Scottsdale wakes up every high-season: streets hum, patios glow, hotels book up, and neighborhoods — particularly Old Town, the Arts District, and the McDowell Corridor — feel the kind of energy that buyers, sellers, and investors love. High-season in Scottsdale generally runs from late fall through early spring, peaking around January–March, when major sporting, cultural, and social events roll through the city and greater East Valley. These are the events that define the season, bring thousands of visitors, spotlight restaurants and retail, and create demand for short-term stays, second homes, and premium listings.

Below I break down the marquee events you’ll want to watch (or use as a marketing calendar), including where each takes place, how tickets work, what’s around the venue (dining, shopping, nightlife), and — crucially — why each one makes Scottsdale real estate a compelling investment.

Events in Scottsdale This 2025-2026 Winter Season

Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Auction

• • • What it is: Barrett-Jackson is the world’s most famous collector car auction weekend: rare classics, celebrity consignments, live auctions, rolling exhibits, and car culture activations. It’s part car museum, part festival and part auction block drama—collectors and car enthusiasts converge for bidding, displays, celebrity drivers, and surrounding festivities. Barrett-Jackson’s Scottsdale auctions are a signature winter event that frequently draws national media and out-of-state buyers. (Barrett-Jackson)
    • Where it’s held: WestWorld of Scottsdale — a large, multi-use events campus on the city’s northwest side that hosts the auction and other big draws (e.g., horse shows, polo, large expos). (Barrett-Jackson)
    • Why it draws a crowd: High-end automobiles sell for huge sums; collectors and speculators attend to bid, network, and show off. The weekend also features concerts, demonstrations, and large show floors that attract casual fans and buyers alike. Car culture is a strong match for Scottsdale’s luxury lifestyle image, and Barrett-Jackson brings that image into full focus. (Axios)
    • Dates & tickets: Barrett-Jackson’s Scottsdale auctions are typically scheduled in January. General admission ticket options and premium experiences (VIP, hospitality, collector lounges) are available through Barrett-Jackson’s ticketing pages; pricing tiers frequently range from general-admission day passes to high-priced hospitality packages. For specifics and to buy tickets, check Barrett-Jackson’s official ticketing page. (Barrett-Jackson)
    • Area & things to do: WestWorld sits within easy reach of North Scottsdale shopping and dining (Scottsdale Quarter, Kierland Commons, and nearby luxury resorts). Post-auction plans often include dinners at steak-centric restaurants and craft cocktail lounges in North Scottsdale, spa visits at nearby resorts, or showroom visits at local car dealerships and specialty shops. Barrett-Jackson visitors often extend stays, which supports short-term rentals, Airbnb hosts, and nearby restaurants.
    • Its effect on real estate: An influx of wealthy buyers, celebrity publicity, and short-term visitors creates demand for high-end rentals and second homes in nearby neighborhoods (Troon, DC Ranch, North Scottsdale). Owners who list during or immediately after the auction may benefit from heightened buyer interest and an influx of out-of-town prospects.

WM Phoenix Open (The “People’s Open”) 

• • • What it is: The Waste Management Phoenix Open (WM Phoenix Open) is the PGA Tour stop that’s as famous for its party atmosphere as its golf. Centered on the raucous, stadium-style 16th hole and anchored at TPC Scottsdale, the tournament combines professional golf with massive fan activation—concerts, corporate hospitality, and rowdy, festival-style viewing areas. It’s often called “The People’s Open” because of its accessible, boisterous vibe and massive attendance. (Official Website of the WM Phoenix Open)
    • Where it’s held: TPC Scottsdale (the tournament course is in Scottsdale proper). The stadium seating and famous 16th hole are instantly recognizable. (Official Website of the WM Phoenix Open)
    • Why it draws a crowd: It’s a rare professional golf event that’s social, loud, and celebrity-friendly—fans come for the players, but many come for the experience: parties, corporate tents, concerts and on-course activations. It’s a major national TV event that also attracts huge hospitality spend. (AP News)
    • Dates & tickets: WM Phoenix Open takes place in late January or early February (calendar slot varies slightly year-to-year). Tickets are sold as general admission, premium club access, and hospitality packages (Kiva Club, suites, etc.); general admission day passes are available and higher-tier packages sell at premium prices. For the most current ticket options and pricing, consult the tournament’s official ticket page. (Official Website of the WM Phoenix Open)
    • Area & things to do: TPC is a short drive from Old Town Scottsdale and the Central Scottsdale corridor. Hotels fill quickly during Open week; restaurants in Old Town and Scottsdale Fashion Square see heavy traffic. Many fans pair golf with live music events in the evenings, craft breweries, sports bars, and special pop-ups across Scottsdale’s nightlife strip.
    • Its effect on real estate: The Phoenix Open floods the market with short-term visitors and corporate clients who book condos and rental houses—good news for property managers and hosts. Sales agents use tournament week to show townhomes and condos to out-of-state buyers who time visits around the Open. The event’s national exposure also elevates Scottsdale’s brand as a luxury-sports destination—attractive to lifestyle buyers.

Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show & Shopping Expo 

• • • What it is: The Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show is the world’s largest Arabian horse show and one of the marquee equestrian events in the U.S. It mixes high-level competition, breed showcases, parades, and an enormous shopping expo with equine and lifestyle vendors. It’s a must-attend for equestrians, breeders, and fans of pageantry and tradition. (scottsdaleshow.com)
    • Where it’s held: WestWorld of Scottsdale, occupying the same sprawling events complex as Barrett-Jackson (WestWorld is essentially a hub for Scottsdale’s large-format events). (scottsdaleshow.com)
    • Why it draws a crowd: The show is a combination of elite competition and family-friendly spectacle. Many competitors bring entire teams, owners, trainers, and international visitors. The shopping expo—hundreds of vendors—attracts attendees looking for equestrian gear, home goods, and fashion. It’s both a professional stop on the circuit and a festival for fans. (scottsdaleshow.com)
    • Dates & tickets: Historically scheduled in February, the show runs for multiple days (often mid- to late-February). Shopping-expo hours, show times, and ticketing details are published by the Arabian Horse Association of Arizona; some expo days are free while competition days can require admission. Always check the show’s official ticketing page for specific daily schedules and pricing. (scottsdaleshow.com)
    • Area & things to do: Because the show uses WestWorld, nearby North Scottsdale destinations get heavy foot traffic—resorts, spa facilities, and high-end shopping at Scottsdale Quarter and Kierland Commons. Visitors often take time for desert hikes in the McDowell Sonoran Preserve or desert-scenic drives, and they’ll dine in Old Town’s mix of Southwestern and contemporary restaurants.
    • Its effect on real estate: Equestrian events reinforce demand for homes in horse-friendly neighborhoods (where properties may include acreage, barns, or easy access to trails). Buyers who want that lifestyle—riding arenas, tack rooms, paddocks—often look in the same North Scottsdale and outlying areas where event-week traffic highlights the lifestyle value.

