Written by: Mia
Updated: February 13, 2026
Scottsdale’s 2026 lineup packs elite golf, high-stakes car auctions, and glowing art. This guide hits the city’s best food festivals and holiday bashes. Expect a breakdown of top events paired with luxury rentals right near the main stages.
Throughout the year, Scottsdale comes alive with celebrations of art, culture, sports, and food, drawing many visitors from all over. If you’re an art lover, sports fan, or a culinary connoisseur, Scottsdale offers a dynamic calendar of events that promises something for everyone. To make your visit truly unforgettable, Scottsdale Rentals offers premium accommodations strategically located near all major event venues.
With a variety of options from luxurious to budget-friendly, our properties ensure comfort and convenience, allowing you to focus on enjoying the best experiences Scottsdale has to offer. These are the Top Scottsdale 2026 events!
Contents
- Arts and Cultural Events
- Culinary Events
- Sports and Outdoor Events
- Holiday and Seasonal Events
- Stay Comfortably with Scottsdale Rentals
Arts and Cultural Events
Scottsdale Arts Festival (March)
The Scottsdale Arts Festival is held in the Scottsdale Civic Center Park and has become a landmark event for art lovers across the nation. It’s well known and appreciated for its high-quality exhibits and lively atmosphere.
Key Attractions
The festival features nearly 200 jury-selected artists from across the United States who display their work across all mediums – from painting and sculpture to glass and ceramics. Attendees can also enjoy live music performances, gourmet food trucks, and interactive art installations.
Dates and Times
The Scottsdale Arts Festival typically takes place over a weekend in mid-March. The event runs from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM on Friday and Saturday and from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM on Sunday.
Ticket Prices and Purchase
Tickets can be purchased online in advance or at the entrance. General admission is usually priced around $50 for adults, with discounts available for seniors and students. Children under 12 can enter for free, making it a family-friendly event.
To make the most of your festival experience, consider staying in one of our nearby Scottsdale Rentals properties. Located just a short walk or drive from the Civic Center Park, our accommodations offer comfort and convenience, allowing you easy access to the festival and a peaceful, easy retreat at the end of the day.
Canal Convergence (November)
Canal Convergence is a mesmerizing public art event held annually at the Scottsdale Waterfront. This event brings together local, national, and international artists to create a series of light-based and interactive art installations that captivate and engage audiences.
Interactive Art
Each year, Canal Convergence displays a unique theme around which the art installations and activities are centered. These artworks often include large-scale sculptures that are illuminated to enhance their beauty after dark, as well as interactive pieces that invite viewer participation.
Dates and Times
This event typically lights up the waterfront over two weekends in November from sunset to around 10 PM each night, providing ample opportunity for visitors to explore and interact with the art at their leisure.
Free Admission Details
Canal Convergence is free to the public, emphasizing community accessibility and inclusivity. Various workshops and presentations by the artists are also available at no extra cost, offering deeper insights into the creative processes behind the installations.
For those planning to attend Canal Convergence, staying at a Scottsdale Rentals property nearby can enhance your experience. Our rentals are conveniently located within a short distance of the Waterfront, offering easy access to the event and the surrounding attractions of downtown Scottsdale.
Culinary Events
Arizona Restaurant Week (May)
Arizona Restaurant Week has claimed the spotlight as the city’s premier dining event. This ten day celebration invites you to experience Scottsdale’s most acclaimed kitchens through specialized menus. It is the best time to explore high end dining across Old Town and North Scottsdale without the typical price tag.
What to Expect
Over 150 restaurants across the state participate, with a heavy concentration in Scottsdale. Chefs prepare exclusive three course prix-fixe meals that highlight their signature style. You can find everything from five star steakhouses to tucked away bistro gems.
Dates and Pricing
The Spring event typically runs in late May, with a second edition following in September. Dinners are offered at set price tiers per person: $33, $44, $55, and $66.
Arizona Taco Festival (October)
The Arizona Taco Festival is a staple of Scottsdale’s culinary scene and a high-energy celebration of the region’s best flavors. Now held at Salt River Fields at Talking Stick, this massive event brings together taco enthusiasts, local chefs, and top-tier restaurants to compete for the prestigious title of Best Taco. It is a vibrant weekend packed with competition, music, and an endless variety of street food.
Festival Highlights
Attendees can sample a vast range of tacos, with vendors offering everything from traditional al pastor to innovative fusion recipes. Beyond the food, the festival features a dedicated Tequila Expo where you can sample dozens of fine spirits. The entertainment lineup is just as bold, featuring live lucha libre wrestling, music performances, and the popular Chihuahua beauty pageant.
Dates, Times, and Admission Costs
The festival typically takes over the stadium grounds on a mid-October weekend, running from 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM daily.
- General Admission: Usually starts around $15–$20 in advance.
- Taco Tokens: Used for food purchases inside the venue.
- VIP Access: Offers private bars, catered food, and shaded seating.
Sports and Outdoor Events
Waste Management Phoenix Open (February)
Known as the “Greatest Show on Grass,” the Waste Management Phoenix Open is not just another stop on the PGA Tour – it’s a spectacle in the world of golf. Held at the TPC Scottsdale, this tournament attracts some of the biggest names in golf and is known for its lively atmosphere, particularly around the iconic 16th hole. This half-stadium, half-party zone allows thousands of spectators to watch the action up close, creating an electrifying environment that is unique to this event.
