Are you planning to visit Scottsdale in April and looking for some exciting events to attend? Well, you are in luck! Scottsdale hosts various festivals and fairs throughout the month that are perfect for locals and visitors. Phoenix Airport to Scottsdale And what better way to get around than with Arizona Shuttle? You can easily travel to any event with reliable and comfortable shuttle services. shuttle vs Uber vs taxi This blog will guide you through the best April festivals and fairs in Scottsdale that you can attend with Arizona Shuttle. airport pickup guide for first-timers
Scottsdale Culinary Festival
Foodies, get ready to indulge in some of the finest culinary creations at the Scottsdale Culinary Festival. This five-day festival features more than 40 restaurants, chefs, and food vendors from Scottsdale. You can taste everything from gourmet burgers to exotic desserts and drinks. There are also cooking demonstrations, wine seminars, and live music performances. This festival is perfect for a day out with friends or a date with your significant other.
Scottsdale Arts Festival
The Scottsdale Arts Festival is a three-day event celebrating the arts in every form. This festival showcases the works of more than 170 artists nationwide. You can admire paintings, sculptures, jewelry, and other art forms while enjoying live music performances, food, and drinks. The festival also has an interactive area for children to create art pieces. This festival is perfect for families, art enthusiasts, and anyone looking for a creative weekend.
Arizona Bike Week
Get your motor running and head to Arizona Bike Week, the biggest motorcycle event in the Southwest. This week-long event is a haven for bikers, featuring live music, bike shows, and plenty of food and drinks. You can also attend charity rides, poker runs, and parties. Arizona Bike Week attracts bikers from all over the country, making it an excellent opportunity to meet new people who share your passion for riding.
Phoenix Film Festival
The Phoenix Film Festival is a week-long event that showcases independent films from around the world. You can watch movies from various genres, including drama, comedy, horror, and documentary. The festival hosts Q&A sessions with filmmakers, panel discussions, and workshops. You can also attend parties and social events to meet other film enthusiasts. This festival is perfect for anyone who loves movies and wants to discover new and exciting filmmakers.
Arizona Renaissance Festival
Experience the 16th century at the Arizona Renaissance Festival. This festival is a seven-weekend event that features jousting, live music, and stage performances. You can watch artisans and crafters demonstrate their skills and purchase unique handmade items. There are also food and drinks, including turkey legs, mead, and ale. The festival has a kids' kingdom with games, rides, and interactive shows. This festival is perfect for anyone who loves history, medieval times, and fantasy.
With so many exciting events happening in Scottsdale this April, you want to take advantage of it. Book your Arizona Shuttle service now and travel to any event comfortably and safely. Arizona Shuttle provides affordable and reliable transportation services to all major cities in Arizona. Whether traveling solo or with a group, Arizona Shuttle has a variety of shuttle services to meet your needs. Don't wait; book your shuttle service now and enjoy a hassle-free experience.
Scottsdale Festivals & Fairs Beyond April: A Season-by-Season Guide
The April events above are only half the story. Scottsdale's festival calendar runs all year long, and the fall and winter months bring some of the Valley's most beloved street fairs, art shows, and craft markets. Locals know that October through March — not spring — is when Scottsdale truly comes alive, thanks to cooler desert temperatures in the 70s and 80s that make strolling Old Town Scottsdale or the Scottsdale Waterfront an all-day pleasure. Whether you're visiting from out of state or a Valley resident looking for a weekend plan, this guide covers the fairs and festivals worth marking on your calendar, how to get to them, and what to expect when you arrive.
Scottsdale Festivals at a Glance
Here's a quick comparison of the most popular Scottsdale-area fairs and festivals so you can match an event to your travel dates and interests.
| Event | Typical Season | Location | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Scottsdale Culinary Festival | Spring (April) | Old Town / Scottsdale Civic Center area | Foodies, date nights |
| Scottsdale Arts Festival | Spring | Scottsdale Civic Center Mall | Art collectors, families |
| Kierland Fine Art & Wine Fall Festival | Fall (early November) | Kierland Commons, North Scottsdale | Wine lovers, shoppers |
| Speedway Motors Southwest Nationals | Fall (late November) | WestWorld of Scottsdale | Car enthusiasts, families |
| Armenia Fest | Fall (early November) | Saint Apkar Armenian Church, Scottsdale | Cultural food and music fans |
| Arizona National Livestock Show | Late December | Arizona State Fairgrounds, Phoenix | Rodeo and ranching tradition |
Upcoming Fall Festivals in Scottsdale
Kierland Fine Art & Wine Fall Festival
Held at Kierland Commons — the open-air shopping district near Scottsdale Road and Greenway Parkway in North Scottsdale — this fall festival typically runs in early November and pairs regional live music with fine art displays and wine tasting. It's a smaller, more relaxed affair than the spring arts festival, which makes it ideal if you'd rather browse at your own pace and chat with the artists. Kierland Commons is easy to reach via Loop 101 (Price Freeway), and there's plenty of nearby dining if you want to turn it into an evening out.
