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Annual Phoenix Events
In or Around Scottsdale
There are literally hundreds of Phoenix events that occur in or around Scottsdale each year.
Many of them are worthwhile, some are not.
Rather than listing all of them, I'm only going to mention Phoenix and Scottsdale events people talk about the most.
These are the events locals rave about.
So let's get right to it...
Tostitos Fiesta Bowl, January 5, 2012If you're anything like my friends, you get pretty revved up when a good football game is in town. So you can imagine the energy and anticipation that fills the city when the Tostitos Fiesta Bowl comes around. Each year, Phoenix is host to this Big 12 Champion College Football game. The Fiesta Bowl used to be held at Sun Devil Stadium at Arizona State, but has since moved to the new University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale. It's about a 45 minute drive from Scottsdale, but well worth it. Count on quite a party.
The Tostitos Fiesta Bowl is one of the most popular Phoenix events.
 Tostidos Fiesta Bowl in the old location, at Sun Devil Stadium.PF Changs Marathon, January 15, 2012There are marathons, and then there is the PF Changs Marathon. The energy and emotion at this race is infectious. The PF Changs Marathon adds to the level of excitement by staging live bands throughout the course. So there's entertainment for the spectators, and inspiration to carry more than 30,000 runners through their 13.1, or 26.2. I watched a friend of mine run her first-ever full-marathon a few years back. Even as a spectator it was easy to get fired up, just by being around the cheering crowd. Watch and be inspired, or take the plunge, train hard, and run it yourself.
Barrett Jackson Scottsdale, January 16 - 22, 2012Do you have a sweet spot in your heart for classic cars? Are you a collector yourself, or just love to admire them? No matter who you are, a trip to the Barrett Jackson auto auction in Scottsdale is sure to please the eye. In more ways than one. You'll be surrounded by the glittering curvacious fenders of more than a thousand collectible automobiles. And you'll be mingling among well-heeled locals and visitors from all over the world. This highly popular event draws a huge crowd to Scottsdale (over 250,000 visitors each year). Bidder or not, if you like to socialize and enjoy high-end collectible autos, this Scottsdale event may be right up your alley. Auto auctions have become popular Scottsdale and Phoenix events.
Russo and Steele Collector Auction, January 19 - 22, 2012 If you didn't get enough classic car action at Barrett Jackson, you can always cruise on over to the Russo and Steele Auction. The format of this event is different than your typical auto auction. Bidders and spectators are free to stand around the cars while the auction is going on. So it's more exciting because it's much more up-close-and-personal. Guests of the Russo and Steele auction enjoy perusing muscle cars, collectibles, customs, hot rods and European sports cars. Even though it's fairly new on the circuit, Russo and Steele is now considered one of the top three auctions in the U.S. and quickly becoming one of our popular Phoenix events in Scottsdale. Waste Management Phoenix Open, January 30 - February 6th, 2012Grab your plaid pants and polo and prepare yourself for the largest event in Scottsdale. The Waste Management Phoenix Open (formerly called the FBR Open), draws over 500,000 visitors each year. With so many guests, it's considered the best-attended golf tournament in the world. But you don't have to be a golf-lover to enjoy the Phoenix Open. It's known for being a social event as much as it is a major sporting event. My friends and I joke that many of the people that go don't even see one golf-swing because they gut stuck at the parties. (I admit, I've been one of those people.) Still, it's a perfect excuse to be outside and have a little fun. Don't forget to check out the famous Bird's Nest gathering in the evening. The TPC Golf Course at the Fairmont Princess in Scottsdale is host of the WM Phoenix Open.
 The Phoenix Open is the most visited of the Scottsdale and Phoenix events.Celebration of Fine Art, January 14 - March 25, 2012If you have a passion for art, consider yourself a collector, or just plain enjoy looking at it, you may want to squeeze this event onto your calendar. It's one thing to see art, but it's another to be able to watch it being made by the artists themselves. Housed in a massive tent are over 100 artists who've set up temporary workshops for the duration of this event. Visitors can not only view beautiful art of all different mediums (from oil, to sculpture, to glass, to stone and on and on...), they will have the opportunity to buy it as well. So if you plan on being in the North Scottsdale area during the beginning of the year, I would consider stopping by.
Parada del Sol Parade, February 11, 2012The Parada del Sol Parade is one of our free Scottsdale and Phoenix events. It's known as the longest horse-drawn parade in the world. Just line yourself up along Scottsdale Road in the heart of Old Town and you can't miss it. Parada del Sol is a non-profit event supporting local charities like the Boys & Girls Club. It has attracted thousands of visitors each year for more than five decades.
Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show, February 16 - 26, 2012Will Rogers famously said, "There is something about riding down the street on a prancing horse that makes you feel like something, even when you ain't a thing". And I'd have to agree. The truth is, I am a horse-lover. But you don't have to be one to appreciate their beauty. And a day at the Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show provides the perfect opportunity to do just that. Over 2,000 Arabian and half-Arabian horses can be seen here. Visitors can enjoy a full day of competitions as well as a trade show. The evening events attract more spectators than daytime events. So if you plan on going in the evening, buy your tickets in advance to make life easier.
