St. Patrick’s Day is celebrated worldwide on March 17th. It is a day to commemorate Saint Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland, who is said to have brought Christianity to Ireland. St. Patrick’s Day is celebrated in many ways, from parades and festivals to wearing green and drinking beer. St. Patrick’s Day in Scottsdale is a fun and festive time with plenty of events and activities to enjoy heading into spring.
Festive Events
One of the best ways to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in Scottsdale is to attend the annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade. The St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Phoenix is a highly anticipated yearly event that draws people from all over the city to celebrate Irish culture and heritage. The parade is a colorful and lively spectacle, with over 100 entries that include marching bands, dancers, bagpipers, floats, and more. The parade route takes participants and spectators through downtown Phoenix, starting at 3rd Street and Oak Street and ending at Faire on the East side of Margaret T. Hance Park. Along the way, parade-goers are treated to a vibrant display of green, white, and orange, the colors of the Irish flag, as well as traditional Irish music and dance.
The parade is organized by the St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Faire Committee, a group of dedicated volunteers who work tirelessly to make the event successful each year. The committee selects the best entries to participate in the parade, ensuring that each one represents the spirit and culture of Ireland. Participants range from local schools and community groups to businesses and organizations, and each brings unique flair and enthusiasm to the event.
One of the parade’s highlights is the presence of bagpipers, who play traditional Irish music as they march through the streets. The sound of the bagpipes is a powerful symbol of Irish heritage, adding an emotional and patriotic element to the parade. Other notable entries include marching bands, who provide upbeat and lively music to keep the energy of the parade high, as well as dancers, who perform traditional Irish step dancing and other dance styles.
For those looking for a more active way to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, the Phoenix Shamrock 10k/5k Run is a fun and festive way to do so. The run occurs yearly in Tempe and kicks off at Kiwanis Park in Tempe. Participants are encouraged to dress in green and show their Irish spirit!
Food and Drinks
Of course, no St. Patrick’s Day celebration would be complete without some traditional Irish food and drink. Many restaurants in Scottsdale serve traditional Irish fares, such as corned beef and cabbage, shepherd’s pie, and Irish soda bread. When it comes to St. Patrick’s Day drinks, there are plenty of options as well. Many bars and restaurants in Scottsdale serve green beer and Irish whiskey, while some even offer specialty cocktails made with Irish ingredients. Many bars and restaurants in Scottsdale hold St. Patrick’s Day events featuring live music, drink specials, and plenty of fun. Some popular spots to check out include The Kettle Black Kitchen and Pub, Rúla Búla Irish Pub, and The Skeptical Chymist.
Another great way to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day is by hosting brunch at your vacation rental in Scottsdale with friends and family in a relaxed and intimate setting. You can create a festive atmosphere by decorating your rental with green and gold accents, such as tablecloths, napkins, and balloons. For the menu, you can serve traditional Irish fares, such as corned beef and cabbage, Irish soda bread, and shepherd’s pie, as well as classic brunch dishes like quiches, frittatas, and pastries. Don’t forget to serve plenty of green beer, Irish coffee, and other St. Patrick’s Day-themed drinks to get everyone in the spirit of the holiday. Hosting a brunch at your vacation rental allows you to enjoy the holiday in a more personal and private way while still being close to all the action of the St. Patrick’s Day festivities in Scottsdale.
Spend It Outdoors
For those who want to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in a more relaxed setting, plenty of parks and outdoor spaces in Scottsdale are perfect for a picnic or barbecue. Chaparral Park, Indian School Park, and McDowell Mountain Ranch Park are all popular spots for outdoor gatherings, offering plenty of space for games, grilling, and socializing. Bring some green beer, Irish soda bread, corned beef, and cabbage, and enjoy the beautiful Arizona weather with friends and family. In addition to these parks, Scottsdale has several other outdoor attractions, such as Camelback Mountain and Pinnacle Peak Park, that offer breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape and are perfect for a scenic hike.
