This fall, residents and guests of Scottsdale are invited to experience the Scottsdale Civic Center like never before! With the seasonal Fall in Love with Scottsdale Civic Center extravaganza, the city reintroduces this vibrant area through a series of more than 70 activities and events showcasing its stunning revitalization. Fall in Love with Scottsdale Civic Center Epicenter events take place in and around the center and throughout Old Town from Tuesday, Oct. 3 through Wednesday, Nov. 22.
Through a $33.5 million project financed primarily with bonds approved by Scottsdale voters in 2019, Scottsdale Civic Center’s revitalization began with construction in October 2021. Improvements to the center were finalized this past March, providing locals and visitors alike with a better experience than ever. The renewed and refreshed area now serves as a beautiful place to gather for art, culture, entertainment, festivals and family relaxation.
Renovations to the area included improvements to structural and electrical deficiencies as well as enhancements to provide a safe and attractive environment for residents and visitors. The center’s outdoor public spaces were also updated to be event ready, placing it in a competitive position to attract large-scale events.
Some of the most prominent enhancements to the area include a new permanent stage at the East Bowl with a shade structure and a new centrally located 360-degree performance structure between the Civic Loop and West Bowl. The Social Hub, located between Scottsdale City Hall and Civic Center Library, provides direct connection to a new children’s library entrance and boasts a splash pad and fog feature, a children’s play area and shaded social and picnic areas. Substantial reconstruction of the west entrance, now named West Paseo, new restrooms near the Social Hub and updated City Hall lagoons round out project improvements.
Art remains at the core of the Scottsdale Civic Center. Many beloved sculptures from the Scottsdale Public Art Collection are once again on display, with some in different locations. The intuitive Civic Loop offers guests a new walking experience with an opportunity to view most of the iconic public art within Scottsdale Civic Center.
Fall in Love with Scottsdale Civic Center begins Tuesday, Oct. 3 with a WILCO concert featuring special guest My Brightest Diamond. This all-ages show begins at 7:30 p.m. on the East Bowl Lawn. Tickets are required and can be purchased through https://scottsdaleperformingarts.org/event/wilco/.
Ongoing Picnic in the Plaza events take place on Saturday afternoons throughout October, featuring live music at West Paseo. Other activities held in partnership with Scottsdale organizations and businesses will also take place. In addition to events specially dedicated to celebrating Scottsdale Civic Center’s revitalization, activities will intertwine with holidays like Halloween when the Civic Center Library hosts special events for little ghouls and goblins.
During an event on Thursday, Oct. 26 from 4-6 p.m. at the West Bowl, Scottsdale Arts and the city of Scottsdale will celebrate the newest and oldest artworks in the city’s Public Art Collection as well as City Hall’s designation as a historic landmark. “Windows to the West” by Louise Nevelson will celebrate its 50th anniversary and there will be a dedication of the area’s newest art piece — “The Desert’s Garden” by Tammi Lynch-Forrest. The free event will feature dance performances, live music, food and giveaways.
Other events honor both the city as well as distinguished members of the community such as the performance by The Jazz Ambassadors of the United States Army Field Band held Thursday, Nov. 9 from 6-7 p.m. at the East Bowl. In further recognition of heroes who have served, Scottsdale’s Veterans Day Commemoration takes place 10:30 a.m. to noon Saturday, Nov. 11, at the Memorial Lawn in partnership with the American Legion.
On weekends throughout November, popular events return along with new ones including Dia de Los Muertos, the Dreamy Draw Music Festival, the Lululemon 10K Tour and the Discover India Festival from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 18, at the West Bowl and 360 Stage.
On Tuesday, Nov. 14, Scottsdale Civic Center invites the community to bring their four-legged family members to Dog’s Day Out, taking place from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. throughout Scottsdale Civic Center. The event is set to include a series of events including “Doga” (dog yoga), dog CPR, informative experiences with the Scottsdale Police K-9 Unit, AZ Dog Training Elite, adoption information and a “Yappy Hour” featuring a fall fashion contest followed by a Doggie Dash led by Scottsdale Mayor David Ortega.
Autumn is the perfect time to Fall in Love with Scottsdale Civic Center and check out all the new improvements and enhancements that will serve the community well into the future. For complete details about the Fall in Love with Scottsdale Civic Center events, including costs, registrations and more, visit OldTownScottsdaleAZ.com/FallInLove.
