I have been living in Phoenix and Scottsdale Arizona for over 11 years, and I can honestly say that it is never boring; especially if you can take the heat. If you can’t, just travel a little north of Phoenix and it will be just as awesome in many different ways. I can also attest to the fact that one of the greatest times of the year is the late winter and spring time. As desert flowers begin to bloom on the saguaros and other cacti, the city also blooms with world class events and bursts with visitors from all over this world. It is this time of year (May/June/July) or sooner, to start booking plans for the coming Spring, so don’t miss out.
Here are some of those world-class events that you will find in Scottsdale, and the greater Phoenix area at the beginning of almost every year…and trust me, you don’t want to miss any of it.
46th Annual Fiesta Bowl
December 31st, 2016
If I could tell you who is going to play, you would not want me in your College Football pool, so for now, just know to be here for those dates and witness what usually turns out to be a pretty great college football classic. The 2003 game was dubbed ‘the greatest college football game ever played.’ Learn more about some of these historic contests, including 7 that were National Championships, here.
46th Annual Barrett Jackson Auction in Scottsdale
January 14th through January 22nd, 2017
Join car enthusiasts from all over the world coming to bid on or just enjoy some of the most rare, most valuable cars, in their gloriously shiny and pristine condition. The event takes place at WestWorld of Scottsdale, a great venue for this event, that brings buyers, sellers and spectators together one awesome car-show and auction. From classic Corvettes to Citroens, you’ll find a ton of treasures at this show and rub elbows with some very interesting people as well…
85th Annual* Waste Management Phoenix Open
January 30th through February 5th 2017
Dubbed the “greatest show on grass”, this jewel on the PGA tour is not only a great gathering of the world’s best golfers, it is also one of the most anticipated social events in Scottsdale. Last year the Open broke an attendance record with over 600,000 visitors coming throughout the week. If you love great golf, and an even better party, don’t miss the Waste Management Phoenix Open.
62nd Annual Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show
February 16th through February 26th 2017
Come observe over 2400 beautifully raised and groomed horses, their owners, trainers and breeders from the four corners of the earth, as they compete to become known as the best in the world. These are some of the most beautiful horses you’ll ever see and they love visitors. A world class event, the Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show is a crown jewel in the winner’s stable. Don’t miss out on seeing these beautiful animals in all their grace and splendor and celebrate Valentine’s Day in Scottsdale.
46th Annual Scottsdale Arts Festival
March 10th through March 12th
This fabulous outdoor festival brings together 175 selected artists from across the U.S. and Canada. Painters, sculptors, and artists of many mediums who also work in photography, ceramics, and glass bring their beautiful creations for your viewing pleasure. Enjoy the all the aesthetically pleasing, beautiful creativity while out in the fresh air, underneath blue Scottsdale skies. The festival also features a mouthwatering collection of gourmet food trucks for your gastronomic pleasure.
Major League Baseball Spring Training
March through April
The Cactus League calls the metro Phoenix area home every spring and Spring Training never fails to bring people together from all over the U.S. Canada, Europe and Asia. From our home town to yours, there is no better way to catch a glimpse of America’s favorite pastime, from this beautiful environment.
You can get up close and personal with the Arizona Diamondbacks, the Chicago Cubs and the White Sox, the Cincinnati Reds, the Cleveland Indians, the Colorado Rockies, the Kansas City Royals, the Anaheim Angels, the Los Angeles Dodgers, the Milwaukee Brewers, the Oakland A’s, the San Diego Padres, the San Francisco Giants, the Seattle Mariners and the Texas Rangers…what a lineup!
So …what are you waiting for? Book something!
So you say you can fill up your calendar with that agenda? Well I hope you left a little room. As I mentioned, there is no better time to watch the desert bloom than in the spring. The Desert Botanical Garden becomes awash with colorful desert flora and is always inspiring.
The Phoenix Symphony is in full swing and features presentations from Mozart’s Requiem to the ‘Music of Led Zeppelin’ and Ballet Arizona is featuring ‘Romeo and Juliet’ and ‘A Presentation of Today’s Masters’ among other performances.
I’m not sure if you noticed, but a few of the items up top are in their 46th year…some time ago, one could argue that someone or a group of people made a conscious effort to make Scottsdale the place to be in the springtime…it seems Scottsdale and surrounding areas have a keen understanding of what interests’ people and keeps them coming back. A significant portion of the Scottsdale economy is based on tourism and one can have full confidence in its sustainability because of their great reputation of being able to host the world, at some of the greatest events the year has to offer.
So don’t delay; the time to book is now…and the great thing about that is, you can ask me how!
Quick Links to the mentioned events:
…and obviously if you have any questions, want to buy or rent a house or, you just want to say hello…email me at Robert.Panacci@RussLyon.com
*Although the Phoenix Open is 85 years old, Waste Management has not been a sponsor for all of those years.
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