Scottsdale Spring Training, March 1 - 31, 2012What more can one ask for than sunshine, perfect weather, friends and America's favorite pastime? Of the Scottsdale and Phoenix events, this would be a favorite among the locals. I can tell you there are a lot of "sick days" called into work during the month of March. Who would want to stay inside while all the fun is going on outside? Scottsdale now hosts spring training for the Diamondbacks, Rockies, Giants, Cubs, White Sox, Reds, Indians, Royals, Angels, Dodgers, Brewers, A's, Padres, Mariners and the Rangers. Games are at small venues, so it's a much more intimate setting than a professional field. I recommend getting lawn tickets, so you can stretch out and relax. Parada del Sol Rodeo, March 2 - 4, 2012Even though Scottsdale has evolved into a resort destination, it is first and foremost a Western town. Cowboys and Indians are as much a part of our culture as are super swanky restaurants and resorts. So if you want to get into the Western spirit, then I suggest spending a day or evening at the Parada del Sol Rodeo. It is one of the oldest sanctioned rodeos in the country. Visitors can enjoy three days of professional events including bull-riding, barrel racing and more. And when the competition is complete, celebrate the night away with some dancing and live music.
Nascar Phoenix, March 3 - 4, 2012I have yet to personally attend a Nascar race. Though its name and reputation certainly speak for itself, the race at Phoenix International Raceway is sure not to disappoint. If you're a Nascar fan, you may want to head over to P.I.R., host of the Sprint Cup Series. Get there early and you can walk the track, see the drivers up close and cruise the pits. There is guaranteed to be plenty of live entertainment, drinks, Nascar fans and sunshine.
Scottsdale Culinary Festival, April 17 - 22, 2012Pats Run, April 21, 2012 This is my favorite of the Scottsdale and Phoenix events. Pats Run is an opportunity for friends, families and kids to come together and do something healthy, while paying tribute to a great man. Donating or registering for this event will help support the Pat Tillman Foundation and it's program of Leadership Through Action. If you show up to this race, chances are you'll see me there. That's if you can find me. Last year's turnout was bigger than ever.
The run is only 4.2 miles. It's inspiring. It feels good. It's a great way to start the day.
Phoenix Events: Pats Run
Our Pats Run 2010 Post-Race Photo
Jazz in the Garden, October - November, 2011 (every Friday)If you ever wanted to explore the Desert Botanical Garden, this is the time to do it. Not only will the fall weather offer an inviting experience, but you'll be able to tour the garden and enjoy great local music at the same time. If you're looking for a great date place, this would be it. Sunset, dusk, beautiful scenery, a glass of wine, and some live music make a recipe for a very romantic evening. Friends and families will also enjoy this and more of our Scottsdale and Phoenix events.
Tempe Oktoberfest, October 7-9, 2011Just outside Scottsdale, bordering the edge of Tempe Town Lake is this lively festival that takes place each year. There are other cities that host Oktoberfest, but the one in Tempe takes it to a whole new level. And it's in a great location: Tempe Beach Park. If you're a fan of German beer, brats, music, German maid outfits, people-watching and other entertainment, then cruise on over. It's a 3-day festival, starting in the mornings and carrying on through the evenings. Families will have an easier time navigating crowds during the day. The evenings get pretty packed with a younger, more "lively" crowd. Check out one of our fun Phoenix events: Tempe Oktoberfest. Myself, my brother and some friends enjoying a German brewski at Tempe Oktoberfest. Ironman Tempe, November 20, 2011Also located on Tempe Town Lake is Ironman Arizona. I was lucky enough to volunteer at this event a few years back. It's probably one of the more inspiring things I've ever seen. So even if you're not participating, it's fun just to watch. I was amazed that these athletes come in all different shapes, sizes and ages. I saw a woman in her 70's kicking ass. She was beating younger, stronger looking athletes. So grab your bike (or rent one) and head on over. I recommend standing in a transition area, so you can watch the changeover from bike to run. My friend Yvonne and I, after volunteering at the Tempe Ironman.
 Phoenix Events: Ironman ArizonaPhoenix Zoo Lights, November 25, 2011 - January 9, 2012
 Phoenix Events: ZoolightsLas Noches de las Luminarias, December 1 - 30th, 2011If Zoo Lights didn't bring enough holiday cheer, here is yet another way to celebrate this lovely time of year. Las Noches de las Luminarias is set among the beautiful groomed paths of the Desert Botanical Garden. Each year, thousands of hand-lit luminaria bags light up the night and warm the hearts of it's visitors. So grab a cup of hot chocolate and walk among the soft glow of the luminarias, while listening to musical groups performing throughout the garden.
On-Going Scottsdale and Phoenix EventsScottsdale Art Walk, Every ThursdayIf you've had a chance to drive through Old Town Scottsdale, you probably noticed an art gallery on almost every corner. Bronze sculptures decorate the streets and canvases line the window-fronts. If art interests you, I suggest grabbing your honey and taking the Scottsdale Art Walk. It's a great way to spend a beautiful Scottsdale evening. The Art Walk will guide you through more than 100 galleries in the Old Town area. Its an opportunity to meet the artists and see their work.
First Friday Phoenix, 1st Friday of Every Month Similar to the Scottsdale Art Walk, First Friday allows you to tour the 70 art galleries in the downtown Phoenix area. It's a bit of a drive from Scottsdale, but it's a great opportunity to see other areas and enjoy more Phoenix events. And if you don't feel like driving, take the lightrail. It will drop you off at the door step of the Phoenix Art Museum, which is where First Friday begins. A shuttle is also provided to get you around from gallery to gallery.
Perhaps you noticed a trend while reading through the list. Most Scottsdale and Phoenix events take place during the winter. And that's for obvious reason. Winter (October through May) is the most desirable time to be in Scottsdale. And major event hosts know this. Summertime tends to slow down quite a bit. There is still plenty to do, however. If you're not checking out Phoenix events in or around Scottsdale, you can:
Take a look at these popular attractions.
Or, Get a little adventurous
with these outdoor activities in Scottsdale.
Return from Phoenix Events to Destination Scottsdale
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