If you own a home in Fountain Hills, or Scottsdale, Arizona, you will never have a problem with keeping busy. Here is just a sampling of some local area attractions.
Fountain Hills and Festivals and Annual Events
Art on the Avenue and Farmer’s Market
Local artists display and sell their creations, also homemade goodies and fresh produce
Thursdays Oct to April 11am-5pm
Avenue of the Fountains
Jazz in the Hills
Starting in October
Alchemy in the CopperWynd Resort
Great Art Fair
February
Avenue of the Fountains
Concerts in the Park
Sundays, March 1:15-4 pm
Fountain Park Amphitheatre
“The Memorial Disc Golf Tournament”
March
Fountain Park
Mountain to Fountain 15K
March
McDowell Mountain Regional Park to Fountain Park
St. Patrick’s Day Celebration
March 17 th-noon
Watch as the Fountain turns emerald green at noon in celebration of St.Patrick’s Day
Thunderbird Artisits Fine Art & Wine Affaire
March
Avenue of the Fountains
Movie in the Park
April
Fountain Park Amphitheater
Paws Around the Fountain- Pet-Adopt-A-Thon
April
Fountain Park
30+rescue groups presenting animals for adoption
Eggstravaganza
April
Golden Eagle Park
Easter Sunrise Service
April
Fountain Park
Orme Dam Victory Days
November, 9 am – 10 pm
Each year, the Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation commemorates the 960-member tribe’s successful struggle to prevent the construction of a dam which would have flooded the community. go to www.ftmcdowell.org.
Casinos in Scottsdale and Fountain Hills
Casino Arizona (Salt River) (480) 850.7777
East of Loop 101 at McKellips Road and 92nd Street in Scottsdale.
Casino Arizona (Talking Stick) (480) 850.7777
1 mile east of Loop 101 on Indian Bend Road in Scottsdale.
Fort McDowell Casino (800) THE-FORT
Highway 87 and Fort McDowell Road in Fountain Hills.
Scottsdale Annual Festivals and Events
Hundreds of Events. Seems like there’s an annual event or festival in or around Scottsdale every week. Culinary events, rodeos, parades, auto auctions, Native American celebrations, fairs, a New Year’s Eve Block Party, fashion shows and golf tournaments. This is a list of some of the most popular events and festivals held in the Scottsdale area.
Phoenix Zoo Lights
Held annually from late November through early January. The magical, colorful sights and sounds of The Phoenix Zoo’s holiday light spectacular will make your season sparkle. More than two and a quarter million lights glow and dozens of displays will delight the entire family.
McCormick-Stillman Railroad Holiday Lights
Take a train ride through more than 100,000 lights and a variety of holiday displays that turn the Railroad Park into a winter wonderland. Opening night festivities include a tree lighting ceremony, entertainment and a visit from Santa.
Cowboy Christmas
Rawhide at Wild Horse Pass
Held annually from late November through January 1. Rawhide’s Main Street will be lit with 150,000 lights, including a 100-foot tall “tree of lights” and nightly lighting ceremony.
Scottsdale New Year’s Eve Block Party
Celebrate New Year’s the Scottsdale Way with Champagne &Chefs. Live music on 2 stages, the valley’s hottest DJ’s, cooking demonstrations by award-winning Chefs from some of Arizona’s most distinguished restaurants and midnight fireworks.
P.F. Chang’s Rock ’n’ Roll Arizona Marathon
Held annually during January, the P.F. Chang’s® Rock ’n’ Roll Arizona Marathon & 1/2 Marathon tours through three of Arizona’s most vibrant cities. It’s perfect winter running weather and live music every mile.
FBR Open (Phoenix Open)
Held annually in late January. A community event/happening — commonly referred to as “The Greatest Show on Grass”. Annually sporting the largest crowds on the PGA TOUR, the FBR Open has gained near legendary status on TOUR for being unlike any other golf tournament.
Arizona National Quarter Horse Show
The annual Arizona National Quarter Horse Show held at WestWorld runs for a week during January. It is an annual Phoenix tradition since 1948. The Quarter Horse Shows are sanctioned and approved by the American Quarter Horse Association and the Arizona Quarter Horse Association.
Annual Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show
Held during February each year, the Annual Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show has set the pace in the Arabian horse world. It has grown from 50 horses to nearly 2000 horses bringing top owners, trainers and breeders from around the world competing for a chance at winning.
Arizona Sun Circuit Quarter Horse Show
Held eight says each late January, the Arizona Sun Circuit Quarter Horse Show features speed, elegance and athleticism. Watch 1,500 of the country’s best quarter horses compete for $200,000 in prizes. Horses and riders from 45 states and 10 foreign countries ride in five rings.
Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Auction
Held annually during January, The Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Event is referred to as the “World’s Greatest Collector Car Auction” and is the event to buy and sell the finest quality automobiles. It is also recognized as one of the premier automotive lifestyle events in the world.
Native Trails
Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation
Every January through April the Scottsdale Civic Center Mall comes alive. A variety of Native American performers will present musical performances using traditional instruments and a variety of tribal dances
Arizona Bike Week at WestWorld
The Bike Week Festival is held annually at the end of March to celebrate the sport of mortorcycling. The event at WestWorld covers five days of concerts, trick riding, charity rides, custom bike builders and a rockin’ good party time.
Celebration of Fine Art
This annual event is held from the mid-January to the end of March. Housed in the well-known “big white tents on Scottsdale Road”, the Celebration presents a wide variety of art in all styles from traditional to contemporary, sculpture, glass, jewelry, furniture and ceramics.
McDowell Mountain Music Festival
Held each April at WestWorld, the festival was founded as a charity benefit and provides a community gathering amidst RV and tent camping, delectable food, and an exclusive VIP area and kid’s activities. The tone of music ranging from rhythm and blues, Cajun, SKA, bluegrass and jazz.
Scottsdale ArtWalk
Held every Thursday evening, year- round (except Thanksgiving) from 7-9 pm. Each week, Scottsdale Gallery Association members host special exhibits – many with artist receptions – and join together for an informal come-and-go “open house” throughout the District.
Scottsdale Culinary Festival
Held annually during April, the festival is the longest running of its kind in the United States. It draws more than 40,000 visitors looking to enjoy fabulous food, fun and festivities (not to mention idyllic weather!). Scottsdale Culinary Festival has something for everyone!
Carefree Fine Art and Wine Festival
Held annually during January. These nationally acclaimed, juried fine art festivals attract artists and art collectors from throughout the United States and abroad, all sharing in their love and appreciation for magnificent fine art.
Scottsdale Fine Art & Chocolate Festival
More than 150 world-class, jury selected artists from throughout the United States and abroad. Enjoy paintings, bronzes and sculptures in all mediums; ranging in subjects from western and traditional to contemporary, whimsical and abstract
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