Annual Events & Festivals In Scottsdale, Arizona
Reviewed and updated by AZ Leisure Staff Writers on
Scottsdale, Arizona hosts major annual events throughout the year, from world-class golf, collector-car auctions and Arabian horse competitions to art festivals, cultural celebrations and holiday activities. Many of the city's signature events take place during the cooler months from January through April, while nearby communities including Fountain Hills and Carefree add additional festivals and seasonal traditions to the Scottsdale-area calendar.
- Major Scottsdale Events
- Sports & Western Events
- Horse & Equestrian Events
- Collector Car Events
- Art & Cultural Events
- Holiday Events
- Nearby Fountain Hills Events
- Planning Your Visit
- FAQ
Major Annual Events In Scottsdale
Several Scottsdale events attract visitors from across Arizona and around the country. The WM Phoenix Open brings PGA TOUR golf to TPC Scottsdale, Barrett-Jackson fills WestWorld with collector cars each winter, and the Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show has been a major equestrian tradition since 1955. Scottsdale's arts calendar is equally strong, with the Celebration of Fine Art, Scottsdale ArtWalk and numerous seasonal cultural events concentrated in Old Town and north Scottsdale.
Holiday Events & Festivals
McCormick-Stillman Railroad Holiday Lights
Take a train ride through more than 100,000 lights and a variety of holiday displays that turn the Railroad Park into a winter wonderland. Opening night festivities include a tree lighting ceremony, entertainment and a visit from Santa.
Holiday Luminarias - Fountain Hills
Three nights before Christmas, thousands of luminaries line the streets of downtown and the shores of Fountain Lake. A Southwest tradition, dating back for centuries. Luminaries are assembled and distributed by the volunteers.
Cowboy Christmas -
Rawhide at Wild Horse Pass
Held annually from late November through January 1. Rawhide’s Main Street will be lit with 150,000 lights, including a 100-foot tall "tree of lights" and nightly lighting ceremony.
Sports & Western Events
The WM Phoenix Open is one of Scottsdale's best-known annual sporting events and is played at TPC Scottsdale. The PGA TOUR tournament is famous for its energetic crowds and the stadium-style atmosphere surrounding the par-3 16th hole. Tournament dates vary from year to year, so visitors should confirm the current schedule, ticket information and transportation options before attending.
The Parada del Sol is one of Scottsdale's longstanding Western traditions, featuring a colorful parade through Old Town with horses, riders, wagons and community groups celebrating the city's ranching and cowboy heritage. Related rodeo and Western-themed activities may be scheduled separately, so visitors should check the current event calendar for dates, locations and ticket information.
The Scottsdale Charros and the City of Scottsdale are host to the San Francisco Giants Spring Training games held at Scottsdale Stadium during February and March of every year. Funds are raised through the sale of advertising, banners, and tickets to the Charro Lodge and Pavilion.
Horse & Equestrian Events
Arizona National Quarter Horse Show
The annual Arizona National Quarter Horse Show held at WestWorld runs for a week during January. It is an annual Phoenix tradition since 1948. The Quarter Horse Shows are sanctioned and approved by the American Quarter Horse Association and the Arizona Quarter Horse Association.
The Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show is one of the city's signature winter events and has been held since 1955. Hosted at WestWorld of Scottsdale, the multi-day show brings Arabian horses, owners, breeders and competitors together for classes, exhibitions, shopping and other equestrian activities. Dates vary each year, with the event generally taking place in February.
Arizona Sun Circuit Quarter Horse Show
The Arizona Sun Circuit Quarter Horse Show is a major annual equestrian event that brings top quarter horses, riders, trainers and breeders to the Scottsdale area for several days of competition. The show features a wide range of classes highlighting performance, horsemanship and the versatility of the American Quarter Horse. Dates and schedules vary each year, so visitors should confirm current event information before attending.
Collector Car Auction
Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale Auction
Barrett-Jackson's Scottsdale collector car auction is one of the city's largest annual winter events. Held at WestWorld, the auction features collector vehicles, automotive displays, exhibitors and special attractions that draw car enthusiasts from around the country. Event dates, auction schedules and ticket options vary by year.
Art, Music, Fairs & Festivals
Arizona Bike Week at WestWorld
The Bike Week Festival is held annually at the end of March to celebrate the sport of motorcycling. The event at WestWorld covers five days of concerts, trick riding, charity rides, custom bike builders and a rockin’ good party time.
The Celebration of Fine Art is a long-running seasonal Scottsdale art show where visitors can meet artists, watch them work and explore painting, sculpture, jewelry, photography, glass and other media. The annual event typically runs for about 10 weeks during the winter and early spring in north Scottsdale.
