March is just around the corner, and Scottsdale is already gearing up for one of its busiest months of the year. From free family events to international art fairs, there is something worth showing up for nearly every week. Here is everything worth putting on your calendar before March even begins.
Free, Fun, and For the Whole Family: Scottsdale Family ArtsFest
The fourth annual ArtsFest kicks off next weekend, and it is completely free. Expect two full days of live performances, interactive workshops, student art exhibitions, a family-friendly Arizona Opera show, and local food trucks throughout the grounds.
When: March 6 and 7, 2026
Where: Scottsdale Civic Center, 3939 N. Drinkwater Blvd, Scottsdale, AZ 85251
Cost: Free and open to the public
Nowruz Has Never Looked This Good: Persian New Year Festival
On the very same weekend, the 8th Annual Nowruz Persian New Year Festival takes over the Scottsdale Waterfront with live music, food, art, and cultural performances, drawing more than 5,000 guests. Grab advance tickets to save and skip the longer gate lines.
When: Saturday, March 7, 2026 | 2:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Where: Scottsdale Waterfront, 7135 E. Camelback Road, Scottsdale, AZ 85251
Ticket Prices (advance/day of show):
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General Admission (13+): $20 / $25
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Kids (5 to 12): $10 / $15
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Students and Seniors (65+): $10 / $15
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Children under 5: Free
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VIP: $225 / $250
Start your Saturday at ArtsFest, then head straight to Nowruz for the evening. Two events, one part of town, one great day.
Thursday Just Got Better: Gold Palette ArtWalk: Native Spirit
On March 5, the Scottsdale Gallery Association opens the month with its Gold Palette ArtWalk themed “Native Spirit,” featuring complimentary wine tastings, light bites, and live music across the Arts District from 6:30 to 9:00 PM. Miss it? Weekly Thursday ArtWalks run every week from 7:00 to 9:00 PM all month long, with free trolley and horse-drawn carriage rides through the district.
Where: Scottsdale Arts District, along Main Street from Scottsdale Road to Goldwater Blvd
Cost: Free
120 Galleries, 15 Countries, One Weekend: Scottsdale Art Week
Art Week returns to WestWorld of Scottsdale for its second year with galleries from 15 countries and a massive 40-foot sculpture installation. Booths are nearly sold out, so buy tickets now while early bird pricing is still active.
When: March 19 to 22, 2026
Where: WestWorld of Scottsdale, 16601 N. Pima Road, Scottsdale, AZ 85260
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VIP First Look (March 19): 1:00 PM to 6:00 PM | $100 early bird / $120 standard
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Opening Night Vernissage (March 19): 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM | $150 early bird / $200 standard
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General Admission: $40 early bird / $50 standard (single day); $80 / $100 (weekend)
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Students: $20 early bird / $25 standard | Ages 12 and under: Free
History Just Got 12,000 Square Feet Bigger: Western Spirit Opens a New Wing
Cap off March at the grand opening of the Louis Sands IV Center at Western Spirit: Scottsdale’s Museum of the West. Four brand-new galleries, live music, artisan demos, curator talks, and a full street-side celebration make this a true opening-day experience. Register early since this is free and spots fill fast. Free admission with registration also extends to Sunday, March 29.
When: Saturday, March 28, 2026 | 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM
Where: 3830 N. Marshall Way, Scottsdale, AZ 85251
Cost: Free with registration
March starts in just a few days, and the best events fill up before the month even hits. Secure your advance tickets for Nowruz and Art Week, register for the Western Spirit opening, and block off both days of ArtsFest now.
For more local guides and Scottsdale community event previews all year long, visit Optimal Living AZ and stay in the loop on everything happening around the Valley.
Sources: experiencescottsdale.com, scottsdaleartweek.com, eventbrite.com, scottsdalearts.org, scottsdalegalleries.com, scottsdaleartsdistrict.com, westernspirit.org, scottsdaleaz.gov
Header Image Source: Kate Trysh on Unsplash
