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.

We’re locking in partners for November to 2026. If you want to get your business in front of Scottsdale locals reach out here.

There’s a ton of events this week that I cover! I love Fall/Winter and all the fun that it brings. Hope you enjoy 🙂

SCOTTSDALE SNAPSHOT

World's Biggest Polo Party is This Weekend

The Bentley Scottsdale Polo Championships returns to WestWorld November 8-9, and the Captain of the Wales Polo Team calls it "the best polo event in the world," which makes us pretty proud to have it right here. I try to go every year because it’s a blast!

Whether you're looking for an upscale event or just want to experience something different, this event welcomes everyone to be part of America's most-attended polo match. Fun polo action, live performances, fashion shows, and exotic car displays will all be a part of the event. Plus the Casa Amigos DayClub for high-energy fun, Grimaldi's Pizza Disco Tent (because who doesn't love Grimaldi’s?), and the Sanderson Black Label Lounge where you can sip while listening to live guitar.

Saturday runs 10AM-6PM and Sunday wraps up 11AM-3PM, with great weather forecasted for both days!

I’ll be there! Who is going?

Canal Convergence Lights Up Old Town

Old Town's canal banks are about to become your new favorite evening stroll destination! Canal Convergence transforms the waterway between Scottsdale Road and Goldwater Boulevard into an outdoor art gallery with large-scale, light-based installations that'll make you fall in love with our desert all over again.

This year's theme is "SHOWTIME" and focuses on performance as public art, perfect for our fall weather when you actually want to spend time outside after dark. Even better? Local businesses are rolling out exclusive Canal Convergence deals including BOGO specialty drinks at Chin Up Donuts, 20% off at ZuZu when you mention the event, and buy-one-get-one-free admission at Western Spirit Museum.

PS - this would make a great date spot too!

New Festival Brings Desert Vibes

Music lovers, your weekend just got busier! Dreamy Draw Music Festival hits Scottsdale this weekend, November 7-8 with over 20 artists across multiple stages, blending "modern sound, western soul, and mystical Arizona desert beauty." Boots under the stars with rich soundscapes and local eats to keep you fueled.

VIP experiences include exclusive lounges and premium stage views, while the Artist Pass gets you into the Rattlesnake Social Club with complimentary food and drinks. If you're ready to awaken your desert spirit, this weekend delivers.

Women of Valor Event Tomorrow

The Scottsdale Chamber's Women of Valor event happens tomorrow, Thursday, November 6 from 11:30AM-1:30PM at Hilton Scottsdale Resort & Villas. This Women in Leadership gathering includes networking, door prizes, and programming that starts at 11:50AM. I love that they’re giving the spotlight to women in our community that have previously served in the military.

Tickets are $75 for Scottsdale Chamber of Commerce members, $90 for non-members.

It's always inspiring to see our community's professional women connecting and supporting each other! Plus, this is my very first event I’ve got invited to as “press” so I wanted to share it with everyone.

TOGETHER WITH HOPE FOR HAITI

Scottsdale Scoop Exclusive: Vineyards in the Valley Tickets Giveaway


Here's an exciting chance to support healthcare access for families in rural Haiti while sipping some of Arizona's finest wines!

Hope for Haiti is giving away 2 tickets ($500 value) to Vineyards in the Valley on December 6th, where your love of wine directly funds breast and cervical cancer screenings, nutrition support for mothers, and life-saving medications for Haitian communities.

This isn't just another wine event, it's your chance to join Scottsdale's philanthropic community in creating real change while enjoying premium wines from prestigious wineries at the iconic Scottsdale Stadium.

Giveaway ends this Friday!

LOCAL BUSINESS OF THE WEEK

The Thumb

If you've drove east on Bell Rd past the 101, you've probably spotted The Thumb and wondered what goes on at this quirky roadside spot. It's way more than it appears from the outside!

