The autumn weather is upon us. With the dropping temperatures, isn’t it about time we enjoyed ourselves outside? From Oct. 25 to the 28th, you can do that at the Longfellow Fine Arts Festival at the SHOPS at Gainey Village.

Beginning that Thursday morning, Gainey Village is debuting their first ever fine art festival throughout the complex. The festival will showcase works by the Longfellow street artists. You spend a day of shopping at Gainey while browsing through many tents that feature paintings, sculptures, photography, and jewelry.

The SHOPS will be getting in on the action too. If you make a purchase at the festival, you’re eligible for savings at some stores. For example, you can receive 20 percent off any purchase at Kiss Me Kate if you make a purchase at the fest. Scottsdale Jean Company will be having a sidewalk sale with merchandise up to 80 percent off.

There’s plenty more where that came from. The only way to see it all is to go the festival.

Ladies and gentleman, you read that correctly. Coming early October, Scottsdale’s first boardsport simulator. The Westin Kierland Resort & Spa will be home to the Kierland Flowrider.

If you have ever wanted to learn how to surf, now is the time. The best part? You don’t have to leave Arizona! The 6,000 square foot dual Kierland FlowRider will include a viewing platform, seating and retail space, and will be open year-round.

You may be asking yourself, “but Scoop Factory, isn’t the water going to be cold during winter?” You’re in luck because the waves will be heated during the cold season.

Grand Opening Weekend Package

To celebrate the opening of this awesome waterpark adventure, the Kierland Resort will be hosting a FlowRider Festival for its Grand Opening Weekend.

From Friday, October 5 to Sunday, October 7, your weekend package will include complimentary access to the festival, games, contests, prize giveaways, all-day entertainment at the Adventure Pool, and for you surfing pros, the Wave Master surf-off competition will be right up your alley. Rates start at $125 per night.

Food and drinks will be served poolside all day. The evening concludes with a fireworks show. When you rent a room that weekend, you’ll receive two 30 minute FlowRider sessions ($40 value) and two FlowRider lifetime membership registrations ($30 value).

To make your reservation, call 480.624.1202 and mention the rate code: FLOWRIDE.

Shopping, models, food, drinks, and fun. What else could you want? It’s the shopping event of the year at the one and only Scottsdale Quarter! On Thursday, September 6 starting at 6 p.m., North Scottsdale will be where all the fashionistas congregate for a night of fun. Get ready for Fashion’s Night Out!

Walk the streets of the Quarter where live DJs will be spinning your favorite tunes from 6 – 9 p.m. and from 6 – 7 p.m., an informal fashion show will be held at the Quad. Are you a Facebook junkie? If you upload and tag of photo of yourself at the event, you’ll be entered to win a $100 gift card, just for doing what you already love!

Curious as to what shops are participating? Some of yourfavorites, of course. Enjoy the night with lululemon, H & M, Gap/GapBody, Sephora, Make Meaning, Drybar, Elan Style, Diane’s Beachwear, Beach Bunny, Free People, Calvin Klein Performance, Industrie Denim, Republic of Couture, Pandora, Express, Galicia and more.

BRIO, Salt, Tanzy and Narcisse Champagne and Tea Lounge will be hosting special events in the restaurants as well as catering at select partnering stores.

For more information head on over to ScottsdaleQuarter.com

It’ll be the fashion event of the year, one you and your friendswill be talking about forever – we’ll see you there!

If you like fine wine, gourmet food, and making a difference, we’ve got something for you. The Muscular Dystrophy Association’s 12th Annual Taste of the Town, returns to Scottsdale Quarter Friday, October 19 at 7 p.m. Over 20 vendors showcasing their fine wine and gourmet dishes as well as a first- class silent auction and live music from local band Jed’s a Millionaire. This is one of the Valley’s most premier charity nights and you won’t want to miss it.