Speedway Motors Southwest Nationals at WestWorld
Each late November, WestWorld of Scottsdale — the 360-acre special events park near Loop 101 and Frank Lloyd Wright Boulevard — hosts the Speedway Motors Southwest Nationals, a showcase of antique and collectible vehicles, camping and retail exhibitors, and dozens of food booths. Car fans travel from across the Southwest for this one, and the surrounding Tonto National Foothills scenery makes WestWorld one of the more scenic event venues in the Valley.
Community Fairs at Arizona Boardwalk
Arizona Boardwalk, the entertainment complex near the OdySea Aquarium and Butterfly Wonderland on the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community border in North Scottsdale, hosts recurring family festivals throughout the year — including seasonal harvest and holiday events with free admission. Because these gatherings are family-oriented and often free, they're among the best-value outings in the area; always confirm dates and admission details on the organizer's page before you go, since schedules change year to year.
Neighborhood Craft and Cultural Fairs
Scottsdale's community calendar also includes smaller local fairs worth seeking out. The Granite Reef Senior Center, near Granite Reef Road and McDowell Road, has historically hosted an annual arts and crafts fair featuring local makers. And Saint Apkar Armenian Church in Scottsdale holds Armenia Fest, a two-day cultural celebration with international talent on two stages, traditional food, and hours running into the evening on Saturday — a genuine local gem if you love exploring the Valley's diverse food culture.
Winter and Holiday Fairs Near Scottsdale
December brings craft fairs and markets across the East Valley, many within a short drive of Scottsdale. The Holidaze Craft Fair at Sunland Springs Village Auditorium in nearby Mesa features more than 70 vendors selling all handcrafted items with free admission — a reliable stop for holiday gifts. Just after the holidays, the Arizona National Livestock Show runs in late December at the Arizona State Fairgrounds in Phoenix; it's the largest livestock show in the Southwest and an annual Phoenix tradition dating back decades, offering a window into Arizona's ranching heritage that most visitors never see.
Worth the Drive: Fairs Beyond Scottsdale
Part of what makes Scottsdale a great festival base camp is its proximity to other Arizona event towns:
- Sedona Arts Festival: Held on the campus of Sedona Red Rock High School at 995 Upper Red Rock Loop Road in West Sedona, this renowned festival attracts artists from across the country and showcases a diverse line-up of over 100 juried artists, live music, raffle prizes, food, and a beer and wine garden. The drive north via I-17 takes roughly two hours, and red rock views make the trip part of the experience.
- Page Chamber Street Fair: Billed as the largest event in Page, this fair takes place each November along Elm Street and Lake Powell Boulevard, with artisans, food vendors, and a balloon regatta contest — a perfect add-on if you're heading to Lake Powell or Antelope Canyon.
How to Get Around Scottsdale's Festival Season
Most of Scottsdale's major festival venues cluster along two corridors: Scottsdale Road, which runs from Tempe in the south through Old Town up to Kierland Commons in the north, and the Loop 101 freeway, which connects WestWorld, Arizona Boardwalk, and the Scottsdale Airpark area. If you're flying in, Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport sits about 20 minutes from Old Town via the Loop 202 and SR-51 or Loop 101 corridors. Parking near Old Town events fills quickly during peak season, so many visitors use a Phoenix to Scottsdale shuttle service to skip the hassle entirely. For groups attending multiple events across a weekend, arranging airport shuttle transportation in advance keeps everyone together and on schedule.
Frequently Asked Questions About Fairs & Festivals in Scottsdale
What are the biggest festivals in Scottsdale each year?
The Scottsdale Culinary Festival, Scottsdale Arts Festival, and Arizona Bike Week headline the spring season, while the Kierland Fine Art & Wine Fall Festival and the Southwest Nationals at WestWorld anchor the fall calendar. WestWorld also hosts major year-round events that draw national crowds.
When is festival season in Scottsdale?
Scottsdale's peak event season runs from October through April, when desert temperatures are mild. Spring festivals are the most famous, but fall offers equally strong lineups with smaller crowds.
Are there free festivals in Scottsdale?
Yes. Several community events, including seasonal family festivals at Arizona Boardwalk and neighborhood craft fairs, are free to attend. Always verify current admission details with the event organizer, as policies can change from year to year.
How far is Scottsdale from Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport?
Sky Harbor is roughly 10 to 20 minutes from most Scottsdale destinations depending on traffic and your final stop, connected by the Loop 202 and Loop 101 freeways. A pre-booked shuttle is one of the simplest ways to make the trip.
What should I bring to a Scottsdale outdoor festival?
Sun protection is essential year-round — sunscreen, a hat, and water — even on cooler days. Wear comfortable shoes for Old Town's brick sidewalks and check the event's bag policy before arriving.
Can I visit festivals in Sedona or Page using Scottsdale as my base?
Absolutely. Sedona is about two hours north via I-17, and Page is roughly four and a half hours away, making Scottsdale a comfortable home base with shuttle and ground transportation options available for longer Arizona routes.
From spring food festivals in Old Town to fall art fairs at Kierland Commons and holiday craft markets across the East Valley, Scottsdale's fair and festival calendar offers something in every season. Planning a trip around an event? Browse our Scottsdale transportation guides and reserve your ride early — peak-season weekends book up fast, and the last thing you want is to miss the fairgrounds because you were circling for parking.
