Scottsdale Update - Nov. 2, 2026

Avoid Scottsdale’s Indian Bend Wash Greenbelt for the next several days as stormwater continues to flow.

Stay off flooded paths and crossings and keep children and pets away from the water. Drivers should use extra caution throughout the coming week. Never move or drive around barricades. Turn Around, Don’t Drown.

Honor veterans at Scottsdale’s Nov. 11 ceremony.

Join Scottsdale’s free Veterans Day ceremony at 3 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 11, at McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park, 7301 E. Indian Bend Road, between the Merci Train and the Blue Star Memorial. Former U.S. Navy SEAL Lt. Rob Sarver will deliver the keynote address. The program includes remarks from Mayor Lisa Borowsky, the national anthem performed by MCSO Sgt. Lenny Miller and recognition of student writing contest winner Pippa Arthur. Pre-ceremony music begins at 2:30 p.m.

Scottsdale breaks ground on Thompson Peak Parkway bridge to improve safety and connections.

Scottsdale has broken ground on a $14.2 million project to add a second bridge over Reata Wash on Thompson Peak Parkway, improving safety and access for drivers, bicyclists and pedestrians. The project will eliminate a bottleneck where four lanes narrow to two and provide four continuous travel lanes, bike lanes and a sidewalk between Scottsdale Road and 100th Street. Construction begins Nov. 2 and is expected to take about 12 months.

Learn more.

Monterra reopens at WestWorld with year-round event space and mountain views.

Monterra at WestWorld has reopened following city renovations, offering a fully climate-controlled venue for weddings, corporate meetings, banquets and community celebrations throughout the year. Improvements include a new heating and cooling system and roof, updated flooring and paint and accessible restrooms. The facility features a ballroom, full bar and three outdoor event spaces with views of the McDowell Mountains.

Learn more.

Scottsdale Recognized at Valley Metro Champions for Clean Air Awards Luncheon.

Scottsdale received the Maricopa Association of Governments’ Livable Communities award at last week’s 39th Annual Valley Metro Champions for Clean Air awards luncheon. The award recognizes cities who make a special effort to improve transit, bicycle and pedestrian facilities. The entry highlighted Scottsdale’s 800-mile network of biking, walking and equestrian trails and free trolley system with connections to Valley-wide transit services. Principal Transportation Planner Greg Davies received the Multi Modal Commuter award for his 34-mile roundtrip commute on bike and transit. Real Estate Management Specialist Jessica Fleisher was recognized as a finalist for the Bike or Walk Commuter award.

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 Nov. 2:

• Veterans Advisory Commission Regular Meeting: 4:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 4
• McDowell Sonoran Preserve Commission Regular Meeting: 5 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 5

Week of Nov. 9 – Check back next week for the full list:

• City Council Regular and Work Study Meeting: 5 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 10

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

Find more public meetings.

Canal Convergence.

Canal Convergence is a free, 10-night event featuring large-scale public artworks created by artists from around the world, alongside live music and dance performances, creative workshops, educational tours and activities, food trucks and a beer and wine garden. In addition to the event’s perennial focus on interactivity and the union of water, art and light, this year's theme is Western Nature.

Stroll along the canal to experience a wide range of subjects, from physical elements, such as water resources, natural landscapes, climate and native flora and fauna, to more complex topics like the diverse cultures, histories and characteristics of the American West.

• Nov. 6-15, at the Scottsdale Waterfront
• Learn more.

Bentley Polo Championships.

This year’s Bentley Scottsdale Polo Championships promises an unforgettable weekend filled with tradition, excitement and style. Enjoy thrilling polo matches, live performances, luxury fashion shows and stunning displays of exotic cars. Don’t miss the high-energy Riot House DayClub or unwind to live guitar at the Sanderson Black Label Lounge.

• 11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 7, at WestWorld of Scottsdale
• Learn more.

Arts and Crafts Fair.

Over the past 40 years the Scottsdale Arts & Crafts Fair has evolved into a large community event, with over 150 art vendors who sell a wide range of original artwork, jewelry, photography, glass and iron work, clothing and more. Stop by Granite Reef Senior Center from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 7, for amazing artwork, food, beverages and entertainment.

• 9 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 24, at 26802 N. 102nd Way.

Scottsdale Airport Movie Night.

Scottsdale Airport will open its gates again to bring movie night back to the ramp, welcoming families and film fans to view Coco. The free event takes place Saturday, Nov. 7, and is hosted by Volanti Restaurant and Lounge with support from airport partners Atlantic Aviation, Jet Aviation and Signature Aviation.

