Scottsdale Update - Nov. 3, 2025
HEADLINE NEWS
Upcoming events will limit access to Scottsdale Civic Center. The Old Town Scottsdale calendar is filled with events this season with an expected surge in visitors over the next several months. To ensure the highest level of safety and quality at these events, in some cases, public areas will be restricted. This includes limited access to the Scottsdale Civic Center surrounding the Dreamy Draw Music Festival and Every Woman’s Marathon.
- Wednesday, Nov. 5 – Sunday, Nov. 9: Full closure beginning at the end of the business day on Wednesday, Nov. 5.
- Monday, Nov. 10 – Wednesday, Nov. 12: Limited access, open on the north side only via east/west access points beginning midday.
- Thursday, Nov. 13 – Sunday, Nov. 16: Full closure
- Monday, Nov. 17: Limited access. The Scottsdale Civic Center will reopen in stages as teams safely load out equipment.
The official Old Town Scottsdale website is a great place to plan your trip to Scottsdale’s historic center – find a full calendar of things to do, parking maps and business listings at OldTownScottsdaleAZ.com.
Scottsdale honors veterans through special events and community tributes. In November, Scottsdale will pay tribute to veterans and active-duty service members with a series of special events and displays. Highlights include the Scottsdale Salutes banner program in Old Town, the Army vs. Navy polo match at WestWorld featuring Scottsdale veterans in a ceremonial “first drop,” a Veterans Day hike in the McDowell Sonoran Preserve and the city’s annual Veterans Day Commemoration at the City Hall Memorial Lawn.
Roosevelt Street storm drain work is underway. Construction of a new $13 million storm drain along Roosevelt Street/Continental Drive began this week to improve stormwater collection and reduce flooding near the Scottsdale/Tempe border. The project, led by Tempe in partnership with Scottsdale and the Flood Control District of Maricopa County, will extend an existing storm drain that carries water to the Indian Bend Wash. Work will include installing 7,500 feet of new line, lateral connections, curb inlets, and manholes to address long-standing flooding issues in the area. The project is scheduled for completion in December 2026, with the Flood Control District funding 65% and each city contributing 17.5%.
More information can be found on Tempe’s Water Project Updates webpage.
Scottsdale City Hall to gain shaded parking and solar power. Construction will begin in spring 2026 on a $1.97 million voter-approved bond project to install solar shade canopies in the Scottsdale City Hall parking lot. The “Parasol” photovoltaic structures will offset about 75% of City Hall’s electricity use, with projected energy savings expected to repay the investment within 20 years. In addition to providing shaded parking, the canopies will create a flexible public gathering area that could host community events, such as the Old Town Scottsdale Farmers Market. The project supports Scottsdale’s sustainability goals and was reviewed by the city’s Environmental Advisory Commission in August.
PUBLIC MEETINGS
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 Oct. 27:
- City Council Special Meeting: 4 p.m. Monday, Nov. 3
- City Council Regular Meeting: 5 p.m. Monday, Nov. 3
- Veterans Advisory Commission Regular Meeting: 4:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 5
- Development Review Board Regular Meeting: 1 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 6
- McDowell Sonoran Preserve Commission Regular Meeting: 5 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 6
Week of Nov. 3 – Check back next week for the full list:
- Human Relations Commission Regular Meeting: 5 p.m. Monday, Nov. 10
- Council Subcommittee on Community Safety Regular Meeting: 2 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 12
- Library Board Regular Meeting: 3 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 12
- PSPRS Fire Local Board Regular Meeting: 9 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 13
Learn about the responsibilities of city Boards and Commissions and how you can serve.
THINGS TO DO
Canal Convergence is back for its 14th year at the Scottsdale Waterfront, and this year’s theme is nothing short of spectacular: SHOWTIME! From Nov. 7-16, experience an extraordinary lineup of light-based public art installations that transform the waterfront into a glowing stage of creativity. This year’s program will spotlight the “art” of performance through interactive artwork, workshops, tours, community activities, live music and dance.
Movie night takes flight at Scottsdale Airport. Scottsdale Airport is hosting its fourth movie night with a wonderful holiday classic – Home Alone. Gates open at 5 p.m., and the movie starts at 6 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 8, at Scottsdale Airport, 15000 N. Airport Drive. Guests are encouraged to bring their own lawn chairs (seating won’t be provided). In addition to the movie magic, there will be food trucks and beer and wine available for purchase, a static plane display, and a fire truck presentation.
Considering the holiday season, Scottsdale Airport is asking each guest to bring a non-perishable item of food that will be donated to the Vista del Camino food bank.
