SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. (Oct. 17, 2024) - The fall and holiday season in Scottsdale are filled with a variety of exciting events and programming for every type of traveler, including foodies,  art and culture enthusiasts, zen seekers and more. From music festivals and large-scale art shows to impressive holiday markets and light displays, the destination is chock-full of fun for the remainder of the year. 

Fall Events

• Oct. 19 – 20 - Phoenix Pride Festival - The two-day celebration taking place less than a 25-minute drive from downtown Scottsdale is designed to bring the Valley of the Sun's diverse LGBTQ+ and allied communities together for a weekend of camaraderie and commemoration of the past, present and future. Featuring over 150 entertainment performances and over 300 exhibitors showcasing a variety of culinary delights, shopping opportunities and community resources, the festival provides an abundance of marketing and exposure for businesses within the LGBTQ+ community; all while educating the public and raising positive awareness.
• Oct. 25 – 27 - Spooktacular Balloon Festival - This year marks 12 years of the annual Spooktacular Hot Air Balloon Festival at Salt River Fields, the Spring Training home of the Arizona Diamondbacks and Colorado Rockies. Families are invited to celebrate Halloween during the two-day event featuring over 20 hot air balloons. Kids will be able to trick or treat from over 4 thousand pounds of candy, partake in costume contests and other exciting activities and of course, take a ride in a hot air balloon.
• Oct. 26 – The Bentley Scottsdale Polo Championships: Presented by Gila River Resorts & Casinos – The annual Bentley Scottsdale Polo Championships will be taking the field again this year at WestWorld of Scottsdale featuring some of the most recognizable names in the sport. Global polo players including Nic Roldan (known as 'The Face of American Polo'), Manuel Crespo, husband-and-wife-duo Andres Camacho-Castilla and Natalie Grancharov-Camacho, and even famed Actor Sterling Jones are amongst some of the elite players that will compete in the games. Gates open at 10am for the event's five polo matches taking place throughout the day. Afterwards, the event will end with a Polo After Dark party featuring the event's first-ever night polo match, Dinner Under the Stars, and performances from top DJs. Fashion shows, luxury brand installations, car and equestrian displays and more will be available to attendees, as well.  
• Nov. 1 – 2 - Dreamy Draw Music Festival - Dreamy Draw Music Festival will be returning for its second year at the Scottsdale Civic Center in Old Town Scottsdale to celebrate the fusion of country and Americana with headliners including Mt. Joy, Flatland Cavalry, and more. Seamlessly blending contemporary country melodies with a nostalgic nod to the past and inspired by the vibrant Southwestern spirit of Arizona, as the destination is aptly named “The West's Most Western Town,” travelers will sing along to the universal language of music within a gorgeous desert backdrop.
• Nov. 8 – 17 - Canal Convergence - Now in its 12th consecutive year, Canal Convergence, Scottsdale's free, large-scale, outdoor public art festival featuring artists from around the globe, will return to the Scottsdale Waterfront. This year's theme, “Reflections,” celebrates physical and psychological reflections that encourage self-examination and deep connection. Educational workshops, family-friendly activities, live music, performances, history tours and food will also be available.
• Nov. 22 – 23 - Arizona Indigenous Culinary Experience - This multi-day event will provide visitors the opportunity to learn from Indigenous people while celebrating their rich culture and culinary traditions during Native American Heritage Month. The symposium focuses on topics including food sovereignty, environmental justice, health and wellness and preserving cultural food practices in an effort to enlighten, teach and inspire guests.

Holiday Events

• Nov. 22 – Jan. 4 - Christmas at the Princess - Every holiday season, The Fairmont Scottsdale Princess transforms into a holiday headquarters for families. Last year, attendees viewed 6.5 million LED lights hung around the resort to create a magical holiday atmosphere. Families can glide on the Desert Ice Rink, ride the 120 ft. Ferris wheel, meet Santa and other Christmas characters, hop on the Princess Express Train, sled down Snow Mountain, visit S'mores Land for warm, gooey marshmallow treats and more.
• Nov. 27 – Jan. 4 - ZooLights – The Phoenix Zoo will transform into a dazzling spectacle this holiday season, with millions of lights guiding visitors through illuminated pathways alongside animal habitats. This year's event will feature a new light show with music and synchronized imagery, in addition to over 50 animal-shaped lanterns, camel rides, cozy fire pits and photos with Santa.
• Nov. 29 – Dec. 30 - Holiday Lights at McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park - Each holiday season, Scottsdale's well-known McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park hosts a holiday light show that is bound to impress. Guests will ride through seasonally decorated displays and sparkling lights after stepping aboard the Paradise & Pacific Railroad train.
• Nov. 30 – Dec. 31 - Scottsdazzle - Bringing holiday cheer throughout Old Town Scottsdale, is Scottsdazzle. Think holiday market shopping experiences, tree-lighting ceremonies, sing-a-longs, holiday movie nights, Santa meet-and-greets, a holiday-themed ArtWalk and more, all amongst twinkling lights and festive decor.
• Nov. 30 - Santa Social - Taking place at The Quad at Scottsdale Quarter, families are invited to enjoy a day of holiday entertainment including photos with Santa, Christmas character appearances, face painting, caricature art, and more, culminating in a tree lighting ceremony and a holiday movie.
• Select nights Dec. 1 – 30 - Las Noches de Las Luminarias – Enter a desert wonderland this holiday season at Desert Botanical Garden. Returning for the 45th year, guests can enjoy an evening filled with luminarias, holiday lights, musical performances, entertainment and holiday delights all lining the Garden's iconic trails for a picture-perfect night.

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