Fun Scottsdale Events September 21-24, 2023 means lots of fun things to do this weekend, like seeing Lee Ann Rimes! As the weather cools down, more acts and activities are coming back to town!
And, it’s National Hispanic Heritage month! Scottsdale Mayor Ortega just proclaimed our city’s official Hispanic Heritage month is September 15 – October 15.
Weekend Temps will ‘only’ be 95° +/-! The heat’s broken, so we’ll call it 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.
- Scottsdale’s Museum of the West
- Scottsdale Movie Date
- Art, Music, Theater and Comedy
- Upcoming Scottsdale Events September 2023:
- Scottsdale’s Museum of the West
- Stay Cool in Scottsdale
- Scottsdale Movie Date
- Art, Music, Theater and Comedy
- Upcoming Scottsdale Events September 2023:
- Scottsdale Outdoor Activities
- Churches and Temples in Scottsdale
Scottsdale’s Museum of the West
Celebrate National and Scottsdale’s Hispanic Heritage Month with a visit to learn about famous and infamous characters like Pancho Villa!
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.
Scottsdale Quarter Fall Concert Series 2023 – FREE!
Live Music Saturdays 9/23 – 11/4!
Go to the Quad at the Quarter every Saturday from September 23rd – November 4th for a FREE! concert. Bring your lawn ‘chairs and dance moves’ for live music under the palm trees. What a great way to enjoy Fall and community in a beautiful setting!
SAT SEPT 23, 5-7 PM: The Pickup Lines | Mall Map | Google Map
‘The Pickup Lines are a group that is derived from a larger band, 34North. They are a party band that enjoys playing any genre, unapologetically. From Shania Twain to Rage Against The Machine, they rock the house!’
Scottsdale Movie Date
New Features and Classic Films
Harkins Camelview Theatre at Fashion Square
THU SEPT 21 | FRI SEPT 22 | SAT SEPT 23 | SUN SEPT 24:
What’s better than hot movies in a cool theater? Here are my pics this week to escape the heat:
Cassandro [<< trailer] is a new indie film biography/drama/sport and LGBTQ+ film is a fabulous way to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month!
Based on a true story, Gael Garcia Bernal [Mozart in the Jungle], plays ‘Saúl Armendáriz, a homosexual amateur wrestler from El Paso, Texas, [who] rises to international stardom when he creates the character Cassandro, the`Liberace of Lucha Libre.’ He upends not just the macho wrestling world, but also his own life.’ [Google]
Also starring Bad Bunny, Roberta Colindrez, et al. It looks so good – I’m going!
Ratings: IMDb 6.3/10 | 94% Rotten Tomatoes | 89% Google Users Liked | R | 1 HR 47 MINS
Dumb Money [<< trailer] is a dramedy that might be worth a seeing for a matinee. Also based on a true story, it looks like a good plot, but the dialogue and cinematography sound and look rough.
‘Everyday people flip the script on Wall Street and get rich by turning GameStop into one of the world’s hottest companies. In the middle of everything is Keith Gill, a regular guy who starts it all by sinking his life savings into the stock. When his social media posts start blowing up, so does his life and the lives of everyone following him. As a stock tip becomes a movement, everyone gets wealthy — until the billionaires fight back and both sides find their worlds turned upside down.’ [Google]
Starring Paul Dano, Chailene Woodley, Pete Davidson, America Ferrera, Seth Rogan, Nick Offerman, Vincent D’Onofrio, et al.
Ratings: IMDb 7.3/10 | 84% Rotten Tomatoes | 91% Google Users Liked | R | 1 HR 44 MINS
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 21, 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
- FRI SEPT 22, 8 PM: Jazz Lounge: Letters to Joni | Tickets | Map
- SAT SEPT 23, 8 PM: The Concert: A Tribute to ABBA | Tickets | Map
- SUN SEPT 24, 7:30 PM: Lee Ann Rimes the story… so far tour | Tickets | Map
Ravenscroft Jazz in Scottsdale
- FRI SEPT 22, 7:30 – 9 PM: JAZZBIRD NIGHTS: FOLKLORE QUARTET – FEATURING MAX BECKMAN | Tickets | MAP
- SUN SEPT 24, 6-8 PM: JAZZ FOR THE SOUL: BETH LEDERMAN JAZZ CON ALMA | FREE! | MAP
Desert Stages Theatre Fashion Square – Teen Production
- FRI SEPT 22 and SAT SEPT 23, 7:30 PM: Dogfight, the Musical | Tickets | Map
- SAT SEPT 23 and SUN SEPT 24, 2 PM: Dogfight, the Musical | Tickets | Map
Talking Stick Resort Events
Orange Sky Lounge Entertainment
Friday and Saturday 7 – 11 PM – FREE!
- FRI SEPT 22: Gustavo Angeles Trio
- SAT SEPT 23: Paul Wells Duo
Casino Arizona
Tribute Band Weekend faves:
FRI, SEPT 22 – SAT, SEPT 23: 7:30 PM
- Bonfire – A Tribute to AC/DC
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
Scottsdale Quarter Fall Concert Series 2023 – FREE!
Live Music Saturdays 9/23 – 11/4!
Full Fall Concert Series Lineup:
- 9/23- Pickup Lines
- 9/30- Desert Dixie
- 10/07- Crystal Baller
- 10/14- Chad Freeman & Redline
- 10/21- Shallow Water
- 10/28- Rock Lobster
- 11/04- Sandra Bassett
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 29 – SAT, OCT 21: 7:30 PM
- Elton: The Early Years
- Britain’s Finest – Tribute to the Beatles
- Prince Again: A Tribute to Prince
Tickets sell out fast — don’t miss your favorite shows!
Scottsdale Farmers Markets – Closed Until Fall
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 be and stay cool in Scottsdale — here are more FREE! fun things to do, and low cost events and activities.
Scottsdale Public Pools, Water Parks, Aquatic Centers and Splash Pads
There’s still time to enjoy the last splashes of summer before it cools down. 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 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 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.
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 Movie Date
New Features and Classic Films
Harkins Camelview Theatre at Fashion Square
THU SEPT 21 | FRI SEPT 22 | SAT SEPT 23 | SUN SEPT 24:
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 21, 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
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, September 21-24, 2023, 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!