For more information, visit ScottsdaleAirport.com.
WestWorld to host thrilling weekend. Whether you're a fan of courageous K9s or luxurious polo, WestWorld promises a weekend packed with excitement for all ages.
The Bentley Scottsdale Polo Championships returns to WestWorld Nov. 8-9, offering an unforgettable experience with live performances, luxury fashion, and a showcase of unique cars. Whether you're a seasoned polo fan or looking for a fun day out, there's something for everyone.
The Desert Dog Police K9 Trials & Public Safety Expo, hosted by the Arizona Law Enforcement Canine Association, also returns to WestWorld Nov. 8-9, as the largest police K9 competition in the country. Fans can watch 70 K9 teams from across the U.S. compete in action-packed challenges like handler protection, apprehensions, narcotics and explosives detection, all simulating real-life law enforcement scenarios. This family-friendly event also features an indoor expo hall with over 150 vendors, interactive SWAT and aviation displays and public safety demonstrations.
Save the date for Scottsdazzle! Experience a month-long holiday celebration like no other - complete with dazzling decor, exceptional dining and shopping, festive tours, and unforgettable events. The magic kicks off 7 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 29, with the Jingle & Jazz Tree Lighting Spectacular.
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.
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.
PROGRAMS AND SERVICES
Scottsdale Right Now: Experience Scottsdale with Tourism and Events Director Rachel Smetana. We know tourism and the revenue it brings our city is very important. The events and festivals that fill our city calendar are also one of the great benefits of living in the West's most Western Town. Hear directly from Rachel Smetana about what's happening now, and what the future holds for residents and visitors alike.
- 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 5, at the SHC Program Room inside Civic Center Library, 3839 N. Drinkwater Blvd.
Registration isn’t required.
Neighborhood College: Nightmare in McCormick Ranch. Prepare for a deep dive into a homicide from the 1980s that divided friends and relatives. Could a Scottsdale man kill his wife while in a "disassociated state" and not be a further threat to society? Explore the consequences in response to this case that received national attention.
Presenter: Bruce Wall, city of Scottsdale
- 9 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 4, at the Scottsdale Community Design Studio, 7506 E. Indian School Road.
- Register online
Neighborhood College: HOA/Condo Case Law – Recent Decisions and How They Might Affect Your Community. We will review all the important HOA cases decided around Arizona and the surrounding states. What do you need to know? You'll find out in this interesting class!
Presenter: V-F Law
- 1 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 5, at the Scottsdale Community Design Studio, 7506 E. Indian School Road.
- Register online
FYI
Participate in the Safe Streets Scottsdale questionnaire. Transportation safety affects all of us: motorists, bicyclists, pedestrians and transit users. Help shape Scottsdale’s Transportation Safety Plan by completing a short, 10–12-minute online questionnaire. Your feedback will help shape strategies to prevent severe crashes, support safe travel for everyone and guide future investments in transportation safety. The questionnaire is available online until Nov. 15. Learn more about Scottsdale’s Transportation Safety Plan.
Job of the Week: WestWorld Assistant General Manager. This position supports and acts on behalf of the WestWorld general manager in overseeing the operations, maintenance, and administration of the facility. This includes managing staff, coordinating large-scale events, developing budgets, and ensuring the site remains a safe, welcoming, and high-performing venue for both equestrian and non-equestrian activities.
Your leadership will help Scottsdale support local businesses and residents by hosting events that celebrate the city’s vibrant culture and lifestyle.
NEW ONLINE:
Scottsdale's first WIMBY (What’s in My Backyard?) was a success! Last week neighbors stopped by Fire Station 613 for food, fun, and face time with city staff — learning about upcoming projects, city services, and events in their area. Check out photo highlights from the event.
Thank you, first responders! We recently celebrated National First Responders Day by honoring Scottsdale Police and Scottsdale Fire, recognizing their vital role in emergencies and thanking them for their unwavering commitment to keeping our community safe.
Volunteers beautify Scottsdale yard. Volunteers from Vista Church recently rolled up their sleeves to help with a landscape clean-up project through Scottsdale’s Operation Fix It program. Their hard work transformed the property and ensured it met city code standards. See the volunteers in action!
QUICK LINKS:
- City Call Center – 480-312-3111
- Report things that need to be fixed, or submit other requests via Scottsdale EZ
- Traffic Restrictions Map
- Stay in the loop, subscribe to ADOT Loop 101 construction updates
- Brush and Bulk Schedule
- Scottsdale Weather