Scottsdale Is Getting Ready for Fall
As temperatures begin to cool and Scottsdale’s busy season approaches, the City of Scottsdale is getting ready to welcome residents and visitors with a full calendar of events.
But while Scottsdale is known for its restaurants, resorts, nightlife and major events, there is another side of the city that deserves attention: the free events created specifically for the community.
On the latest episode of Scottsdale Vibes, host Alicia Haygood sits down with Taylor DeAlba, a Recreation Leader with the City of Scottsdale’s Special Events team, to talk about the people and planning behind some of Scottsdale’s most popular community events.
And according to Taylor, the goal is simple: create events where people can have fun, make memories and feel connected to Scottsdale.
Behind the Scenes of Scottsdale Events
Taylor joined the City of Scottsdale about a year before the interview and discovered her passion for special events after working on the city’s Rewind event.
What started as an opportunity to help with one event quickly turned into a new career path.
Taylor describes being thrown into the process of building events, working with contracts and figuring out all of the unexpected details that come with putting together a large public event. She says it has become one of the most fun jobs she has ever had.
Today, she works behind the scenes on everything from vendor contracts and marketing to social media, creative concepts and immersive event design.
Rewind 75 Celebrates Scottsdale’s History
One of the first big events on the fall calendar is Rewind 75, created as part of Scottsdale’s 75th anniversary celebration.
The Rewind series traditionally celebrates different decades, but this year the city is taking residents on a journey through the past 75 years, from the 1950s through today.
The event will feature themed activities and crafts, live music, a DJ dance party, mini golf, face painting, photo booths, local food vendors and a cocktail garden for adults.
It is a celebration of Scottsdale’s history while giving residents a chance to enjoy the city together.
Pop Punk Picnic Brings Nostalgia to Scottsdale Civic Center
If you grew up listening to pop punk, there is another event coming that may be right up your alley.
The City of Scottsdale’s Pop Punk Picnic follows the success of its Emo Picnic event and brings a similar nostalgic energy to Scottsdale Civic Center.
The event will feature live music from Mike Goodrich, who previously performed at Emo Picnic, along with pop punk themed activities, button making and temporary tattoos. Food trucks and a cocktail garden will also be part of the experience.
The event is scheduled for October 2 from 6:00 PM to 8:30 PM at Scottsdale Civic Center.
The 55th Annual Fall Festival Is Bigger This Year
One of the biggest events on the fall calendar is the 55th Annual Fall Festival.
After a larger than expected turnout last year, Parks and Recreation is expanding the event throughout the entire Civic Center.
The festival will use parking areas and additional portions of the Civic Center, and the event has also been extended by an hour. This year, it will run from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM.
Families can expect trick or treat booths, crafts, a pumpkin patch, a spooky DJ dance party, a bubble zone, face painting, food vendors and a cocktail garden.
There will also be city vehicles on display and a spooky movie area featuring Halloween memorabilia.
Because of the anticipated crowds, the city is also adding shuttles from the Paiute Neighborhood Center and El Dorado Park to help make the event more accessible and reduce traffic concerns.
Supporting Local Businesses
Scottsdale’s community events also create opportunities for local businesses and food vendors.
Taylor explains that food vendors can apply to participate in city events. The Parks and Recreation Special Events team reviews applications based on factors including the event’s audience, pricing, menu and unique appeal.
Local businesses and organizations can also participate in the Fall Festival.
For a city event that can attract thousands of people, these festivals provide an opportunity for local organizations to connect with Scottsdale families and become part of the community experience.
Creating Events for Every Generation
One of the most interesting parts of Alicia’s conversation with Taylor is how intentionally the city thinks about different generations when planning events.
Taylor is part of Gen Z, and she brings that perspective to the planning process.
Her team of four considers what different age groups might enjoy, from live music and photo opportunities to crafts, activities for children and places for adults to relax and socialize.
The goal is not simply to put on an event.
The goal is to create an experience.
Taylor says she wants people to attend a Parks and Recreation event without necessarily feeling like they are attending a traditional Parks and Recreation event. She wants the events to feel immersive, inclusive and fun.
Scottsdale Civic Center Is the Perfect Setting
Scottsdale Civic Center has become an important part of the city’s event strategy.
The renovated space provides opportunities for live music, festivals and large community gatherings.
Taylor points out that the Civic Center’s 360 stage and built in sound system create a unique environment for concerts and other events. The space can also be transformed depending on the theme of the event.
From Easter celebrations to Día de los Muertos, Rewind and the Fall Festival, the space gives Scottsdale’s events team plenty of room to get creative.
Volunteers Are Needed
The City of Scottsdale also relies on community volunteers to help make some of these events possible.
Taylor says volunteers will be especially important for the Fall Festival because of the expected turnout.
High school students, Girl Scouts, churches and other community organizations can volunteer, and service hours are available.
Anyone interested in volunteering can contact the Parks and Recreation Special Events team at:
parksandrecspecialevents@scottsdaleaz.gov
The city is also looking for feedback from residents.
Taylor says QR codes and feedback forms are available at events because the team wants to hear what residents enjoyed and what could be improved.
The Future of Scottsdale Events
While Taylor could not reveal everything the city has planned for the spring, she did share that the next calendar is already being developed.
For her, the most important part of the job is creating connection.
She wants Scottsdale residents to walk into an event and feel like it was made for them. Whether that means connecting with a particular theme, discovering new music or simply enjoying time with family and friends, the goal is to make everyone feel welcome.
That may be one of the best descriptions of the Scottsdale vibe itself.
Listen to the Full Episode
Want to know what is happening around Scottsdale this fall?
Listen to Alicia Haygood’s conversation with Taylor DeAlba on the latest episode of Scottsdale Vibes.
Hear the behind the scenes story of how Scottsdale’s free community events come together, learn more about the upcoming fall lineup and find out how you can participate, volunteer or get involved.
Listen to Scottsdale Vibes wherever you get your podcasts.