Scottsdale Update - Aug. 31, 2026

Most city offices and facilities will be closed Monday, Sept. 7, for Labor Day.

Recycling and garbage collection will not be affected. Place your containers out by 5 a.m. the morning of collection or the evening before.

The Scottsdale Trolley will not provide transit services on Labor Day. Valley Metro bus, light rail and streetcar services will operate on a Sunday schedule. Normal service will resume on Tuesday, Sept. 8.

Nominations for Scottsdale Salutes program are open.

The program recognizes local veterans, active-duty military members and National Guard and reserve members. Selected honorees will have banners displayed on Old Town light poles for two weeks in November, be recognized at a special Veterans Day reception and be invited to participate in the annual Parada del Sol Historic Parade. Nominees must live in Scottsdale, have previously lived in the city or have a strong local connection, such as working in Scottsdale for at least five years. Nominations are open through Friday, Sept. 25.

Learn more and submit a nomination.

Scottsdale's Back to School Program helped more than 900 students start the school year.

The program helped 429 families and 920 income-eligible pre-K through 12th grade students prepare for the school year with backpacks, school supplies, clothing, shoes and community resources. It also distributed 830 books through Scottsdale Public Library, provided 150 dental screenings through Neighborhood Outreach Access to Health (NOAH) and connected 769 families with NOAH services and resources. The effort brought together city departments, nonprofits, schools and local businesses, with partners providing support focused on student success, family well-being, education, health and youth development.

Learn more.

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 Aug. 31:

• Citizens’ Bond Oversight Committee: 5 p.m. Monday, Aug. 31
• Veterans Advisory Commission Regular Meeting: 4:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 2
• McDowell Sonoran Preserve Commission Regular Meeting: 5 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 3
• Historic Preservation Commission Regular Meeting: 6 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 3

Week of Sept. 7 – Check back next week for the full list:

• City Council Special Meeting: 4 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 8
• City Council Regular Meeting: 5 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 8
• Library Board Regular Meeting: 3 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 9
• PSPRS Police Local Board Regular Meeting: 9 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 10
• PSPRS Fire Local Board Regular Meeting: 9 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 10

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

Find more public meetings.

Screening of Scottsdale’s documentary, “Diamond in the Dust.”

Join Scottsdale community historian Joan Fudala for the premier screening of the documentary Diamond in the Dust created to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the founding of the city of Scottsdale. You'll be educated and entertained with information and images from the founding of the city to present day. Joan will add to the experience with additional photos and commentary based on her years as a Scottsdale historian.

• 6 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 3, at Western Spirit Museum: Scottsdale’s Museum of the West, 3830 N. Marshall Way
• Register online.

“Hands-On History” Book Signing.

Celebrate Scottsdale's 75th anniversary with the unveiling of “Hands-On History: Residents Reflect on Scottsdale's Years,” a collection of memories and reflections from 75 prominent Scottsdale residents. During the event, many of the authors will be on hand to sign your personal copy of the book.

Visit Amazon to purchase your personal copy to bring with you to the event. Books must be purchased in advance as they will not be on sale during the event.

• 6 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 10, at Civic Center Library
• Register online.

Join the Scottsdale 75 Picture Scavenger Hunt.

Never been to Taliesin West? Or the Mustang Wall at Mustang Library? The Scottsdale 75th Anniversary Picture Scavenger Hunt is underway, offering a fun way to explore places you’ve never visited and revisit longtime favorites across the city. This all-ages community challenge highlights the people, places and history that have shaped Scottsdale.

Using the Seeker app, participants visit 75 designated locations, take selfies to earn points and can pick up some city swag while learning more about the West’s Most Western Town. Complete all 75 stops and bonus activities to be entered to win grand prizes.

To play along, create a free account. Be sure to send it out to your family and friends to participate as well.

Explore galleries during Scottsdale ArtWalk.

Scottsdale is home to more than 50 galleries, dedicated to exhibiting the finest visual art from Arizona and around the world. Stroll at your own pace. 7-9 p.m. most Thursdays throughout the year. 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.
• Discover Western Spirit: Scottsdale’s Museum of the West activities.
• Get Scottsdale Sister Cities events.

Get more events information.

Free fall workshops help Scottsdale residents save water.

Scottsdale Water is offering a series of free fall workshops to help residents conserve water, improve landscape efficiency, understand utility bills and learn more about the city’s long-term water supply. From September through November, workshops will cover topics including converting grass to xeriscape, selecting desert-friendly plants, detecting leaks, understanding rebates and learning about Scottsdale’s diversified water portfolio. The series also includes a guided tour of the Scottsdale Xeriscape Garden, where residents can see practical examples of water-efficient landscaping.

Learn more and register online.

Register for fall Neighborhood College classes.

Strong neighborhoods start with engaged residents. Scottsdale’s Neighborhood College gives residents, neighborhood groups and homeowners associations the knowledge, resources and tools to help address community issues and become effective neighborhood leaders.

Learn from professional and volunteer instructors through classes covering city programs and services, volunteer opportunities, personal safety, HOA guidelines and more. Classes are free, but registration is required.

View the class schedule and register online at ScottsdaleAZ.gov, search “Neighborhood College.”

Calling all Arizona artists!

Bring your creativity to Old Town Scottsdale this holiday season by participating in Merry Main Street’s Holiday Window Painting program. Artists 18 and older can submit winter-themed artwork through Oct. 10 for the chance to be selected by a Main Street business, receive a $500 stipend and have their work showcased as part of a festive holiday art trail. Designs should celebrate Old Town’s unique character, incorporating themes such as the Sonoran Desert, Western and Indigenous cultures, Scottsdale history, shopping, dining or the city’s 75th anniversary.

Learn more and submit your artwork.

Job of the Week: Streets Liquid Road Operator.

Help keep Scottsdale’s roads in top condition as a streets liquid road operator supporting the city’s Pavement Preservation Program. This hands-on position operates specialized equipment and applies pavement preservation treatments while diagnosing pavement issues, performing advanced repairs, coordinating daily field work and helping ensure safe, high-quality results. Your work will help extend the life of Scottsdale’s roads, improve driving conditions and reduce the need for costly future repairs.

Learn more and apply.

Heat + water = A better day.

Scottsdale recently reminded residents to take extra precautions while an extreme heat warning remained in effect. Residents were encouraged to drink plenty of water, limit outdoor activities during the hottest parts of the day and check on neighbors, loved ones and pets. The city also shared info on heat relief and hydration stations available throughout Scottsdale.

A ride-along with K-9 Officer Vusovich.

The Scottsdale Police Department gave viewers a look at a day on patrol with K-9 Officer Vusovich during a recent ride-along. The reel followed him as he conducted traffic stops, including one involving expired vehicle tags and another involving a driver with a suspended license. The ride-along offered a behind-the-scenes glimpse at the variety of situations officers may encounter during a shift and the work involved in keeping Scottsdale’s roads and community safe.

Save water and get a rebate.

Scottsdale is encouraging residents and property owners to conserve water by taking advantage of the city’s rebate programs. Homeowners may qualify for rebates when removing grass or pools or installing smart irrigation controllers and water monitoring technology. Rebates are also available for HOAs, multifamily properties and commercial customers, with applications reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis.