The first phase of improvements to Scottsdale Civic Center are set to open Sunday, Jan. 22, with the Arizona Concours d’Elegance collector car exhibition, a ticketed event. Several free and ticketed events will be held throughout the spring. The entire project will be complete in late March and the city is planning a community celebration in April to showcase the newly renovated public space.
Funding for the majority of the $33.5 million project was approved by Scottsdale voters in the 2019 Bond Election. Construction began in October 2021 and the area has been closed to the public during construction.
The western two-thirds of the project will be the first to open in January, including the West Paseo from Old Town Scottsdale, West Bowl, 360 Stage, Civic Lawn and Marshall Gardens. Pedestrian access will be provided across Civic Center from Old Town and the Center for the Performing Arts to the northern City Hall parking lot.
Fencing is currently coming down in preparation for the opening, but the area will be barricaded, and contractors and event producers will be working in the area until the event on Jan. 22. The newly opened portion of Civic Center will be fully accessible on Monday, Jan. 23. Access to the Civic Center Library and adjacent parking garage will become available via Civic Center Feb. 3.
The remainder of Civic Center is expected to be complete in late March 2023. This includes everything east of the Civic Lawn including the City Hall Lagoons, Water and Fog Plaza, Children’s Gardens and the East Bowl.
Scottsdale Civic Center is the city’s signature special event and public gathering space. The renovation creates an “event ready” venue and updates aging infrastructure using sustainable building practices. The master plan for the area was developed by the community through an extensive public outreach process.
Upcoming Events
Sunday, Jan. 22 – Arizona Concours d’Elegance (ticketed event)
A curated and judged exhibition of the world’s finest collector cars, Arizona Concours d’Elegance is a celebration of automotive design held each January during Arizona Car Week. Concours d’Elegance — French for “competition of excellence”— invites roughly 100 select, rare, and exotic automobiles to be considered for judging and exhibition, with the best among them awarded class prizes and the coveted Best of Show. For more information, visit arizonaconcours.com.
Saturday, Feb. 4 and Sunday, Feb. 5 – Arizona Indian Festival
Attendance is free, family-friendly and open to the public. Held in conjunction with Scottsdale Western Week, the Arizona Indian Festival is unique in its format and ability to present Arizona tribes in its program and event footprint that includes traditional Indian Villages, traditional arts and craft demonstrations, native food vendors, and native mainstage entertainment representatives of many tribes and Tribal Travel and Tourism offices showcasing their native destinations. Attendees at the Arizona Indian Festival will experience traditional food, dancing, singing, and traditional dwellings represented within the village area. Attendees will walk away fascinated by the native beauty that Arizona has to offer. For more information, visit arizonaindiantourism.org.
Wednesday, Feb. 8 through Sunday, Feb. 12 - Historic Old Town ESPN Main Street Tailgate
A five-day Western-style tailgate party taking place along Main Street between Scottsdale Road and Brown Avenue. in Old Town adjacent to Scottsdale Civic Center. In conjunction with ESPN, the event will serve as the backdrop for much of the network’s pre-game coverage of Super Bowl LVII. The event will be going on daily - from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday from 8 a.m. – noon, with multiple ESPN productions each day. Throughout the event, guests can enjoy games and live performances from local favorites including The Singing Cowboy Gary Sprague and his trusty steed Dusty. Attendees will also have multiple photo opportunities (including ESPN talent spotting!) — and the chance to make a cameo on live TV.
Sunday afternoons in March - Sun & Sounds (formerly known as Sunday Affair)
Free Sunday concerts return to the newly renovated outdoor spaces at Scottsdale Civic Center. Experience the best local music in a laid back, family friendly atmosphere with local artisans, food and drink. Running noon - 4 p.m. with different entertainment each Sunday in March. Information.
Saturday, April 22 - The Original Taste
Executive Council 70 brings more than 35 years of experience hosting the Valley’s premier food & wine tasting event. Presented by Executive Council Charities at the Scottsdale Civic Center, the event combines more than 40 of the Valley’s best restaurants, over 50 wines from across the world, select brands of beer and premium liquor, entertainment and a scene you will not want to miss. Proceeds from Original Taste benefit Executive Council Charities to fund critical youth programs at organizations like Phoenix Children’s Hospital, Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Scottsdale, Ryan House, Foundation for Blind Children, Ronald McDonald House Charities, Jewish Family & Children’s Service, Sojourner Center, New Pathways for Youth, UMOM New Day Centers and many more.
April 29 and 30 - Scottsdale Jazz Festival
This two-day music festival features jazz artists, food trucks and other entertainment.
