes over the Scottsdale Civic Center Amphitheater with all things vegetarian and vegan. Delicious food, chefs, authors, animal welfare specialists, yoga and health & wellness doctors, booths, and speakers are all ready to help you start (or continue) on your way to a healthier lifestyle.

Arizona Vegetarian Food Festival
Scottsdale Civic Center Amphitheater
7380 E 2nd Street
Scottsdale, AZ

Waterfront Fine Art & Wine Festival

Also in February, and combing two popular indulgences— wine and art—the Waterfront Fine Art & Wine Festival takes place along the banks of the Scottsdale Waterfront. Listen to live music, sip a glass of award-winning wine, and stroll through the many vendors offering their art at this Scottsdale festival.

Waterfront Fine Art & Wine Festival
Scottsdale Waterfront
Scottsdale, AZ

Scottsdale Arabian Horse Shows

There are several Arabian horse shows in Scottsdale put on by the Arabian Horse Association of Arizona. In February, and lasting for over a week, is the Arabian Horse Show, which besides the show includes pony rides and a petting zoo for kids, auctions, and riding contests. The Arabian National Breeder Finals are in September and the show brings top owners, trainers and breeders of Arabian horses from around the world to Scottsdale to compete. With over two thousand entries, a wins at these annual shows means big money and prestige.

Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show
16601 North Pima Road
Scottsdale, AZ 85260

Scottsdale Western Week

Western Week, beginning in February, has expanded to include the Western Spirit Gold Palette ArtWalk, Hashknife Pony Express, the Parada del Sol Parade (held in March) and Trail’s End Festival and the Arizona Indian Festival. This Scottsdale festival provides a better understanding of Arizona’s indigenous communities, and this inter-tribe event celebrates the culture, traditional art, crafts and foods of local tribes. For several days during the week, the Western Spirit: Scottsdale’s Museum of the West offers free admission. This event is a must for anyone who loves the Old West and American Indian cultures.

Salt River Fields Spooktacular Hot Air Balloon Festival

Halloween and hot air balloons together can only mean fun! Hot air balloons from all over the country will act as ‘trick-or-treat’ stations for candy and treats all night long. Fun for the entire family, there will be live music, food and beverages, a Kid Zone, tethered balloon rides, a haunted spooky trail (put on by local high school students), costume contests and fireworks. This is a unique way to spend Halloween.

Salt River Fields Spooktacular Hot Air Balloon Festival
Salt River Fields at Talking Stick
7555 Pima Road
Scottsdale, AZ
480-270-5000

Scottsdale International Film Festival

Started in 2001, the Scottsdale International Film Festival offers award-winning films from around the world. For over ten days in the cool month of November, this is your chance to expand your horizon and watch films you may not have access to or wouldn’t ordinarily see. With films from every genre, there are films for everyone’s taste.

Scottsdale International Film Festival
Harkins Shea 14 Theatre
7354 East Shea Boulevard
Scottsdale, AZ 85260

There are so many other Scottsdale festivals and events. You won’t have trouble finding something exciting to do while you’re here. Here are just a few more to consider:

• Gelato Festival America, October
• Arizona Taco Festival, October
• Mac & Cheese Festival, November