Book Your St. Patrick’s Day in Scottsdale Getaway
St. Patrick’s Day is a fun and festive time in Scottsdale, with plenty of events and activities to enjoy. So, wear your green and prepare to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in Scottsdale!
Although many tourists want to flock to Phoenix to get a city break or head to a coastal area to check out a beach, Scottsdale often has the best of both. Not only can you head to Scottsdale to enjoy the shopping, restaurants, and bars in a busy city, but you can head to one of the natural areas, like parks, mountains, and lakes, to really soak in the weather and the wildlife.
Let’s see some of the best things to do during your upcoming Scottsdale spring break trip in this beautiful and upbeat area. It doesn’t matter what time of year you come to Scottsdale — you will always be able to find outdoor spring break activities, cultural attractions, yearly events, and indoor shops that will suit your unique needs and wants.
Marvel at Taliesin West
Frank Lloyd Wright is one of the most famous architects that ever existed. Check out some of his incredible work by heading to Taliesin West and seeing the eye-catching external architecture, clean lines, interesting shapes, and cool use of stone and wood in the house. We love coming here during a rare rainy day in Scottsdale to learn about the cultural history of Scottsdale, take photos of the nearby McDowell Mountains, and snap a few pics of the studio, workshop, and house.
Take a Day Trip to MacDonald’s Ranch
If you are in the mood to go outside of the city and take a few hours to yourself and your family, the best place to really relax and chill out with your loved ones is MacDonald’s Ranch. We love coming here, especially if you have young kids because you can take your kids to a petting zoo, hang out in the playground, and enjoy the other outdoor attractions, like petting the lovely horses and feeding the domestic sheep.
Become a Cowboy at the Arizona Cowboy College
The Arizona Cowboy College at North 152nd Street is one of the best places for locals and tourists alike to learn about the culture of the workers and cowboys in the Arizona pastime. Not only does this incredible college offer hands-on programs and interactive workshops that can provide visitors with more information about this historical group of American cowboys, but you can view replicas, life-sized sculptures, and gifts.
See Scottsdale City with Firebird Balloons
Take a hot air balloon ride with Firebird balloons to see the incredible town of Scottsdale From a birds-eye point of view with your loved ones. You will be able to see the buildings down below, the green pastures, and the incredible nature, such as the McDowell Sonoran Preserve.
Go for a Hike And Other Spring Break Activities
There are endless trailheads and starting points to go hiking in Scottsdale, Arizona. Not only can you start from your very own house, but you can head to one of the numerous parks or trailheads to start a lung-busting peak hike or an easy saunter with your kids. We recommend heading to the McDowell Sonoran Preserve to go for a nice bike ride with your family, take a sweaty mountain hike with your loved ones, or test your luck at fishing for a few salons for dinner.
You can also go to Camelback Mountain if you want to climb the infamous Echo Canyon Trail, a steep and challenging hike that offers pristine views of the granite mountain slabs, picturesque red rocks, and town down below. If you want to test your luck and go for another heart-bursting hike, then head to Pinnacle Peak in between Phoenix and Scottsdale to take in some of the best birds-eye views in the entire state! Although this trail is just under 2 miles, this is the best way for hikers to enjoy a few hours of nature without spending an entire day on the mountain.
Lastly, we love going to Tom’s Thumb Trail during our vacations in Scottsdale. This beautiful path in the McDowell Sonoran Preserve is a steep and switchback-filled path that offers amazing views of Phoenix and the McDowell Mountains for you and your group. We think this is the best day trip out of the city!
Doesn’t this sound like the best idea for you and your group? I think so too! Head to Scottsdale today to enjoy tons of indoor activities, cultural attractions, and outdoor areas that are sure to make you want to come back year after year.
Book Your Scottsdale Spring Break Trip
Check out I Love Scottsdale to find luxurious, modern, and spacious homes that can fit your unique needs. Whether you and your 10 best friends are looking to head to Scottsdale for a rowdy spring break, or you and your young kids are going to Scottsdale for a relaxing and family-oriented April vacation, there are dozens of fun activities and events to go to during this less-busy part of the year.
