Fun Scottsdale Events September 14-17, 2023

Fun Scottsdale Events September 14-17, 2023 means lots of fun things to do this weekend! The Vintage Junk in the Trunk is back at WestWorld and Fall Arizona Restaurant Week Scottsdale 2023 continues! Let’s shop ’til we drop and then the eat ’til we’re stuffed. Repeat!

Weekend Temps will be 98-101° +/-, so it might be Fall — but, let’s still make good choices to stay cool and safe. Scroll for FREE! fun and low-cost things to do in Scottsdale

Fall Arizona Restaurant Week Scottsdale 2023

THU SEPT 14 – SUN SEPT 17: 2023 Fall Arizona Restaurant Week

Vintage Market Junk in the Trunk Scottsdale 2023

Vintage Market Junk in the Trunk is back at WestWorld! Wear comfy shoes! You’ll see 160+ purveyors of junque, and artist’s one-of-a-kind originals from all over the place! And, there will be food trucks, live music and great people meeting and watching!

There are tickets for VIP shopping events and general admission. Get your tickets early for special events and to save on admission!

• FRI SEPT 15, 4-9 PM
• SAT SEPT 16, 8 AM – 3 PM
• SUN SEPT 17, 10 AM – 3 PM
• $10 for parking and $8 – $10 admission | Tickets | WestWorld Map

Scottsdale Public Pools, Water Parks, Aquatic Centers and Splash Pads

Looking for a cool time? Then hit Scottsdale’s Public Pools and Splash Pads for lots of water activities! Scottsdale boasts 4 Aquatic Centers and 2 Water Parks — plus 5 Splash Pads! [The Waterparks are now closed for the season.]

Here’s my New Aquatic/Fitness Center post with ALL of the details, and a table of them from N-S of the centers with amenities and links to maps. Plus, how to register for Membership, Passes, Classes and Activities!

Note: while the Aquatic/Fitness Centers, Classes and Activities are not free, unless there are special free events — you can go at a low cost. Both residents and non-residents are welcome to attend. Just be sure to register.

There’s no better way to cool off with more FREE! fun things to do and at a low cost in Scottsdale. Enjoy hours of cool fun in the sun. Wear your sunscreen, hat and sunglasses and bring some water!

Scottsdale’s Splash Pads

Splashing into Old Town just in time for our heat wave is the the revamped Civic Center’s NEW Water and Fog Plaza for kids — FREE!

Scottsdale also has 4 public Splash Pads, Spray Poles, and a Spray Pad maintained by the City — for FREE!

They’re open from mid-March/April 15 — October 15. And, are turned on at 9 AM and off at 7 PM.

Questions? Give ’em a call weekdays 8 AM – 5 PM: (480) 312-7275

They are located at these parks, from N to S:

• The newly revamped Civic Center has Water and Fog plaza for kids to spray themselves silly!
• Spray Pad – Florence Ely Nelson Desert Park | MAP
• Splash Pad – Chestnutt Park | MAP
• Splash Pad – Paiute Park | MAP
• Splash Pad – Vista Del Camino Park | MAP | Note: this is a BIG park. The Splash Pad is located near the parking lot at 7712 E. Roosevelt St.

Scottsdale Quarter’s FREE! Splash Fountain

Scottsdale Quarter Splash Fountain — Yep, and this one’s posh and in N. Scottsdale. Right now, in the blazing heat, they’re running the Pop Jets 24/7, so all can come early and stay late!

Seasonally, the Splash Fountain and Pop Jets run from March/April until ~ October. For the holidays, starting in November, there is flat water with no pop jets. It’s hard to believe it will ever be cold again, huh?

Questions? Call ’em: (480) 270-8123

Here’s my post for Shopping in N. Scottsdale, featuring The Quarter, so you can take turns watching the kids splash, escaping the heat inside icy shops and restaurants.

Scottsdale’s Fall Recreation Class/Activity Sign Up

Registration is open for Scottsdale’s Fall Recreation Classes/Activities and programs. Here’s my new post with EVERYTHING you need to know and do — to register and sign up NOW. You don’t want to miss anything fun you love and that’s on your bucket list!

Scottsdale’s Museum of the West

Get this! Our Best Western Museum was recently voted the Best Western Museum of the West by True West Magazine! You’ll easily see why when you go.

It’s a great and inexpensive way to spend a cool few hours indoors. Get wowed by extraordinary Art. And, learn about the Old West and Native American life and culture.

Stay Cool in Scottsdale

There are lots of ways to stay cool in Scottsdale — here are more FREE! fun things to do, and low cost events and activities.

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 another great way to stay cool, meet new friends, learn, get interactive and of course — read! All for FREE! Here’s the Current Events Calendar.

Heading Outdoors Early and with Caution

With high temps still reaching 100°+/- degrees, be smart in the heat, especially if you’re visiting. It’s dangerous to you, your loved ones and pets — if you’re not careful.

The summer desert is surreal against a backdrop of hot, blue sky, monsoon clouds and mountains — amid Scottsdale’s famous architecture and public art.

You can see these going out in the early mornings, and later in your car with the A/C blasting — or from a patio, pool or balcony to keep cool.

Sunrises and sunsets are striking! But head indoors to avoid a monsoon dust storm, with thunder, lightning and hopefully rain!

Trails, Parks, Dog Parks, Greenbelt and Golf Courses – Early!

Let’s hit the trails, parks, dog parks and our famous golf courses EARLY, watch the sunrise and enjoy the warm mornings before they get too hot.