Cactus League Spring Training 

• • • What it is: The Cactus League is MLB’s spring training circuit based in the Phoenix metro area. During high-season (February–March) teams play at ballparks across the valley; some clubs have stadiums in Scottsdale and Paradise Valley. Spring Training draws baseball fans, families, and seasonal visitors who combine games with resort stays. (Visit Phoenix)
    • Where it’s held and what teams are there: Scottsdale Stadium (home to the San Francisco Giants during Spring Training), Salt River Fields at Talking Stick (technically in the Salt River Pima–Maricopa Indian Community, adjacent to Scottsdale), and other valley parks are within a short drive of Scottsdale accommodations. Check the Cactus League schedule for team and park assignments. (Visit Phoenix)
    • Why it draws a crowd: Fans love Spring Training’s intimate stadiums, affordable tickets, and chance to see future stars up close. Families attend games for daytime fun; touring teams and schedule blocks create steady mid-week and weekend traffic in bars, restaurants, and hotels. (Visit Phoenix). The Cactus League hosts the following 15 Major League Baseball teams:  Arizona Diamondbacks, Colorado Rockies, Chicago Cubs, Chicago White Sox, Cincinnati Reds, Cleveland Guardians, Kansas City Royals, Los Angeles Angels, Milwaukee Brewers, Oakland Athletics, San Diego Padres, San Francisco Giants, Seattle Mariners, Texas Rangers; so, visitors can root for their “home team” or just their favorite team shaping up for their upcoming season and enjoy the sunshine and incredible dining options that we have to offer.
    • Dates & tickets: Spring Training runs roughly mid-February through late March; precise dates vary year to year. Tickets are sold through MLB.com and individual team sites; many ballparks offer inexpensive single-game seats and premium options. For exact schedules and ticket sales for the current season, check the official Cactus League or team pages. (Visit Phoenix)
    • Area & things to do: Game days pair well with brunches in Old Town, afternoon shopping at Scottsdale Fashion Square, and evening entertainment in downtown Scottsdale. Visitors often plan multi-game trips, combine games with spa days, or take desert tours nearby. But we all know that Spring training isn’t just great baseball — it’s about great times with great food! The Cactus League neighborhoods double as a foodie playground: from elevated Mediterranean and contemporary American in Old Town Scottsdale to inventive ramen and neighborhood bakeries in Mesa, craft breweries and relaxed gastropubs around Goodyear, lively steak and comfort-food classics near Glendale’s Camelback Ranch, and destination steakhouses and garden-adjacent restaurants in Phoenix. Those variety of vibes — fine-dining tasting menus, chef-driven sushi/seafood, trendy rooftop lounges, cozy family-run spots, and solid brewpubs — give fans excellent pre- or post-game dinner options and help make the area attractive to seasonal visitors and buyers who want a lively, amenity-rich neighborhood. (OpenTable) Here is a brief list of some of the many many options near the spring training facilities:

Scottsdale

• • • • Uchi — Old Town Scottsdale
        Within ~5 miles of Scottsdale Stadium / close enough for a short drive from Salt River Fields. Vibe: high-end, modern Japanese tasting menu and sushi-centric dining; intimate, stylish. Reviews: consistently raved about for creative sushi and tasting menus — guests highlight pristine fish, artful presentations, and refined service; reservations recommended. (OpenTable)
      • Olive & Ivy — Waterfront/Old Town Scottsdale
        Within ~5 miles of Scottsdale Stadium and convenient for Salt River Fields visitors. Vibe: Mediterranean bistro on the canal — casual-elegant, great for groups. Reviews: popular for pre/post-game dining with steady praise for atmosphere, brunch, and outdoor seating; reviewers note reliable food and scenic patio. (OpenTable)
      • Collins Brothers Public House / Ocean 44 / Orange Sky (Talking Stick Resort area)
        Very close to Salt River Fields / Talking Stick Resort. Vibe: elevated steak/seafood and sleek resort dining. Reviews: high marks for steaks, seafood, and service; reviewers emphasize polished dining experience and good cocktails — ideal for fans wanting a refined night out after a game. (OpenTable)

Goodyear 

• • • • Copper & Sage (Goodyear)
        Within ~5 miles of Goodyear Ballpark. Vibe: casual American with a modern neighborhood feel — sandwiches, steaks, comfort plates. Reviews: locals praise friendly service and consistent food; a reliable option for families and visiting fans. (OpenTable)
      • Saddle Mountain Brewing Company / The Stillery
        Short drive from Goodyear Ballpark. Vibe: craft brewery and laid-back gastropub — outdoor seating and beer flights. Reviews: reviewers like the beer selection and relaxed, sporty atmosphere — great for groups and casual dining after a game. (OpenTable)

Mesa 

• • • • Mensho Ramen (Mesa)
        Within ~5 miles of Sloan Park. Vibe: modern ramen shop with craft broths and a culinary edge. Reviews: praised for bold ramen flavors and high-quality ingredients; a frequent “must-try” for foodies visiting Mesa. (Tripadvisor)
      • Henhouse Cafe / The Hudson Eatery & Bar
        Near Sloan Park and central Mesa. Vibe: cozy breakfast/lunch café (Henhouse) and neighborhood contemporary American (Hudson). Reviews: Henhouse known for big-flavor breakfast and friendly service; Hudson receives positive notes for approachable, modern dishes and a comfortable bar scene. (Tripadvisor)

