Play Ball!

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 made a new partnership form. If you’re interested in getting your business front of 11,500+ Scottsdale residents check it out here.

Spring Training season is officially here and I couldn’t be more excited! Perfect weather, baseball and an excuse to be outside.

Baseball is back and it’s my second fav time of the year! The 2026 Cactus League season opens this Friday, February 20th, with 15 MLB teams spread across 10 Valley stadiums. For those of us in Scottsdale, Salt River Fields at Talking Stick is the home base for watching the Diamondbacks and Rockies all spring. Go Dbacks! I’ll be at the games in my Randy Johnson jerseys (yes I have multiple) 😉

Opening day features the D-backs visiting the Rockies at Salt River Fields (1:10 PM), plus Padres vs. Mariners in Peoria and Royals vs. Rangers in Surprise. Games run daily through late March with most first pitches at 1:05 or 1:10 PM. Night games pop up throughout the schedule too if you want to avoid the afternoon sun.

Also, the World Baseball Classic exhibition games hit the Valley in early March, so you can catch Team USA, Team Mexico, and others playing against Cactus League teams. Check the full schedule and grab tickets at cactusleague.com.

Mark your calendars because The Henry is officially opening its North Scottsdale location on March 18 at Scottsdale 101, right at the southwest corner of Loop 101 and Scottsdale Rd.

If you've been to the Arcadia or Uptown Phoenix spots, you already know why this is a big deal. Fox Restaurant Concepts has built The Henry into one of those places that are perfect for almost any occasion. Morning coffee runs with fresh pastries from the walk-up bar, weekday happy hours on the patio, weekend brunch that actually delivers. The 7,000-square-foot space was designed for seamless indoor-outdoor dining with a front patio anchored by a statement fireplace. Inside, you'll find an open kitchen, leather banquettes, and an interior courtyard that makes you want to settle in and stay a while.

The menu drops with all the classics: Quinoa Burrito and Original Egg Sandwich for breakfast, Short Rib Potstickers and Roasted Turkey French Dip for lunch, Korean Prime Skirt Steak and Rigatoni Alla Vodka for dinner.

Soul Fire Tacos is opening its doors this Friday, February 21, in the Scottsdale Airpark, bringing a bold fusion of Southern comfort and Latin-inspired flavors to the neighborhood.

Founded by Dana Dumas (the creative force behind SugarJam The Southern Kitchen) and helmed by Chef Johnnie Dixon, a former NFL wide receiver turned culinary expert, the fast-casual concept celebrates the cultural and culinary connections between Black and Brown communities.

The menu hits different with beer-battered catfish tacos, short rib birria, crispy panko shrimp, and standout items like the Soul Roll (fried mac and cheese, candied yams, and greens all wrapped together). They're kicking off opening day at 11 a.m. with a solid deal: buy any taco, burrito, or bowl and get a free chicken or carnitas taco. Head over and grab a taste of what Dumas calls "the fire that happens when we come together.”

I’m stoked to try this one!

If you've ever walked out of a salon feeling "meh" about your cut, Shagged in Scottsdale is about to change that for you. This North Scottsdale gem takes hair seriously while keeping the vibe fun and welcoming.

What sets them apart is how they treat their stylists. Happy stylists = better results for you. The team stays current on the latest techniques and trends, which means you're getting someone who actually knows what they're doing with your specific hair type and face shape. They offer everything from cuts and color to smoothing treatments and deep conditioning. They'll even teach you how to style your hair at home so you can recreate that fresh-from-the-salon look.

Located at Scottsdale Rd and Shea, they're open 9am to 7pm with extended hours available if you call ahead. Perfect for squeezing in an appointment before date night or that work event where you want to look extra polished.

Book online for a custom style.

If you’ve been to a wedding or backyard party lately and spotted the coolest little vintage truck pouring prosecco on tap, there’s a good chance it was Bubbles & Brews Scottsdale.

These restored Piaggio Ape trucks have up to seven taps flowing with chilled beer, wine, prosecco, signature cocktails, or even non-alcoholic options. They can even set up coffee and tea service. You provide the alcohol, they handle the setup, service, custom signage, cocktail toppers, and all the details that make it feel polished and effortless.

Bubbles & Brews is led by Michel, a longtime Scottsdale local who spent 30 years as an Executive Director of a medical center before pivoting into the celebration business. She’s a mom of four and a grandmother who clearly knows how to throw a party. You can feel that personal touch in every detail.

Peak dates book 12 to 18 months out, especially during wedding season, so if you have a big event on the calendar this year or next, it’s worth reaching out early.

Follow along on Instagram and start picturing that vintage truck parked at your next celebration. Cheers to making it one your guests won’t stop talking about.

If you're into Indian food, you need to check out Indibar. This spot was a James Beard semi-finalist for Best New Restaurant, and if you hop on Reddit, you'll see people raving about it.

They have a chef’s tasting menu that’s highly recommended, great drinks and an elevated Indian-inspired menu.

It’s not too stuffy which I like. Overall it tends to feel a bit casual inside the restaurant but the food speaks for itself, and the locals have been giving it serious love since it opened. If you haven't been yet, you're missing out.

I'll be honest with you: Yes, this is an ad but I use Quantum Red myself, and the biggest selling point for me is the convenience factor. Sessions take just 10 minutes, there's no appointment needed, and I can pop in on my way after the gym or to grab coffee or between meetings. It fits into a busy life without requiring a whole production.

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Quantum Red has 2 locations in Scottsdale, and their membership model keeps it affordable at around $100/month for unlimited sessions. No contracts, no hassle.

Mention you found them through Scottsdale Scoop and you'll get your first 2 months 50% off. That's a solid runway to see if red light therapy works for you with minimal risk.

Check them out and claim your discount here.

Wednesday, February 18

🐴 Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show and Shopping Expo | WestWorld of Scottsdale | (multiple days)

🎭 CLUE | ASU Gammage | (multiple days)

Thursday, February 19

🧘Lotus Evolutions Wellness Open House | Lotus Evolutions Wellness | 4:00 PM

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

🎶 Spirit of Himeji Japan: Shamisen and Traditional Buyō Concert | Japanese Friendship Garden of Phoenix | 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM

🔥 SolRise Wellness Series – Fireside Flow | Sanctuary Camelback Mountain | 5:30 PM

Friday, February 20

🧧 OCA GPC Lunar New Year Dinner | Mekong Palace Dim Sum Chinese Restaurant | 6:00 PM

🎭 Musical Theatre: Madagascar Jr. | Stagebrush Theatre | (multiple days and times)

🎸 Teenage Wasteland | Tribute to The Who | Casino Arizona | 7:30PM (multiple days)

Saturday, February 21

🧘 Community Wellness Day | Arizona Center| 8:00 AM

🔗 Permanent Jewelry With The Merchantile! | Old Town Scottsdale | 11:00 AM

Featuring the most expensive home sold in Scottsdale this week at $6.2M! This is in Cactus Corridor, I dig the farmhouse vibe!

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

Scottsdale Scoop is 100% free and independently run (it's just me over here). Your support helps me keep bringing you the best local spots, events, and inside scoop on what's happening in Scottsdale every week. Your contribution will go towards keeping the Scoop going so we can have more fun in community events! really appreciate all the support all of you 🙂 - John