Scottsdale, Az Events & Calendar - The Best Signature Events You Shouldn't Miss

Scottsdale, Arizona isn't just known for luxury real estate and beautiful weather — it’s a hub for world-class events that attract visitors, celebrities, and investors from all over the world. From prestigious car auctions to elite polo matches and top-tier golf tournaments, Scottsdale’s calendar is packed with experiences that reflect its upscale desert lifestyle.

Whether you're a visitor planning a trip or a local homeowner enjoying the city’s culture, here's your ultimate guide to the top annual events held in Scottsdale, AZ, and how they define this high-profile community.

1. Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Auction

📍 WestWorld of Scottsdale
📅 Held every January
🔗 Visit Barrett-Jackson Event Site

There’s no event more synonymous with Scottsdale than Barrett-Jackson, the world’s greatest collector car auction. Spanning over a week, this event showcases luxury, exotic, muscle, and classic cars with millions of dollars in bids and celebrity sightings. It’s more than an auction — it’s a lifestyle event complete with exhibits, food vendors, test drives, and an electric nightlife atmosphere.

Homebuyers and investors often fly into Scottsdale just for this event, and many of them fall in love with the city and decide to buy real estate afterward.

👉 Explore Scottsdale luxury homes like those seen at Barrett-Jackson

2. Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show

📍 WestWorld of Scottsdale
📅 Every February
🔗 Visit Arabian Horse Association of Arizona

Started in 1955, the Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show is one of the largest and most prestigious Arabian horse shows in the world. It features over 2,400 horses and competitors from around the globe. This family-friendly event spans 10+ days and includes everything from elite showmanship and equestrian performance to vendors and educational booths.

It’s a deep cultural tradition that highlights Scottsdale’s equestrian heritage and upscale desert identity.

3. WM Phoenix Open (PGA Tour)

📍 TPC Scottsdale – Stadium Course
📅 Held every early February
🔗 Visit WM Phoenix Open Website

Also known as “The People’s Open,” this is one of the largest and most attended golf events in the world. What sets it apart? The infamous 16th hole, where fans cheer and boo in stadium seating like a college football game. The week includes Pro-Am events, celebrity appearances, and VIP after-parties at the Coors Light Birds Nest.

For those looking to relocate or network, the WM Phoenix Open is an ideal opportunity to mix business, pleasure, and golf in one of Arizona’s finest golf communities.

🏌️‍♂️ See homes near TPC Scottsdale and other golf properties

4. Bentley Scottsdale Polo Championships

📍 WestWorld Polo Field
📅 Held every November
🔗 Visit The Polo Party Website

If you love champagne, horsepower, and hats, the Bentley Scottsdale Polo Championships is your scene. Known as “The World’s Greatest Polo Party,” this ultra-glamorous event blends sports, fashion, cars, and culture.

Expect private cabanas, luxury tents, art showcases, exotic car displays, and after-parties that go well into the night. It’s one of Scottsdale’s most exclusive social events — a major draw for celebrities, athletes, and influencers.

🎩 Explore luxury homes for sale in North Scottsdale

5. Scottsdale Arts Festival

📍 Scottsdale Civic Center
📅 Every March
🔗 Visit Scottsdale Arts Festival

Celebrating art, music, and community, the Scottsdale Arts Festival features hundreds of fine artists, live music performances, food vendors, and creative experiences. This event is perfect for art collectors, creatives, and families looking to engage in Scottsdale’s vibrant local scene.

It's a reflection of how Scottsdale seamlessly blends art and upscale living. For those who appreciate cultural enrichment, the surrounding Old Town Scottsdale neighborhoods are perfect for real estate investment.

🎨 Discover homes near Old Town Scottsdale

6. Scottsdale Culinary Festival

📍 Various venues in Scottsdale
📅 Dates vary by year
🔗 Visit Scottsdale League for the Arts

A long-standing local favorite, the Scottsdale Culinary Festival is a gastronomic event that brings together top chefs, food trucks, breweries, and wineries from across Arizona and beyond. With live music, tastings, and wine dinners, it's one of the best ways to explore Scottsdale’s thriving food and drink scene.

Pro tip: Real estate near Downtown Scottsdale and the Waterfront District is booming thanks to walkable access to restaurants and nightlife year-round.

7. Canal Convergence: Water + Art + Light

📍 Scottsdale Waterfront
📅 Every November
🔗 Visit Canal Convergence Site

One of the most innovative events in the Valley, Canal Convergence is a free, outdoor experience featuring large-scale public art installations that interact with the Scottsdale Waterfront Canal. With interactive exhibits, light shows, and live performances, this event blends technology, sustainability, and creativity.

It’s family-friendly and brings together the heart of Scottsdale’s artistic community in a unique and immersive setting.

8. Goodguys Southwest Nationals Car Show

📍 WestWorld of Scottsdale
📅 Held every November
🔗 Visit Goodguys Events Page

The Goodguys Southwest Nationals is one of the largest hot rod and custom car shows in the country, featuring over 3,000 classic and vintage vehicles. Car lovers from around the nation gather to admire craftsmanship, compete, and buy/sell vehicles.

It’s one of the few events where muscle car passion meets family fun and a bit of real estate interest — as many attendees explore relocating to Scottsdale for its car culture and garage-friendly homes.

🚘 Browse homes with large garages in Scottsdale

Why Scottsdale Events Matter to Real Estate Buyers

Scottsdale’s event calendar isn’t just about entertainment — it’s a major lifestyle indicator. Buyers looking for a luxury home in Arizona often choose Scottsdale for its mix of high-end amenities, rich cultural experiences, and vibrant community life.

Each event above brings tens of thousands of visitors to the area, and many of them leave looking for homes. Whether it’s a condo near Old Town, a golf estate, or a luxury home in North Scottsdale, the exposure and excitement of these events drive demand.

Thinking of Moving to Scottsdale?

There’s never been a better time to explore the Scottsdale lifestyle. With events happening year-round, perfect weather, and a booming luxury real estate market, it’s easy to fall in love with Arizona’s most eventful city.

🏡 Click here to browse all Scottsdale homes  

 From golf estates to gated communities and condos near the action — let us help you find your dream property.