68th Annual Scottsdale Parada del Sol Historic Parade and Trail’s End Festival

Managed by the Scottsdale Charros, the 68th Annual Scottsdale Parada del Sol Historic Parade and Trail’s End Festival presented by Oliver Smith Jeweler takes place on Feb. 5 throughout the streets of Old Town Scottsdale.

The long-standing event, themed “Back in the Saddle” (in reference to the 2021 hiatus due to COVID-19 restrictions) brings together the community, Scottsdale visitors and local businesspeople to celebrate the city’s heritage and vibrant cultures.

Immediately following the parade, the Trail’s End Festival transforms Scottsdale’s Historic Old Town District into a massive (and free!) Western-style block party featuring three stages of live entertainment including concerts from today’s popular bands and traditional performances. Featured performers include the Raun Alosi Band, the Herndon Brothers, Mogollon and Parade Grand Marshal Dan Harkins’ own band, Union Rock, as well as mariachis and traditional Hispanic dance groups. Fun for the whole family, the Trail’s End Festival also includes a kids’ corral with multiple inflatables and mechanical rides, food trucks and beer vendors, merchandise stands, arts and crafts booths and more.

The Scottsdale Parada del Sol Historic Parade and Trail’s End Festival presented by Oliver Smith Jeweler serves as a celebration of the evolution of Scottsdale — honoring its past, present and future. The parade typically includes around 150 entries including colorful floats, mounted horse-riders, horse-drawn carriage, marching bands, scout troops, wagons and stagecoaches representing many cultures from Mexican to Native American to Arabian to Western. Applications for the Scottsdale Parada del Sol Historic Parade entries are now being taken through Jan. 24.

For more information, visit www.scottsdaleparade.com.