By Erin Kain By Erin Kain | November 1, 2023 | Lifestyle, Feature, Guides,
Scottsdale’s social season shines bright for the rest of 2023.
The magic of the holidays comes alive at Enchant Christmas Nov. 24 to Dec. 31.
Nov. 4
Bentley Scottsdale Polo Championship
Don’t miss America’s most-attended polo event. Cheer on players from teams like the Arizona Polo Club, North Scottsdale Polo Team and even the USA Women’s Team as they compete for the Molina Cup. Other highlights include live performances, luxury tent experiences and previews of the Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Auction and Phoenix Fashion Week. thepoloparty.com
Dinner With Frederick Douglass
The Sandra Day O’Connor Institute for American Democracy presents Dinner With Frederick Douglass, an educational sit-down supper showcasing a historic figure that helped define our nation. Pulitzer Prize-winning author and historian David Blight will lead the conversation moderated by Kenneth B. Morris Jr., a descendant of Douglass and Booker T. Washington. oconnorinstitute.org
Nov. 11
64th Annual Phoenix Heart Ball
Head to The Phoenician this November to help raise funds and awareness for treating heart disease and stroke. With a theme of Accelerating Change, this glamorous event promotes The American Heart Association’s mission “to be a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives.” phoenixheartball.org
The Diamond Gala
Mark your calendar for nonprofit Keeping Families Together’s annual charity gala. Expect a luxurious dinner, a stunning silent auction and a fabulous fashion showcase curated by celebrity designer Tebo Dambe. keepfamiliestogether.org
Sip local beers at AZ Barrels, Bottles & Brews Nov. 18.
Nov. 18
Arizona Indigenous Culinary Experience
Kicking off the Arizona Indian Festival, this contemporary food festival features the very best cuisine that Native Arizonans have on offer. Chef tasting stations will serve traditional and fusion foods (think cholla cactus bud pesto and tender orange squash) alongside curated cocktails, cooking demos and an elevated arts program. arizonaindigenousculinaryexperience.com
AZ Barrels, Bottles & Brews
This booze-filled fiesta at Salt River Fields plays host to over 25 local breweries, distilleries and other drink vendors. Signature sips from the likes of AZ Wildness Brewing Co., Grand Canyon Distillery and Drinking Horn Meadery are just a few of the tempting offerings. azbottlesandbrews.com
GALAvant
Themed Journey to Adventure, this year’s GALAvant at Hanger 5 in Scottsdale Airpark will benefit The Care Fund, a charity that provides mortgage and rent support to families during a child’s extended health crisis. thecarefund.org
The Arizona Indigenous Culinary Experience, Nov. 18
Nov. 18-19
Day of the Dog
The West Coast’s largest outdoor pet festival is back in Old Town Scottsdale. Celebrate your four-legged friends with plenty of pet-centric vendors, live music, food trucks, interactive games and more. petapaloozawest.com
Nov. 24-Dec. 24
The Magical Christmas Journey
Take a magical trip to the North Pole at Verde Canyon Railroad. Start at Bird’s- Eye Village, a miniature town, before hopping on the ornamental passenger train where elves and car attendants entertain and serve seasonal drinks. The final destination? A visit with Santa himself, of course. verdecanyonrr.com
Nov. 24-Dec. 31
Enchant Christmas
Explore this year’s dazzling light maze at Enchant Christmas, themed The Mischievous Elf. Salt River Fields will be transformed into a glittering wonderland, while The Village boasts artisan shopping, and the ice skating trail offers plenty of cold-weather fun. enchantchristmas.com
The posh Bentley Scottsdale Polo Championship hits the scene on Nov. 4.
Dec. 2
Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation Gala
Taliesin West will play host to this year’s Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation Under the Sonoran Sky gala. Expect a sumptuous cocktail reception, a decadent three-course dinner and a late evening with drinks and dancing. franklloydwright.org
Dec. 9
FuelFest
Auto lovers rejoice: FuelFest is back. The event will feature a car showcase with hundreds of hot wheels, drifting and ride-a-longs, concerts, guest pro drivers, interviews across multiple stages and craft food and drinks. fuelfest.com/scottsdale
Photography by: COURTESY OF ENCHANT CHRISTMAS; COURTESY OF SALT RIVER FIELDS AT TALKING STICK; HALIE SUTTON; COURTESY OF THE POLO PARTY