There are still a few slots open: Learn about the inner workings of city government. Scottsdale Government 101 Citizen Academy participants engage in dynamic and interactive learning experiences, group discussions, case studies and hands-on activities to enhance their understanding of city operations. The academy is open to Scottsdale residents and business owners and limited to 40 people. Participation in seven of nine sessions and completion of two special assignments are required to graduate.
The academy starts at 9 a.m. Thursday, March 21, and will convene Thursdays through May 9. Graduation will be 4-6 p.m. Tuesday, May 14. Get all the details.
Celebrate students’ visual and performing arts at The Scottsdale Family ArtsFest. This free two-day festival of creativity will include performances, interactive demonstrations and local food truck culinary delights. The event runs 5-9 p.m. Friday, March 22, and resumes 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, March 23, at the ASU Scottsdale Innovation Center.
Mayor David D. Ortega proclaimed March as Social Work Month. Throughout Scottsdale, social workers, case workers and their support teams help community members get back on their feet and overcome challenges. “What is a social worker? We are a voice when those who are vulnerable are silenced, a hand for support and a light to lead the way… The glass is neither half full nor half empty, a social worker always sees the glass as refillable,” said Mary Witkofski, Community Assistance manager. We honor the incredible work of our social workers who see the glass as refillable, seek solutions through collaboration and move mountains in the face of adversity, Learn more how Community Assistance Office can help you. Read the proclamation (pdf).
Spread the greens canned food drive. Help the Vista del Camino Food Bank provide healthy greens to the community. Please donate items 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Friday at 7700 E. Roosevelt St. Items needed:
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Green beans
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Collard greens
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Spinach
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Peas
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Other canned vegetables
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 March 25 (Posted so far; check back next week for the full list):
Celebrations continue for Women's History Month at the Civic Center Library. Women’s History Month is a celebration of women’s contributions to history, culture and society and has been observed annually during March in the United States since 1987. View the following exhibits and attend programs supported by a grant from The Women's Collective, a group whose mission is to inspire and elevate women leaders:
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Scottsdale Public Library Celebrates the Women Who Built Scottsdale: This art exhibit features pictures from library archives and tributes to some of the women who led the way and worked behind the scenes to make Scottsdale what it is today. Through March 30, Civic Center Library
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Inspired Imaginations: Women of Consequence: This art and poetry installation features Scottsdale's poet laureate Lois Roma Deeley and artist Cherie Buck-Hutchinson. Through March 31, Civic Center Library
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Why Does Your Story Matter? Throughout history, storytelling has been the conduit for learning and communication. It’s a powerful tool and one that shapes personal, professional and cultural narratives. For women whose stories have often been marginalized or erased, defining their narratives becomes an act of empowerment. In collaboration with Scottsdale's Human Relations Commission, attend this program featuring Gloria Feldt, acclaimed speaker and expert on women's empowerment. 10:30 a.m. Thursday, March 21, Civic Center Library
Hop into spring with an egg hunt, live entertainment and family-friendly fun. Bunnanza runs 9 a.m.-noon Saturday, March 30, on Scottsdale Civic Center. Egg hunts, which begin at 9 and 11 a.m., are organized by age group. More than 10,000 eggs will be hidden, each one containing a small prize or treat. Registration is not required; simply bring a basket and be ready for some fun! Attendees also can enjoy 30 interactive booths, a coloring contest (pdf), food vendors, a mimosa garden, photo ops with Sheriff Jack, western games, a bubble zone and live entertainment. Free admission.
Scottsdale Earth Week, April 20-27, celebrates the city’s commitment to sustainable future. From volunteer road cleanups and guided nature walks in our beautiful preserve, to an edible garden and green building presentations, Scottsdale has a full lineup of events for everyone looking to recognize our planet. Earth Day is Monday, April 22, and Arbor Day is Friday, April 26. Check out opportunities to learn about simple actions you can take to make a positive impact. Help shine the light brighter on environmental topics that Scottsdale focuses on year-round.
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Spring training continues through March 23, at Scottsdale Stadium. Catch the San Francisco Giants in Cactus League action before beginning their regular season. Get a schedule (pdf). Buy tickets. Learn about Scottsdale Stadium.
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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.
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Old Town Farmers Market: Find a variety of organic and pesticide-free produce, and seasonal specialties such as cider and apples, flowers, natural pork, beef, fish and free-range eggs. Th market runs 8 a.m.-1 p.m. every Saturday through June at 3806 N. Brown Ave.
