Insider Tips From Local Experts

Scottsdale Stories

Top 9 Cool Indoor Venues

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

 


The Clayton House

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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

smoca Knight Rise

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

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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

Meetings_Western Spirit

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

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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

Meetings_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

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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.

 


The Fairway House at Grayhawk Golf Club

Fairway House at Grayhawk

The crown jewel of Grayhawk’s event spaces, the Fairway House offers 6,000 square feet of meeting and reception space (combined indoor and outdoor) designed to accommodate groups of 20 to 300 people. Expansive picture windows open up to a large patio with an outdoor fireplace, a neatly manicured event lawn and spectacular golf course views. Other indoor venues at Grayhawk include the Quill Creek Café, Phil’s Grill, Boardroom and the Champions and McDowell rooms.

 


Scottsdale Stadium

Scottsdale Stadium

Located in the heart of Old Town, Scottsdale Stadium offers a unique setting for meetings and events. The Fieldhouse boasts 10,000 square feet of state-of-the-art space and floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the stadium's lush practice field. The 3,000-square-foot Banyan Room offers panoramic views of Old Town and Camelback Mountain.