New Year, New Events in Scottsdale
With the new year peeking around the corner, folks are clamoring for fun activities to get new beginnings off on the right foot. What better way to kick off the new year than a visit (or two!) to Scottsdale? This bustling Arizona hotspot will have you asking for more!
It's not just that Scottsdale is a small-sized city with big city art, cuisine and activities; the start of the new year promises a bevy of world-class events for every kind of traveler. From auto and art shows to sports games and horse shows and even a stop along the PGA Tour, Scottsdale is the premiere destination for all kinds of events you don't want to miss.
Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Auctions
Car enthusiasts from every stretch of the planet descend on Scottsdale each January for the Barrett-Jackson Auto Auction, a week-long extravaganza of collector car auctions and automotive lifestyle events that run January 21-29, 2023. Dubbed "The World's Greatest Collector Car Auctions," the event is where "hundreds of the most sought-after, unique and valuable automobiles cross the block in front of a global audience," boasts the Barrett-Jackson website. And when you want a break from the auction action, take a stroll through the exhibitor marketplace, a sprawling car-lovers dreamscape that features cars, products, services, demonstrations, prizes and free giveaways for every niche of the auto industry. Don't just catch this televised event from your couch, get in on the action in Scottsdale and soak up all the fun.
Celebration of Fine Art
Art junkies will have a field day at the Scottsdale art show that is one of the finest art events in the western half of the country. Come peruse under "big white tents" over 40,000 square feet of studios and works of art from 100 artists for art lovers - both new and seasoned - looking for something fresh and bold. "From painters, sculptors and jewelry makers, to photographers, fiber and glass artists, and more," the finely curated collections offer something for everyone to enjoy, according to the Celebration of Fine Art website. This 10-week long event (running January 14 - March 26, 2023) features a sculpture court, cafe and art discovery series, which is a weekly panel discussion about the stories behind the creation of some of the event's most interesting pieces on display. Hear from your favorite artists at the show, enjoy delectable wine and cheese, and mingle with other art lovers at this boisterous art event found only in Scottsdale.
WM Phoenix Open
In partnership with the Thunderbirds, a special events committee in Phoenix that helps put on the golf tournament, WM, the leading provider of waste management services in North America, hosts the WM Phoenix Open, a week-long (February 6-12, 2023) official tournament that's a part of the PGA Tour. Golf fans - over 700,000 strong - have the opportunity to partake in a number of thrilling events in conjunction with the tournament, including a tee-off luncheon, exclusive club membership offerings, and concert series.
Tee-off the tournament with the second annual Concert in the Coliseum, featuring a live performance from pop group sensation Maroon 5 and Walker Hayes. Guests will make their way from the grand entrance, taking in beverage samplings and fun activations, as they arrive at the concert staged at the 16th hole. And don't miss out on the Coors Light Birds Nest concert series, a four-night musical event with artists Jason Aldean, Mackenzie Porter, Machine Gun Kelly, The Chainsmokers and Gryffin. Check out the WM Phoenix Open website to get tickets and plan your golf tournament experience.
MLB Spring Training
Baseball fans take note: Scottsdale is home to the Cactus League, an association that works in conjunction with many Major League Baseball franchises to host a full line up of spring training games. This upcoming season features the San Francisco Giants playing at Scottsdale Stadium, and the Arizona Diamondbacks and Colorado Rockies playing at Salt River Fields. Be sure to visit the Cactus League website to access the full schedule. Here's a pro-tip: check out the website's trip planner, stadium map and directory to customize your spring training trip. With so many exciting upcoming games in Scottsdale, it's time to play ball!
Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show and Western Week
Held at WestWorld of Scottsdale from February 16-26, 2023, the horse show features 2,400 of the finest horses in competition for top honors. "A win at Scottsdale can mean big money in the breeding barns," proclaims the Arabian Horse Show website. "[The show] brings top owners, trainers and breeders from around the world." With so much fierce competition, the Arabian Horse Show is an event that can't be missed on your trip to Scottsdale. And if horses, cowboy hats and spurs put you in a western mood, don't forget to visit Scottsdale's Western Week, a celebration of the city's rich heritage and western legacy. The week-long event is a consortium of parades, Native American festivals, the Hashknife Pony Express, gold mining, live music, and museum exhibits, culminating into one "heck of a good time," explains the Western Week website.
Plan Your Visit
If you are looking for the best way to start your new year, saddle up for a bevy of exciting events in Scottsdale. Visit Experience Scottsdale for the lowdown on all the events mentioned above, as well as tips on the best sips and bites and luxurious stays for your next trip.