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Whether you need to know local public holidays or highlights through the seasons, we hope you will find the facts gathered below useful tools for your travel planning. Please feel free to contact us if we can assist you further.

General information

Scottsdale borders the east side of Phoenix and continues north for nearly 25 miles (40 kilometres). Famed for its climate, fabulous recreation, superlative dining and shopping, this desert resort community also offers visitors the romance and adventure of the wide open Sonoran Desert.

For centuries the Sonoran Desert has conjured up visions of exotic flora, soaring eagles and majestic mountains. The nearby mountain ranges guard some of the desert's most beautiful and inviting expanses. Towering saguaro cacti, like gigantic chess pieces, overlook pristine mountain foothills, shaded by palo verde and cottonwood trees. Lush flowers dot the terrain. Sunrises and sunsets announce their presence with soft pastels and deep, passionate hues.

Time zone

GMT -7 hours
Mountain Standard Time

Language(s) spoken

English

Electrical system

Local voltage is 110 to 120 volts AC. Adapters available; please request through the Concierge.

Shopping hours

Monday to Friday 9:00 am to 9:00 pm
Saturday 10:00 am to 6:00 pm
Sunday 12:00 noon to 5:00 pm

Working hours

Monday to Friday 9:00 am to 5:00 pm

Time and distance to city centre

45 minutes/37 miles/60 kilometres

Time and distance to shopping

• El Pedregal: 15 minutes/10 miles/16 kilometres
• Scottsdale Fashion Square: 30 minutes/20 miles/32 kilometres
• Old Town Scottsdale: 35 minutes/20 miles/32 kilometres
• The Borgata: 30 minutes/15 miles/24 kilometres
• Biltmore Fashion Park: 35 minutes/26 miles/42 kilometres
• Kierland Commons: 20 minutes/14 miles/23 kilometres

View in–depth travel advice from Frommers.com

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Seasonal highlights

January

The Fiesta Bowl Festival, consisting of more than 50 events including the post-season Fiesta Bowl football game, is one of the most popular festivals in the nation. For more than 34 years, people of all ages and backgrounds have enjoyed Fiesta Bowl activities, such as concerts and an organized ArtWalk event, in the Valley of the Sun and statewide.

The Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Auction, often called the world's greatest collector car auction, is where to buy and sell the finest quality automobiles. One of the premier automotive lifestyle events in the world, it includes galas, charitable events, fashion shows and lifestyle vendor displays in an upscale atmosphere.

Staged in the Valley of the Sun, P.F. Chang's Rock 'n' Roll Arizona Marathon and Half Marathon tour through three of Arizona's most vibrant cities. With fantastic winter running conditions and live music every mile, P.F. Chang's Rock 'n' Roll Arizona is an event not to be missed!

Thunderbird Artists has combined Arizona’s highest-quality art event with the state’s largest wine-tasting event for a magnificent weekend. The Carefree Fine Art and Wine Festival features renowned artists and wines from around the world.

January–February

Annually sporting the largest crowds on the PGA Tour, the FBR Open has gained nearly legendary status. Known as The Greatest Show on Grass, the FBR Open is a golf experience unlike any other.

The Annual Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show is the largest Arabian show in the world, a must-see Scottsdale signature event with shopping, food and decorated barns. Each February, this event draws more than 2,000 of the world’s finest Arabian horses to compete for the coveted title of Scottsdale Champion.

February–March

Major League Baseball Spring Training is in full swing during the spring in Scottsdale. The Cactus League (a division of MLB spring training) has been an Arizona tradition for more than half a century. What began as a two-team league in 1947 has grown to 12 teams playing in seven cities throughout the state.

April

From black-tie events, such as Le Tour Culinaire, to the weekend-long Great Arizona Picnic, there are myriad tasty events from which to choose during the Scottsdale Culinary Festival. This delectable celebration includes many opportunities for sampling exquisite wines and other culinary delights.

November

Phoenix International Raceway (PIR) has a tradition that is unmatched in the world of racing. The Indy cars have made 58 visits to PIR, and the annual autumn NASCAR weekend – including NASCAR NEXTEL Cup, Busch, Craftsman Trucks and Featherlite Southwest Series races – is one of the biggest events in the entire state.

November–December

The magical, colourful sights and sounds of the Phoenix Zoo’s holiday light spectacular make the festive season sparkle. During ZooLights more than 25 million lights glow and dozens of displays are sure to delight the entire family.