Scottsdale, Arizona, is consistently one of the most visited spots in the entire United States all year round. Especially during the summer months, tourism in Scottsdale rises tenfold due to its proximity to the nearby desert, hiking trails, cultural events, foodie scene, and eccentric vibe! Plus, the year-round sunny weather and hot temperatures have a lot to do with the people who flock here during the rainy and snowy season in their hometown.
But what if you want to escape the crowds? If you are trying to avoid the lines of people on the hiking trails and the never-ending queues to try and get into a restaurant at night, then consider heading to Scottsdale and the surrounding areas during the fall season. You can still expect great weather, long days, and sunny spells during your time here — just with half of the people!
If you head here during September or October, you can even have BETTER weather than you do in the summer! In the summer, the temperatures get into the triple digits — in the fall, you can expect sunny skies and 80 degrees every single day. Sounds great, doesn’t it?
Plus, there are tons of things to do in Scottsdale at the communities here during the fall season. You can enjoy outdoor events, indoor attractions, cultural sights, and mouth-watering restaurants and bars that are great for tourists.
Arizona State Fair
The Arizona State Fair is an annual event held every year during October at the Arizona State Fairgrounds. This yearly event has been a huge hit for over 10 years, bringing people in from all over the world. You can bring your kids here to enjoy rides on the carnival, games, rides, and animal petting that will really make your vacation one that they will never forget. And who can forget the greasy, yummy, and filling carnival food? We recommend filing up on cake, ice cream, and hot dogs while walking around the expansive carnival during a brisk Fall evening!
Phoenix Pride Festival
If you are coming to Scottsdale during the fall season, the nearby Phoenix Pride Festival on October 15th-16th is one of the best events that you can attend. Located at Steele Indian School Park, this fun-loving and vibrant festival is great for those who want to meet other people, dance, sing, and just have a great time. Enjoy watching one, or all, of the 150 performances located over 6 stages, dance areas, art expeditions, and food trucks to keep you full during an entire day of celebrations.
Scottsdale Zombie Crawl
This Halloween-themed event is a must-go for those who come to Scottsdale and the Phoenix area during the end of October. Located at Social Tap Scottsdale, this Halloween pub crawl is a great excuse to celebrate the holiday, dress up in a funky outfit, and check out all of the nearby pubs and bars. I mean, you can do this on your own during a non-themed night — but isn’t going around and drinking pints and pints of beer dressed up as your favorite cartoon just SO much more fun? We think so too!
Scottsdale Whiskey Festival
To continue the drinking festivities, we recommend doing the Scottsdale Whiskey Festival if you come to this sunny and outdoor-centric town during the month of October. The whiskey festival is a fun way for you and your partner or adult friends to sip on some carefully crafted cocktails, explore the local whiskey selection from nearby distilleries, and try something different on a potentially rainy or cold day during the fall season in Scottsdale.
Things to do in Scottsdale at the Annual Farm Festival and Market
Last but not least, we have the annual farm festival and market that is held in nearby Phoenix. You can check out the local vendors, browse nearby products, and taste some local produce and organic food from the nearby farms. There is no better way to meet the locals, get some of the freshest food in the area, and find some herbal medicines and soaps for your toiletry collection!
Accommodation in Scottsdale, Arizona
Scottsdale and the surrounding areas are always popular hotbeds for tourists during the summer months. You have popular hiking trails, great weather, sunny skies, and cool culture. But sometimes, the summer months can become overrun with other like-minded tourists who want to see all that his outdoor-centric town has to offer. What is the solution?
Heading here during the fall months not only can help save you money in terms of travel and accommodation, but it can help prevent you from fighting for space with the thousands of tourists. Instead of crowded hiking trails, overbooked restaurants, and festivals with people packed in like sardines, you can really kick back, relax, and chill out in the beautiful weather.
We recommend using I Love Scottsdale to find the best accommodation for your needs. Whether you’re coming here with your best friends, extended family, partner, or kids, you can find a luxurious house, apartment, or condominium that will suit your preferences.