Updated with Summer Activities

1. Browse Downtown
   The Downtown Scottsdale Arts, Shopping & Entertainment Districts are home to hundreds of designer boutiques, souvenir shops, art galleries and Native American jewelry stores, as well as an outstanding selection of restaurants and bistros. For a free and fun way to get around downtown, hop aboard the Scottsdale Trolley, which will take you to all of downtown districts and Scottsdale Fashion Square.
2. Take a Hike
   There’s no better way to get up-close-and-personal with the Sonoran Desert than with a hike along one of the area’s scenic trails. At the McDowell Sonoran Preserve, you can hike on your own or join one of the regular guided hikes offered by the McDowell Sonoran Conservancy. Other popular hiking spots include Camelback Mountain near downtown and Pinnacle Peak Park in North Scottsdale.
3. Summer Concerts in the Park
   Bring a blanket or chair and enjoy a variety of outstanding local bands at McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park. Arrive a little early to enjoy train and carousel rides or to tour the museum.
   • Dates: Every Sunday evening from May 3 through July 5
   • Times: 7:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
   • Location: McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park
   • Phone: 480-312-2312
4. Stroll the Thursday Evening ArtWalk
   Every Thursday evening the galleries in the downtown Scottsdale Arts District stay open late and welcome browsers and collectors alike. Exhibit openings, artist receptions and live entertainment are all part of the ArtWalk experience.
   • Dates: Thursday Evenings, year round
   • Times: 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
   • Location: Downtown Scottsdale Arts District
   • Phone: 480-421-1004
5. Take a Tour of SMoCA
   The Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art (SMoCA) offers programs and exhibits to help visitors discover the world of art. Free docent-led tours are offered at SMoCA on Sundays and Thursdays at 1:30. Meet in the museum lobby. Tours also are available by appointment. After your tour at SMoCA, stop by the Young @ Art Gallery located inside the Scottsdale Center For the Performing Arts (immediately adjacent to SMoCA), which is devoted to the creative work of children.
6. Brush Up on Scottsdale’s History
   Learn about Scottsdale’s early days at the 1909 Little Red Schoolhouse, now home to the Scottsdale Historical Museum. The museum chronicles the city’s history with photographs, artifacts and changing displays.
7. Go Green at the Old Town Farmer’s Market
   This fabulous market offers a wide variety of organic and pesticide-free produce. You’ll also find seasonal specialties like cider, apples, flowers, free-range beef and eggs, local cheese, fresh artisan breads, jams, and tamales. Jewelry, photography, handmade gifts, coffee and breakfast to go also are available.
   • Dates: Every Saturday
   • Times: 8:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
   • Location: Brown Avenue & First Street (southwest corner) in Old Town
   • Phone: 623-848-1234
8. Enjoy a Serenade by Arizona’s Singing Cowboy
   Cowboy singer and raconteur Gary Sprague and his trusty steed Dusty entertain Old Town shoppers with Western songs and local folklore. Gary rides throughout Old Town and concludes his performance with a ride into the Rusty Spur Saloon.
   • Dates: Every Saturday & Sunday
   • Times: 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
   • Location: Old Town Scottsdale
9. Kierland Commons Summer Concert Series
   Some of Arizona’s hottest bands will entertain every Saturday evening in the center plaza at the Kierland Commons. Before the concert, browse the upscale shops or enjoy dinner at one Kierland Commons’ outstanding restaurants.
   • Dates: Every Saturday evening from June 6 through July 31 (no concert on July 4)
   • Times: 7:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
   • Location: Kierland Commons Center Plaza
   • Phone: 480-348-1577
10. Enjoy NU at the Heard Museum
    On the third Friday of each month, the Heard Museum offers a new series called NU (Native + You). Visitors can enjoy the museum, outdoor courtyards, Arcadia Farms Café, Berlin Gallery and Shop while enjoying dining, cash bars, a lounge, local bands, DJs and salons with contemporary artists.
    • Dates: Third Friday of every month
    • Times: 5:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
    • Location: Heard Museum
    • Phone: 602-252-8848

Related Posts:

• Free Art, Cultural and Native American Experiences in Downtown Scottsdale
• Ready for Scottsdale Event Season? Good, cause it’s here!
• Calling All Fashionistas; It’s Time to Celebrate Scottsdale Fashion Week
• Museums Inspire Children With Art Exhibits for All Ages
• What’s ‘NU’ at the Heard Museum

Tags: Add new tag, Artwalk, Downtown, Heard Museum, Hiking, Kierland Commons, Native Trails, Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art, SMoCA

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