What's happening in Scottsdale in November 2026? The month opens with Canal Convergence (Nov. 6-15), free light-based art along the Scottsdale Waterfront, then a big first weekend with the Bentley Scottsdale Polo Championships (Nov. 7) and the Kierland Fine Art & Wine Festival (Nov. 7-8). It closes with holiday tree lightings on Nov. 28 in Old Town and at Scottsdale Quarter.
Is November a good time to be out and about? It's one of the busiest. Scottsdale Living notes November highs typically land in the 70s, which is why outdoor festivals stack up. Book dinners early and plan for parking on the big weekends.
Data note: Dates, hours and prices come from Experience Scottsdale, Old Town Scottsdale, Scottsdale Quarter, Scottsdale Living and event organizers, reviewed Oct. 23, 2026. Events can change; confirm with each organizer before you go.
Canal Convergence: Western Nature (Nov. 6-15)
- Where: Scottsdale Waterfront, along the canal
- Cost: Free
- Theme: Western Nature, honoring Arizona and the Southwest
- What to expect: large-scale light-based public art, nightly fire shows, live music and dance, workshops, rotating food trucks and a beer and wine garden
Hours (per Experience Scottsdale):
- Fri.-Sat., Nov. 6-7: 6-10 p.m.
- Sun.-Thu., Nov. 8-12: 6-9 p.m.
- Fri.-Sat., Nov. 13-14: 6-10 p.m.
- Sun., Nov. 15 (closing night): 6-9 p.m.
The Big First Weekend (Nov. 7-8)
Bentley Scottsdale Polo Championships (Sat., Nov. 7)
- 15th anniversary of the event
- WestWorld Art & Wine Experience with 100 nationally juried artists
- England Select vs. France Select, plus the Molina Cup
- Arabian horse Western Pleasure competition at halftime
- Previews of Barrett-Jackson and Phoenix Fashion Week, and a sunset concert
Kierland Fine Art & Wine Festival (Nov. 7-8)
- Free admission; art 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
- 100+ artists and 15 Arizona wineries
- 21+ tasting tickets sold separately
Also That Weekend
- Italian Festival of Arizona: Nov. 7-8
- Carefree Garden Art Experience: Nov. 7-8, free, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
- Arizona Fall Fest: Nov. 7
- Día de Muertos at The Garden: Nov. 6-9
- Water Lantern Festival: Nov. 6-8 at Kiwanis Lake in Tempe; tickets $30.99-$57.99
Mid-Month: Art, Pizza and Country Music (Nov. 13-15)
- Fountain Festival of Fine Arts & Crafts: Nov. 13-15
- Herberger Theater Festival of the Arts: Sat., Nov. 14
- Phoenix Pizza Festival: Nov. 14-15
- Hondo Rodeo Fest at Chase Field: Nov. 13-15
- Nov. 13: Tim McGraw and Miranda Lambert
- Nov. 14: Blake Shelton and Turnpike Troubadours
- Nov. 15: Parker McCollum and Lynyrd Skynyrd
- Free Hondo Street Fest daily from noon
Thanksgiving Weekend: The Holidays Light Up (Nov. 28)
Scottsdazzle Tree Lighting Spectacular
- Saturday, Nov. 28, at the Scottsdale Waterfront
- Theme: Celebrating 75 Years of Scottsdale
- Live music, seasonal food vendors and the lighting of a 36-foot holiday tree
- Scottsdazzle continues through Dec. 31 with 20+ signature events, including Merry Main Street, Shop & Strolls, Santa at the Farmers Market and Pancakes & Pajamas with Santa
- Free public parking in Old Town garages and surface lots
Scottsdale Quarter Tree Lighting
- Saturday, Nov. 28, 5:30-7:30 p.m., at The Quad
- Tree lights at 7 p.m.
- Live music, ballet, toy soldiers, Santa photos for purchase and a hot chocolate bar
- $5 raffle tickets benefit Phoenix Children's
Also Nov. 28
- Phoenix Flea: its 13th annual Small Business Saturday market
Want lights closer to Chaparral Park? McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park's Holiday Lights open in late November; see our sister site's holiday lights guide.
Living Close to the Action
Many of these events sit within minutes of central Scottsdale neighborhoods. If you're exploring where to live, our Scottsdale cost of living guide and Paradise Valley vs. Scottsdale comparison are good next reads.
“November is when I tell relocating clients to come visit. Walking Canal Convergence on a weeknight or spending a Saturday at Kierland gives you a feel for the neighborhoods no listing photo can. Pick a home tour on Saturday morning, an art festival in the afternoon, and the Waterfront at night.”
— Elizabeth Vijan, Tackett Team, eXp Realty
FAQ: Scottsdale in November
What events are in Scottsdale in November 2026?
Canal Convergence (Nov. 6-15), Scottsdale Polo (Nov. 7), Kierland art and wine (Nov. 7-8) and tree lightings (Nov. 28).
Is Canal Convergence free?
Yes. It runs 6-10 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays and 6-9 p.m. other nights.
Is November a good time to visit Scottsdale?
Highs typically land in the 70s, and it's one of the busiest event months.
When does Scottsdazzle start in 2026?
Nov. 28, with the Tree Lighting Spectacular, running through Dec. 31.
Coming to Scottsdale This November?
Pair your event weekend with private home tours. I'll build an itinerary around the neighborhoods you want to see.
Elizabeth Vijan | Tackett Team, eXp Realty
Scottsdale & Phoenix Real Estate
Plan a Home Tour Weekend · Call or text 602-885-7752
Sources: Experience Scottsdale: Canal Convergence Western Nature · Experience Scottsdale: Scottsdazzle · Old Town Scottsdale: Scottsdazzle · Scottsdale Quarter: Tree Lighting · Scottsdale Living: Fall festivals and events 2026 · Scottsdale Polo Championships · Scottsdale Living: Kierland Fine Art & Wine Festival · Scottsdale Living: Hondo Rodeo Fest · Scottsdale Living: Water Lantern Festival
Disclaimer: Event details are provided by organizers and listing sites and are subject to change. Information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Equal Housing Opportunity.
Tackett Team, eXp Realty · Get in touch