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Sunset over the Sonoran Desert near Scottsdale, Arizona, with saguaros and riders out on the trail
Scottsdale & Phoenix

The Valley events calendar, month by month

From the WM Phoenix Open and Spring Training to Barrett-Jackson, Arizona Bike Week and the holiday luminarias, here’s what’s happening in Scottsdale & Phoenix all year, and how to turn any trip into a desert adventure.

See what’s on this monthor book a desert tour
Happening now & next

What’s on in October & November

Prime season is back: fall festivals, Halloween happenings and flawless desert-tour weather.

October · Perfect weather returns, sunny days in the 80s and cool nights.

Full October guide →

November · coming up

Full November guide →
The whole year

Scottsdale & Phoenix events by month

Tap any month for the full guide, what’s on, what the weather’s doing, and the best desert tour to pair with your trip.

JanuaryWinter
  • Fiesta Bowl & Parade
  • Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Auction
January guide →
FebruaryWinter
  • WM Phoenix Open
  • Parada del Sol Parade & Trail’s End
  • Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show
  • Devour Culinary Classic
  • + 3 more
February guide →
MarchSpring
  • Cactus League Spring Training
  • Arizona Renaissance Festival
  • M3F Festival
  • Scottsdale Arts Festival
March guide →
AprilSpring
  • Arizona Renaissance Festival
  • Arizona Bike Week
  • Cave Creek Bike Week
  • Country Thunder Arizona
April guide →
MaySpring
  • Arizona Restaurant Week (Spring)
May guide →
JuneSummer
  • Juneteenth Festival
June guide →
JulySummer
  • Fourth of July Fireworks
July guide →
AugustSummer

Quiet season, prime time for sunrise & sunset rides.

August guide →
SeptemberFall
  • Arizona State Fair
September guide →
OctoberFall
  • Arizona State Fair
  • Halloween & Haunt Season
October guide →
NovemberFall
  • Canal Convergence
  • Las Noches de las Luminarias
  • ZooLights
November guide →
DecemberWinter
  • Las Noches de las Luminarias
  • ZooLights
  • Scottsdazzle Holiday Celebrations
December guide →
Make a weekend of it

Add the desert to any Valley event

In town for the game, the auction or the bachelorette party? Trade an afternoon for open desert. You drive your own 800cc sand buggy on exclusive Sonoran Desert trails, about 45 minutes from Old Town Scottsdale, no experience needed, and tours run every month of the year.

U-Drive Guided TourTake the wheel with a guide leading every turn.From $150 / person →Sunset TourChase golden hour as the Sonoran sky ignites.From $150 / person →VIP Private TourYour group only, private buggies & custom times.From $349 →
Good to Know

Scottsdale & Phoenix events FAQs

Planning a trip around a Valley event? Start here.

What are the biggest annual events in Scottsdale and Phoenix?
The Valley’s marquee events include the WM Phoenix Open golf tournament and Barrett-Jackson collector-car auction (winter), Cactus League Spring Training baseball (Feb–March), the Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show, the Arizona Renaissance Festival, Arizona Bike Week and, come fall, the Arizona State Fair and holiday light shows like Las Noches de las Luminarias. Browse the full month-by-month calendar above.
When is the best time to visit Scottsdale for events?
January through April is the busiest and most comfortable stretch, perfect 65–80°F weather stacked with golf, cars, horses, baseball and festivals. February is the single busiest month. October and November bring back ideal weather along with fall festivals and the start of the holiday-light season. For a full breakdown, see our guide to the best time to visit Scottsdale.
What is there to do in Scottsdale and Phoenix in the summer?
Summer (June–August) is quieter and hot, so locals go early and late: sunrise hikes, sunset patios, indoor spots like the Musical Instrument Museum, and, our favorite, early-morning and sunset desert tours when the light is best and the heat is off. Monsoon storms also make for spectacular evening skies.
Can I add a desert tour to my event weekend?
Absolutely, a guided ATV/UTV tour is one of the most-booked add-ons for Spring Training trips, bachelorette weekends and conventions. Trails are about 45 minutes from Old Town Scottsdale, tours run year-round, and you can reserve online in a couple of minutes.

Turn your 2026 trip into an adventure

Reserve online in under two minutes, or call a real person who knows every trail.

Book your desert touror call (480) 837-3966
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