Fun Scottsdale Events November 2-5, 2023 means lots of fun things to do. Fall’s in full swing weekend! Canal Convergence is back, Bentley Scottsdale Polo Championships, Dreamy Draw Country Music Festival at the Civic Center, the Fall Fine Arts Show and more – whew!
Weekend Temps will be in the 70s and 80s — we’re loving Fall! Scroll for FREE! fun and low-cost things to do in Scottsdale.
- Canal Convergence 2023 – FREE!
- Fall Fine Arts Show 2023 – FREE!
- Dreamy Draw Country Music Festival 2023 – Civic Center Park
- Bentley Scottsdale Polo Championships 2023 at WestWorld
- Scottsdale’s Museum of the West
- Rock ‘n’ Roll Car Show – Pavilions at Talking Stick – FREE!
- Scottsdale Movie Date
- My In-theater pics this week:
- Art, Music, Theater, Festivals, Comedy
- Upcoming Scottsdale Events October 2023:
- Shopping Malls in Scottsdale
- Scottsdale Outdoor Activities
- Churches and Temples in Scottsdale
Canal Convergence 2023 – FREE!
The Annual Water + Art + Light Show at the Waterfront in Scottsdale:
- FRI, NOV 3, 6-10 PM
- SAT NOV 4, 6-10 PM
- SUN NOV 5 – THURS NOV 9, 6-9 PM
- FRI NOV 10 – SAT NOV 11, 6-10 PM
- SUN NOV 12, 6–9 PM
Fall Fine Arts Show 2023 – FREE!
- THURS, NOV 2: 11 AM – 9 PM
- FRI, NOV 3: 11 AM – 8 PM
- SAT, NOV 4: 11 – 4 PM
Scottsdale Arts District, Old Town | Park MAP | Street MAP
Dreamy Draw Country Music Festival 2023 – Civic Center Park
Dreamy Draw Country Music Festival | MAP
Bentley Scottsdale Polo Championships 2023 at WestWorld
SAT NOV 4 | Times Vary for Events
Bentley Scottsdale Polo Championships | Tickets | MAP
Scottsdale’s Museum of the West
Visit our treasured Museum of the West [post from my lens]! See the Werner Segarra photo exhibition, Vaqueros de la Cruz del Diablo [until FEB ’24]!
Voted the Best Western Museum [website] of the West by True West Magazine! You’ll easily see why when you go.
It’s a great and inexpensive way to spend some quiet time in a modern indoor/outdoor space, getting wowed by extraordinary Art. And, learning about the Old West, Hispanic, and Native American life, history, and culture.
Rock ‘n’ Roll Car Show – Pavilions at Talking Stick – FREE!
SAT NOV 4:, 4-8 PM: Rock ‘n’ Roll Car Show | MAP
Scottsdale Movie Date
New Features and Classic Films
Harkins Camelview Theatre at Fashion Square
THU NOV 2 | FRI NOV 3 | SAT NOV 4 | SUN NOV 5:
Moonlight Cinema® on the rooftop of Fashion Square is back! See classic movies under the stars with reclining beach chairs, wireless hi-fi headsets, and treats! Featured Moonlight Cinema® Classics This Week:
FRI NOV 3, 6:45 PM – Early Show
Star Wars IV: A New Hope [<< trailer]
‘The Imperial Forces — under orders from cruel Darth Vader (David Prowse) — hold Princess Leia (Carrie Fisher) hostage, in their efforts to quell the rebellion against the Galactic Empire. Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill) and Han Solo (Harrison Ford), captain of the Millennium Falcon, work together with the companionable droid duo R2-D2 (Kenny Baker) and C-3PO (Anthony Daniels) to rescue the beautiful princess, help the Rebel Alliance, and restore freedom and justice to the Galaxy.’ [Google] 1977
Ratings: 8.6/10 IMDb | 93 % Rotten Tomatoes | Google Users Liked: 90% | PG | 2 HRS 1 MIN
FRI NOV 3, 9:30 PM – Late Show
Talledega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby [<< trailer] Comedy, Sport, Action
‘NASCAR superstar Ricky Bobby (Will Ferrell) is at the top of his game; adored by fans, a trophy wife by his side, and incredible wealth. But Ricky loses it all when French Formula One champion Jean Girard (Sacha Baron Cohen) roars onto the scene. Ricky, with the help of his ruthless father, must pull himself out of the depths of despair and restore his honor on the racetrack.’ Google
Ratings: 6.6 /10 IMDb | 71% Rotten Tomatoes | 82% Google Users | PG-13 | 1 HR 24 MIN
SAT NOV 4, 6:45 – Early Show
CLUELESS [<< trailer] RomCom. 1995
‘Shallow, rich and socially successful Cher (Alicia Silverstone) is at the top of her Beverly Hills high school’s pecking scale. Seeing herself as a matchmaker, Cher first coaxes two teachers into dating each other. Emboldened by her success, she decides to give hopelessly klutzy new student Tai (Brittany Murphy) a makeover. When Tai becomes more popular than she is, Cher realizes that her disapproving ex-stepbrother (Paul Rudd) was right about how misguided she was — and falls for him.’ [Google]
Ratings: 6.9 /10 IMDb | 81% Rotten Tomatoes | 86% Google Users | PG-13 | 1 HR 39 MINS
SAT NOV 4, 9:20 – Late Show
The Princess Bride [<< trailer] 1987.
