Canal Convergence will once again illuminate the night sky when it returns to the Scottsdale Waterfront from November 3-12, 2023. This year's theme, "The Power of Play" continues to showcase captivating light-based public art and programming that reflects the event's themes from both the past and present.
In addition to nearly a dozen large-scale art installations, the event will feature live music, in-person workshops, and artist presentations. It remains a must-attend event that has become a cornerstone of Scottsdale's thriving arts community.
THIS YEAR'S HIGHLIGHTS
“AQUATICS” by Philipp Artus
"Aquatics" is an interactive projection art installation allowing participants to create and release their designed sea creatures into a virtual underwater world, where these creatures interact and form a shared artistic outcome based on individual choices made through tablet devices, fostering a collective creative experience.
“DICE” by Iregular
"DICE" is an interactive sculpture at Canal Convergence 2023, featuring five floating cubes that respond to viewers' shadows, creating unique patterns and colors. The installation explores the theme of luck in gaming and continuously generates ever-changing living artworks based on attendees' unpredictable movements and random generative software.
“FLARIO” by Walter Productions
"FLARIO" is an interactive art installation inspired by classic video game endgame levels. It features physical platforms with LED lights and pyrotechnic effects, and players must interact with coin lights, akin to collecting coins in a video game, to progress through the level, culminating in a dramatic fire and pyrotechnic display choreographed to music.
“LIGHT FOREST” by Liquid Pxl
"Light Forest" is an immersive art installation featuring 16 illuminated pillars that combine light and sound to create unique audio-visual experiences along Soleri Bridge. These 10-foot-tall towers, equipped with integrated speakers and thousands of controllable LEDs, offer viewers a 15-minute, synchronized journey through experimental electronic music and dazzling lights.
“OCTAVIUS” by Peter Hazel
"Octavius" by Peter Hazel is a colossal 7-foot tall, 24-foot wide octopus sculpture adorned with 250,000 hand-made, hand-painted ceramic tiles, featuring fused glass suckers and eyes. This illuminated art piece invites viewers to interact with and admire the beauty of this sea creature.
“RIPPLE” by Ithaca Studio
"Ripple" is an interactive light and sound installation located within Marshall Way Bridge, where viewers can create sparkling light ripples overhead by activating touch-sensitive pads. Inspired by playful water interactions, up to eight participants can produce colorful light ripples by stepping or rolling onto the touch-sensitive pads, creating a dynamic visual experience.
“SPECTRUM SWING” by Lindsay Glatz
"Spectrum Swing" is an interactive artwork that captures the magic of rainbows by suspending swings beneath rainbow sculptures. Participants can activate individual colors in the rainbow overhead by occupying dedicated color spaces, with the full spectrum of illumination appearing when all seven spaces are filled, celebrating the power of connection through play.
“SYM” by Alexp
"Sym" is an interactive installation that lets users paint with light using a flashlight, creating dynamic, symmetrical patterns in vibrant colors. Inspired by "light painting," it enhances the experience by instantly displaying the artwork on a screen and integrating generative patterns with each flashlight stroke, turning viewers into artists as they step into the installation and let their creativity shine.
Event Dates and Hours
The Scottsdale Waterfront is open to the public 24/7 and some artwork will be on display around the clock so you can swing by any time to experience some of Canal Convergence. Official event hours are as follows:
- Friday, Nov. 3–Saturday, Nov. 4, 6–10 p.m.
- Sunday, Nov. 5–Thursday, Nov. 9, 6–9 p.m.
- Friday, Nov. 10–Saturday, Nov. 11, 6–10 p.m.
- Sunday, Nov. 12 (closing night), 6–9 p.m.
Admission
Canal Convergence is free, with a nominal fee for some workshops.
Event Location
Canal Convergence takes place outdoors, along the north and south sides of the Arizona Canal, between Scottsdale Road and Goldwater Boulevard just south of Camelback Road.
Where to Park
There are 25 parking garages in Old Town Scottsdale. Most of them are free and many are within a few blocks of the event. The closest garages to the event are:
- Nordstrom Parking Garage: 7002 E. Via Soleri Dr.
- Scottsdale Fashion Square Lots & Garages: 7014 E. Camelback Rd.
- Waterfront Underground Parking Garage: 7135 E. Camelback Rd.
- Southbridge Underground Parking Garage: 71016 E. Stetson Dr.
Food & Drink
Available at the event: Food and beverage vendors will be available during the event, so you won’t have to leave the premises to eat.
Nearby: There are dozens of outstanding restaurants in Old Town Scottsdale, so you won’t be lacking in choices if you decide to step away from the event for food. Some of our favorites are within easy walking distance of Canal Convergence, including Marcellino Ristorante, Hand Cut Burgers & Chophouse, Maple & Ash, The Drunk Munk, Barrio Queen and Olive & Ivy.
