Scottsdale is gearing up to unveil its newly renovated Civic Center during a two-month celebration of its transformation. After 55 years of serving as the heart of Scottsdale’s community, the city is ready to show off the $33.5 million renovation, inviting visitors and locals to re-fall in love with Scottsdale Civic Center.
Scottsdale Civic Center’s makeover was completed in March 2023 and is set to celebrate its grand reopening with the “Fall in Love with Scottsdale Civic Center” events. Spanning from Tuesday, Oct. 3, to Wednesday, Nov. 22, the two-month-long extravaganza includes more than 70 activities that will take place in and around the Civic Center and throughout Old Town Scottsdale.
“We are absolutely thrilled to officially relaunch Scottsdale Civic Center, the original epicenter of Scottsdale’s arts culture, hospitality, community spirit and unique Western reputation,” says Scottsdale Mayor David Ortega, in a press release. “Going way beyond renovation, we can now enjoy three new outdoor stages, kid-friendly play areas, botanical exhibits, 140 new shade trees and water conservation turf areas. We invite everyone to celebrate with us.”
“Fall in Love with Civic Center” events kick off on Tuesday, Oct. 3, during an all-ages WILCO concert, starting at 7:30 p.m. on the new permanent stage on the East Bowl Lawn. The popular alt-rock country band will be joined by a special guest, My Brightest Diamond. Tickets for this event can be purchased through scottsdaleperformingarts.org/event/wilco/.
Throughout October, Scottsdale Civic Center will host an ongoing “Picnic in the Plaza” event on Saturday afternoons, featuring live music at West Paseo and various activities in partnership with local organizations and businesses.
Scottsdale Arts and The City of Scottsdale will celebrate the city’s Public Art Collection, along with City Hall’s designation of it as a historic landmark, on Thursday, Oct. 26, from 4 to 6 p.m. at the West Bowl. This celebration will showcase the 50th-anniversary of “Windows to the West” by Louise Nevelson, in addition to the newest piece of art, “The Desert’s Garden” by Tammi Lynch-Forrest. The free event will feature dance performances, live music, food and giveaways.
On Thursday, Nov. 9, Veterans Day festivities commence with a free performance by The Jazz Ambassadors of the United States Army Field Band from 6 to 7 p.m. at the East Bowl. Scottsdale’s Veterans Day commemoration will take place from 10:30 a.m. to noon on Saturday, Nov. 11, at the Memorial Lawn in partnership with the American Legion.
On Tuesday, Nov. 14, “Dog’s Day Out” will take place from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. throughout the Scottsdale Civic Center, honoring the dog-friendly community. The event will feature a series of fun activities, including dog yoga, dog CPR, experiences with the Scottsdale Police K-9 Unit, AZ Dog Training Elite, adoption information and Yappy Hour, featuring a fall fashion contest followed by a Doggie Dash led by Mayor Ortega.
As November unfolds, popular events will return and new events will emerge, including Dia de Los Muertos, Dreamy Draw Music Festival, the Lululemon 10K Tour and Discover India Festival on Saturday, Nov. 18, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the West Bowl and 360 Stage.
For more information, visit oldtownscottsdaleaz.com/fallinlove/.
3939 N. Drinkwater Blvd.
Scottsdale, AZ 85251