City expands investment in Old Town with paving, infrastructure and coordinated economic strategy.

Scottsdale is expanding its $47 million investment in Old Town with additional paving, infrastructure upgrades, business support and a coordinated economic development and tourism strategy to strengthen the area's long-term vitality. Recent road and alley paving, along with sewer improvements, are improving safety, accessibility and essential infrastructure while supporting businesses and major events. The city is also planning further enhancements, including expanded streetscape beautification, new monument signage, park and public art improvements, and continued support for signature events and the Scottsdale Farmers Market. To better align growth efforts, Scottsdale is developing new five-year economic development and tourism strategies and has created a unified leadership structure under newly hired senior director Kevin Burke.

Learn more.

City warns residents about phishing emails impersonating Scottsdale staff.

The city of Scottsdale is warning residents about phishing emails that falsely appear to come from city staff and request payment through links or attachments such as fake invoices. The emails are sent from non-city email addresses, and while no city systems have been compromised, the use of city branding may make the messages appear legitimate. City officials emphasize that Scottsdale does not request payment through unsolicited emails and that legitimate transactions occur only through official, secure city systems and addresses ending in @ScottsdaleAZ.gov. Residents are advised not to click links, open attachments or submit payment, and to verify messages by visiting the city's official website or contacting the city call center at 480-312-3111. The city's technology and security teams are actively monitoring the situation, working with law enforcement, and encouraging residents to delete and report suspected phishing emails.

Learn more.

Scottsdale seeks residents to serve on city boards and commissions.

The city of Scottsdale is inviting residents to apply for open volunteer positions on several city boards, commissions and committees that help shape local policy and guide Scottsdale City Council decisions. Openings are available on groups such as the Board of Adjustment, Parks and Recreation Commission, Human Relations Commission, Library Board and several others. Interested residents must submit an online application by Friday, Feb. 20. City Council will review applications, conduct interviews and appoint new members in March. Appointees are required to complete training and follow the city's Ethics Code before beginning their service.

Learn more and apply.

Get a head start learning about city issues, projects and activities by attending or listening in on the many public meetings we host.

Week of Jan. 26:

• City Council Special Meeting: 4 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 27
• City Council Regular Meeting: 5 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 27
• Planning Commission Regular Meeting: 5 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 28

Learn about the responsibilities of city Boards and Commissions and how you can serve.

Find more public meetings.

Scottsdale's Magical History Tour.

Join us for a free and special storytelling experience. Cowboy Bob Scott will share what it was like growing up in Scottsdale in the early 1900s. Enjoy an engaging presentation featuring old photographs, vivid stories, and a touch of magic! Ideal for children K-5th grades.

• 4 p.m. Monday, Jan. 26, at Civic Center Library, 3939 N. Drinkwater Blvd.
• Register online.

Learn to Lasso.

Embrace your inner cowgirl! Come on over to Old Town Scottsdale's Rodeo Museum and step back in time as you check out historic artifacts and listen to stories from long ago shared by Scottsdale native and president of the Scottsdale Rodeo, Dave Alford.

While there, you might pick up a few lasso tricks from award-winning trick ropers and smile for a photo with their friendly horses!

• 2 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 29, at the Scottsdale Rodeo Museum, 3806 N. Brown Ave.
• Registration isn't required.

Free entry to Western Spirit: Scottsdale's Museum of the West.

In celebration of Western Week, Western Spirit: Scottsdale's Museum of the West, invites you to visit for FREE. Pre-registration required.

• 9:30 a.m. Friday, Jan. 30, at 3830 N. Marshall Way
• Register online.

Pony Express.

Find out why Old Town Scottsdale is the "West's Most Western Town" during a morning filled with line dancing, live music, historic wagons, rope demonstrations and more!

Over 20 riders from the Navajo County Sheriff's Posse depart Hollbrook, Arizona, carrying pen pal letters written by and to school-aged children around the state. Riders will travel through Old Town Scottsdale and culminate in front of Western Spirit: Scottsdale's Museum of the West for a heartfelt, patriotic ceremony and festivities. Mayor Borowsky will welcome the riders, and the morning will be hosted by Scottsdale's History Hall of Fame inductee Denny Brown.

During the program, visitors can take part in the "Postcard Express," hosted by Scottsdale Artists' School. Discover the magic of storytelling through post with this fun postcard project. Create little works of collage art that can be sent by mail or kept as a memorable keepsake.

• 11 a.m. Friday, Jan. 30, at 3830 N. Marshall Way

Learn more about these events.

Arizona Indian Festival.

Hosted by the Arizona American Indian Tourism Association, the Arizona Indian Festival presents the opportunity to explore examples of traditional Indian villages and dwellings, experience traditional arts and crafts demonstrations, try native food from vendors and enjoy mainstage entertainment, such as dancing and singing that is representative of many tribes.

Guests can peruse many Native American arts and crafts booths and enjoy traditional Native American demonstrations. A main stage will feature performances including Apache Crown Dancers, Hopi Traditional Dancers and many more. Tribal Royalty will be in attendance, representing Arizona's Native Nations.

The event takes place on both Saturday, Jan. 31, and Sunday, Feb. 1. It's free, family-friendly and open to the public.

Scottsdale Parada Del Sol Historic Parade.

