HEADLINE NEWS
City announces July 4 general information, events and activities. Most city offices will be closed Monday, July 4, in observance of Independence Day. Trash and recycling schedules will not be affected. Place your containers out the evening before or by 5 a.m. the morning of collection.
Preserve closes early July 4: To reduce the threat of wildfire, Scottsdale’s McDowell Sonoran Preserve will close at noon Monday, July 4. It will re-open around 5 a.m. Tuesday, July 5. Pinnacle Peak Park, 26802 N. 102nd Way, will be open from 5 a.m.-8 p.m. Monday, July 4.
All trailheads into the preserve will have "closed" signs posted. Scottsdale police and staff will patrol the area to advise visitors about the closure and fire threat. Violating the closure is a misdemeanor punishable by up to four months in jail and a $750 fine.
Public swimming pool schedules:
Subaru Presents Scottsdale 4th of July Celebration at WestWorld: This event returns for the ninth year, from 5-10 p.m. Monday, July 4. The patriotic celebration takes place in the cool, air-conditioned comfort of the Tony Nelssen Equestrian Center at WestWorld, giving rise to the slogan “Be Red, White & COOL.” Learn more and get tickets.
Fireworks restrictions in place: Although use of some consumer fireworks is permitted by state law in Scottsdale this holiday, their use in and near many sensitive desert areas remains illegal and violators are subject to substantial fines. Fire officials prefer fireworks be left to professional shows, which have safety personnel onsite to immediately address fire issues.
Use of fireworks is prohibited in Scottsdale’s McDowell Sonoran Preserve, Pinnacle Peak Park and all properties located within 1 mile of these fragile desert lands. The use of fireworks is also prohibited on all publicly owned properties, which include but are not limited to, city buildings, city parking lots, city parks, public schools and city streets.
The Scottsdale City Council approved nearly $2 million for nonprofit agencies that provide programs and services to assist thousands at risk and in need. Services include meal programs, emergency electricity and rent payments, homeless shelters and a teen suicide hotline. Learn about the funded agencies.
It’s the last week to enjoy June Days events and activities. Looking for fun ways to beat the summer heat? June Days features signature events in addition to live music, painting nights, crafting workshops and scavenger hunts.
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Pirate's Treasure Adventure, every day through June 30: Don your pirate garb and prepare to swashbuckle your way through Old Town. Wear a pirate hat and work on your ARGGGGHHH! 75 minutes, $39-$49 per person. Learn more and register.
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Self-Guided Historic Walking Tour, every day through June 30: Take a one-hour stroll through Historic Old Town and take in 15 sites still frozen in time. Enjoy unique shops, public art, authentic cuisine and shady respites as you (cow)poke along: Downloadable Map (PDF)
Chug along to McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park for Red, White and Choo Choo. All aboard for a mix of old-school attractions and modern family fun to celebrate Independence Day! The event takes place 4-9 p.m. Sunday, July 3, at the park, 7301 E. Indian Bend Road. Activities include bounce houses, water slides, dunk tanks, family field games, pie-eating contests and a whole lot more! Free for kids 2 and younger, $5 for kids 3-12, $15 for those 13 and older. Purchase tickets online. You’ll need to create an account if you’re not already registered for city programs. Learn more about the event.
Scottsdale Public Art will host the “Designed to Move: Seeds That Float, Fly or Hitchhike through the Desert Southwest” exhibition July 7-Sept. 30 at Scottsdale Civic Center Library. “Designed to Move” features work by photographer Taylor James, introducing viewers to a surprising, up-close look at the beauty and functional diversity of desert seed designs. James’ photographs illustrate the ingenious design of desert seeds that employ different methods for dispersal and propagation. They can float in the air and water, fly far from their mother plant and hitchhike on the fur of animals.
Attend an opening reception, including a talk from Adelheid Fischer, biomimicry writer, educator and curator of "Designed to Move,” from 4:30-5:30 p.m. Thursday, July 7, at the Civic Center Public Gallery inside Scottsdale Civic Center Library, 3839 N. Drinkwater Blvd. For more information and to view all the artworks in a virtual exhibition, visit ScottsdalePublicArt.org/exhibitions.
Ongoing Events and Activities:
July 7 Scottsdale 360 showcases how the city protects our interests in regional, state and federal matters. Government Relations Director Dale Wiebusch will share how he advocates for Scottsdale's positions on issues before the U.S. Congress, the State Legislature, and regional governing boards, as well as briefs the Mayor and Council, the city manager and senior management on complex intergovernmental issues.
Scottsdale 360 is a virtual learning series that highlights the people, policies and programs that shape our community. Sign up for one session – or the entire series. All classes take place from 11 a.m.-noon through July. Register.
Scottsdale Chamber accepting nominations for 36th annual Sterling Awards. The awards celebrate business excellence, innovation and community stewardship. Here are the award categories:
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Micro Business: Recognizes an entrepreneurship or emerging business exhibiting success through innovation, creativity and collaboration. (1-10 Employees)
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Small Business: Recognizes a company demonstrating success through innovation and professionalism, while contributing to the community. (11-75 employees)
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Big Business: Recognizes significant contributions to quality of life and the economic fabric of the community. (76 + Employees)
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Nonprofits: Recognizes the social, cultural, educational and economic impact of an organization for its constituents and/or the broader community.
Entry deadline is Friday, July 29. The Sterling Awards will be celebrated Nov. 18, at the Embassy Suites Scottsdale. Download and submit applications.
FYI
The Scottsdale Railroad & Mechanical Society donated $1 million to the McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park. The money will be used to build an indoor play facility, part of a new project to expand indoor options for families to enjoy the park year-round. Learn more.
Experience Scottsdale releases 2022-23 Strategic Business Plan. The plan provides an overview of the tourism industry, as well as Experience Scottsdale’s initiatives and department strategies. Review the 2022-23 Strategic Business Plan (PDF) and department programs of work to better understand the agency’s focus and partnership opportunities for the coming fiscal year.
View Scottsdale traffic restrictions in our map center.