Key Players and Special Events
Each year, the tournament draws top talent from around the world, offering fans a chance to see their favorite golfers in action. The 16th hole, also known as the “Coliseum,” is the highlight of the tournament, where players and fans celebrate.
Dates and Ticket Information
The Phoenix Open is typically scheduled for early February. Tickets range from general admission to premium packages that offer exclusive access to certain areas and amenities. Prices and availability can be checked and purchased through the official Phoenix Open website.
If you’re a golfer in town for the Phoenix Open, staying in a Scottsdale Rentals property can enhance the experience. We offer locations close to TPC Scottsdale, providing easy access to the tournament. Our accommodations offer comfort and convenience, allowing you to relax and unwind after a day on the greens.
Barrett-Jackson Auto Auction (January)
The Barrett-Jackson Auto Auction is a central event in the car collector community. It attracts enthusiasts and collectors from all over the world to Scottsdale each January. Known for its wide array of high-quality collector cars, this event is a must-visit for anyone interested in automotive history and luxury vehicles.
Significance and Vehicle Types
Barrett-Jackson is celebrated for its extensive variety of vehicles, from vintage muscle cars and classic antiques to the latest supercars and custom vehicles! The auction is not just about buying and selling cars. It’s held to celebrate the best of automotive culture, with exhibits, symposiums, and live demonstrations that make it a comprehensive experience.
Dates, Times, and How to Get Tickets
The auction typically takes place over a week in January, with exact dates and schedules available on the Barrett-Jackson website. Tickets can be purchased online and range from single-day passes to full-event passes.
To complement your visit to the Barrett-Jackson Auto Auction, Scottsdale Rentals offers luxury accommodations that match the prestige of the event. Our high-end rentals provide comfort, elegance, and style, perfect for those who appreciate the finer things in life.
Holiday and Seasonal Events
Scottsdale’s Fourth of July Celebration (July)
Scottsdale’s Fourth of July Celebration is a spectacular event that brings the community together in a grand display of patriotism and fun. Hosted at WestWorld of Scottsdale, this family-friendly event dazzles with an impressive fireworks show, a variety of live music concerts, and an array of activities specifically designed for children.
What to Expect
The event features an indoor festival that keeps the summer heat at bay, allowing everyone to enjoy the celebrations in cool comfort. Activities include bounce houses, a petting zoo, and other games, alongside live performances that keep the festive spirit alive throughout the day. As night falls, the skies light up with one of the area’s largest fireworks displays, creating a memorable visual spectacle.
Timing and Entry Fees
The celebration kicks off in the late afternoon, with activities running right up until the fireworks display at night. Entry fees are typically around $15 per person, with various family packages available, which include access to all activities and shows.
To fully enjoy the Fourth of July festivities without the hassle of long commutes and traffic, consider staying at one of Scottsdale Rentals’ nearby properties. Our accommodations offer both comfort and convenience, making it easy to access the event and ensuring you have a peaceful retreat once the day’s celebrations wind down.
Scottsdazzle (December)
Scottsdazzle is Scottsdale’s annual holiday extravaganza, transforming the downtown area into a winter wonderland of lights, decorations, and good cheer. This event begins with a grand tree lighting ceremony and continues throughout December with a series of events that celebrate the holiday spirit.
Overview of the Event
Scottsdazzle features an array of attractions, including the official tree lighting, themed decor along the Waterfront, and various seasonal markets where local makers sell unique holiday gifts and crafts. The event also includes holiday-themed performances, wine tastings, and culinary events that are sure to get visitors into the spirit of the season.
Key Attractions
The event kicks off with the Tree Lighting Ceremony. There’s live music and a countdown to the lighting of a massive holiday tree. Stunning light displays occur along the Waterfront and throughout downtown Scottsdale. Stop by the seasonal markets for a chance to shop for unique gifts while enjoying the festivities.
Dates and Participation
Scottsdazzle events are spread throughout December, with specific dates for special activities available on the event’s official website. Most of the outdoor activities and markets are free to the public, making it accessible for everyone.
Stay close to the holiday action with Scottsdale Rentals. Our properties are located near the heart of downtown, offering easy access to all Scottsdazzle events. These accommodations provide not only a cozy place to stay but also feature festive decorations to keep the holiday spirit alive even when you’re resting indoors.
Stay Comfortably with Scottsdale Rentals
Choosing Scottsdale Rentals as your host for these Scottsdale’s top events is sure to enhance your experience with comfort, convenience, and style. Here’s why staying with us can make your visit truly special:
Variety of Options
Whether you are looking for luxury accommodations with all the bells and whistles or more budget-friendly options that still offer comfort and style, Scottsdale Rentals has you covered. Our diverse portfolio of properties ensures that we can cater to all tastes and budgets.
Conveniently Located
Our properties are strategically located near major event venues like WestWorld of Scottsdale, Scottsdale Civic Center Park, and the Scottsdale Waterfront, making it easy to attend any event without the hassle of long commutes.
Book Yours Today!
Don’t wait to make your plans for these popular events. Contact Scottsdale Rentals today to secure your Scottsdale vacation rental. Visit our website or call us to learn more about our properties and book your stay.
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