Scottsdale’s Annual Western Week Celebration Returns Jan. 27-Feb. 4

From Sta., Jan. 27 through Sun., Feb. 4, Western Week honors Scottsdale’s Western roots and Native American heritage through a series of historical events, educational engagements, family-friendly activities, and entertainment. Each unique event shines the spotlight on Scottsdale’s rich history and the vibrant cultures that define the community today.

The city’s rich history dates back more than 130 years to the original farming and ranching operations that earned it the title of “The West’s Most Western Town.” Today, Old Town is a bustling and sophisticated area with dozens of local boutiques, art galleries, fine dining establishments, wineries and craft breweries. However, the city maintain its “Wild West” charm, keeping its heritage alive and well. 

“We’re pleased to announce the return of Western Week, our annual dedication to the city’s history, culture, people and heritage,” says Karen Churchard, director of Tourism and Events for the city of Scottsdale. “As the event has evolved, we are delighted to partner with many of our local businesses to present new and exciting opportunities for guests to participate in Western Week.”

The celebration begins in Historic Old Town and continues at the Marshall Way Bridge. Expect blacksmith demonstrations, line dancing, live entertainment, and more. Signature events taking place during Western Week include:

Old Town Scottsdale Farmers Market

Sat., Jan. 27 | 8 a.m.-1 p.m.  

Live music from a Western band as they peruse the aisles of this city’s popular farmers market.

Western Spirit Gold Palette ArtWalk

Thurs., Feb. 1 | 6:30-9 p.m.

Scottsdale Arts District — from Main Street from Scottsdale Road to Goldwater Boulevard, and north of Indian School Road on Marshall Way to 5th Avenue

Stroll through the Scottsdale Arts District and enjoy Western Week-themed entertainment, as well as featured exhibitions in the various participating Scottsdale Gallery Association member galleries. 

The West’s Most Western Town – “THEN & NOW”

Thurs., Feb. 1 | 5:30-6:30 p.m. 

Western Spirit: Scottsdale’s Museum of the West

Scottsdale’s Community Historian Joan Fudala leads this special presentation, which serves as a photo-rich history of the Parada from its origins to date.

66th Annual Hashknife Pony Express Arrival

Fri., Feb. 2 | 11 a.m.-1 p.m.

Western Spirit: Scottsdale’s Museum of the West

This one-of-a-kind experience celebrates the real-time arrival of the Hashknife Pony Express, the oldest officially sanctioned Pony Express in the world, which delivers more than 20,000 pieces of U.S. Mail to the steps of Scottsdale’s Museum of the West. In anticipation of the riders’ arrival at noon, the event kicks off at 9:45 a.m. on Marshall Way with a special History of Hashknife Pony Express Arrival presentation. Then at 11 a.m., enjoy live music, bands, line dancers, Native American hoop dancers and royalty, kids’ activities, and food trucks. The event is free, as is admission to the museum all day from 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. on Fri., Feb. 2 and Sat., Feb. 3. 

Arizona Indian Festival

Sat., Feb. 3 | 9 a.m.-6 p.m.| Sun., Feb. 4 | 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Scottsdale Civic Center

The Arizona American Indian Tourism Association (AAITA), in partnership with Arizona’s Native American tribes, hosts this annual event presenting guests with opportunity to discover more about the state’s Native American Indian tribes by exploring examples of traditional Indian villages and dwellings, experiencing traditional arts and crafts demonstrations, and enjoying native food vendors and native mainstage entertainment such as dancing and singing. The Tribal Travel and Tourism offices will also be showcasing their native destinations. 

70th Annual Scottsdale Parada del Sol Historic Parade and Trail’s End Festival

Sat., Feb. 3 | 10 a.m.-noon (parade), noon-4 p.m. (festival)                                      

Old Town Scottsdale – Scottsdale Road

Celebrating its seventh decade, the theme for the 70th Annual Scottsdale Parada Del Sol Historic Parade and Trail’s End Festival is “Still Groovin’ After 70 Years.” This long-running community event tips its hat to the city’s Wild West roots, beginning with a family-friendly parade featuring more than 125 entries such as vibrant floats, mounted horse-riders, horse-drawn carriages, school marching bands, wagons and stagecoaches representing multiple cultures from Mexican and Native American to Arabian and Western. The parade follows a route from Drinkwater Boulevard along Scottsdale Road, finishing at Brown Avenue and Indian School Road.

Immediately following the parade, Historic Old Town transforms into a massive Western-style block party with a kids’ zone, food trucks, merchandise vendors, and multiple stages with live entertainment including concerts from today’s popular bands to traditional performers. New this year, the 2024 Phoenix Men’s Final Four Fan Jam will make an appearance. The Fan Jam tour builds excitement for the coming 2024 Men’s Final Four,  set to take place Sat., April 6 and Mon., 8, 2024 at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, with basketball-themed games and other family-friendly activations.

In addition to these popular signature events, the city of Scottsdale is working with local merchants and businesses to present new experiences for this year’s Western Week.