Fun Scottsdale Events, September 28-October 1, 2023

Fun Scottsdale Events September 28 – October 1, 2023 means lots of fun things to do this weekend, like Railfair and the Action and Adventure Festival, and a Concert at the Quarter — all FREE! As the weather cools down, more acts and activities are coming back to town!

It’s National Hispanic Heritage month! Scottsdale Mayor Ortega just proclaimed our city’s official Hispanic Heritage month is September 15 – October 15.

Let’s celebrate with some Mexican food! And, let’s go see Carlos, the Santana Journey Global Premier — a good way to celebrate — see the Movie Date!

Weekend Temps will ‘only’ be 93° +/-! 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.

Railfair 2023 at the Railroad Park — FREE!

Railfair is back at McCormick Stillman Railroad Park, with an ‘Epic Celebration of Railroading!’ See & do these activites for FREE!

• Phoenix Raceway’s NASCAR 75th Anniversary Race Car!
• Robotic Wonders
• West Valley R/C Mariners – radio-controlled and model boats
• Model Railroads
• Scottsdale Live Steamers – All aboard the Arboretum Railroad!
• Paradise and Pacific Railroad – All aboard too!

It says nothing about food, so bringing a picnic might be in order!

SAT SEPT 30 / SUN OCT 1, 10 AM – 5 PM: Railfair at the Railroad Park | FREE!

AZ Boardwalk Action and Adventure Festival — FREE!

‘Meet your favorite action heroes, fly on a zipline, enjoy bounce houses and slides, face painting, live entertainment, action-packed performances, raffle prizes and giveaways, and local vendors for shopping!’ FREE! Dress up and go have a blast!

SAT SEPT 30, 10 AM – 2 PM: Action and Adventure Festival | MAP

Scottsdale’s Museum of the West

Celebrate National and Scottsdale’s Hispanic Heritage Month with a visit to our Best Western Museum. See the new Werner Segarra photo exhibition, Vaqueros de la Cruz del Diablo [until FEB ’24]!

And, learn about famous and infamous characters like Pancho Villa! See exquisite Mexican show saddlery!

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, Hispanic, and Native American life and culture.

• Museum of the West

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 a Fall evening and community in a beautiful setting!

SAT SEPT 23, 5-7 PM: Desert Dixie | Mall Map | Google Map

‘Desert Dixie is a country rock band with versatility that spans from Bluegrass to Country to Heavy Metal. Jam out to unexpected covers of well-known songs along with classics, new country and well-written originals.’

Rock ‘n’ Roll Car Show – Pavilions at Talking Stick – FREE!

SAT SEPT 30, 4-8 PM: Rock ‘n’ Roll Car Show | MAP

Scottsdale Movie Date

New Features and Classic Films

Harkins Camelview Theatre at Fashion Square

THU SEPT 28 | FRI SEPT 29 | SAT SEPT 30 | SUN OCT 1:

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

Carlos [<< trailer] The Santana Journey Global Premier is an indie documentary starring the incomparable Carlos Santana! What great way to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month!

Ratings: 100% Fandango | R | 1 HR 27 MINS

The Origin of Evil [<< trailer] is an indie dark French comedy. Looks like you’ll get a lot of bang for your buck if you’re seeking shock value and gallows humor. Starring French actors I’ve never heard of — subtitles.

‘A woman gets sucked into a world of secrets and betrayal as the battle over her estranged father’s massive estate reveals he’s more than a genial patriarch.’ Google

Ratings: IMDb 6.6/10 | 88% Rotten Tomatoes | 69% Google Users Liked | R | 2 HRS 3 MINS

Surprised by Oxford [<< trailer] is an indie film based on the memoir by Carolyn Weber, starring Rose Reid, Ruairi O’Connor, et al:

‘Emotionally guarded Caro Drake arrives in Oxford with the singular goal of attaining her Ph.D., but through a turbulent friendship with a charming young man, Caro begins to open herself up to mystery, vulnerability and love.’ Google

Ratings: IMDb 7.1/10 | 80% Rotten Tomatoes | R | 2 HRS 3 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. Looks 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

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 SEPT 28, 7:00 – 9 PM | — FREE! 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

• Nothing this weekend, but check here for upcoming events!

Ravenscroft Jazz in Scottsdale

• FRI SEPT 29, 7:00 – 9:30 PM: JAZZBIRD NIGHTS: JACK RADAVICH QUINTET | Tickets
• SAT SEPT 30, 7:30 – 9 PM: Joel Harrison | Tickets

Talking Stick Resort Events

Orange Sky Lounge Entertainment

Friday and Saturday 7 – 11 PM – FREE!

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

Casino Arizona

Tribute Band Weekend faves:

FRI, SEPT 29 – SAT, SEPT 30: 7:30 PM

• Elton: The Early Years

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 September – 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 9/29 – 11/4!

Full Fall Concert Series Lineup:

• 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 29: Gustavo Angeles Trio
• SAT SEPT 30: Paul Wells Duo

Casino Arizona

Tribute Band Weekend faves:

FRI, SEPT 29 – SAT, OCT 21: 7:30 PM

• Britain’s Finest – Tribute to the Beatles
• Prince Again: A Tribute to Prince
• Wild Child – A Tribute to the Doors
• Twisted Gypsy – Tribute to Fleetwood Mac
• L.A. Vation
• The Kings of Queen

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

Scottsdale Farmers Markets – Back SAT OCT 7!

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’s Square of Fashion Downtown
• Kierland, the Quarter, and Promenade North Scottsdale

Stay Cool in Scottsdale

While mornings are finally cool, afternoons are still hot. Here are ways to stay cool in Scottsdale and more FREE! fun things to do, + 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. They’re still running the Pop Jets!

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.

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 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 – October 1, 2023! Play safe.