Art Festivals in Scottsdale
Cacinda Maloney
If there is one thing that Scottsdale is known for, it is their love affair with the arts. So if you are looking for arts, food and cultural events, consider Scottsdale your one-stop shop. There are fabulous events happening almost every month of the year. So grab your calendar, mark your favorites, and get yourself to Scottsdale.
Celebration of Fine Art
The Celebration of Fine Art encourages conversation between artists and patrons by allowing them to watch or interact with the 100+ fine-art artists as they create their work. The Celebration of Fine Art encompasses 40,000 square feet of art, surrounded by an acre of landscaped sculptured gardens. Exhibitions and demonstrations are held throughout the celebration, which runs from mid-January through March annually.
Waterfront Fine Art and Wine Festival
The Scottsdale Waterfront is the location for this festival with a European flair, where patrons stroll through the area while sipping wine and listening to music. The Waterfront Fine Art and Wine Festival, sponsored by Thunderbird Artists, features paintings, copper, clay sculptures, photography and more. It is located on SouthBridge, not far from Nordstrom at Scottsdale Fashion Square. This event is held in early February each year.
Canal Convergence
During Canal Convergence, Scottsdale Public Art partners with Salt River Project to put on a show of Water + Art + Light for ten amazing days and nights. The event features contemporary, immersive public art installations positioned along the banks of the Arizona Canal at the Scottsdale Waterfront. In addition to nearly a dozen large-scale art installations, Canal Convergence features live music, in-person workshops and artist presentations. The event takes place in November every year and is a can’t-miss event that's a cornerstone of Scottsdale’s thriving arts community.
Sun & Sounds
Free Sunday concerts return to the newly renovated outdoor spaces at Scottsdale Civic Center! Experience the best local music in a laid-back, family-friendly atmosphere, surrounded by unique artist vendors, hot food off the grill, cold drinks at the bar, and plenty of good company. Bring your pup and lawn chair for some fun in the sun at Sun & Sounds!
Scottsdale ArtWalk
I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the legendary Scottsdale ArtWalk, which is held every Thursday evening except Thanksgiving from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. in Scottsdale’s historic Arts District. The ArtWalk is a casual evening where Old Town galleries host special exhibits, artist demonstrations and live entertainment. Themed Gold Palette ArtWalks, such as the Native Spirit and Scottsdazzle events, are held on select Thursday nights throughout the year.
So, pick a special event (or two, or three) and celebrate the art you love in Scottsdale, Arizona.
Dr. Cacinda Maloney is a scuba diving, cocktail-loving, smart-luxury world traveler. She was once a physician and traded that in for life on the road as a digital travel writer, blogger and social media influencer. When she is not on her iPhone, she is at home in her colonial Mexico-inspired home in Arizona. You can find more of her travels at PointsandTravel.com