This local gem is your go-to for racing fuel (yes, really), coffee bar and bakery, BBQ smokehouse, gift shop, and convenience items all in one unique package. Their gas pumps never close, which is clutch when you're running on fumes at midnight.

What really caught my attention is their BBQ food. Their smokehouse BBQ is amazing and I think it’s wild that it’s found within a gas station. The aroma of smoked meat hits you as soon as you walk in, and you can tell they take their BBQ seriously. It was even featured on Diners, Drive-ins and Dives (shout out to Guy Fieri).

Pro tip: try the brisket.

DATE SPOT OF THE WEEK

House Rules

Decided to mix it up this week from fine dining to something a little more competitive. Located right off 1st St and Scottsdale, House Rules is great when you want something active and fun instead of just sitting across from each other making small talk.

This competition bar brings games from around the world under one roof, so you can challenge each other while enjoying drinks from their full bar. The energy is lively, and there's something satisfying about a little friendly competition that breaks the ice and gets you both laughing.

What I really appreciate is their scratch kitchen. They've built a thoughtful menu that actually complements the games, so you're not just grabbing whatever's easiest. Plus, you can reserve your own lane, which means no waiting around.

It's one of those places where you end up staying longer than planned because you're actually having a good time together. Perfect for a fun little date spot.

TOGETHER WITH MONEY.COM

Sticking with the same home insurance could cost you

Home insurance costs are rising fast, up nearly 40% nationwide in just the past few years. With premiums changing constantly, sticking with the same provider could mean overpaying by hundreds of dollars. Shopping around and comparing multiple insurers can help lock in better rates without losing the protection your home needs. Check out Money’s home insurance tool to shop around and see if you can save.

WEEKLY EVENTS LIST

Wednesday, November 5

🎭 & Juliet | ASU Gammage | Multiple showtimes (through November 9)

🎄 Trees for Hope [Cactus Collection Edition] | Scottsdale Fashion Square | All day (Nov 5 - Dec 10)

🎲 Bingo | Pinnacle Brewing Company | 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM

Thursday, November 6

🍺 Roars & Pours | Phoenix Zoo | 5:30 PM - 8:30 PM

🌟 Celestial Supper: A Stargazing Experience | Sanctuary Camelback Mountain | 6:00 PM

🍷 Bourbon Steak Takeover Dinner Series | Bourbon Steak Scottsdale | 6:00 PM Reception, 6:30 PM Dinner

Friday, November 7

🎶 Dreamy Draw Music Festival | Scottsdale | All day (multiple dates)

🏃‍♂️ Shape Up US Family Fun Community Event | McDowell Mountain Ranch | 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM

🐴 The Bentley Scottsdale Polo Championships | WestWorld of Scottsdale | 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM (Nov 8-9)

🧘 Qigong Flow for Better Breathing | Online Event | 1:00 PM

Saturday, November 8

💰 Million Dollar Mingle Celebrity Charity VIP Polo Day Party | WestWorld of Scottsdale | 10:30 AM

🥩 Wagyu, Whiskey, and Wine Dinner | Morton's Scottsdale | 6:30 PM

🌸 Otsukimi-Moonviewing | Japanese Friendship Garden | 4:30PM

✈️ US Aircraft Expo | Atlantic Aviation | 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM (Nov 7-8)

Sunday, November 9

🐾 Yappy Hour | Pinnacle Brewing Company | 3:00 PM - 6:00 PM

🍽️ Bourbon Steak Takeover Dinner Series: Napa Valley Featuring PlumpJack | Bourbon Steak Scottsdale | 6:00 PM Reception, 6:30 PM Dinner

✈️ US Aircraft Expo | Atlantic Aviation, Scottsdale Airport | 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM (multiple days)

THE GOOD LIFE

39923 N 103rd Way, Scottsdale, AZ 85262

Featuring the most expensive home sold in Scottsdale in the last week at $6.5M! Another one in Desert Mountain aka my dream neighborhood.

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