Spectacular theme events, receptions and galas at these signature Scottsdale venues keep the party cool and comfortable all summer long.

The Clayton House

The Clayton House is a bright, airy space that can accommodate up to 700 guests for an indoor cocktail reception. Previously an abandoned postal storage warehouse, this family-owned venue was renovated to become a one-of-a-kind event space capable of hosting weddings, corporate gatherings and celebratory social soirées.

Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art

With innovative architecture by Will Bruder and rotating exhibitions of cutting-edge art, SMoCA is a vibrant backdrop for receptions of up to 250 guests. Guests can mix and mingle over creative cocktails and small bites, browse the latest exhibits, and watch the changing desert light in “Knight Rise,” a skyspace installation by James Turrell.

Musical Instrument Museum

Musical instruments from around the world set a stylish stage for up to 1,600 guests at MIM. The museum’s spacious, contemporary architecture and flexible gathering spaces, including the 299-seat MIM Music Theater, harmonize beautifully with any occasion.

Western Spirit: Scottsdale’s Museum of the West

One of Old Town’s newest gems, Western Spirit celebrates the art, culture and history of the American West. Banquets, receptions and other gatherings for 25 to 500 guests take on a sophisticated Western flair, and groups booking the museum also are granted access to galleries and exhibits during the event.

OdySea Aquarium

Sharks, penguins and tropical fish in the desert? Absolutely! There are few “cooler” experiences than dining while surrounded by colorful, exotic fish from the oceans and rivers of the world. OdySea, the Southwest’s largest aquarium can host groups up to 250 for seated banquets and 2,800 for receptions.

Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts

This elegant, contemporary performing arts center offers five flexible indoor venues, including the 853-seat Virginia G. Piper Theater, 6,200-square-foot Dayton Fowler Grafman Atrium, and the Mezzanine Lounge, a second-floor perch for 120 guests that overlooks the Center’s expansive lobby.

Heard Museum

An event at the Heard Museum of Native American art and culture can include the tranquil sounds of flute music, demonstrations by Native artisans, and championship-level hoop dance performances. The Heard offers several flexible indoor spaces, the largest of which is the 4,489-square-foot Steele Auditorium, accommodating 500 guests reception-style or 330 banquet-style.

Skylanes

This relative newcomer to Old Town’s Entertainment District isn’t your father’s bowling alley. Perched on the second floor above Casa Amigos restaurant, Skylanes offers six high-tech, digitally enhanced lanes and a spacious craft cocktail lounge that together can accommodate up to 300 guests.
 

Octane Raceway

When your group feels the need for speed, there’s no better venue than Octane Raceway. In addition to high-speed elect go-karts and a 1/3-mile indoor/outdoor track, Octane offers 4,000 square feet of configurable meeting and event space for groups of 10 to 500. And if they’d like to save the world from marauding zombies, the adrenaline junkies in your group can suit up for the Octane’s Velocity VR virtual reality game.