Scottsdale ArtWalk is a longstanding Old Town tradition held most Thursday evenings throughout the year. Galleries throughout the Scottsdale Arts District stay open in the evening for visitors to browse exhibitions, meet artists and enjoy the surrounding restaurants, shops and public art. Special Gold Palette ArtWalks add themed exhibitions, demonstrations and entertainment on selected dates.
The Scottsdale Culinary Festival celebrates the area's food and dining scene with chef-driven experiences, tastings, entertainment and special events. Programming and locations can vary from year to year, making it a good event for visitors interested in Scottsdale restaurants, local chefs and culinary culture. Check the official festival schedule for current dates, venues and ticket information.
Events Near Scottsdale
Visitors staying in Scottsdale can also attend major annual events in nearby Fountain Hills, Phoenix, Tempe, Chandler and Glendale. Because these communities are part of the greater Phoenix metropolitan area but are not located in Scottsdale, events outside the city are identified separately on this page. Travel times and event locations vary, so confirm the venue before making plans.
Carefree Fine Art and Wine Festival
Held annually during January. These nationally acclaimed, juried fine art festivals attract artists and art collectors from throughout the United States and abroad, all sharing in their love and appreciation for magnificent fine art.
Fountain Hills Spring Festival
Fountain Hills hosts a major three-day arts festival during the last full weekend of February along the Avenue of the Fountains and Saguaro Boulevard. The free event features juried artists, food and entertainment and is an easy side trip from Scottsdale. Fountain Hills also hosts a fall festival during November.
The Festival of the West is held annually at Rawhide located at Wild Horse Pass in Chandler. The country’s largest celebration of the Old West and America’s Western culture and heritage. A visit is like a step back in time during four action packed days.
ZooLights at the Phoenix Zoo is a popular Greater Phoenix holiday tradition featuring extensive illuminated displays and seasonal attractions. The Phoenix Zoo is located in Phoenix rather than Scottsdale, but it is within easy driving distance for many Scottsdale visitors. Dates and operating nights vary each holiday season.
Planning A Trip Around Scottsdale Events
- Reserve lodging early: Major winter events can significantly increase demand for Scottsdale hotels and resorts.
- Confirm current dates: Annual events may shift by several days or weeks from one year to the next.
- Check the venue: Some events marketed to Scottsdale visitors actually take place elsewhere in the Phoenix metropolitan area.
- Plan for traffic: Events at WestWorld and TPC Scottsdale can create heavy traffic and special parking arrangements.
- Consider rideshare: Large events may offer designated rideshare locations or remote parking.
- Dress for the season: Winter days can be mild, but Scottsdale evenings may become cool after sunset.
- Buy popular-event tickets early: Major golf, automotive and equestrian events may sell out certain sessions.
- Verify event details: Always check the official event website for current dates, tickets, schedules and restrictions.
Best Time Of Year For Scottsdale Events
January through March is the busiest period for major Scottsdale events, when cooler desert weather coincides with golf tournaments, collector-car auctions, equestrian competitions and seasonal art shows. Spring adds outdoor festivals and cultural events, while summer generally has a lighter major-event calendar. Fall brings another active period as temperatures cool and outdoor events return, followed by holiday celebrations in November and December.
Scottsdale Events & Festivals FAQ
What Are The Biggest Annual Events In Scottsdale?
Major Scottsdale events include the WM Phoenix Open, Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale Auction, Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show, Celebration of Fine Art and numerous arts, cultural and seasonal events throughout the city.
What Month Has The Most Events In Scottsdale?
January through March is generally the busiest period for major Scottsdale events because of the area's mild winter weather and strong tourism season.
Where Is The WM Phoenix Open Held?
The WM Phoenix Open is held at TPC Scottsdale in north Scottsdale.
Where Is The Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show Held?
The Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show is held at WestWorld of Scottsdale.
Where Is The Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale Auction Held?
Barrett-Jackson's Scottsdale collector car auction is held at WestWorld of Scottsdale.
Does Scottsdale Have A Weekly ArtWalk?
Yes. Scottsdale ArtWalk takes place most Thursday evenings in the Scottsdale Arts District of Old Town, with additional themed Gold Palette ArtWalk events during the year.
Are There Annual Art Festivals In Scottsdale?
Yes. Scottsdale has a strong annual arts calendar that includes Celebration of Fine Art, weekly ArtWalks and other seasonal exhibitions and cultural events.
Are Fountain Hills Events Close To Scottsdale?
Yes. Fountain Hills is east of Scottsdale and hosts popular spring and fall art festivals that are convenient for many Scottsdale-area visitors.
Should Scottsdale Event Tickets Be Purchased In Advance?
Advance tickets are recommended for major sporting, automotive and equestrian events because popular dates and sessions may sell out.
Do Scottsdale Event Dates Stay The Same Every Year?
No. Many annual events occur during the same general month or season but change their exact dates each year. Always confirm the current schedule before traveling.
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