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.

I’m still riding the high from our very first happy hour last week at W Scottsdale! It was such a blast meeting everyone in person, really appreciate all the support from everyone 🥹. Shout out to our sponsor, Husband & Wife Law Team for making it possible and offering raffle prizes to keep things fun. I’ll definitely be throwing another one soon so stay tuned!

I met a few people who just moved to Scottsdale at the happy hour and had an idea…why don’t I start a private dinner series where we can bring people together and build even more community? Dropping a poll at the end of this issue to gauge interest.

Let’s get into all the cool stuff happening this week.

SCOTTSDALE SNAPSHOT

Fear Farm Moving to Scottsdale

I’m pretty excited for this! Fear Farm has relocated from Glendale to Scottsdale at 1475 N. McClintock Drive, running now through November 2. Thankful it’s a lot closer to home now. The popular Halloween event features four horror-themed attractions including The Bloodshed, Carnage 3D, Descent into Darkness, and Rise of the Kraken.

While the iconic corn maze won't make the move because of zoning restrictions, they're introducing an 8-foot-tall hay maze. The new location offers improved parking, a courtyard twice the size of the previous one, and for the first time, a full-service bar. Plus, it’s right by Tempe Marketplace if you want to grab dinner before the scares. Tickets start at $24.99.

Self-Driving Teslas Coming to Scottsdale Streets

You might spot Teslas testing themselves around Scottsdale soon similar to Waymo. Tesla received approval from the Arizona Department of Transportation on September 19 to begin testing its autonomous vehicles on Valley roads.

These test cars will still have safety drivers behind the wheel, and only trained Tesla employees or contractors can operate them. The approval is strictly for testing, so no ride-hailing service is available yet.

Scottsdale Fire Dept Open House This Weekend

North Scottsdale just got a major safety upgrade with the opening of Fire Station 612 near Hayden and Mayo. Operational since September 22, this 12,000 square-foot facility is set to handle over 2,000 calls a year with space for 12 firefighters, four apparatus bays, and even a decontamination area.

Funded by the 2019 Bond Election, it reflects the city’s investment in community well-being. The public can check it out during an open house on October 3 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Sounds like it would be a fun outing to take kids!

Give Away with Chick-Fil-A

We’re teaming up with Chick-Fil-A (Raintree location) to host a giveaway on our instagram. If you want to win a free food package that feeds up to 8 people, which is PERFECT for game day, click here, like, comment and share.

LOCAL BUSINESS OF THE WEEK

Bischoff's Shades of the West

If you’ve walked through Old Town Scottsdale, you’ve probably passed Bischoff's Shades of the West on Main Street and Brown Ave. It’s one of those shops that’s been part of the iconic Old Town look for decades, offering a mix of Western wear, boots, jewelry, and Southwest-inspired goods.

What makes it stand out is the range. You’ll find everything from cowboy boots and silver with turquoise accents to hot sauces, prickly pear honey, and colorful blankets. I love the feeling of “Arizona” I get when I walk in!

Next time you’re wandering Old Town or showing visitors Scottsdale, step inside and see why this spot has remained a go-to for locals and visitors alike.

SUPPORT SCOTTSDALE SCOOP

Scottsdale Scoop is a free local independent newsletter. Your contributions go towards keeping the Scoop great so we can have more fun and build more community. I appreciate all the support!

THE BULLETIN

Quantum Red has been my go-to red light therapy solution for a while now. It helps my skin look better, helps me sleep at night and reduces inflammation. I’ve checked out almost every red light therapy service in Scottsdale and this is by far the most affordable one. If you mention Scottsdale Scoop they’ll give you 50% off of your first month here!

If you've never experienced 80+ voices blending acappella harmonies with killer choreography, The Scottsdale Chorus is about to blow your mind on October 5th with everything from classic barbershop to contemporary hits. These six-time international champions have been perfecting their craft for 60 years, and whether you're a barbershop fanatic or just love great live music, this show promises to be absolutely uplifting.. Grab your ticket here.

Whether you need a comprehensive eye exam, stylish frames, specialty contact lenses, or advanced dry eye treatment, Optical Expressions in Scottsdale has your vision covered with cutting-edge care—and right now you can get 50% off a second pair when you buy one, so you can finally have those backup glasses or fun sunglasses you've been wanting. Book your appointment here.

PS - if you have vision benefits this would be a great way to use them before the end of the year

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 8,000 locals?

DATE SPOT OF THE WEEK

Straight Up Speakeasy at Hotel Adeline

Want a date night with a little fun? Straight Up at Hotel Adeline is one of those hidden spots that I didn’t even know about until recently!

This speakeasy-style cocktail bar has the perfect intimate vibe for date night. You need a password to get in (ask at the hotel front desk), and finding the entrance is part of the fun. It feels like a little adventure before the date even starts.

They have a wide range of whiskeys, including rare finds, and their specialty cocktails are awesome. It's quiet enough that you can actually have a conversation, but the atmosphere still feels lively and special.

WEEKLY EVENTS LIST

Wednesday, October 1

Forged in Fire: Arizona Baseball from the Frontier to the Fall League | Scottsdale Stadium | Exhibit opens October 1st

Thursday, October 2

🎨 ArtWalk | Old Town Scottsdale | 7:00 PM

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

🇮🇹 Meet the Stars of Italian Design - Officine Gullo & Gessi | Central Arizona Supply | 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM

Friday, October 3

🥘 Gourmet Class – Autumn Bounty | Classic Cooking Academy | 6:30 PM - 9:00 PM

😂 Nacho Redondo Live (En Español) | Desert Ridge Improv | 7:30 PM (multiple days)

🎸 The Black Moods | Talking Stick Resort | 8:00 PM (multiple days)

🎉 Bingo Loco | Desert Ridge Improv | 7:30 PM

Saturday, October 4

🛍️ Old Town Scottsdale Farmers Market | Old Town Scottsdale | 8:00 AM

🎨 Comic Conservation with Todd McFarlane | Phoenix Zoo | 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM

🍷 Four Course Wine Dinner | Classic Cooking Academy | 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM

😂 Chris Klemens | Desert Ridge Improv | 7:30 PM

🎸 The Black Moods | Talking Stick Resort | 8:00 PM

🎶 Mirage: Visions of Fleetwood Mac | Casino Arizona | 7:30 PM

🍸 National Vodka Day Celebration | One Handsome Bastard Distillery | Times vary

Sunday, October 5

🍸 Batch Burning - Cocktail Event | Course Restaurant | 7:00 PM - Close

THE GOOD LIFE

6515 E Lafayette Blvd, Scottsdale, AZ 85251

Featuring last week’s most expensive home sold at $4.1M. The older I get the more I really appreciate large trees and nice plants that give a home character. This property has such a charming, family vibe to it.

Here’s the link if you want to take a look!

GET INVOLVED

If you feel like supporting Scottsdale Scoop here’s a section with helpful links and feedback polls!

Would you be interested in joining a dinner club to meet new people in Scottsdale and build community?

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Our 8,000+ Scottsdale neighbors are always asking: "Where'd you find that place?"

We spotlight the local gems they can't stop talking about – from the coffee shop that gets your order right to the trainer who actually cares.

Think your spot would fit right in with our community? We'd love to hear from you.

Lastly for whoever made this far, I’m building a directory of local Scottsdale businesses and just about done. If you want your business listed please message me. I’ll be driving traffic to it via the newsletter and in our welcome flow when someone subscribes for the first time.