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

Fountain Hills Festival of Arts & Crafts

This popular event started back in 1974 with a few thousand visitors. Now over 200,000 visitors attend every year, making the Fountain Hills Festival of Arts & Crafts (also known as the Fountain Festival) is one of the largest arts & crafts events in the southwest. Taking place each February, the festival attracts nearly 500 artists and food vendors and live music. The festival is set up next to the famous fountain and Fountain Hills Lake. Vendors offer jewelry, photography, sculpture, woodworking, artwork, pottery, fine arts and tacky souvenirs, textiles, Native American goods, clothing, and local food items. Admission and parking are free, and there’s a beer garden!

Fountain Hills Festival of Arts & Crafts
12925 North Saguaro Blvd.
Fountain Hills, AZ
480-837-1654

Tempe Festival of the Arts

Twice a year, in early December and again in late March, this long three-day weekend festival takes over Mill Avenue in downtown Tempe (less than 10 miles from Scottsdale). The festival has live music, street performers and vendor booths from over 350 artists from around the country. There are food vendors, including the popular “Main Lobster Lady,” fine art to fun, goofy souvenirs, and booths with locally produced food items. Items for sale include art and crafts made of fiber, leather, glass, mixed media, wood, ceramics, metal and upcycled crafts, and jewelry, sculptures, furniture, photography, ceramics & pottery, clothing, and plenty of booths selling fun things for your furry friends. Admission is free to this popular event.

3105 Mill Avenue, Ste A-201
Tempe, AZ
480-355-6060

McDowell Mountain Music Festival

Established in 2004, the McDowell Mountain Music Festival is a three-day festival taking place in downtown Phoenix in early March. The festival takes place in the lovely Margaret T. Hance Park and has a Central Park vibe. Past headliners have included Beck, Kid Cudi, and the Avett Brothers. Also known as the M3F, this music festival strives to be more than just great music. The festival’s motto is “Community, culture and charity” –the 3 C’s –and all of the festival proceeds benefit the Phoenix Children’s Hospital Foundation and the UMOM New Day Center. The M3F is a great way to enjoy great music while helping the community.

Margaret T. Hance Park
1200 North 1stStreet
Phoenix, AZ

And More…

There are so many other Scottsdale festivals and events taking place throughout the year. You won’t have trouble finding something exciting to do while you’re here. Here are just a few more to consider as you plan your trip to Scottsdale:

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

From Energetic Scottsdale Events to Cozy Homes

Return from all of the excitement and fun of these festivals and events to the comfort of a Parsons Villas vacation rental, and end the day in style. Browse our available selection, and book your stay by contacting us today!