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Western Spirit: Scottsdale’s Museum of the West: Immerse yourself into the unique story of the greater Western region with unique exhibits and events.
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Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts: Attend exciting, diverse events throughout the year.
Investing in Our Scottsdale: Fire Station 606 Renovation. Stop by an open house to review and comment on proposed plans from 5-6:30 p.m. Monday, March 25, at the Via Linda Senior Center, 10440 E. Via Linda. The station was built in 1985 and several of its systems are failing and at the end of useful life. The renovation will include a single level fully accessible floorplan and an ambulance bay.
Fire Station 606 serves more than 19,000 residents, and it houses a fire engine and the Hazardous Materials Response vehicle. Visit the project website.
Attend the season’s final Neighborhood College class: “The Fruit of the Poisonous Tree.” What began as an extramarital affair in the Bisbee/Sierra Vista area led to the murder of a husband in Scottsdale in 1976. No one could predict what happened at the trial! The free program takes place 1-3 p.m. Tuesday, March 19, at the Holland Community Center, 34250 N. 60th St., Building B.
Neighborhood College provides residents, neighborhood groups and homeowners associations with the information, resources and tools needed to become effective neighborhood leaders. There’s also some fun, entertaining classes, as well. Register.
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Learn about city of Scottsdale Water Resources: 11 a.m.-noon Wednesday, March 27, Civic Center Library.
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Take a Tour of the Scottsdale Xeriscape Garden: 1-2 p.m. Friday, April 12, Xeriscape Garden
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Maximize Your Irrigation Efficiency: 6-7:15 p.m. Thursday, April 18, Civic Center Library.
Attend the “What to Wear Career Fair.” The city’s Career Center staff will assist job seekers in improving their interview skills, enhancing their resume, selecting a professional interview outfit and networking. The event runs 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Thursday, March 21, at Vista del Camino Community Center, 7700 E. Roosevelt St. Employers will be onsite offering part-time and full-time opportunities for various positions. Learn more (pdf). Walk-ins are welcome but job seekers are encouraged to register prior to event by calling 480-312-0060 or emailing [email protected].
Scottsdale City Council to delve into key sustainability priorities. The Scottsdale City Council is set to further examine crucial sections of the city's draft sustainability plan during a work study session Tuesday, March 19. The meeting starts at 5 p.m. in the City Hall Kiva. The session will concentrate on the remaining priorities of energy, waste and extreme heat. In November, the City Council provided direction on the new framework, proposed targets and the introduction, air quality and water sections of the sustainability plan.
Scottsdale's Community Sustainability Plan aims to be a comprehensive roadmap with specific action steps, aligning with the 2035 General Plan and reaffirming the city's commitment to environmental stewardship. The upcoming work study session marks another significant step forward in this sustainability journey, underscoring the city's dedication to being good stewards of the environment. Scottsdale encourages active participation and invites interested parties to learn more about the sustainability plan by visiting ScottsdaleAZ.gov and searching for "sustainability plan." View the agenda item (pdf).
Scottsdale’s Bridge Housing Program sees high success rate. As of February 2024, the Bridge Housing Program had an 85% success rate with more than 120 people finding safe transitional housing. The program provides temporary housing and case management with the goal of returning clients to the most independent living situation possible within 120 days.
Recently, a Scottsdale caseworker assisted a 70-year-old senior who was evicted from her home after she could not keep up with the rent following her husband’s death. The program provided her temporary housing and case management. The caseworker successfully found a home the client could afford, and she moved in within 90 days. Learn more about the program.
Be aware of traffic restrictions in the Drinkwater Boulevard underpass to accommodate a public art installation. BREAKAWAY, by artist Barbara Grygutis, will be installed in the Drinkwater Boulevard underpass March 25-April 12. Traffic restrictions will be in place for one lane 5:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. daily during the installation. The underpass is located between Indian School and Osborn roads. The art features a winding rope that unfurls in curvilinear fashion from south-to-north and north-to-south along the walls. The cast aluminum rope in a series of larger-than-life knots, stretching 315 feet in each direction. Visit the project website.
Scottsdale by the numbers:
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250 people attended Horizon Park’s Glow Up event, a family dance party with a live DJ, foam cannons, glow games and vendors.
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The Persian New Year Festival attracted about 3,000 visitors to Scottsdale.
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350 baseball fans enjoyed the movie, “Sandlot,” at Civic Center.
