Scottsdale
Top Things to Do in Scottsdale – August 2026
|Subscribe·Archives·Current Issue
Top Things to Do in Scottsdale – August 2026
Discover the top things to do in Scottsdale during August 2026, including Arizona Chefs' Week, ArtWalk, Flashlight Nights, live concerts, family activities, dining, and local events.
Erik Burton

Erik Burton

Aug 4, 2026

Top Things to Do in Scottsdale - August 2026

Top Things to Do in Scottsdale – August 2026

 

Discover the top things to do in Scottsdale during August 2026, including Arizona Chefs' Week, ArtWalk, Flashlight Nights, live concerts, family activities, dining, and local events.

 

Food & Dining Events

 

🍽️ Arizona Chefs' Week | July 31 – August 9

Enjoy special prix-fixe menus at more than 70 independently owned restaurants across Scottsdale and the Valley.

 

Arts & Culture

 

🎨 Thursday Night ArtWalk | Every Thursday

Explore Old Town Scottsdale's galleries, meet local artists, and enjoy one of Scottsdale's signature weekly traditions.

 

🌵 Flashlight Nights at the Desert Botanical Garden | Saturday Evenings

Experience glowing art installations and the Sonoran Desert after dark during this popular summer event.

 

Family-Friendly Events

 

🦁 $20 Tuesdays at the Phoenix Zoo | August 11

Enjoy discounted admission and family-friendly activities, including Foam Frenzy.

 

🐠 Fish & Sips at OdySea Aquarium | August 14 & 28

Adults can enjoy an evening of drinks and after-hours access to one of Arizona's most popular aquariums.

 

🐕 Thompson Peak Dog Park Grand Opening | August 21

Celebrate the opening of Scottsdale's new 3.5-acre dog park featuring shaded seating, water stations, and separate play areas for large and small dogs.

 

Live Music & Entertainment

🎭 The Reba & Dolly Tribute Show | August 7–9

Enjoy a tribute performance honoring two country music legends at Casino Arizona.

 

🎸 Gene Simmons Band | August 22

Catch Gene Simmons live in concert at Talking Stick Resort.

 

🎵 Night Trip Festival | August 29

Experience an exciting electronic music festival at WestWorld of Scottsdale.

 

Ongoing August Attractions

 

🎡 Wonderspaces Arizona | All Month

Walk through immersive and interactive art installations in a cool, air-conditioned environment perfect for escaping the summer heat.

 

🚣 Salt River Tubing | All Month

Beat the Arizona heat with one of the Valley's most popular summer outdoor adventures.

 

🛍️ Explore Old Town Scottsdale | Daily

Shop local boutiques, relax at cafés, discover art galleries, and experience Scottsdale's vibrant dining and nightlife scene.

Romeo, a charming 3-year-old husky, is searching for his forever home in Scottsdale.

 

After a tough start in a local shelter, he’s now thriving in a foster home, finding comfort in a stable routine.

 

Though initially wary, Romeo becomes a loyal, affectionate companion once he bonds with you.

 

Meet Romeo at one of Scottsdale’s local adoption events or apply to make him your new best friend today.


Read More...
💬 21 Comments

Excitement is growing in Scottsdale as the launch of the Postino Pass attracts wine enthusiasts and regulars to Postino Scottsdale.

 

This digital membership offers a playful, personalized twist on loyalty, moving away from points to custom experiences based on a quick, fun quiz about guests’ tastes.

 

Members soon receive tailored perks, such as surprise wine upgrades and exclusive offers, right to their phones, creating spontaneous moments and a true sense of belonging.

 

The initiative comes as Postino celebrates its 25th anniversary, debuting two special Anniversary Reserve wines and reinforcing its focus on community.

 

With Scottsdale’s fast-growing dining scene, the Postino Pass feels like a local badge of connection, especially as new faces, creative ventures, and social events fill the city.

 

Best of all, the pass is free, drawing locals eager for memorable hospitality and the next unexpected reward.


Read More...
FT
Frank TullioReader
3 weeks ago

“Stage Dive Pinot Noir is a solid name for a wine. Now I have to go try it just because of that. Good marketing honestly.”

Advertisement
Advertisement
💬 11 Comments

Scottsdale’s culinary scene is reinventing itself, attracting locals and visitors with inventive hotspots like Ling and Louie’s.

 

Blending Asian flavors with American favorites, this vibrant eatery stands out for its fearless fusions and upbeat, welcoming vibe.

 

Menu highlights include modern takes on classics, like the New Wave Pad Thai and Korean Cauliflower, ensuring every visit is an adventure.

 

Inside, the buzz grows with Ghost Street Asian Taqueria’s bold mashups, such as Char Siu Al Pastor tacos, drawing foodies hungry for something original.


Read More...
DM
Dave MorenoReader
3 weeks ago

“I appreciate the creativity but Asian fusion in Scottsdale is pretty crowded at this point. Curious what actually makes this one stand out l…”

Puttshack Scottsdale has debuted its biggest menu update since opening at Scottsdale Quarter nearly three years ago.

 

The refreshed menu features more than 50 new food and drink options, blending nostalgic bites with modern twists based on guest feedback.

 

The new Signature Skirted Cheeseburger, with its crispy cheese halo, brings a creative upgrade to a classic favorite.

 

Health-friendly entrees include the Grilled Salmon Bowl and Spicy Tuna Poke Bowl, offering fresh choices for every palate.


Read More...
Advertisement
Advertisement

Experience the thrill of Scottsdale’s Sonoran Desert with a guided e-bike tour, blending adventure and accessibility for riders of all abilities.

 

Traverse both smooth pathways and rugged trails, surrounded by the majestic desert landscape.

 

Those looking for lasting memories can join the Sunset Hike and E-Bike Adventure for extended trails and awe-inspiring sunset views.

 

Discover Scottsdale’s evolving landscape with an unforgettable e-bike tour, perfect for locals and visitors alike.


Read More...

Scottsdale’s restaurant scene is experiencing an exciting evolution, with more than a dozen new spots energizing the city’s culinary landscape.

 

Highlights include Course Restaurant, which delivers inventive tasting menus, and Uchi, bringing its acclaimed Japanese cuisine to Old Town.

 

Coastal Italian flair arrives at Élephante, while Sexy Roman dazzles at W Scottsdale with dramatic Mediterranean plates and cocktails.

 

Local diners now have more ways than ever to explore Scottsdale’s fresh and innovative tastes.


Read More...
TRY SCOTTSDALE INSIDER

© 2026 TRY SCOTTSDALE INSIDER.


Try Scottsdale Insider is your sun-soaked daily read for discovering the best of Scottsdale, Arizona. From local legends and can’t-miss events to foodie finds and artsy gems, we bring a desert-fresh vibe to your inbox every day. Smart, stylish, and community-first just like Scottsdale.

© 2026 TRY SCOTTSDALE INSIDER.