‘A fairy tale adventure about a beautiful young woman and her one true love. He must find her after a long separation and save her. They must battle the evils of the mythical kingdom of Florin to be reunited with each other. Based on the William Goldman novel “The Princess Bride” which earned its own loyal audience.’
Ratings: 8 /10 IMDb | 98% Rotten Tomatoes | 87% Google Users | PG | 1 HR 38 MINS
My In-theater pics this week:
Anatomy of a Fall [<< trailer] Indie Crime Drama
‘A woman is suspected of her husband’s murder, and their blind son faces a moral dilemma as the sole witness.’ [Google]
Ratings: IMDb 7.9/10 | 96% Rotten Tomatoes | 83% Google Users Liked | R | 1 HR 42 MINS
Killers of the Flower Moon [<< trailer] Based on the novel of the same name and directed by Martin Scorsese, the gritty, long western drama is dedicated to the late musician Robbie Robertson, and of course, stars Robert DeNiro in addition to Leonardo DiCaprio, Lily Gladstone and Brendan Frazier.
‘In the 1920s, members of the Osage Native American tribe of Osage County, Oklahoma, are murdered after oil is found on their land, and the FBI decides to investigate..’ [Google]
Ratings: IMDb 8.2/10 | 92% Rotten Tomatoes | 81% Google Users Liked | R | 3 HRS 27 MINS
Here are other other films playing this week and everything you need to know about Harkins! See you at the movies!
Art, Music, Theater, Festivals, Comedy
Scottsdale ArtWalk — FREE!
THU NOV 2, 7:00 – 9 PM | Scottsdale ArtWalk in Old Town.
Live Music Daily, Weekly, Weekends — Downtown | Old Town
- JOJO Coffeehouse — Live music at Brunch, SAT/SUN 11 AM – 2 PM
- Belle’s Nashville Kitchen — Live music daily
- Rusty Spur Saloon — Since 1951. Live music every day
- Dierks Bentley Whiskey Row — Live music weekly
Parking Map and Tips in Old Town
Arrive early for good parking or hitch a ride share! Here are other fun, safe ways to avoid Old Town traffic snarls, tickets and DUIs: Riding Around Old Town Scottsdale.
Old Town Parking Map
Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts
- Check here for this weekend’s events!
Ravenscroft Jazz in Scottsdale
An intimate setting in North Scottsdale for Jazz. Check out their Events Calendar!
Talking Stick Resort Events
Orange Sky Lounge Entertainment
Friday and Saturday 7 – 11 PM – FREE!
- FRI NOV 3: Gustavo Angeles Trio
- SAT NOV 4: Paul Wells Duo
Casino Arizona
Tribute Band Weekend faves:
FRIDAYS AND SATURDAYS AT 7:30 PM
Tickets sell out fast — don’t miss your favorite shows!
Scottsdale Drag Shows
FRI / SAT ONGOING: 7 PM | Illusions the Drag Queen Show | Tickets | Old Town | MAP
FRI ONGOING, 7 PM: Diva Royale Drag Queen Show | Tickets | Wasted Grain Old Town | MAP
SAT ONGOING, 1:30 PM | Diva Royale Drag Queen Show | Wasted Grain Old Town | Tickets | MAP
Upcoming Scottsdale Events October 2023:
Plan ahead so no more FOMO. Look for FREE! events and get your tickets! Don’t miss any of these peak Scottsdale experiences:
Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts
Check here for upcoming events!
Scottsdale Quarter Fall Concert Series 2023 – FREE!
Live Music Saturdays 10/28 – 11/4!
Fall Concert Series Lineup:
- 11/04- Sandra Bassett
Talking Stick Resort Events
- SUN NOV 19, 7:30 PM: John Fogerty | Tickets
Casino Arizona
Tribute Band Weekend faves:
FRIDAYS AND SATURDAYS AT 7:30 PM
Tickets sell out fast — don’t miss your favorite shows!
Scottsdale Farmers Markets
Old Town Farmers Market:
SATURDAYS, 8 AM – 1 PM: FREE! Admission | MAP
Farmers Market North Scottsdale:
SATURDAYS, 9 AM – 1 PM: FREE! Admission | MAP
NOTE: Check their FB Page before you trek out there. They change their locations frequently.
