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.
What’s on in August & September
The quietest month on the trails — dramatic skies, empty desert and unbeatable sunset photos.
August · Peak monsoon: sudden storms, spectacular sunsets and cooler, cloud-shaded evenings.
A quieter month on the events calendar — the perfect time for sunrise and sunset desert tours when the light is best and the trails are empty.
Full August guide →September · coming up
- Fair Arizona State Fair Thursdays–Sundays, October · Phoenix
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.
- Fiesta Bowl & Parade
- Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Auction
- WM Phoenix Open
- Parada del Sol Parade & Trail’s End
- Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show
- Devour Culinary Classic
- + 3 more
- Cactus League Spring Training
- Arizona Renaissance Festival
- M3F Festival
- Scottsdale Arts Festival
- Arizona Renaissance Festival
- Arizona Bike Week
- Cave Creek Bike Week
- Country Thunder Arizona
- Arizona Restaurant Week (Spring)
- Juneteenth Festival
- Fourth of July Fireworks
Quiet season — prime time for sunrise & sunset rides.
August guide →- Arizona State Fair
- Arizona State Fair
- Halloween & Haunt Season
- Canal Convergence
- Las Noches de las Luminarias
- ZooLights
- Las Noches de las Luminarias
- ZooLights
- Scottsdazzle Holiday Celebrations
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 35 minutes from Old Town Scottsdale, no experience needed, and tours run every month of the year.
Scottsdale & Phoenix events FAQs
Planning a trip around a Valley event? Start here.
What are the biggest annual events in Scottsdale and Phoenix?
When is the best time to visit Scottsdale for events?
What is there to do in Scottsdale and Phoenix in the summer?
Can I add a desert tour to my event weekend?
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