Free fun things to do in Scottsdale, include hitting the Indian Bend Wash Greenbelt!

How About a Resort Staycation or Daycation?

Discounted Resort Rates are back summer — 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. Soak up some shade and have fun!

Scottsdale Movie Date

New Features and Classic Films

Harkins Camelview Theatre at Fashion Square

THU SEPT 14 | FRI SEPT 15 | SAT SEPT 16 | SUN SEPT 17:

What’s better than hot movies in a cool theater? Here are my pics this week to escape the summer heat:

A Haunting in Venice [<< trailer] is an Agatha Christie Hercule Poirot plot that meets Stephen King’s The Shining. Look like it’ll scare pants off those of us expecting the milder mysteries of the genre we’re used to. Kenneth Branaugh stars alongside Tina Fey, Michelle Yeoh, Jamie Dornan, and others. Set in gorgeous Venice, it looks good. I’m going and I might scream — let the popcorn fly!

Ratings: 84 % Rotten Tomatoes | IGN 8/10 | 81% Google Users Liked | PG-13 | 1 HR 47 MINS

Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe [<< trailer]

An indie male ‘ sweet coming-of-age story’ produced by Lin-Manuel Miranda, ‘grounded by its strong performances.’ [Film Inquiry] It’s based on the best-selling novel by Benjamin Alire Sáenz, about 2 El Paso teenagers growing up. If you’re looking for ‘a beautiful, heartwarming film’ [One Room with a View] this weekend, this is it!

Starring Max Pelayo, Reese Gonzales, and Eva Longoria.

Ratings: IMDb 7.3/10 | 85 % Rotten Tomatoes | 97% Google Users Liked | PG-13 | 1 HR 36 MINS

My Big Fat Greek Wedding 3 [<< trailer], as if 2 weren’t enough! It’s set in gorgeous Greece, so it can’t be all bad. It’s the over-the-top, madcap comedy you’d expect. And, with a familiar cast of characters, including Nia Vardalos, John Corbett and Andrea Martin, along with new, young faces.

Ratings: 5.2/10 IMDb | 28% Rotten Tomatoes | 75% Fandango | 71% Google Users | PG-13 | 1 HR, 32 MINS

Here are other films playing this week and everything you need to know about Harkins! See you at the movies!

Art, Music, Theater and Comedy

Art Walks and Festivals

Scottsdale ArtWalk — FREE!

THU SEPT 14, 7:00 – 9 PM | — FREE! Scottsdale ArtWalk in Old Town. Heat + Monsoon Warning!

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

SAT SEPT 16, 7 PM: Angela Ferrari: The Crown | ‘Tearful, Soul-Jerking Music’ | Tickets | Map

Ravenscroft Jazz in Scottsdale

SAT SEPT 16, 7:30 – 9 PM: JESÚS MOLINA & LOS DROMERS | Tickets | MAP

Talking Stick Resort Events

Orange Sky Lounge Entertainment

Friday and Saturday 7 – 11 PM – FREE!

• FRI SEPT 15: Gustavo Angeles Trio
• SAT SEPT 16: Paul Wells Duo

Casino Arizona

Tribute Band Weekend faves:

FRI, SEPT 15 – SAT, SEPT 16: 7:30 PM

• Savor Santana Tribute

Tickets sell out fast — don’t miss your favorite shows!

Scottsdale Drag Shows

FRI SEPT 15 | SAT SEPT 16: 7 PM | Illusions the Drag Queen Show | Tickets | Old Town | MAP

FRI SEPT 15, 7 PM: Diva Royale Drag Queen Show | Tickets | Wasted Grain Old Town | MAP

SAT SEPT 16, 1:30 PM | Diva Royale Drag Queen Show | Wasted Grain Old Town | Tickets | MAP

Upcoming Scottsdale Events September 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

FRI SEPT 22, 8 PM: Jazz Lounge: Letters to Joni | Tickets | Map

Talking Stick Resort Events

• THU OCT 26, 8 PM: Jake Owen | Tickets
• SUN NOV 19, 7:30 PM: John Fogerty | Tickets

Orange Sky Lounge Entertainment

Friday and Saturday 7 – 11 PM — FREE!

• FRI SEPT 22, 29: Gustavo Angeles Trio
• SAT SEPT 23, 30: Paul Wells Duo

Casino Arizona

Tribute Band Weekend faves:

FRI, SEPT 15 – SAT, OCT 7: 7:30 PM

• Savor Santana Tribute
• Bonfire – A Tribute to AC/DC
• Elton: The Early Years
• Britain’s Finest – Tribute to the Beatles

Tickets sell out fast — don’t miss your favorite shows!

Scottsdale Farmers Markets – Closed Until Fall

Ongoing Scottsdale Outdoor Activities

More Fun things to do in Scottsdale Outdoors

With the desert hot as Hades, get out early this time of year 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 post and table links below. Consider our wonderful water parks and aquatic centers, plus indoor fitness centers — see links and tables below.

Free fun things to do in Scottsdale, include hitting the 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 or low-cost things to do in Scottsdale:

• Aquatic and Fitness Centers
• Hiking, Walking, Mountain Biking, Rock Climbing and Horseback Riding
• Golf: Table from N. to S. with all the good stuff!
• The Indian Bend Multi-use Trail
• 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 and it’s extremely very hot right now. 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.

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, September 14-17, 2023! Play safe.