Taste of the Town benefits more than 2,400 Arizona families affected by neuromuscular diseases and for just $65 or $85 (if you want a general admission or VIP ticket) you can help those families. VIP tickets include entry into an exclusive after party at El Santo, two signature cocktails and a VIP gift bag. Get ready for a night on the town with dancing, drinking, and food. The Greater Arizona Chapter of the Muscular Dystrophy Association wants you looking your best for this exclusive night.

The Quad at Scottsdale Quarter | 15279 North Scottsdale Road | Scottsdale, Arizona 85254

No, not the clothing company, but the sport itself. October 20 marks the largest polo event ever to hit Arizona, but you can get a preview of the event with The Polo Party on September 4 inside Prado Restaurant at the luxurious at the Montelucia Spa & Resort at 5:30 p.m.

Polo champ and GQ model Nic Roldan will be at the party for a meet and greet with those in attendance. This exclusive and intimate affair is bound to sell out, to RSVP for the party send an email to [email protected]

Sponsored by the City of Scottsdale, Barrett-Jackson Car Collector Auction, Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show and many others, The Scottsdale Polo Championships:  Horses+Horsepower will be a day to remember. Gates will open at 10:30 a.m., followed by the first match at 1 p.m. which pits Harvard University against Work to Ride, the first African-American high school polo champion in U.S. History.

The second match is the one you’ll be waiting for. Roldan, captain of The Bel Air Polo Club, will face off against The Hamptons, captained by Tom Biddle Jr.

Polo won’t be the only thing going on that day, guests will also be able to enjoy a sneak preview of the 2013 Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show and see some serious horsepower with a preview of Barrett-Jackson’s 2013 Collector Car Auction.

Tickets for The Scottsdale Polo Championships can purchased here.

Image via Gordon Grant, NY Times

The Saguaro hotel in Old Town Scottsdale is making it easy to get away one last time this summer with its ultimate buy one, get one room special, but the deal goes beyond that.

If you book from now until September 3 you can receive one more and a second for free, you book one night and get a second for free, as well. The stay dates range from August 20 to October 4, so you’ll have plenty of time to plan out that last staycation. These rates include breakfast buffet for two daily at Distrito, by celebrity Chef Jose Garces.

Select room rates start from $89 per night plus tax and resort fee.

The Saguaro | 4000 North Drinkwater Blvd | Scottsdale, AZ 85251

Van Dyke Laser & Skin hosts its first ever “Beauty Bootcamp” on September 26. From 6-7:30 p.m., experts will be sharing secrets about effortless anti-aging, techniques and products.

If you’re looking to bulk up your skincare and learn about the latest advancements in aesthetic procedures, then we recommend you take the call of duty. Beauty experts from SkinMedica, ColoreScience, and Clarisonic sharing secrets about effortless cleansing and anti-aging techniques, not to mention letting you experience the products firsthand.

While learning what it takes to achieve beautiful, healthy skin, you will receive a free gift bag of goodies from the experts and will be entered in a raffle with over $900 of great products and a free stay at the W Scottsdale Hotel.

Van Dyke | 5206 North Scottsdale Road | Paradise Valley, AZ 85253

On Friday, August 17, Ann Taylor will be opening its newest concept store at Kierland Commons in Scottsdale. This is the newest opening since the Chandler location last summer. Help Ann Taylor celebrate the grand opening on the following Saturday, August 18, with a shopping event for clients and the public from 1-5 p.m. This is in partnership with the Junior League of Phoenix, an organization of women committed to promoting voluntarism, developing the potential of women everywhere, and improving the community through effective action.

The new Ann Taylor boutiques were designed by S. Russell Groves architects and are inspired by a stylish, moder contemporary home. It will be provide an intimate, chic shopping experience: exactly what you ladies are looking for. Imagine white washed maple hardwood floors, elegant crystal chandeliers, and modern furniture.

The new boutique has everything you want in a chic shopping experience. August 18 will be a shopping day to remember. We’ll see you there.

Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts proudly presents their 2012-2013 season, filled with world-class performances and events, including dance, music, theater, comedy, cinema and more. You can check out the whole digital season guide by going to the Scottsdale Center for Performing Arts website, but let’s take a look at some of the most anticipated performances.

• Spotlight artists Mary Chapin Carpenter, Bill Engvall, Bernadette Peters, Clint Black, Chris Botti and Dionne Warwick.

• Toe-tapping Broadway classics and popular songs by Michael Feinstein, Mandy Patinkin, Barbara Cook, The Doo-Wop Project and Tommy Tune.

• High-flying dance by Garth Fagan Dance Company, Hubbard Street Dance Chicago, Limón Dance Company, Aspen Santa Fe Ballet and Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo.

• Soul-shaking jazz by Eddie Palmieri Salsa Orchestra, Béla Fleck and the Marcus Roberts Trio, Chick Corea and Gary Burton, John Pizzarelli Quartet, and McCoy Tyner Quartet with Joe Lovano.

• Awe-inspiring classical music in conjunction with the 25^th anniversary season of the Virginia G. Piper Concert Series featuring recitals by pianists Murray Perahia, Jeffrey Kahane and Olga Kern, and concerts by the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra and Zukerman ChamberPlayers; as well as Academy of St Martin in the Fields; Keyboard Conversations with Jeffrey Siegel; and Close Encounters with Music.

• Trail-blazing world music by Jogja Hip-Hop Foundation, Paco Peña, Danú, Ladysmith Black Mambazo and Jesse Cook.

It’s not uncommon for a fixed menu to pair wine with its courses, but have you ever tried it with beer? Yeah, we’re curious too. On Thursday, August 2, Spotted Donkey Cantina continues its summer beer dinner series. Complete with a beer reception with complimenting appetizers, the night starts at 6:30 p.m.

The three course meal, courtesy of Executive Chef Esteban Colon, sounds delicious:

• Vegetable Empanadas with Chile and Cheese & Grilled Avocado, Guacamole Nachos paired with Mudshark Full Moon Belgian Style White Ale
• Grilled Shrimp Chopped Salad with Charred Corn, and Tortilla
• Strips with a Lime Dressing paired with Mudshark Magic IPA
• Grilled Chicken Breast with Roasted Garlic Oregano Vinaigrette, served with Roasted Poblano Chile Cakes and paired with Mudshark Scorpion Amber Ale
• Mixed Berry Gaspacho with Basil with Vanilla Bean Ice Cream paired with Mudshark Wild Watermelon

The dinner costs $39.00 per person and does not include tax or gratuity. To make a reservation call 480.488.3358 or click here.

Spotted Donkey Cantina | 34505 North Scottsdale Road | Scottsdale, Arizona 85266

Known around the Valley for throwing a hell of a party, Raven Events will be hosting its first annual Sexy Shoe Party this Friday, July 6.

Friday’s event will be a sophisticated cocktail party, filled with good music (courtesy of DJ Rob Wegner), good food, cocktail specials, dancing, and as the name suggests, a contest for the sexiest shoes worn by the ladies in attendance.

Good news everyone! This party is free. If you’re looking for something fun to do this weekend, head to the Narcisse Champagne and Tea Lounge in Scottsdale Quarter at 8 p.m. Make sure you’re of age too, because this party is for 21+ only.

For more information on this event and others like it, click here.

Doesn’t it always feel like one of your best friends is about to get married? If you find yourself in the admirable position of Best Man or Maid of Honor, then you know you’ve got a lot on your plate. Planning parties, showers, and preparing your tear-jerking toast can be quite a handful. That’s why the W Scottsdale wants to help you out this summer. 

The W, one of the Valley’s best hotels, will be offering a bachelor/bachelorette party experience when you contract 10 or more rooms per night, any weekend from June to September.