Event details:

• Time: Gates open at 4 p.m.; the movie begins at 6 p.m.
• Location: Scottsdale Airport, 15000 N. Airport Drive (enter at the north gate of the main aviation building; event signs will guide guests).
• Parking: Utilizing rideshare is highly encouraged. Free parking is available across from the main aviation building.
• Cost: Free (no reservations required).

Guests are asked to bring lawn chairs for seating. Pets, outside food and beverages are not permitted. In addition to the movie, attendees can enjoy food trucks, a beer and wine garden, a static plane display and a fire truck presentation.

U.S. Navy Band Commodores: Live in Scottsdale.

The Commodores will perform at the Scottsdale Civic Center, offering a free opportunity to experience an outstanding ensemble of professional Navy musicians. The Commodores are a 19-member ensemble that has performed for the Navy and the nation for more than 50 years. Their music celebrates the breadth of American jazz, featuring everything from World War II-era swing and classic big band standards associated with Duke Ellington, Count Basie and Thad Jones to vocal jazz honoring Ella Fitzgerald and Sarah Vaughan. The band also showcases original compositions written by its own musicians.

• 6:30 and 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 10, at 3939 N. Drinkwater Blvd.
• No tickets required. Learn more.

Scottsdale Civil War Roundtable.

The Scottsdale Civil War Roundtable will host constitutional scholar and author Mark Graber for a discussion about the Constitution of the Confederate States of America and its role in the American Civil War. Graber will draw on his book, Punish Treason, Reward Loyalty: The Forgotten Goals of Constitutional Reform After the Civil War, along with his extensive research and publications on American constitutional history.

• 6 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 17, in the Copper Auditorium at Civic Center Library
• The doors will open at 5 p.m., providing an opportunity to meet the speaker,
• browse the book sale and view Civil War videos.
• Learn more about this free event.

Old Town Scottsdale Farmers Market.

The Old Town Scottsdale Farmers Market is a crowd favorite on Saturday mornings in Old Town Scottsdale! Bustling with locals, it features over 100 local growers and specialty food producers. Whether it is the aroma of freshly baked bread that you can't resist or you are on the hunt for seasonal ingredients, you are sure to find it at the market.
Please note: The farmers market has moved to its new location at the Scottsdale City Hall parking lot.

• 8 a.m. - 1 p.m. Saturdays at 3939 N. Drinkwater Blvd.
• Learn more.

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.”

Valley Metro seeks community feedback on bus network redesign.

Valley Metro is reviewing proposed changes to the regional bus network to better align services with where and when people travel. The proposals include more frequent weekday and weekend service, new connections and more express trips throughout the day. Find out more about the proposed changes and help guide the final recommendations by completing an online questionnaire, available until Nov. 30.

Job of the Week: Airport Operations Technician.

Help keep Scottsdale Airport safe, secure and operating smoothly as an Airport Operations Technician. You’ll inspect airport facilities and airfield conditions, identify potential hazards and help ensure maintenance, emergency response, and security operations meet local, state and federal requirements. By identifying potential safety concerns and helping maintain regulatory compliance, you’ll contribute to a secure aviation environment and strengthen Scottsdale’s role as a destination for business, travel and economic activity.

Learn more and apply.

Scottsdale Spotlight celebrates preserve stewardship.

This week’s Scottsdale Spotlight features Madison Barasha-Tang, a natural resources supervisor who has spent seven years helping protect the McDowell Sonoran Preserve. Her responsibilities include responding to rattlesnake calls, inspecting trail signage, leading guided hikes and educating visitors about the Sonoran Desert. Through her daily work and long-term planning efforts, Madison helps preserve Scottsdale’s more than 30,000 acres of protected desert land for future generations.

Cactus Corridor Plan connects neighborhood trails.

Scottsdale is highlighting plans for a neighborhood trail loop in the Cactus Corridor that would connect residents to existing and planned trails, creating more opportunities for walking, biking and outdoor recreation. The Cactus Corridor Area Plan also guides future improvements while preserving the area’s unique character and connection to the Sonoran Desert.

A throwback to Scottsdale skate history.

Scottsdale Parks & Recreation shared a vintage pair of Vans featuring the iconic staircase and monolith at The Wedge Skate Park in Eldorado Park, celebrating a piece of local skateboarding history.