The Scottsdale Arts Festival, one of the premier arts events in the Southwest, returns to the Scottsdale Civic Center March 28-30 with an expanded lineup that includes more than 170 juried artists, live musical performances, culinary demonstrations, and a dedicated interactive area for families.
Now in its 55th year, the festival draws an estimated 40,000 visitors over three days and is consistently ranked among the top arts festivals in the nation by industry publications. Artists working in painting, sculpture, glass, ceramics, jewelry, photography, and mixed media are represented, selected through a competitive jurying process from more than 800 applicants.
“The quality of artists at this festival is extraordinary,” said Scottsdale Arts CEO Neale Perl. “Year after year, collectors and art lovers come from across the country because they know they’ll find exceptional work here.”
New this year is the “Arizona Makers” pavilion, a dedicated section showcasing artists and craftspeople who live and work in the state. The pavilion features demonstrations where visitors can watch artisans at work, including a blacksmith, a Navajo weaver, and a glassblower.
The festival’s culinary program has also been expanded, with a “Taste of Scottsdale” area featuring dishes from 15 local restaurants and a demonstration stage where chefs from the valley’s top kitchens prepare Southwest-inspired dishes.
Musical performances on two stages will feature a mix of jazz, blues, Latin, and world music acts. Headliners include Tucson-based cumbia band Las Tropicanas and Phoenix jazz guitarist Brian Chartrand.
The family area, called “Creative Play,” offers hands-on art activities for children including pottery painting, printmaking, and a collaborative mural project. All family activities are included with general admission.
General admission is $15 for adults, with free entry for children under 12. A $50 VIP pass includes early entry, access to an exclusive lounge, and a commemorative poster. Proceeds support Scottsdale Arts’ year-round programming, including exhibitions, performances, and arts education in local schools.
The festival runs Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Monday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Free shuttle service is available from satellite parking locations.
