The annual Parada del Sol Parade and Trail's End Festival is part of Western Week in Old Town Scottsdale Source: Christine Johnson for City of Scottsdale

The Hottest Events in Scottsdale

Roger Porter READ TIME: 6 MIN. SPONSORED

With 2024 just on the horizon, Scottsdale is cooking up some of the hottest and most exciting events the new year has to offer for LGBTQ+ friends and family. From auto and art shows to sports games and horse races and even a stop along the PGA Tour, Scottsdale is the premiere destination for all kinds of events. This bustling Arizona hotspot will have you asking for more!

The annual Parada del Sol Parade and Trail's End Festival is part of Western Week in Old Town Scottsdale
Source: Christine Johnson for City of Scottsdale

Celebrations of Fine Art

Curious about fine art? Live out your fantasies, get inspired and maybe pick up a few pieces for your home at Celebration of Fine Art. This two-month convention brings artists and art lovers together for one of the biggest celebrations of art in the western side of the country. Peruse a sprawling display of over 40,000 square feet of studios, displays and works of art from hundreds of artists. Discover pieces that are fresh, bold and crafted with care. "From painters, sculptors and jewelry makers, to photographers, fiber and glass artists, and more," the finely curated collections offer something for everyone.

Beyond the art, Celebrations of Art runs January 13 to March 24, 2024 and features a sculpture court and cafe. There is also an art discovery series, 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.

A shiny GTO on display at Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Auction
Source: Provided

Barrett-Jackson 2024 Scottsdale Auction

Car enthusiasts rev your engines because you don't want to miss this! Every January, Barrett-Jackson puts on a week-long extravaganza of collector car auctions and automotive lifestyle events. The event showcases hundreds of the sexiest cars on the planet, not to mention autos that are unique and valuable collector's items for car fans who come from every stretch of the planet. No wonder this auto show is dubbed "the world's greatest collector car auctions."

And when you want a break from the auction action, take a stroll through the exhibitor marketplace, a sprawling car-lovers paradise that features autos, products, services, demonstrations, prizes and free giveaways for every niche of the auto industry. Don't just catch this televised event from the couch – get in on the action in Scottsdale, mingle with fellow car fans and soak up all the fun!

San Francisco Giants Spring Training at Scottsdale Stadium in Old Town. Credit: Christine Johnson for City of Scottsdale.
Source: Provided

MLB Spring Training

Baseball fans rejoice! Scottsdale and neighbor Phoenix are 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. With 15 MLB teams playing games across 10 stadiums in the Scottsdale and Phoenix area, you'll have plenty of ballgames to catch during your visit. The upcoming season features the San Francisco Giants, Arizona Diamondbacks, Colorado Rockies and so many more. Visit the Cactus League 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 schedule. With so many exciting upcoming games in Scottsdale and around the valley, it's time to play ball!

2022 Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show
Source: Connie Waldo for Experience Scottsdale

Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show and Western Week

Saddle up equestrian fans because the 2024 Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show features some of the most competitive horses in the world. Held at WestWorld this February 15-25, watch as 2,400 horses compete for top honors. "Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show brings top owners, trainers and breeders from around the world," proclaims the website. "And a win at Scottsdale can mean big money in the breeding barns." Don't miss the fierce competition. Check out the show that happens only in Scottsdale.

If horses, cowboy hats and spurs put you in a western mood, don't miss out on Scottsdale's Western Week, a celebration of the city's rich heritage and western legacy. The week-long party is a consortium of parades, Native American festivals, gold mining, live music, and museum exhibits. Come out for Western Week and see why all the exciting events earn its keep as a "heck of a good time."

The 2023 Waste Management Phoenix Open at the TPC Scottsdale
Source: Analisa Shah for Experience Scottsdale

WM Phoenix Open

WM, the leading provider of waste management services in North America, hosts the WM Phoenix Open, a week-long (February 5-11) official tournament dubbed "The People's Open" along the PGA Tour. More than 700,000 golf fans flock to Phoenix to partake in thrilling activities in conjunction with the tournament. Must-do events include a tee-off luncheon, exclusive club membership offerings, Skybar, and Coors Light Birds Nest Concert Series.

Tee-off the tournament with the inaugural Concert in the Coliseum, featuring a live performance from Grammy Award-nominated and global superstar Post Malone. Guests make their way from the grand entrance, mingling with beverage samplings and fun activations, and arrive at the concert staged at the 16th hole. This year's Coors Light Birds Nest Concert Series showcases a four-night musical event, featuring Duran Duran, Dierks Bentley, and Hardy & Bailey Zimmerman with special guest Mike. Grab your tickets now – they're going fast!

Plan Your Visit

Make your new year a blast with some of the most exciting events happening only in Scottsdale. Visit Experience Scottsdale for more information on all the events mentioned above, as well as tips on the best sips, bites and luxurious stays for your next trip.


by Roger Porter

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