AZ's Black Rodeo This Weekend

Good morning, Scottsdale. You’re reading Scottsdale Scoop, your insider pass to what’s fun, fresh, and worth checking out around town. Every issue features hand-picked events, local business spotlights, and hidden gems that make our city great.

In today’s Scottsdale Scoop we’re going to cover AZ’s Black Rodeo this weekend, an awesome non-profit close by and a lineup of amazing events. Have a great Labor Day Weekend everyone! 🇺🇸

Get ready for "The Hottest Show on Dirt" because the Arizona Black Rodeo is happening this Labor Day weekend, August 29-30, at WestWorld of Scottsdale and this is way more than just your typical rodeo experience.

Since 2011, this has become one of the largest and most popular cultural and educational African-American events in Arizona, attracting more than 9,000 rodeo fans for a weekend that celebrates the often-overlooked history of Black cowboys and cowgirls who helped shape the American West. USA Today even named it a Top 10 rodeo in both 2024 and 2025!

Chauncey Social closed it’s doors unexpectedly in North Scottsdale and has been vacant for a while. The business license on the door says Kuza will be taking its place and is set to open in August or September. Being that it’s already the end of August I’ll keep my fingers crossed for the September launch.

I did some digging into Kuza and it’s owned by Clive Collective who also owns Tell Your Friends (in the same plaza), Cala and Neon Spur. Kuza will offer Japanese food with robata-style cooking. This means dishes will be cooked over coal in front of diners. The menu will include items such as udon bowls, ramen, sashimi, wagyu beef, as well as a variety of grilled seafood and vegetables. I’m excited for something to fill Chauncey Social’s void.

I made a short video about this here!

Sprouts Farmers Market is offering free grocery delivery when using their app to order $35 or more. Note, you must use the app to order and use code 25FREEAUG at checkout. Start shopping here.

If you’re like me, you’re busy and have no time to waste on exercise that doesn’t work. Discover Strength in North Scottsdale just opened and focuses on people with busy schedules (like me). They have certified experts to guide you through a 30-minute strength program that gets results. If you’re looking to look and feel your best, at a fraction of the time, make sure to mention Scottsdale Scoop and get 2 free workouts to try it out at no risk. Schedule your session here.

One Home Solution just launched in Scottsdale and is taking the headache out of home maintenance. Their skilled technicians provide fast, reliable service for everything from squeaky doors and leaky faucets to window washing and interior painting and even full bathroom remodels. Check them out here.

Scottsdale Scoop is teaming up with Husband & Wife Law Team for an in-person happy hour and donation drive for Foster Arizona on 9/25. Snag a ticket here. Free drink tickets are running out.

Want to spread the good word about your business, a fun concept you’re working on, a hire, or just want to say hello to 7,000 locals?

I’ve been wanting to write about Reigning Grace Ranch for a while now and thought this week is the week! It’s not exactly Scottsdale, but just a scenic drive northeast to Rio Verde and you’ll see a unique human and horse rescue ranch and sanctuary that's doing incredible work for both rescued horses and our community members who need healing.

They provide equine therapy programs to help children, families and first responders with the mission to restore rescued horses, redeem family values and bring hope into the community, creating this awesome cycle where healing happens on both sides of the partnership.

What makes them extra special is that their nonprofit relies almost entirely on volunteers, ensuring that nearly every donation goes directly to vital ranch services, so you know your support is making a real impact.

Nothing in this section is sponsored. They're just local businesses I wanted to highlight. I'll always let you know when something's sponsored.

Located in the Kierland Commons, Zinc Bistro is a great spot for date night! It’s red (you’ll know what I mean when you go inside), it’s bold, it has a ton of Parisian flair and a great atmosphere.

The food is amazing with Chef Laurent Reus hitting the mark with everything I’ve tried there. Pro tip, get the French Onion Soup!

What I love most is how the place strikes that sweet spot between special occasion and approachable. You'll feel dressed up even if you're not, and the service has that relaxed European pace that encourages you to linger over wine or a martini and really enjoy each other's company.

Nothing in this section is sponsored. They're just local businesses I wanted to highlight. I'll always let you know when something's sponsored.

Wednesday, August 27

😂 George Perez | Desert Ridge Improv | 7:30 PM

Thursday, August 28

🍕 Pizza-Making Class | Classic Cooking Academy | 6:30 PM – 9:00 PM

😂 Michael Loftus | Desert Ridge Improv | 7:30 PM

🧠 Trivia Night | Blue Agave Mexican Cantina | 9:00 PM

🎵 Music Bingo | Pinnacle Brewing Company | 6:30 PM

🍣 Sushi Making Class | One Handsome Bastard Distillery | 7:00PM

Friday, August 29

🤠 Arizona Black Rodeo | WestWorld of Scottsdale | 7:00 PM (multiple days)

🎸 Aeromyth - Aerosmith Tribute | Casino Arizona | 7:30 PM (multiple days)

Saturday, August 30

🌟 Glow Flow Night | The Westin Kierland Resort & Spa | 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM

🎵 Blues Traveler | Talking Stick Resort Pool | 7:00 PM

⛳️ Pints and Putts Putting Challenge | McDowell Mountain Golf Club | 6:00PM

🧘 Splash and Sculpt Yoga | Casesars Republic Scottsdale | 11:00 AM

Sunday, August 31

😂 Orny Adams | Desert Ridge Improv | 5:00 PM (multiple days)

Featuring last week’s most expensive home sold at $3.53M. It’s a brand new custom home with a lot of amenities that remind me of a resort.

Here’s the Realtor.com link if you want to check it out!

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