Take a break from the spring training lineup to revel in Scottsdale’s abundant arts and culture scene.
Sponsored by Scottsdale Ferrari Art Week
Just minutes from Cactus League ballparks sit some of the most lauded arts and culture offerings in the state, everything from museums and galleries to music and festivals.
The latter includes Scottsdale Ferrari Art Week, an extraordinary celebration of the arts in the Southwest, and Scottsdale’s first-ever international modern and contemporary art fair.
Ready for your seventh-inning stretch? Here are five ways to experience the arts in Scottsdale.
Discover Renowned Museums
In the heart of Old Town Scottsdale, you’ll find two of the most impressive art repositories in Arizona.
At the Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art (SMoCA), immerse yourself in five galleries of rotating exhibitions, plus the museum’s permanent collection, all of which showcase emerging and established artists from around the world. Always on display: the Knight Rise installation, one of several famed Skyspaces from acclaimed artist James Turrell.
For a deep dive into the Old West—and New West—check out Western Spirit: Scottsdale’s Museum of the West. This museum illuminates the history and heritage of the American West through fine-art works and rare artifacts, such as Hopi pottery, cowboy art and more.
Go Gallery Browsing
While in Old Town, take time to peruse the city blocks teeming with galleries.
At American Fine Art Gallery, browse the collection of masterworks from such notable American and European artists as Andy Warhol, Pablo Picasso and Salvador Dalí. Then stop by Art One, a unique opportunity to explore works from local students and new artists from right here in Arizona.
And don’t miss the Native Art Market. At this Indigenous-owned and -operated space you can buy art—jewelry, rugs, pottery, paintings—directly from the artists. The shop also hosts an outdoor market March–May at the Pavilions at Talking Stick.
Immerse Yourself in Art
In addition to museums and galleries, Scottsdale celebrates the arts with experiential festivals and events.
This March, the inaugural Scottsdale Ferrari Art Week rolls into town, a lively festival highlighting the Southwest’s art history and heritage by introducing gallerists, collectors and fans to the region’s artistic talent. WestWorld of Scottsdale hosts most of the events, such as exhibitions of art and design, cultural performances, fashion programming and a curated selection of artworks from more than 120 galleries. Nearby venues like the Phoenix Art Museum and Heard Museum also offer off-site events connected with the fair.
Finally, every Thursday from 7–9 p.m. the Scottsdale Art Walk welcomes art enthusiasts to stroll the streets of Old Town, popping into galleries for artist meet-and-greets, special exhibitions and music.
Tour Taliesin West
At the base of Scottsdale’s McDowell Mountains lies the winter retreat of one of history’s greatest architects: Frank Lloyd Wright.
Open to the public, Wright’s astonishing Taliesin West offers many ways to engage with the work of this visionary, from self-led audio tours to guided behind-the-scenes tours, which often include access to exclusive areas of the property.
Film fans can even take in a classic movie during the Taliesin West Film Series or enjoy views of the dazzling city lights with a cocktail in hand at Sunsets and Sips.
Listen to Live Music
What’s an art outing without a musical performance?
At the Desert Botanical Garden, local musicians play all genres of tunes, from bluegrass to yacht rock, amid beautiful Sonoran Desert flora during Music in the Garden, every Friday through May.
Not only can you see displays of unique musical instruments from more than 200 countries at the Musical Instrument Museum, but in the Experience Gallery, you can even play them.
And for late-night tunes, grab a cold beer at the Rusty Spur Saloon, Scottsdale’s first saloon (and the one most favored by celebrities). Here, live country music seven nights a week is sure to get you out on the dance floor.
