WESTERN WEEK: YOU’VE HEARD ABOUT THE OLD WEST. COME SEE IT. JANUARY 27 – FEBRUARY 4, 2024
The Old West is etched in our history like a pocket-knife carving on a mesquite tree. We’ve held tight to our past. It’s what makes this area so likeable. Every year, Western Week restokes the embers of our rich heritage and ensures our western legacy glows as brightly as it did a century ago. All are welcome to experience what can only be described as one “heck of a good time” – parades, the Hashknife Pony Express, Native American festivals, gold mining, live music, and museum exhibits.
Mark your calendars, slide into your best leather boots (or comfortable pair of sneakers), and ride out to see what all the fuss is about.
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Scottsdale’s Community Historian, Joan Fudala, leads this special presentation which serves as a photo-rich history of the Parada from its origins to date. Held in the Virginia G. Piper Charitable Trust Theater/Auditorium, the event does not require registration but attendance is limited.
For more, call (480) 686-9539
The Scottsdale Gallery Association proudly presents its Western themed Gold Palette ArtWalk, which pays homage to the rich heritage and vibrant cultures of the American West. During the ArtWalk, guests will enjoy live music and dancing from Desert Dixie and participating galleries will present a variety of cowboy paintings.
For more, click HERE
Guests are invited to gather as this annual ride culminates on the steps of the Museum of the West, delivering more than 20,000 pieces of U.S. Mail. This traditional event begins with fanfare surrounding the arrival including entertainment such as live music, bands, line dancers, native American hoop dancers and Native American royalty, activities for the kids, food trucks, a presentation about the History of Hashknife, and more. The arrival of the Hashknife Pony Express, the oldest officially sanctioned Pony Express in the world, takes place at high noon.
Catch a special educational seminar on the Hashknife Pony Express happening inside the museum’s Virginia G. Piper Charitable Trust Theater/Auditorium at 9:45 am and again at 10:45 am. Click here for more info or call (480) 686-9539.
For more, click HERE
With 70 years of history under its belt the Scottsdale Parada del Sol Historic Parade and Trail’s End Festival rides into town with its “Cowboy Kickoff” theme – a nod to the fact Arizona is hosting the Super Bowl this month. The parade features more than 125 lively entries including colorful floats, mounted horse-riders, horse-drawn carriage, school marching bands, wagons and stagecoaches representing many cultures from Mexican to Native American to Arabian to Western. Immediately following the parade, the Historic Old Town District transforms into a massive Western-style block party with a kids’ zone, food trucks, merchandise vendors, and multiple stages with live entertainment including concerts from today’s popular bands to traditional performers.
For more, click HERE
Featuring an array of traditional arts and crafts, entertainment, foods, innovations and trends in cultural tourism experiences, this two-day cultural celebration honors the Arizona Indian community that is alive and well in Scottsdale! This inclusive inter-tribal event serves as a platform for tribal tourism to raise awareness about Arizona’s indigenous communities through fun and engaging experiences.
For more, click HERE
This 43,000-square-foot museum offers an encyclopedia of Western art, featuring regularly changing and permanent exhibits of Western and Native American art and artifacts, entertaining events, and informative programs that bring the West’s heritage, culture and community to life.
In addition to offering residents and visitors free admission to the museum, Western Spirit hosts multiple History and Stories of the Hashknife Pony Express educational seminars, held in the Virginia G. Piper Charitable Trust Theater/Auditorium. Attendance is free and seminar times are as follows:
Friday, February 2 – 9:45 am and 10:45 am
Saturday, February 3 – 9:45 am and 10:45 am
For more, click HERE
Belle’s Nashville Kitchen
Saturday, January 28 – Sunday, February 5
Times Vary – See Website for More Info
7212 E Main St, Scottsdale, AZ 85251
For more, click HERE
Rusty Spur Saloon
Saturday, January 28 – Sunday, February 5
Times Vary – See Website for More Info
7245 E Main St, Scottsdale, AZ 85251
For more, click HERE
Dierks Bentley’s Whiskey Row
Thursday, February 2
Times Vary – See Website for More Info
4420 N Saddlebag Trail, Scottsdale, AZ 85251
For more, click HERE
Parking
Parking in Old Town is FREE! On-street parking has no meters or fees, just time limitations. Click here for an interactive map of Old Town parking garages and lots.
Western Week Safety Plan
As the city of Scottsdale moves forward with the Western Week event schedule this year, the city and its partners will be doing everything possible to keep attendees and visitors safe. Including requiring each event adhere to CDC and ADHS safety guidelines and a city-approved safety plan that details the numerous safety precautions that must be in place.
Key elements of the safety plan for Western Week events include:
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Face coverings that cover the mouth and nose are required at all times unless sitting down
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6 feet or more of physical distancing required; if a distance of 6 feet can not be maintained, a face covering that covers the mouth and nose is required
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Safety Enforcement Staff on site actively monitoring physical distancing
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High-touch areas cleaned continuously throughout the event or activity
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Multiple hand sanitizer stands available at each event or activity
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Restrooms and hand washing stations at or near each event or activity