Glendale 

• • • • Thirsty Lion (Glendale / Westgate area)
        Within ~5 miles of Camelback Ranch (Glendale/Peoria clustered venues). Vibe: lively tavern with elevated pub fare and a roomy bar — good for groups. Reviews: generally positive for atmosphere, solid mains and drinks; popular with game-day crowds. (Yelp)
      • The Sicilian Butcher (Peoria/nearby)
        Short drive from Camelback Ranch. Vibe: modern Italian/market concept — casual but upscale sandwich and pasta options. Reviews: high marks for quality ingredients and inventive sandwiches; a favorite for families and visitors seeking robust, flavorful fare. (Yelp)

Phoenix 

• • • • The Stockyards (Old West / Phoenix-adjacent)
        Within ~5 miles of Phoenix Municipal Stadium areas / central Phoenix corridor. Vibe: classic steakhouse and Western-era dining — loud, friendly, traditional. Reviews: long-time local favorite; reviewers praise hearty steaks, old-school vibe, and reliable service. (Tripadvisor)
      • Gertrude’s (Desert Botanical Garden area — close enough for fans staying in central Phoenix)
        Within ~5–7 miles depending on exact stadium; worth noting for visitors combining a nature visit with dining. Vibe: refined American with garden views and seasonal menus. Reviews: praised for thoughtful menus, pleasant garden setting, and attentive service — a quieter, elevated option for visitors. (Tripadvisor)

• • • Its effect on real estate: Spring Training brings a flood of seasonal visitors who rent short-term units and sometimes convert event weeks into multi-year rental income opportunities. Proximity to ballparks makes condos and townhomes more desirable for investors seeking reliable seasonal demand.

Old Town Scottsdale Weekly ArtWalk & Scottsdale Arts Events

• • • What it is: The Old Town Scottsdale ArtWalk is a long-standing weekly tradition (typically Thursday evenings) where galleries open late for a stroll through the Scottsdale Arts District. It’s less a single festival and more a weekly cultural anchor that draws collectors, visitors, and locals to galleries, museums, and boutique shops. Beyond ArtWalk, Scottsdale Arts and Scottsdale Civic Center host rotating exhibitions, concerts, and occasional festivals that draw crowds during high season. (Scottsdale Arts District)
    • Where it’s held: Old Town Scottsdale — Main Street corridor, Marshall Way, and Marshall Way/Museum district around the Civic Center. (Scottsdale Arts District)
    • Why it draws a crowd: ArtWalk provides easy, weekly cultural engagement—gallery openings, meet-the-artist nights, sidewalk installations, and accessible art browsing. Visitors pair gallery time with Old Town’s restaurants, bars, and shopping. Larger seasonal arts festivals (when scheduled) concentrate crowds for a weekend full of performances, vendors, and family programming. (Old Town Scottsdale)
    • Dates & tickets: ArtWalks are typically free and run weekly in the evening (check local listings for holiday exceptions). Larger Scottsdale Arts festivals have variable schedules; in recent seasons some flagship events have adjusted formats, so check Scottsdale Arts’ official site for current schedules and ticketing. (Scottsdale Arts District)
    • Area & things to do: Old Town is one of Scottsdale’s liveliest walkable districts: galleries, boutique shops, western-style retailers, the Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art, a dense restaurant scene (from Sonoran-style cuisine to fine dining) and a nightlife corridor that remains active late. There’s also easy access to the Scottsdale Waterfront and the Fashion Square mall for higher-end retail. (Scottsdale Arts District)
    • Its effect on real estate: A thriving arts district pushes demand for walkable urban living—condos, lofts, and renovated historic properties become attractive to buyers seeking a pedestrian lifestyle. Investors also see steady demand for short stays from gallery visitors, collectors, and arts patrons during festival weekends.