Shopping Malls in Scottsdale
You’re in a shopping paradise, whether you’re visiting or live here! We have 3 stellar outdoor malls, plus the Taj Mahal of Malls. Dress up or down. Comfy shoes to get your steps in. Meet for coffee, lunch or dinner. Go on a solo date. People watch. Window shop. Splurge on the perfect find or grab a bargain! Here are my blogs — ready, set, go have fun!
Scottsdale Fashion Square Mall Walking
Walk at the Taj Mahal of Scottsdale malls for a cool and luxurious early indoor walk! FREE! — unless you find an irresistible must-have when the mall opens for biz! Mall walking hours start at 8 AM daily!
Hitting the Libraries
Scottsdale’s Amazing Public Libraries are a great way to escape indoors, meet new friends, learn, get interactive and of course — read! All for FREE! Here’s the Current Events Calendar.
Discounted Resort Rates are still available — for a romantic weekend getaway at a posh desert oasis, or take the family for a wet and rambunctious staycation. My Resort post has tables to find what suits your vibe – fast!
With lots of outdoor and indoor events — and activities for every age and budget, let’s get out there. Get a bit of sun, soak up some shade and have fun!
Scottsdale Outdoor Activities
Scottsdale’s Trails, Parks, Dog Parks, Greenbelt and Golf Courses
At long last, cool mornings are back, putting a spring in all of our steps! But, with high temps still reaching 95°+/-, let’s stay smart in the heat, especially if you’re visiting. It’s can still be dangerous to you, your loved ones and pets.
Get out early to do your hiking, biking, walking and dog walking, running, golfing, tennis, pickle ball, etc. There are so many desert and flat trails in the city, including Accessible ones. See my posts and table links below.
The Fallish desert is surreal against a backdrop of blue skies, mountains, and the last of the monsoon clouds — amid Scottsdale’s famous architecture and public art. Our sunrises and sunsets make great viewing to bookend our stellar days!
It’s that great time of year when you can still hit the pools in the afternoon. You can enjoy a full day of outdoors, if that’s your thing! Just protect your precious skin.
Our famous golf courses also beckon! Here’s my deluxe golf post:
Golf: Table from N. to S. with all the good stuff!
Let’s watch the sunrise and enjoy these fresh, cool mornings!
FREE! and Low Cost Fun things to do in Scottsdale Outdoors
Free fun things and low cost things to do in Scottsdale include hitting the trails, parks, dog parks Indian Bend Wash Greenbelt! Or take a FREE! ride around town on the Scottsdale Trolley weekdays.
Take the dogs out to rough-house at the dog parks and make new friends! Did you know Scottsdale is the number 1 pet-friendly city?
Top Golf Scottsdale’s Bargain Special:
MON – FRI 10 AM – Noon | $15 per person | Hit unlimited balls!
How about golf, hiking, strolling or cycling to maximize your outdoor fun for FREE!?
Disc Golf is Free! Here you go — everything you need to know and tables of amenities for fast choices to suit everyone’s wants and needs to seize a little sunshine, shade and fresh air!
Here are posts and tables to ease your search for fun and FREE! and low-cost things to do in Scottsdale:
- Aquatic and Fitness Centers
- Hiking, Walking, Mountain Biking, Rock Climbing and Horseback Riding
- The Indian Bend Multi-use Trail, aka the Greenbelt
- Parks, Playgrounds, Fishing and Dog Parks
- Scottsdale Cycling and Self-Propelled Wheeling
- Tennis and Pickleball
Be Smart and Safe in the Desert
The desert is a land of extremes. Be smart. Bring plenty of water and snacks. Wear sunscreen, sunglasses, your hat and the right shoes. Check the weather and bring other appropriate gear.
Be mindful of your furry friends, plus tiny and older ones getting too tired and hot.
If hiking, stay on the trail and watch where you’re stepping, for rattlesnakes, cacti and rocks — no bites, pokes, sprains, falls or helicopter rescues need to spoil your fun. Don’t pester or feed wildlife. Pick up your dog’s poop. Don’t take anything out but your trash and dog poop.
Give yourself plenty of time to make it on and off the trail safely and see a stunning sunrise or sunset.
Churches and Temples in Scottsdale
There are many choices for worship, faith traditions, and community at Scottsdale Churches and Temples. And, if you seek fellowship or are struggling, Scottsdale has a strong 12-Step recovery community. Many recovery meetings are held in churches, temples and North Scottsdale Fellowship Club.
Daylight’s burning for real — let’s go kick up our heels and not miss a minute of fun Scottsdale events — and FREE! fun things to do in Scottsdale, November 2-5, 2023! Play safe.
April Halstead
Scottsdale Lifestyle Blogger
I’m a 5th generation native Arizona gal who loves showing and telling what makes Scottsdale an amazing place to visit and make home! I hope you enjoy our city through my lens, making your own discoveries and memories here!