Scottsdale Spring Festivals Celebrate Art, Food and Fun

Scottsdale welcomes a passion for exploration. Whether it’s done through outdoor recreation or attending a local event, the city embraces culture and encourages visitors to do the same. In fact, travelers find a diverse collection of Scottsdale spring festivals that aim to educate, inspire and entertain. Find the top events here.

6 Scottsdale Spring Festivals: Celebrate With Locals, Loved Ones

scottsdale spring festivals art

Annual Celebration of Fine Art (Jan.-March)

From January to late March, Celebration of Fine Art brings together artists and art lovers from all over the U.S. Over 100 artists set up working studios and welcome guests to learn about their craft. Festival-goers see a variety of mediums including glass blowing, jewelry, paintings, photography and sculpture.

This daily event takes place at the southwest corner of Hayden Road and Loop 101. Admission costs around $10 for adults, and visitors have access to a cafe and restrooms.

Heard Museum Guild Indian Fair and Market (March)

Heard Museum helps support the Native American-American Indian community. For over 60 years, Heard Museum Guild Indian Fair and Market has celebrated artists and their talents through awareness and education. The fair features live demonstrations, cultural performances, storytelling, crafts and best-of-show events.

See artists in baskets, beadwork, jewelry, painting, pottery, weaving and more. All events occur at Heard Museum, and tickets cost around $20 for non-members. Some discounts are available, and Best of Show tickets must be purchased separately.

scottsdale kids festival spring

Scottsdale Arts Festival (March)

Scottsdale Arts Festival takes place in Scottsdale Civic Center Park in March. This family-friendly event celebrates everything art – from handmade creations to live entertainment and gourmet food. Over 170 artists display their work and discuss their inspiration.

Special events spotlight artists and help attendees join the fun. Guests take workshops, meet locals and learn about DIY projects. Kids find activities just for them, such as life-size games and a community art studio where they create their own masterpiece. Children older than 12 and adults can buy two-day tickets for around $20.

Italian Festival of Arizona (March)

Saluti! That means cheers in Italian, and that’s what visitors say at Italian Festival of Arizona in Scottsdale. This two-day festival in March showcases everything Italian, including culture, food and music. Attendees enjoy authentic cuisine, live music and purchase handmade items from Italian artists.

Live entertainment showcases performers in Italian songs, opera and stand-up comedy. Those 21 and older also enjoy sampling beer and wine selections from area vendors. Italian Festival of Arizona supports Italian and Italian Americans in hope to promote business and community relationships between Arizona and Italy.

Get tickets for around $15 a piece, and children under 12 receive free admission.

scottsdale festival beer food

Scottsdale Culinary Festival (April)

For over 40 years, Scottsdale Culinary Festival has provided a weekend full of activities where visitors sample food and drinks from around the world. The festival houses distinct districts that focus on specific flavors. For example, find BBQ Country, European Plaza, Sweet Street, Latin Hill and Asian Village. Love food trucks? Head over to the Grub Lot.

Guests 21 and older sample refreshments from local and big-names in beers and cocktails. Liquid Arizona showcases local craft beer, spirits and wines from all over the state. Stop by the beer garden to try some 200 specialty beers with friends. The beer garden requires a separate admission ticket priced around $45 plus tax.

Those with children also find plenty to do. Scottsdale Culinary Festival has bounce houses, games with prizes, crafts, balloon animals and face painting. In addition, see over 25 bands on four stages ready to get everyone into the groove.

General admission is available for $15 at the door and includes most areas and live music. Children under 12 get in free. All ages are welcome.

scottsdale food wine fest

Photo: Jay Wennington on Unsplash

Nirvana Food and Wine Festival (April)

April brings Nirvana Food and Wine Festival, an upscale journey into culinary delight. Meet star chefs, and enjoy intimate events that celebrate food and wine. Nirvana Food and Wine Festival hosts main events every night during the festival. Examples include Bourbon Street, Master of Taste, Best of the West, and Tequila and Tortillas.

Other things to expect range from celebrity sightings and live music to scenic views. This festival occurs for four days in April and only admits guests 21 and older. Ticket prices range from $135 to $350, depending on the event, and special packages are available.

Ready to attend these Scottsdale spring festivals? Book your rental in Scottsdale. Then recharge at the top Scottsdale spas.