Paradise Valley, Arizona – Events and Things to do
Discover Paradise Valley
Paradise Valley, Arizona, offers a mix of relaxing and adventurous activities. Here are some of the top things to do in the area:
Outdoor Activities and Nature
Hiking Camelback Mountain: Explore the iconic Camelback Mountain with trails like Echo Canyon Trailhead and Cholla Trailhead, both offering challenging hikes and spectacular panoramic views.
Explore McDowell Sonoran Preserve: Discover numerous hiking and biking trails of various difficulty levels and enjoy scenic desert views at Gateway Trailhead.
Visit the Desert Botanical Garden: Wander through 140 acres showcasing 50,000 plants, including various cacti and flowers. Enjoy dining, a gift shop, and a library on-site.
Discover Papago Park and Hole-in-the-Rock: Enjoy hiking, picnics, fishing, and admire the unique Hole-in-the-Rock sandstone formation. The park is also near the Phoenix Zoo and Desert Botanical Garden.
Offroad Desert Adventures: Consider a guided ATV/UTV tour in the Sonoran Desert for an adventurous experience, with various options available for different durations and skill levels.
Resorts, Spas and Wellness
Indulge at a Spa Resort: Paradise Valley is known for its luxurious spa resorts. Consider staying at the Omni Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Montelucia, Sanctuary Camelback Mountain, or JW Marriott Scottsdale Camelback Inn Resort & Spa, all highly-rated options featuring pools, spas, and other amenities.
Attend a Yoga or Wellness Retreat: Several resorts and wellness centers offer yoga and meditation classes and immersive experiences. For example, Mountain Shadows Resort Scottsdale hosts sunset yoga sessions, while the Deep Rest Reset event in October offers guided meditation and crystal sound healing.
Experience a Sound Healing Session: Find deep relaxation and inner quiet through guided meditation and crystal sound at events like the Deep Rest Reset or Sunday Sound Healing at Mountain Shadows Resort.
Arts, Culture and Shopping
Visit Cosanti Originals: Explore this designated Arizona historic site designed by Paolo Soleri, featuring unique hand-crafted windbells and architectural structures.
Explore Local Art Galleries: Scottsdale, adjacent to Paradise Valley, offers a vibrant art scene. Consider visiting Bella Fine Art, Wilde Meyer Gallery, or The Marshall Gallery of Fine Art. You could also participate in the Scottsdale Art Walk.
Visit the Barry Goldwater Memorial: See the statue of Senator Barry Goldwater, a prominent Arizonan, and learn about his life and beliefs.
Shop and Dine at Local Centers: Explore the Paradise Valley Marketplace, Paradise Village Gateway, The Shops Gainey Village, or the upscale Scottsdale Fashion Square, all offering a variety of stores and dining options.
Entertainment and Attractions
McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park: Enjoy miniature train rides, a carousel, a model railroad display, and a playground in this unique family-friendly park.
Butterfly Wonderland: Immerse yourself in an indoor, interactive rainforest habitat filled with thousands of butterflies, along with a cafe and gift shop.
Remember to check for specific hours of operation, especially for attractions and events, and book in advance when possible. This list provides a starting point for exploring the diverse offerings of Paradise Valley, Arizona.
annual events in Paradise Valley
Paradise Valley hosts several annual events that draw in residents and visitors alike. Here are a few notable examples:
Veteran’s Day Car Show: This signature event, held annually on Veteran’s Day Saturday in the Town Hall Parking lot, features a vibrant display of pre-1983 sports, antique, special interest, and race cars and motorcycles. The 2024 Car Show will take place November 9th from 8:30am – 11:30am.
Town Hall Art Exhibit: The Town of Paradise Valley also hosts an annual art exhibit at Town Hall, showcasing the work of local artists.
Festival of Tales: Held at Paradise Valley Community College (PVCC), this bi-annual free community literacy event fosters a love of reading and cultural understanding through storytelling, demonstrations, arts and crafts, games, face painting, live music, food trucks, and more. It has attracted over 17,000 attendees and distributed over 40,000 books since its inception in 2009.
Glimmer of Hope: This annual event at the Camelback Inn benefits abused, neglected, and homeless animals.
Alice Cooper’s Christmas Pudding Golf Tournament: This event, hosted by Alice Cooper’s Solid Rock organization at the Mountain Shadows Resort, wraps up a weekend of music, golf, and fundraising following the Christmas Pudding event.
Maricopa County Home Shows: While not exclusively in Paradise Valley, these annual events are held nearby in Phoenix and offer a variety of home improvement, garden, and craft vendors, along with product demonstrations.
Paradise Valley is also home to several resorts, such as the Mountain Shadows Resort Scottsdale and the DoubleTree Resort by Hilton Hotel Paradise Valley – Scottsdale, which host various annual events including wellness retreats, fitness experiences like “Jungle Rhythms”, Sunset Yoga on the Lawn – Labor Day Weekend during holiday weekends, and dance conventions.
Additionally, the Town of Paradise Valley (.gov) website and the Paradise Valley Independent calendar provide information on upcoming events. You can also explore local events through platforms like Eventbrite and Meetup.