About Scottsdale
Scottsdale may be overshadowed by nearby Phoenix at times, but there’s much to love about this desert delight. Best known as a vibrant vacation destination, Scottsdale also offers the breathtaking beauty of the Sonoran Desert, a dining scene that’s certainly not to be sneezed at, and the undeniable attraction of around 300 days of sunshine per year.
And if you’re planning an event of any size in Scottsdale — be it a small private party or a grand corporate gala — the opportunities are endless. From relaxed and casual affairs to formal and traditional celebrations, you’ll find venues and vendors all around Scottsdale to help you plan something spectacular.
Event Options in Scottsdale
Planning an event is hard work. There’s so much to consider that it can be easy to feel stressed and even overwhelmed. The good news is that Scottsdale’s best event companies are always ready to help you give your event the wow factor it needs.
- Event Planners
If planning an event is too stressful or time-consuming, why not leave it to the experts? An experienced event planner can help you conceptualize the best Scottsdale event, liaise with vendors, and event coordinate all the finer details on the big day.
- Caterers
Finding fantastic food for your event is crucial, so compare Scottsdale’s best caterers before choosing a menu. If you can find a caterer that can customize a menu to suit your tastes, you’ll be on to a winner.
- Equipment Rental
Need some extra equipment or supplies to take your Scottsdale event venue to the next level? From tents and marquees to linens, furniture, and extras like photo booths, party rental companies offer just about anything you can think of to create the perfect event atmosphere.
Event Companies in Scottsdale
Scottsdale’s best event companies are experienced, reliable, and focused on their customers. Compare a range of providers to find the best vendors to help you arrange all the finer details of your big bash.
- Unique Luxury Catering and Event Planning
Unique Luxury Catering and Event Planning offers quality service and upscale catering. With more than 10 years in business, the company specializes in catering for groups of between six and 60 people.
- Put a Fork in It! Catering
With a focus on local and organic, Put a Fork in It! Catering can provide delicious cuisine for events of all shapes and sizes. From cocktail receptions and hors d’oeuvres to plated and buffet dinners, the company serves up menus from all around the world.
- A to Z Party & Event Rentals
Some Scottsdale event venues come with everything you need, but if your venue doesn’t, A to Z Party & Event Rentals can help. From glassware and linens to AV equipment, lighting, and a whole lot more, you’ll find a huge range of essential party supplies.
Pros and Cons of Events in Scottsdale
Scottsdale is a desirable location for events of all kinds. Still, there are pros and cons to think about as you choose your Scottsdale event space.
Advantages
- Plenty of sunshine
With roughly 300 days of sunshine a year, Scottsdale is a warm and welcoming place to be. It’s also ideal if you’re planning on staging an outdoor event.
- Quality dining scene
You’ll find a host of great restaurants and a diverse range of cuisines in the area, which is good news when it comes time to organize catering for your Scottsdale event.
- Outdoor activities galore
With its warm climate and beautiful desert scenery, Scottsdale offers easy access to a wide range of outdoor activities — perfect if you want to include outdoor recreation and fun as part of your event.
- Vibrant nightlife
You might be surprised just how excellent the nightlife in Scottsdale is. This means there are lots of great venues when you want to party all night long, plus lots of options when sourcing entertainment for your event.
- Abundant event options
Scottsdale is a city in its own right, but it’s also part of the Greater Phoenix Area. As a result, you’re spoiled for choice when planning an event — Scottsdale event spaces, caterers, rental companies, entertainers, and more are all available in abundance.
Disadvantages
- Hot weather
While Scottsdale’s abundant sunshine is a pro, its sweltering-hot summers are a definite con. Any Scottsdale event space you hire in summer will need to have good air-con.
- Tourists
Scottsdale is a tourist haven during peak times (roughly January to March), so expect to deal with crowds (and face more competition for vendors) during these months.
- Wildlife
Planning an outdoor event that’s a little off the beaten path? Keep an eye out for dangerous wildlife like scorpions, snakes, and bobcats.
- Expensive
Scottsdale is well known as one of the more expensive areas of Phoenix, so be prepared to pay a little extra when staging an event in the area.
- Traffic
It’s reasonably easy to get around the city by car, but be prepared to deal with traffic congestion when navigating Scottsdale and Phoenix. Keep ease of access in mind when choosing a Scottsdale event venue too.
Famous Locations in Scottsdale
- Old Town Scottsdale
One of the first stops for any visitor to the city is the charming heart of Old Town Scottsdale. With its public art installations, historic sites, famous museums, and popular restaurants and bars, it’s got something for everyone. And if you’d like to hold your event in the historic heart of Scottsdale, tuck into craft beer and delicious European food at a charming beer garden in the center of Old Town.
- Taliesin West
Once Frank Lloyd Wright’s winter home and desert laboratory, Taliesin West is a UNESCO World Heritage site and National Historic Landmark. Looking right at home in its desert surroundings, this unique attraction is a must-visit for any architecture enthusiast.
- McDowell Sonoran Preserve
This protected swathe of desert habitat is hugely popular with outdoor enthusiasts, and it’s easy to see why. With a huge network of multi-use trails, it offers something for hikers, bikers, and horse riders of a variety of fitness levels.
