Scottsdale Scoop Christmas Fundraiser

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.

I had a chance to hit a networking event last night at Scottsdale Airport and had a blast! Shoutout to Shawn from ParkSMB for the invite.

This week there’s some fun weekend events going on including a food fest as well as a holiday shopping market. Let’s get in to it!

Mark your calendars for December 13th because we’re partnering with Scottsdolls and throwing the ultimate fundraiser and holiday party at Agave House in Biltmore, and it's for an incredible cause.

NFL Hall of Famer, Nick Lowery will be running the silent auction to benefit Champions for the Homeless, so you can network with the community, give back and shop local all in one festive evening.

The theme is Apres Ski - so break out the furs and chic winter clothing.

Tickets are on sale here and will support Champions for the Homeless. Hope to see you there!

If you want your business to be involved please email me.

One of the biggest outdoor Asian food festivals in the US is coming to Salt River Fields this weekend, November 22-24! Panda Fest features 120+ Asian food vendors serving 300+ street food items, plus cultural performances and merchandise vendors.

Friday runs 4pm-10pm, Saturday 10am-10pm, and Sunday 10am-8pm.

General admission is $14 ($16 on Saturday) and includes two free gifts: a custom Phoenix Panda pin and headband. VIP tickets get you three gifts plus exclusive areas and fast-pass entry.

Another update on the Axon HQ project. Scottsdale City Council approved a revised deal for the Axon headquarters project near Hayden Road and Loop 101. The new agreement reduces residential units from roughly 1,900 apartments to 600 apartments and 600 condos, while keeping the luxury hotel and international headquarters components.

The council also repealed the original 2024 zoning decision, which makes the referendum vote (backed by 25,000+ signatures) no longer applicable. A lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of the state law protecting the project continues.

Merchantile Market returns November 22-23 at Scottsdale Civic Center with their "Grateful Gathering" featuring 200+ local vendors.

Saturday runs 10am-5pm, Sunday 10am-4pm, with handmade goods, live music, full bar service, food vendors, and free kids' activities.

This looks like a great event to get out and support local businesses!

If you’ve been feeling drained from screen time or sluggish after long days indoors, Quantum Red might be your new go-to recharge. Their self-serve studios in Scottsdale and Phoenix give you access to full-body Red Light Therapy and Infrared Saunas. No appointments. No contracts. Just results.

Members report better sleep, clearer skin, faster recovery, and less stress. Sessions take only ten minutes, so you can fit them in before work, after the gym, or whenever your body needs a reset.

Plans start at $100 a month, and you can even add family members at half price.

See membership options here.

PS - mention Scottsdale Scoop in the contact form and get 50% off of your first month!

I love that Sphinx Date Co. has been a Scottsdale institution for over 70 years and they're still family-owned! Their stuffed Medjool dates have been customer favorites for decades.

They source their dates locally here in Arizona and have become the go-to spot for unique edible gifts that actually taste amazing. Their classic stuffed date gift tins are legendary around here, and they offer custom corporate gifts if you want to impress clients with something totally different.

They're moving locations after 33 years, so if you haven't been yet, now's a great time to check them out before the big move.

PS - I love finding unique businesses like this. If you know that I should cover please email me.

elements at Sanctuary Camelback Mountain feels like a tucked-away gem perched on the mountainside with views of Paradise Valley. The views are amazing!

elements takes its name seriously, with seasonal menus that showcase earth, fire, water and air through local and organic ingredients. I'm drawn to dishes like their Hudson Valley Foie Gras with fig variations and the Koji Marinated Black Cod with yuzu granny smith salad.

What makes this perfect for date night is the atmosphere. You're dining with panoramic mountain views, the service feels relaxed but polished, and the setting naturally encourages you to slow down and savor the evening. It's fancy enough to feel special but not stuffy, exactly what you want when you're trying to impress someone or celebrate together.

Pro tip: their cocktail menu is just as creative as the food, with drinks like the Mai Captain clarified cocktail that's a fun conversation starter.

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Thursday, November 20

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

🌅 Sunsets & Sips | Taliesin West | 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM

😂 Langston Kerman | Desert Ridge Improv | 7:30 PM (multiple days)

Friday, November 21

🌮 Tamale Workshop | Classic Cooking Academy | 6:30 PM – 9:30 PM

🍷 DANA Estates Wine Dinner | COURSE Restaurant | 6:00 PM

🎤 Jo Dee Messina | Talking Stick Resort | 8:00 PM

😂 Comedy Madness | Desert Ridge Improv | 9:30 PM

🐼 Panda Fest | Salt River Fields at Talking Stick | 4:00 PM – 10:00 PM (multiple days)

Saturday, November 22

🍳 Saturday Brunch – Diner Breakfast | Classic Cooking Academy | 11:00 AM – 1:30 PM

🎸 Orianthi: Some Kind of Feeling Tour | Talking Stick Resort | 8:00 PM

🎶 Live Music – Sandra Bassett | The Quad at Scottsdale Quarter | 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM

🎭 The Texas Tenors | Arizona Musicfest | 2:00 PM & 7:30 PM

🛍️ Merchantile Market: Grateful Gathering | Scottsdale Civic Center | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM (multiple days)

Sunday, November 23

🥟 Handmade Dumplings Class | Classic Cooking Academy | 4:00 PM – 6:30 PM

Featuring the most expensive home sold in Scottsdale in the last week at $3.95M. This one has a lot of great architecture and is right on the back nine of Troon.

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

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