With 70+ years of history under its belt, the Scottsdale Parada del Sol Historic Parade and Trail's End Festival rides into town featuring more than 125 lively entries including colorful floats, mounted horse-riders, horse-drawn carriage, school marching bands, wagons and stagecoaches representing many cultures from Mexican to Native American to Arabian to Western.

Immediately following the parade, the Historic Old Town District transforms into a massive Western-style block party with a kids' zone, food trucks, merchandise vendors, and multiple stages with live entertainment including concerts from today's popular bands to traditional performers.

Parada del Sol events take place rain or shine.

The parade follows a route from Drinkwater Boulevard along Scottsdale Road, finishing at Brown Avenue and Indian School Road.

Trail's End Festival.

The Trail's End Festival is a huge block party for all ages, featuring live concerts, food, and fun. The KIDZ Zone will feature games, a petting zoo and much more to keep the little cowpokes happy.

The festival is immediately following the Parada del Sol Parade.

• Noon Saturday, Jan. 31, in Old Town Scottsdale

Explore galleries during Scottsdale ArtWalk.

Scottsdale is home to more than 100 galleries, dedicated to exhibiting the finest visual art from around the world and locally. Stroll at your own pace. 7-9 p.m. Thursdays. Specialty-themed Gold Palette ArtWalks are held 6:30-9 p.m. about once a month. The next Gold Palette ArtWalk is Jan. 29, during Western Week.

Ongoing

• Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts: Attend exciting, live performances throughout the year.
• Find McDowell Sonoran Conservancy events.
• Discover Western Spirit: Scottsdale’s Museum of the West activities.
• Get Scottsdale Sister Cities events.

Get more events information.

Neighborhood College: HOA/CONDO Board Roundtable January.

This is for board members of HOA and condominium associations only. This one-hour session will have a special guest in the first 30 minutes, and for the second, we'll talk about what you want, and we'll brainstorm solutions together! Special Guest: Scottsdale Fire Department.

• 1 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 28, at the Book Discussion Room inside the Mustang Library, 10101 N. 90th St.
• Register online.

Neighborhood College: 2026 Arizona Hot Topics: Short-Term Rentals, Enforcement and More!

Get ready to tackle one of the hottest topics facing Arizona HOA and condo boards - short-term rentals! Join us for an interactive session focused on real-world strategies for addressing short-term rentals, updating your CC&Rs, and preventing noise, parking, and tenant issues before they arise. While short-term rentals take center stage, you'll also walk away with practical tools for amending governing documents and handling common challenges. Presented by Mulcahy Law Firm.

• 1 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 29, at the Mustang Library, 10101 N. 90th St.
• Register online.

WM Phoenix Open road closures start Jan. 31.

The WM Phoenix Open brings record-breaking crowds to the Tournament Players Club each year; this year's tournament will be held Feb. 2-8. Road closures for this year's event will mirror the 2025 closures and will continue to streamline tournament entry and reduce congestion on Frank Lloyd Wright Boulevard. The following street closures will go into effect on Jan. 31:

• Greenway Hayden Loop from Frank Lloyd Wright Boulevard to Bell Road | Jan. 31 - Feb. 9
• Bell Road from Greenway Hayden Loop to 82nd Street | Jan. 31 - Feb. 9
• 82nd Street from Bell Road to Princess Drive/Pima Road | Feb. 1-9

The WM Phoenix Open ends on Feb. 8; tournament organizers will reopen streets as soon as event equipment is removed from the roadway. All streets will be open by Feb. 12.

Visit WM Phoenix Open for complete event information.

Pedestrian underpass to close for public art maintenance Jan. 26-28.

Crews will perform routine maintenance and cleaning of the Swimming Dream public art installation on the Crosscut canal multiuse path near McDowell Road and 68th Street. Path users will be detoured west to McDowell Road and Galvin Parkway during the closure.

Job of the Week: Water Policy Manager.

The water policy manager leads Scottsdale's long-term strategy to protect and sustain one of the community's most critical resources—water. In this role, you will guide water policy, oversee conservation programs, and coordinate with regional, state, and federal partners to secure reliable water supplies for the future. From managing water rights to ensuring regulatory compliance, this position shapes how Scottsdale plans, protects, and uses its water resources.

Learn more and apply.

Applications open for SPD Citizens Academy.

Scottsdale Police is now accepting applications for the SPD Citizens Academy, a ten-week program that offers an inside look at police operations. Open to Scottsdale residents, business owners and employees, and City of Scottsdale employees, the academy helps participants better understand how and why the department serves the community. Curious what happens behind the scenes at SPD?

Watch the reel to learn more.

New Helping Hub opens at Civic Center Library.

Scottsdale Human Services has launched the Helping Hub, a new drop-in resource located at Civic Center Library. Available every Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., the Helping Hub offers community members the chance to connect with a licensed social worker for support with housing stability, mental health, employment, benefits, and other social needs—no appointment required.

Learn more about how the Helping Hub can support you or someone you know.

2016 called…Scottsdale Parks and Recreation answered.

Scottsdale Parks and Recreation is taking a fun look back at 2016 while celebrating how much the city has grown over the past decade. While trends may change, the commitment to maintaining great parks, aquatics programs, classes, events, and welcoming spaces for the community remains the same.

Take a trip down memory lane.