Food & Wine Events — “Taste of” and Culinary Pop-Ups

• • • What they are: Scottsdale and the surrounding East Valley host a rotating calendar of food-and-drink events during high season: food festivals, chef-curated pop-ups, brewery weekends, and wine-tasting showcases. These range from community fundraisers to ticketed food festivals at parks or fields. Events like A Taste of AZ and local culinary festivals spotlight the region’s growing culinary scene. (Experience Scottsdale)
    • Why they draw a crowd: Food festivals are social, experiential, and perfect for out-of-town visitors who want a taste of the region. Scottsdale’s restaurant scene has expanded beyond Southwestern staples into inventive, farm-driven, and international concepts that give food events extra appeal. Local coverage (and restaurant openings) has reinforced Scottsdale as a culinary destination recently. (Axios)
    • Dates & tickets: These events happen year-round but concentrate in fall and early spring; ticket types range from inexpensive entry fees to VIP tasting packages. Keep tabs on the ExperienceScottsdale calendar and local event pages for specifics. (Experience Scottsdale)
    • Area & things to do: Food festivals are often staged near Scottsdale’s event parks or fields; attendees then explore nearby shopping and nightlife or make reservations at nearby high-end restaurants for dinner.
    • Its effect on real estate: Food tourism boosts the neighborhood profile. Areas with a vibrant restaurant and bar scene see consistent demand from buyers who prize convenience and a lively social life—great for city-center condos and live-work lifestyle listings.

How These Events Feed the Scottsdale Real-Estate Market

Events alone don’t create a market—but they amplify lifestyle value, attract visitors who become buyers or renters, and create steady tourism-driven income streams that support both short-term rental profits and long-term price appreciation. Here’s how:

1. Brand exposure and national visibility

Big events—Barrett-Jackson, the Phoenix Open, and the Arabian Horse Show—get national (and even international) media coverage. That exposure dresses Scottsdale as a destination for luxury lifestyle, sport, and culture. When buyers in other states see Scottsdale showcased on television or in magazines, they start to consider ownership, second homes, or relocation. (Think of tournament TV shots, luxury cars rolling across auction floors, or equestrian parades on the news.) (Axios)

2. Reliable seasonal demand for short-term rentals

Events create predictable windows of demand. A condo close to Old Town gets booked for ArtWalk weekends; houses near TPC Scottsdale fill during Open week; North Scottsdale properties can be rented to equestrian visitors during horse show season. For investors who manage properties well, event weeks generate outsized revenue that improves annual yield. (Always check local regulations—Scottsdale’s rules on short-term rentals and HOA restrictions matter.) (Official Website of the WM Phoenix Open)

3. Lifestyle buyers and relocation traffic

Buyers aren’t only purchasing property—they’re buying lifestyle. A buyer who loves weekly ArtWalks or who attends multiple spring training games may choose a townhouse near Old Town; a family that values resort amenities and golf may opt for a home near Desert Mountain or North Scottsdale. Events put the lifestyle on display, making it easier for agents to sell the vision. (Old Town Scottsdale)

4. Restaurant, retail and service ecosystem growth

Restaurants, shops, galleries, and nightlife scale up to meet event crowds. That growth makes neighborhoods more walkable and amenity-dense—very attractive to younger buyers and empty-nesters seeking convenience. New restaurant openings and retail anchors (like expansions at Fashion Square or arrivals on the McDowell corridor) feed property desirability. (Axios)

5. Stable, diversified demand

Scottsdale’s market benefits from multiple, overlapping demand drivers: sports fans (WM Open, Spring Training), collectors (Barrett-Jackson), equestrians (Arabian show), arts patrons (ArtWalk and festivals), and tourists who come for food and nightlife. That diversification can make local real-estate demand more resilient across seasons. Supporting this, Scottsdale’s event calendar spreads visitors across many weeks rather than a single concentrated month. (Experience Scottsdale)

Neighborhood Spotlights — Where to Be During Event Weeks

Here are neighborhoods and micro-markets that routinely benefit from route-in/event proximity. If you’re evaluating property, consider how these areas line up with the event calendar and potential rental or resale narratives.

