As events season unfolds in the Valley, there’s plenty to see and do. This week ushers in three big events: Canal Convergence, Bentley Scottsdale Polo Championships, and Dreamy Draw Music Festival. Here’s what you need to know.
Concept rendering: Big Art. Courtesy Scottsdale Arts
Canal Convergence Lights Up Scottsdale Waterfront
WHEN: Fri., Nov. 7 – Sun., Nov. 16
HOURS: Opens at 6 p.m. nightly
WHERE: Scottsdale Waterfront in Downtown Scottsdale
Canal Convergence returns for its 14th year with a new theme, new artworks, and new experiences. The event transforms the Scottsdale Waterfront into a glowing celebration of art, light, and performance. This year’s theme, “SHOWTIME,” brings nearly 100 workshops, performances, and interactive experiences to the 10-night event. Enjoy art, tours, live music and dance events, a merchantile market, and more.
Among the things to do at Canal Convergence is a variety of workshops at the Nationwide Innovation Zone, where you can create with artists and local organizations, like building light-based models with Jay Tettamanti of Chalk River Labs or crafting puppets with Arizona Puppet Theater.
New large-scale artworks include Recognition by New American Public Art, which projects visitors’ 3D portraits, and polychroma by In Theory Art Studios, a radiant LED rainbow sculpture celebrating inclusivity and pride.
And there’s so much more, too. Overall event highlights include:
- Large-scale, light-based public art installations
- Nightly fire shows
- Live music and dance performances
- Family-friendly workshops and activities
- Special events
- Rotating food truck and vendor options
- Beer and wine garden
The performances, drop-in workshops, and some other activities are free, just like the main event itself, but nightly art tours, ticketed workshops, and certain special events do require ticket purchases.
Bentley Scottsdale Polo Championships
WHEN: Sat., Nov. 8 – Sun., Nov, 9
HOURS: Sat.: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sun.: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
WHERE: WestWorld of Scottsdale, 16601 N. Pima Road, Scottsdale
The most-attended polo event in the United States is back. This year’s Bentley Scottsdale Polo Championships features six international polo matches, fashion shows, displays of exotic cars, food, live music, and more. Luxury tent experiences and lounges abound.
Settle in and watch the polo matches or shop at a pop-up. There’s also The Canine Couture: A Dog Fashion Show Like No Other presented by Lugari Pet Salon and The World’s “Longest” Fashion Show, produced by Phoenix Fashion Week.
This year also includes the event’s first Army versus Navy polo match, a patriotic showdown on Nov. 8, and the new WestWorld Art & Wine Experience, where the sidelines turn into a gallery and vineyard with more than 100 artists and 20 Arizona wineries showcasing curated works and pours.
Tickets can be purchased here.
Dreamy Draw Music Festival
WHEN: Fri., Nov. 7 – Sat., Nov. 8
HOURS: Fri.: Gates open at 2:45 p.m.; Sat.: Gates open at 1 p.m.
WHERE: Scottsdale Civic Center, 7380 E. 2nd St., Scottsdale
This popular music festival returns for its third year and is bigger than ever, with three stages and a broad mix of musical genres represented.
Headliners for the 2025 Festival include The Lumineers, Vampire Weekend, Father John Misty, Marcus King Band, Saint Motel, Houndmouth, Thee Sacred Souls, and Local Natives, with supporting performances from Hovvdy, Richy Mitch & The Coal Miners, Ashe, Wells Ferrari, a DJ set from Chromeo, and Arizona’s own Asiris, among others. The lineup brings a selection of indie rock, modern Americana, and outlaw country.
This year’s festival expands its footprint, allowing an expected attendance of 20,000 from last year’s cap at 8,000. The festival now spans additional city blocks and there’s a larger Main Stage located at Scottsdale Stadium. The reimagined layout also includes an enhanced second stage at the Amphitheater, expanded footprints for food and drink vendors, upgraded artist experiences, and a refreshed transformation of the grounds into an artistic desert dreamscape.
Tickets start at $90 for a single day general admission pass.
