Old Town Tavern is on the Move

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 The West’s Most Western Rodeo, a local non-profit in the running to win a major award and a weekend line up of events.

Back-to-back rodeos this week with The West’s Most Western Rodeo coming to WestWorld starting this Friday after a successful debut in 2024. This PRCA-sanctioned event brings three days of authentic Western action to "The West's Most Western Town" with all eight professional rodeo events.

Performances feature championship-level saddle bronc, bareback bronc, tie-down roping, barrel racing, steer wrestling, breakaway roping, team roping, and bull riding, plus entertainment from PRCA specialty acts and rodeo clowns.

Here's something really rad happening right in our backyard - STARS (Scottsdale Training and Rehabilitation Services), a local nonprofit that empowers individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities through job training and life-enriching programs, just became Arizona's only finalist for Chick-fil-A's national True Inspiration Awards.

The Chick-fil-A Raintree location has been an amazing community partner, not just hosting this celebration event on September 9th (event link here) but also regularly opening their doors for local gatherings like Rising Young Professionals events that I’ve been to and other community causes. You can help STARS win this thing by voting in the Chick-fil-A app from September 2-29 - just go to the "FOR YOU" page, select West Region, find STARS, and tap vote. It's awesome to see a local business like Chick-fil-A consistently showing up for organizations that are making such a meaningful difference in people's lives.

Also as a bonus, whoever vote for STARS will receive a free entree of their choice:

All courtesy of Chick-fil-A Raintree location.

Old Town Tavern, also known as "the biggest little stage in Old Town," and one of my favorite spots to grab a day beer is making a big move just 20 feet to the east into the former Back Door building. The expansion will triple their space from 800 to 3,000 square feet, adding two bar areas, a large front patio, acoustic and full band stages, plus a kitchen for pizza and wings. Owner Paul Mitchell says they've simply "outgrown our little corner of Scottsdale" and the new space will let them serve more people and support more local musicians.

The best part? They won't close during the transition, and they're throwing a Farewell Festival Acoustic Night this Sunday at 2pm to send off the original location in style!

Scottsdale Resort & Spa will be playing the movie “Kick Ass” on their lawn at 7:30PM this Friday. This looks like a great adult event (not kid friendly unfortunately) that will have food trucks and drinks for sale plus free popcorn! It’s recommended that you bring your own blanket or chair.

Discover Strength in North Scottsdale is offering 2 free training sessions for Scottsdale Scoop readers. I love that they include a professional trainer so you know exactly what to focus on! Schedule your free sessions here.

Pinnacle Brewing Company is hosting music bingo this Thursday night at 6:30PM! They’ll have a lineup of prizes and fun for all. Learn more 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 while they last!

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?

Don't let the name fool you, behind One Handsome Bastard is a powerhouse team of women who are absolutely crushing it in Scottsdale's liquor scene while giving back to the community in some pretty cool ways.

The team regularly partners with local nonprofits for charity drives and has been known to donate services to help people who are getting back on their feet or preparing for job interviews.

The salon itself has this cool vibe that's edgy and welcoming. If that’s not enough they also donate 10% of proceeds to the fight against cancer!

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.

I love this place! The Herb Box hits that sweet spot with farm-to-table vibes and a menu that makes eating well feel effortless and delicious. The atmosphere is the perfect balance between casual and put-together. You can show up in jeans and still feel like you're somewhere special, which takes the pressure off while you're getting to know each other.

Their creative salads and fresh dishes give you plenty to talk about (especially if your date is into the whole wellness thing), and the portions are just right so you won't be too stuffed to keep the conversation flowing. Last time I was there I had the short rib enchiladas and they were a knockout! I’d recommend this for more of a casual spot with exceptional food.

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.

🎨 ArtWalk | Old Town Scottsdale | 7:00 PM

😂 Gianmarco Soresi: Drama King | Desert Ridge Improv | 7:30 PM (multiple days)

🌸 First Fridays in the Garden | Japanese Friendship Garden, Phoenix | 5:00 PM

🤠 Summer at the Princess | Fairmont Scottsdale Princess | 5:00 PM

🐴 The West’s Most Western Rodeo | WestWorld of Scottsdale | 7:00 PM (multiple days)

🫶 Abilities Expo Phoenix | WestWorld of Scottsdale | 11:00 AM (multiple days)

🛍️ Saturday Local Pop-Up Market | The Club Scottsdale | 12:00 PM

🍷 Scottsdale Sip & Sculpt | Omni Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Montelucia | 9:00 AM

🎤 Wynonna Judd | Talking Stick Resort | 8:00 PM

😂 Billie Lee | Desert Ridge Improv | 6:00 PM

🎸 The Long Run: Experience the Eagles | Casino Arizona | 3:00 PM (multiple days)

Located in Granite Mountain Ranch, this home is massive at just over 4,000 sq ft. I personally love the massive fridge and luxury finishes on everything!

Looking to find your dream home? Our preferred realtor, Megan Keruskin, is here to help. She’s THE Scottsdale expert and regularly help clients compare and choose between areas like McCormick Ranch, Gainey Ranch, Troon North, DC Ranch, and the Shea Corridor, depending on their lifestyle, price point, and access to golf, hiking, or shopping.

Megan is hyper-local, knows the market and neighborhoods extremely well and is great to work with.

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

Our 7,000+ 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.

Drop your info here and let's chat.