Old Town Scottsdale / Downtown

Why it matters: Walkability, nightlife, galleries, and restaurants. Ideal for buyers who want a lively, pedestrian lifestyle. ArtWalk and most evening events funnel here. Short-term rentals do well when the weekend calendar is full. (Scottsdale Arts District)

North Scottsdale (Kierland, Scottsdale Quarter, DC Ranch)

Why it matters: Upscale shopping, resort hotels, golf communities, and proximity to WestWorld. Home to buyers seeking quiet luxury with access to major event venues (WestWorld, Barrett-Jackson). These are high-value neighborhoods that attract long-term owners and second-home buyers. (Barrett-Jackson)

McDowell Corridor / Fashion Square

Why it matters: Retail spine with Scottsdale Fashion Square, new restaurants, and easy access to Old Town. Good for buyers wanting a mix of shopping and dining with short commutes to Arizona’s big events. (Axios)

Paradise Valley & Scottsdale Stadium corridor

Why it matters: Resort-style living, proximity to Spring Training venues, and luxury estates. Perfect for buyers who value privacy but want access to sports and resort programming. (Visit Phoenix)

Practical Ticketing & Planning Tips for Visitors (and Hosts)

• • Book early: For Barrett-Jackson and WM Phoenix Open, tickets and hospitality packages sell out fast. Plan lodging well in advance. (Barrett-Jackson)
  • Check official sites: Events change schedules year-to-year; always use official event pages for dates and ticket tiers. (Links used in this piece include Barrett-Jackson, WM Phoenix Open, Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show, and the Cactus League schedule.) (Barrett-Jackson)
  • Plan transport: During big events TPC and WestWorld can experience heavy local traffic; use ride-share, shuttles, or plan arrival windows outside peak ingress/egress times.
  • Leverage weeklong calendars: Many visitors combine events—e.g., catch a Spring Training game on Monday, Barrett-Jackson on Friday, and a Sunday brunch in Old Town—so marketing a rental or showing property to an out-of-town buyer during a week with multiple events improves exposure.

Why Scottsdale Still Makes Sense for Buyers & Investors

Scottsdale’s event calendar is not just entertainment; it’s a consistent economic engine. For investors, event week revenue can meaningfully boost annual returns when properties are marketed to visitors and short-term renters. For lifestyle buyers, the city’s combination of outdoor lifestyle (desert hikes, golf), cultural programming (ArtWalk, festivals), and top-tier dining and retail creates the kind of day-to-day quality of life that sustains strong demand.

When you combine that with Scottsdale’s desirable climate (mild winters that attract seasonal residents), a diversified events calendar, and strong regional tourism—Scottsdale’s real-estate fundamentals remain compelling. Buyers can target neighborhoods that match their goals: walkable urban condos near Old Town for short-term demand, luxury homes in North Scottsdale for resort/lifestyle appeal, or horse-friendly acreage in more rural pockets for equestrian interests.

How to Turn Event Season into a Real-Estate Win

Events are the calendar’s satellites—they guide when people visit, when hotels are booked, and when agents should schedule showings. For sellers, timing an open house to coincide with an event week (when buyer traffic is high) can increase exposure. For investors, knowing which weeks bring predictable demand helps set rental rates and marketing campaigns. For buyers, experiencing Scottsdale during high season is the best way to feel the lifestyle you’re buying into.

If you’re considering buying, selling, or investing in Scottsdale property and want an agent who knows which neighborhoods benefit from which events (and who can strategize about when to list or how to monetize short-term demand), you need someone who lives the market locally.

Hire a Local Expert

For guidance tailored to Scottsdale’s event-driven market, hire an agent who’s native to the area, knows the neighborhoods, and keeps a thumb on the ever-evolving market. Jeff Barchi is a Scottsdale native and an experienced agent who understands how events, seasonality, and neighborhood amenities intersect with pricing, staging, and marketing. Whether you’re buying a condo for ArtWalk weekends, investing in a home near TPC for tournament rentals, or seeking a luxury property that benefits from Barrett-Jackson’s national exposure, Jeff can help you plan the timing, pricing, and positioning to get the best outcome.

Reach out to Jeff Barchi at REMAX Fine Properties to discuss current listings, event-timed marketing strategies, and how to align your real-estate moves with Scottsdale’s vibrant high-season calendar.

^Sources:

• ^{Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale ticketing & event pages. (Barrett-Jackson)}
• ^{WM Phoenix Open (official ticketing and general admission options). (Official Website of the WM Phoenix Open)}
• ^{Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show (official show site & ticketing/expo info). (scottsdaleshow.com)}
• ^{Old Town Scottsdale ArtWalk and weekly arts information. (Scottsdale Arts District)}
• ^{Cactus League Spring Training schedule and visit Phoenix event pages. (Visit Phoenix)}