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Scottsdale Events Season 2010

Kelly Tope — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 22:45:08 +0000

Warm, sunny days and clear, blue nights make the perfect setting for events so it should come as no surprise that Janaury kicks off event season here in Scottsdale. Beginning this weekend, a fury of events decends on Scottsdale and gives both residents and visitors alike limitless options for getting out and enjoying the great weather!

Below is just a sampling of events taking place in the next two weeks. For a full list of events, please click here.

Rockin’ ArtWalk
January 14, 2010 | 7:30-9:30pm
Scottsdale Arts District
(480) 421-1004
www.scottsdalegalleries.com
Scottsdale’s galleries will have some bands of their own rocking out at this special ArtWalk, held in conjunction with P.F. Chang’s Rock ‘n’ Roll Arizona Marathon & 1/2 Marathon, which “runs” right through the Scottsdale Arts District Sunday, January 17.

Arizona Fine Art Expo
January 14 – March 28, 2010
Scottsdale and Jomax Roads
(480) 837-7163
www.arizonafineartexpo.com
The EXPO unites an impressive gathering of 100 nationally celebrated and award-winning artists that passionately produce art in studios. They can be seen painting in all mediums, sketching in pen & ink, pastels and pencil, assembling mosaics, sculpting clay, carving wood, composing mixed media on canvas, welding, designing and sculpting jewelry.

Celebration of Fine Art
Scottsdale Rd. & Mayo Blvd. (just south of the Loop 101)
January 16 – March 28, 2010
(480) 443-7695
www.celebrateart.com
The Celebration experience is unique. The opportunity to meet 100 working artists, visit their studios, find out how and why they do what they do and participate in their creative processes is something that you simply won’t find anywhere else. Visitors can meet the artists and watch them working in the full spectrum of art media.

P.F. Chang’s Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon & 1/2 Marathon
January 17, 2010
Phoenix, Tempe, Scottsdale
www.arizona.competitor.com
Whether you’re out to support family and friends or just want to catch some outstanding live music, there are heaps of sights sounds and enjoyment for all. You’ll experience the best beats of Arizona’s music scene as you cheer on loved ones and watch runners, walkers and elite athletes race through the cities of Phoenix, Scottsdale and Tempe.

Native Trails
January 21 - April 10, 2010 (most Thursdays and Saturdays, noon – 1:30pm)
Scottsdale Civic Center Mall
480-421-1004
www.scottsdalenativetrails.com
This year marks the eighth season of free noontime festivals for Native Trails. Come experience this celebration of Native American culture, song and dance.

Sunday A’Fair
January 24 – April 11, 2010 (most Sundays, noon-4:00pm)
Scottsdale Civic Center Mall
480-994-ARTS (2787)
www.scottsdaleperformingarts.com
Now in it’s 23rd season, this event features concerts and performances by the Valley’s top entertainers, a diverse selection of arts and crafts available for sale, hands-on activities for children and families and free docent-guided tours of the sculptures on the Scottsdale Civic Center Mall.

Arizona Sun Circuit Quarter Horse Show
January 24 – February 1, 2010
WestWorld of Scottsdale
(480) 419-6318
www.suncircuit.com
Watch 1,500 of the country’s best quarter horses compete for $200,000 in prizes. Horse and riders from around the world ride in five rings over eight days.

10 Fabulously Free Scottsdale Experiences

Josh Kenzer — Fri, 22 May 2009 12:26:25 +0000

Updated with Summer Activities

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.
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.
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
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
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.
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.
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
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
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
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

Ready for Scottsdale Event Season? Good, cause it’s here!

Kelly Tope — Fri, 09 Jan 2009 23:09:53 +0000

This is absolutely one of my favorite times of the year to be in Scottsdale. Not only is the weather great (we get to wear short sleeve shirts while the rest of the country is bundled up and still freezing), but there is something to do just about every weekend from here until April. You can hardly go anywhere in Scottsdale without running into an event, all of which are worth experiencing. Here are some of my favorites coming up through the end of January (and be sure to check out Valentine’s Day in Scottsdale for events taking place in February):

Barrett-Jackson:This auto auction features more than 1,000 of the world’s finest collector and special-interest automobiles and is attended by 250,000 collectors and enthusiasts.
Dates: January 11-18
Location: WestWorld of Scottsdale (101 Freeway and Frank Lloyd Wright)
Admission: $10-$120

