It’s for good reason that Scottsdale stays in the travel spotlight year after year. This sunny Southwest city is well-known for its beautiful desert landscape and luxurious lifestyle – but it’s just as famous for its year-round schedule of marquee events. We’ve curated a list of Luxus fan favorites that you can plan your next Scottsdale vacation around. Whether you’re a sports, arts, equine or gourmand enthusiast, Scottsdale has an event on the calendar to suit everyone’s tastes – and more!
Every January, hundreds of thousands of auto aficionados descend on the WestWorld event centre in North Scottsdale for an entire week of exotic and classic car auctions. One of the largest, and most prestigious, automotive events in the world, the auctions are your chance to see (and bid) on an impressive variety of cars with unique stories, including: celebrity-owned vehicles, cars from popular films, vintage cars, muscle cars, and even automotive memorabilia like gas pumps and neon signs. The auctions are open to the public with an admission fee; kids aged 12 and under are free.
If you like food, live music and plenty of fun, then you’ll want to time your trip to Scottsdale with this parade and festival. A month-long tradition since the 1950s, the February event treats audiences to the largest horse-drawn parade in the world. More than 35,000 spectators fill the streets of Old Town Scottsdale every year to see nearly 150 parade floats and entries – followed up with a festive, family-friendly, and Western-themed street party you won’t want to miss.
The golfers in your life will absolutely love the chance to attend this 90-year-old PGA Tour event, otherwise known as both “The People’s Open” and “The Greatest Show on Grass”. As the best-attended golf tournament in the world, the event draws more than 700,000 fans to TPC Scottsdale every February to see hall-of-fame champion players, experience the legendary enthusiastic atmosphere, and participate in the notorious ritual of 16th hole (the loudest cheering section of the PGA Tour). Get your tickets early as this event sells out fast!
The world’s largest Arabian horse show is held in Scottdale at the WestWorld event centre each February. As the first leg in the Arabian Triple Crown, the show features more than 2,200 horses and their owners, trainers and breeders – all in competition for jumping, pleasure driving, costuming, working western and much more. Nicknamed the "Super Bowl of the Arabian World," this family-friendly event draws massive crowds and acts as a fundraiser for many worthwhile charities.
From February to March every year, Scottsdale becomes the heart of Arizona’s baseball scene, with multiple major league teams playing across the city’s local stadiums. Known as the Cactus League Spring Training, the event brings 15 teams who play more than 200 games at 10 stadiums in 34 days in front of more than 2 million attendees. This is definitely a must-see, up-close baseball experience for friends, families, and fans of all kinds!
Minor league teams also gather in Scottsdale in the fall (October and November) for playoff and championship games at the Scottsdale Stadium – another great option for baseball fans seeking a little off-season action.
This week-long event is held in September and brings both high-end designers and popular department-store brands to fashion-forward Scottsdale. Attend runway shows, designer presentations, and related fashion events at different venues throughout Scottsdale. This is a fun and immersive way to see both established and emerging designers from across the country debut their newest collections.
Looking for more ideas for your stay in Scottsdale? Our concierge team is ready to help make your next visit to Arizona your best yet. Browse our beautiful vacation rentals at The Rocks Scottsdale, and contact us today to see how our local LVP staff can help make your trip as personalized and seamless as possible.
Q: What time of year are Scottsdale’s biggest annual events held?
A: Scottsdale’s major annual events span the calendar — from winter’s exciting golf and arts festivals to spring’s peak outdoor celebrations and fall’s food and cultural gatherings. Most events occur between February and November, with timing varying slightly each year.
Q: Do I need to book my vacation rental early for Scottsdale event weekends?
A: Yes — popular events like the Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Auction, Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show, and the WM Phoenix Open attract crowds and sell out local lodging early. Booking your vacation rental well in advance ensures the best availability and pricing.
Q: Are Scottsdale’s annual events suitable for families?
A: Many events are family-friendly — like art festivals, parades, outdoor concerts, and seasonal celebrations. Some may appeal more to adults (e.g., nightlife or wine events), so checking age suitability before planning is helpful.
Q: Are tickets or reservations required for the events mentioned here?
A: Some events require advance ticket purchases or event passes, while others are free and open to the public. It’s best to check the official event websites ahead of time for tickets, schedules, and any capacity limits.
Q: Can I visit Scottsdale year-round and still enjoy events and activities?
A: Absolutely — Scottsdale offers a vibrant event calendar throughout the year, plus pleasant weather, excellent golf, hiking, restaurants, and shopping — making it a great destination in every season, even outside of major event dates.
