With more than 800 restaurants, James Beard-recognized chefs, Arizona wineries and mom-and-pop eateries creating culinary magic with local ingredients, the Scottsdale food and drink scene is large, diverse and vibrant. Visitors can experience the city's flavor at one of its numerous wine and food festivals held throughout the year.
A Taste of AZ Food & Drink Festival
The newest food festival to the Scottsdale scene is A Taste of AZ Food & Drink Festival. Held in January and hosted by the city’s top culinary magazine, this festival at Salt River Fields at Talking Stick celebrates state 48’s culinary best. The festival promises unlimited samples of Arizona’s finest food, wine, and beer, interactive experiences, live entertainment, and a day spent with fellow foodies savoring the best bites in the state. (Photo credit: Clayton Duhamel)
Scottsdale Waterfront Fine Art & Wine Festival
If you like to pair your Albarino with art, the Scottsdale Waterfront Fine Art & Wine Festival gives you that opportunity every winter. Held on the banks of the Scottsdale Canal in late January, the weekend event presents 125 juried artists. Wine lovers can purchase a special ticket that includes a souvenir glass and eight tastings of Arizona wine. (Photo Credit: Duane Darling)
Arizona Strong Beer Festival
Each February, the Arizona Craft Brewers Guild stages the long-running Arizona Strong Beer Festival at Salt River Field. The day features more than 500 beverages, food trucks, live entertainment and a marketplace. The over-21 event offers general, VIP and designated driver tickets.
Dish Fest
When spring has sprung in Scottsdale, it means it’s time for Phoenix Magazine’s annual Dish Fest. This culinary extravaganza highlights the city’s best chefs, top tables and wine every March. The event features cooking demonstrations, and a portion of the proceeds from general admission and VIP ticket sales benefit a charitable partner. (Photo Credit: Dish Fest)
Uncorked: Arizona Wine Festival
Calling all wine lovers, this is your festival. Uncorked: Arizona Wine Festival showcases more than 100 wines, cocktails and zero-proof liquors each Spring and Fall at Salt River Fields at Talking Stick. The over-21 event also features music, dancing and food trucks. The festival offers general admission, early admission and VIP tickets. During the Spring festival, the VIP ticket includes a chance to go on the field and test out your swing in the batter’s box. (Photo Credit: Uncorked)
AZ Barrels, Bottles and Brews
Just like there are both Budweiser and craft beers, there are large festivals and carefully curated ones like AZ Barrels, Bottles and Brews. Held in November at Salt River Fields at Talking Stick, the festival features only Arizona craft beverage makers and offerings include craft beers, ciders, meads, spirits and hard seltzers. Attendance is capped so guests can enjoy sampling a variety of libations without waiting in long lines. VIP tickets with early admission, general admission, and a designated driver ticket that includes a special swag bag are available. (Photo credit: Natalie Lara)
The Kierland Fine Art & Wine Festival
The Kierland Fine Art & Wine Festival is a great opportunity to see for yourself that wine can grow in the desert. In partnership with Willcox Wine Country, you’ll sip and swirl the best wines from the Southern part of Arizona. Grab a glass and wander through stalls of local and national artists on display. The Festival takes place in the fall (Nov.) and winter (late Jan.). Admission is free, with tickets available for wine tastings. (Photo credit: Kierland Fine Art & Wine Festival)
Whether you're a devoted foodie, oenophile, or craft beer lover, Scottsdale's wine and food festivals offer something to satisfy every palate. These events provide the perfect opportunity for you to discover Scottsdale’s many flavors, meet local makers, and experience the best of Arizona's thriving culinary scene. Make your next visit to Scottsdale a culinary getaway and get ready to taste your way through the city’s most delicious offerings—one festival at a time.