Sunday A’Fair: This free Sunday afternoon festival takes place outdoors and features concerts, a diverse selection of arts and crafts, and hands-on activities for children.
Dates: January 11 – April 12, most Sundays
Location: Scottsdale Civic Center Mall
Admission: Free

Russo & Steele: Be sure to check out this boutique-style auction featuring American muscle cars, European sports cars, hot rods and customs.
Dates: January 14-18, 2009
Location: Scottsdale Road and Mayo Boulevard
Admission: $20 general admission

Arizona Fine Art Expo: Juried artists are showcased in a working studio environment, giving attendees unprecedented access to some of the world’s most gifted designers, painters, sketch artists and sculptors.
Dates: January 15 – March 29, 2009
Location: Jomax and Scottsdale Roads
Admission: $8

Native Trails: A celebration of Native American Culture through song, dance, art, music and food.
Dates: January 15 – April 11, 2009 (most Thursdays and Saturdays)
Location: Scottsdale Civic Center Mall
Admission: Free

Carefree Fine Art & Wine Festival: Experience jury-selected artists displaying fine art that includes bronzes, paintings, pottery, photography, scratchboard, wood, clay, metal and glass sculptures, batiks and more.
Dates: January 15-16, 2009
Location: Downtown Carefree, Ho Hum and Easy Streets
Admission: $3

Celebration of Fine Art: Attending this event is like attending more than 100 artists’ studios in one day! You can meet the artists and watch them while working.
Dates: January 16 – March 29, 2009
Location: Scottsdale Rd. and Mayo Boulevard
Admission: $8

Rockin’ ArtWalk: Runners, family and friends are invited to spend the afternoon in the thriving Downtown Scottsdale Arts & Shopping District. Here, you can enjoy an enticing array of galleries, dining and nightlife.
Dates: January 17, 2009
Location: Scottsdale Arts District, Main St. and Marshall Way
Admission: Free

P.F. Chang’s Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon & 1/2 Marathon: This marathon tours through three of Arizona’s most vibrant cities (Phoenix, Tempe, and Scottsdale). With perfect winter running weather and live music every mile, this is an event not to miss!
Dates: January 18, 2009
Location: Phoenix/Tempe/Scottsdale
Admission: Free for spectators, $100-$125 for runners

Arizona Sun Circuit Quarter Horse Show: Come to watch 1,500 of the country’s best quarter horses compete for $20,000 in prizes. Horses and riders from around the world ride in five rights over eight days.
Dates: January 22-31, 2009
Location: WestWorld of Scottsdale (101 and Frank Lloyd Wright)
Admission: Free

FBR Open: As the largest event on the PGA TOUR, the FBR Open has gained legendary status for being unlike any other golf tournament. In addition the golf festival during the day, be sure to check out the Bird’s Nest Music Fest at each night.
Dates: January 26 – February 1, 2009
Location: TPC Scottsdale (Greenway Parkway and Frank Lloyd Wright)
Admission: $25 and up

Explore Arizona’s History through Song and Dance

Josh Kenzer — Thu, 11 Dec 2008 16:01:18 +0000

Scottsdale Native Trails Performance

Native Trails, produced by the Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts and presented by the Scottsdale Convention & Visitors Bureau, is a true sensory journey of song and dance that showcases the vivid first nations of Arizona and North America. Beginning Jan. 15, 2009, representatives from various Native American tribes will take the stage most Thursdays and Saturdays through April 11 and inspire attendees with their memorable musical performances and traditional dances. Staged at the Scottsdale Civic Center Mall, the series of free festivals in downtown Scottsdale celebrates Native American society while focusing on the individual cultures of tribes who reside throughout the Southwest. Performers present their tribal history, pottery, textiles and more to introduce attendees to the diverse lifestyles of the native people. Musical performances incorporate traditional instruments such as flutes, gourds and drums and dances range from Navajo dancing to the new three artist hoop dance, a high energy performance with synchronized movements and cameo routines. Tribes represented include Salt River Pima-Maricopa, Hopi, Yavapai, Apache and Diné (Navajo). For more information, visit www.ScottsdaleNativeTrails.com