# Things to Do in Scottsdale with Friends This Weekend

Things to do in Scottsdale with friends this weekend, Oct 16–18: 7 dated events, buzzy bars, group-friendly restaurants and plans. Updated Oct 17.

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This weekend in Scottsdale: Fri, Oct 16 – Sun, Oct 18, 2026 · 7 dated events

Updated: Oct 17, 2026

What's on in Scottsdale, AZ this week — the spots locals are packing, buzzy restaurants, and weekend plans worth texting the group chat about.

## Happening Today

Events and things to do tonight

### AZ Taco Festival at Salt River Fields
Dozens of local taquerias compete for cash prizes alongside tequila tastings, lucha libre wrestling, and hot chili eating contests under the open October sky.
- Venue: Salt River Fields at Talking Stick
- Location: Talking Stick, Scottsdale
- Date: 2026-10-17 11:00 AM
- Cost: $$
- Best for: Food lovers
- Link: https://www.ticketweb.com/event/az-taco-fest-salt-river-fields-at-talking-tickets/14809093

### Britain's Finest at Casino Arizona
Complete with period-accurate instruments, tailored mod suits, and mop-top harmonies, this top Beatles tribute runs through the full Merseybeat catalogue in the intimate Showroom.
- Venue: Showroom at Casino Arizona
- Location: South Scottsdale, Scottsdale
- Date: 2026-10-17 7:30 PM
- Cost: $$
- Best for: Music enthusiasts
- Link: https://www.livenation.com/event/G5vjZbd0_1B7o/britain-s-finest

### Fastball Comedy Festival at Sloan Park
Catch an outdoor evening lineup of national and touring stand-up comedians taking over the spring training diamond as desert temps dip comfortably into the 70s.
- Venue: Sloan Park
- Location: Sloan Park \(Scottsdale/Mesa border\)
- Date: 2026-10-17 5:00 PM
- Cost: $$$
- Best for: Adults
- Link: https://www.fastballcomedy.com/passes

## This Weekend in Scottsdale, AZ

Essential weekend outings and cultural picks

### AZ Taco Festival: Sunday Finale at Salt River Fields
Sunday brings the festival's culinary finals, live mariachi showcases, and the chihuahua beauty pageant—arrive early to sample barbacoa and carnitas before vendors sell out.
- Venue: Salt River Fields at Talking Stick
- Location: Talking Stick, Scottsdale
- Date: 2026-10-18 11:00 AM
- Cost: $$
- Best for: Families and foodies
- Link: https://www.ticketweb.com/event/az-taco-fest-salt-river-fields-at-talking-tickets/14820983

### Morning Trek on the Gateway Loop Trail
A classic 4.5-mile circuit through the saguaro forests of the McDowell Mountains. Clear October mornings offer crisp desert air and sweeping panoramic views across the Valley before afternoon warmth sets in.
- Location: North Scottsdale, Scottsdale
- Cost: $
- Best for: Hikers and nature lovers
- Link: https://www.google.com/search?q=Morning%20Trek%20on%20the%20Gateway%20Loop%20Trail%20North%20Scottsdale%2C%20Scottsdale

### Laurie Notaro Reading & Discussion at Crescent Ballroom
Acclaimed local humorist Laurie Notaro headlines an intimate Sunday midday book reading and conversation over green-chile burritos and craft cocktails.
- Venue: Crescent Ballroom
- Location: Downtown Phoenix \(near Scottsdale\)
- Date: 2026-10-18 12:00 PM
- Cost: $
- Best for: Book lovers
- Link: https://www.crescentphx.com/tm-event/book-reading-and-discussion-with-laurie-notaro/

## Eat & Drink

Patio dining and seasonal sips

### Patio Brunch at The Mission Old Town
Snag a shaded courtyard seat alongside the Himalayan salt wall for Chef Matt Carter's short-rib chilaquiles, tableside guacamole, and blood orange mimosas in peak fall weather.
- Location: Old Town, Scottsdale
- Cost: $$
- Best for: Weekend brunchers
- Link: https://www.google.com/search?q=Patio%20Brunch%20at%20The%20Mission%20Old%20Town%20Old%20Town%2C%20Scottsdale

### Handmade Pasta & Greyhounds at il Bracco
Settle into the sleek dining room on Scottsdale Road for fresh cacio e pepe, crisp chicken piccata, and their signature icy frozen Greyhound cocktail.
- Location: Central Scottsdale, Scottsdale
- Cost: $$$
- Best for: Date night
- Link: https://www.google.com/search?q=Handmade%20Pasta%20%26%20Greyhounds%20at%20il%20Bracco%20Central%20Scottsdale%2C%20Scottsdale

### Seed-Oil-Free Wood-Fired Plates at The Ends
Inspired by global street food culture, this lively Stetson Drive kitchen specializes in delicate egg yolk nigiri, housemade pasta, and local craft aperitifs.
- Location: Old Town Scottsdale Waterfront
- Cost: $$$
- Best for: Adventurous foodies
- Link: https://www.google.com/search?q=Seed-Oil-Free%20Wood-Fired%20Plates%20at%20The%20Ends%20Old%20Town%20Scottsdale%20Waterfront

## New & Notable

Fresh exhibits and autumn openings

### Future Retrieval: Originals at Taliesin West
Artists Katie Parker and Guy Michael Davis install custom decorative ceramic and craft sculptures that respond directly to Frank Lloyd Wright's desert architecture throughout the property.
- Venue: Taliesin West
- Location: Ancala / McDowell Foothills, Scottsdale
- Date: 2026-10-17 10:00 AM
- Cost: $$
- Best for: Architecture buffs and art lovers
- Link: https://franklloydwright.org/originals-exhibition/

### Desert Perspectives at SMoCA
This newly opened exhibition brings together multigenerational Southwestern artists—featuring works by Ed Mell and site installations exploring how desert ecology and culture have been re-envisioned over time.
- Venue: Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art
- Location: Old Town Arts District, Scottsdale
- Date: 2026-10-17 11:00 AM
- Cost: $
- Best for: Culture seekers
- Link: https://scottsdalearts.org/whats-on/events/desert-perspectives/

## Quick Escape

Easy autumn road trips within 2–3 hours

### Red Rock Hiking & Oak Creek Canyon in Sedona
Drive two hours north up I-17 into cooler mountain temperatures. Spend the morning scrambling the red sandstone trails at West Fork or Cathedral Rock, grab wood-fired pizza at Mesa Grill overlooking the airport vortex, and browse artisan shops along the creek at Tlaquepaque.
- Location: Sedona, AZ \(2 hours north\)
- Cost: $$$
- Best for: Couples and outdoor enthusiasts
- Link: https://www.google.com/search?q=Red%20Rock%20Hiking%20%26%20Oak%20Creek%20Canyon%20in%20Sedona%20Sedona%2C%20AZ%20(2%20hours%20north)

### Hillside Haunts & Saloons in Historic Jerome
Perched dramatically on Cleopatra Hill about two hours from Scottsdale, this former copper boomtown is at its peak in October. Tour the mining museum ruins, browse eccentric local art studios, and enjoy elevated comfort food with sweeping Verde Valley views at The Haunted Hamburger.
- Location: Jerome, AZ \(2 hours northwest\)
- Cost: $$
- Best for: Curious wanderers and history buffs
- Link: https://www.google.com/search?q=Hillside%20Haunts%20%26%20Saloons%20in%20Historic%20Jerome%20Jerome%2C%20AZ%20(2%20hours%20northwest)

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