WHAT’S NEW: Spring 2026

RESORT ROUNDUP

• In January 2026, ADERO Scottsdale Resort will begin a phased, comprehensive transformation to elevate and enhance the guest experience. Upgrades will include a reimagination of 32 casita-style guest rooms, a new signature restaurant, a redesigned pool deck, and expansion of the spa into a modern wellness oasis featuring a hammam, infrared sauna, cold plunge and juice elixir bar. As part of its transformation, ADERO — the only Autograph Collection Resort in a certified Dark Sky Zone — is deepening its dedication to the night skies with an expanded lineup of celestial programming. Highlights include Solar Sundays, led by the Star Dudes, where visitors can observe the sun and stars through solar telescopes. The resort has also introduced Sacred Sky Float, a unique floating sound bath meditation series, created in partnership with Quantum Health Organics, held during the full moon and new moon cycles.
• Fairmont Scottsdale Princess, a AAA Five-Diamond resort, was recently named a recipient of the distinguished Blue Zones Award, a global accolade recognizing excellence in promoting well-being, sustainability and healthy living. As one of the first major hospitality brands to receive this honor, Fairmont Scottsdale Princess joins a select group of organizations worldwide that exemplify the Blue Zones philosophy of fostering environments that support longevity, vitality and mindful living. Since Blue Zones Project Scottsdale launched in Jan. 2024, the resort is one of over 30 places in the destination to be approved as part of a larger five-year plan to become a designated Blue Zones city.

DOWNTIME DIVERSIONS

• Cutting-edge technology meets high-energy fun at Activate Games Scottsdale – the world’s first active gaming experience. Your group will jump, dodge, throw and problem-solve their way through challenges that test both mind and body. Each dynamic game room has interactive technology that reacts in real time for an adrenaline filled adventure. Options include team play in Cooperative Mode or head-to-head challenges in Competitive Mode. Multiple difficulty levels and continuously evolving challenges mean no two experiences are ever the same!
• Explore Scottsdale’s Sonoran Desert like the cowboys of yesteryear did, on horseback! Wild West Horse Adventures offers 1- to 3-hour trail rides in the breathtaking McDowell Sonoran Preserve. The rides follow a variety of Preserve trails, giving guests the opportunity to see Sonoran Desert flora and fauna, unique rock formations and natural landmarks like Tom’s Thumb, the Four Peaks and Weaver’s Needle. Rides include water and snacks, and can be tailored to all skill levels.
• At Ascendify Wellness, certified Theta Wave Sound Meditation Practitioner and Somatic Yoga instructor Liz Adriano applies neuroscience-aligned techniques for brain optimization in transformative 1-hour to full-day workshops. Tailored sound meditations and yoga experiences enhance clarity and team productivity while fostering a culture of sustainable peak performance. With Ascendify Wellness, mindfulness meets motivation to energize, empower and inspire your team.

VENUES

• Old Town Scottsdale’s Goldwater Brewing Co. has been creating award-winning craft beer since 2015. In addition to a full menu of palate-pleasing blends like Desert Rose Prickly Pear Kolsch, Machine Gun Teddy Brown Ale and Hop Chowda IPA, Goldwater Brewing offers three unique gathering spaces for groups to sit back, relax and sample: the Small Patio is ideal for private meetings or casual networking for up to 20 guests; the Beer Garden offers a dynamic outdoor setting for up to 150 people; and the intimate Upstairs Balcony, which overlooks the Beer Garden, boasts sips and sunset views for small groups.    

SIP & SAVOR

• A fresh concept from internationally renowned restaurateur, television personality, and philanthropist Lisa Vanderpump, Wolf by Vanderpump at Caesars Republic Scottsdale, a Hilton hotel is the latest addition to Old Town’s menu of buzz-worthy restaurants. The menu features a refined fusion of globally inspired flavors, including delights like Wolf Bread (house-baked herb and gruyere pull-apart bread), Adobo Brick Chicken with mojo sauce, and Prime Ribeye Tagliata with salsa verde. In true Vanderpump fashion, the cocktail program is nothing short of spectacular, featuring visually stunning cocktails enhanced with regional inflections and artful garnishes.
• Longtime local favorite Century Grand has a new concept, Grey Hen RX.  This new concept pays homage to 1924 NYC Chinatown with a menu inspired by Chinese American cuisine. Savor bold cocktail creations like the Chop Suey (mandarin-infused gin, cachaca, Thai basil and Fernet) and Wonton Soup (Botanist Gin, Small Batch bourbon, yellow chartreuse and Angry Duckling wonton broth), blending rich flavors with innovative mixology. Pair them with small bites like jack fruit bao buns, chili-and-garlic-roasted peanuts and Chinatown beef jerky.
• Toca Madera Scottsdale  recently introduced a new weekend brunch experience! The daytime energy is bright and vibrant with DJ-spun tracks that keep the mood light and fun. Just when you think brunch couldn’t get any better, Toca Madera’s signature fire dancers and guitarist make their appearance, bringing a bit of that famous nighttime energy into the daytime scene. The menu features crowd-pleasers like Queso Fundido, Breakfast Enchiladas, and the showstopping Brunch Tower – a three-level marvel stacked with French toast, chicken and waffles, breakfast sandwiches, avocado toast and fresh fruit.
• In North Scottsdale, Hush Public House is an inviting, upscale dining experience that promises a fresh take on classic favorite dishes. Think Iberico pork skirt steak with Japanese sweet potatoes, pan-roasted scallops with sunchoke puree and brown butter, and steak frites – prime New Yor strip with street fries, salsa verde and aioli. Pair your entrée with a selection from the carefully curated wine or beer lists, or a craft cocktail like Drama in the Desert (avocado oil-washed blanco tequila, ancho chile, basil eau de vie, grapefruit and lime).

EVENTS

• Every Thursday evening year-round, the galleries of the Old Town Arts District stay open from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. for ArtWalk. This go-at-your-own-pace event is ideal for browsers and serious art collectors alike and gives everyone the opportunity to visit galleries and chat with gallery owners (and, in some cases, the artists themselves!). Live music, light bites and artist demonstrations are often among the evening’s offerings.
• Spend a relaxing Saturday morning at the Old Town Farmers Market. Open weekly through June 2026, the market features more than 100 local growers and specialty food purveyors offering a bounty of organic local produce and artisan items like freshly baked breads, jams, salsas, cheeses, tamales and much more.
• MLB Cactus League Spring Training swings into Scottsdale Feb. 20 through March 24, 2026. Catch the San Francisco Giants at Old Town’s Scottsdale Stadium, which offers groups many options for gathering and game-day excitement, including the VIP Charro Lodge, a multi-level venue in right field offering patio-style seating, all-inclusive food and drinks and outstanding views of the game.
• Arizona Restaurant Week, which takes place every spring and fall, is the perfect time to find your new favorite Scottsdale restaurant! Taking place May 15-24, 2026, the spring event will feature special prix fixe menus at more than 160 participating Arizona restaurants in Scottsdale and beyond.