So, what does the W have to offer? Well, you will have the opportunity to stay in the luxurious Wonderful King room for only $149 a night, 20% discount on Bliss Spa services, a 40% discount on bottle service that includes your choice of 10 Crane, Ketel One, Ciroc, Belvedereor Don Julio, unlimited golf for $30 per person at the Phoenician Golf Club.

To make reservations or to find out more info, send your emails to [email protected] or click here.

The W Scottsdale | 7277 East Camelback Road | Scottsdale, Arizona 85251

It’s no question that Scottsdale’s Hotel Valley Ho is one of our favorite destinations. This mid-century modern hotel has some great restaurants so it’s no wonder we’re excited for Cafe ZuZu’s Chef’s Table menu later this month. On May 21, ZuZu will team up with California’s Santa Ynez Valley Gainey Vineyard to bring you an exquisite four course menu. Each entree is paired with an elegant Gainey Wine. This family-owned-and-operated winery has been in operation for over 50 years now. The family pioneered sustainable farming techniques that continue today at their 1800-acre ranch. The menu is to die for, see for yourself.

Baked Deep-Water Snapper
coriander, coconut + spicy peanut sauce
Riesling, “Santa Ynez Valley” 2009

Braised Mushroom and Leek Salad
tepary beans + roasted bell peppers
Chardonnay, “Sta. Rita Hills” 2009

Herb-Roasted Lamb Chop
goat cheese tortellini, Washington cherries
+ thyme scented summer squash
Pinot Noir, “Sta. Rita Hills” 2009
Merlot, “Santa Ynez Valley” 2007

Peach Bread Pudding
blackberry sabayon

ZuZu | 6850 East Main Street | Scottsdale, Arizona 85251

If you haven’t noticed that the weather has been warming up then you’re missing out.  Here’s some advice because we care about you: get off the computer and go outside (but don’t forget to bookmark DLT.) Grab your suits and sandals because Swim Social Weekends starts at The Saguaro this Friday.

Every day of the weekend will feature a different summer theme at the Picante Pool. Sips & Synchro Fridays kick off this week at 6 p.m. Sip cocktails while watching the sunset all while the Saguaro’s own synchronized swimmers entertain. The Saturday Swim Meet is an all day affair at the Picante Pool. DJ Al Page will be spinning surf rock and 60′s summer jams. Homemade paletas and poolside fare is more than enough to entice you, not to mention the killer spiked lemonade stand. Finish off the weekend relaxed and ready to take charge of the week with Soulful Sundays at the pool. Starting at 11 a.m., complimentary water aerobics classes are open to everyone. Afterwards, DJ Al Page back spinning your funk and Motown favorites.

The Saguaro | 4000 North Drinkwater Blvd | Scottsdale, Arizona 85251

Friday the 13th is usually a day filled with the paranoid and superstitious being extra careful. The W Scottsdale wants you to forget all that and get your dance on. Tonight at 9 p.m. the W presents another installment of their Skam Artist DJ Series. Until 2 a.m. you can party with the hip and fashionable while listening to the beats of DJ Five, resident DJ at the legendary Tao Nightclub in Las Vegas. He brings his world class mixing skills for an amplified experience like no other. Tonight is for those over 21. So knock on wood, throw salt over your shoulder, or whatever it is to get your superstitions in order and come out and play at Shade Lounge at the W Scottsdale. For VIP table and cabana reservation information, call (602) 405-0099. Don’t forget your dancing shoes.

The Shade Lounge | 7277 East Camelback Road | Scottsdale, Arizona 85251

The Saguaro Hotel in Scottsdale, known for its bright colors and contemporary vibe, is now offering you more than couple reasons to have a stay-cation this weekend, and every weekend after that. This popular Scottsdale hotel features two very cool restaurants, Distrito and Old Town Whiskey, both of which are introducing exciting, new specials.

Let us start with Distrito. They proudly present a new weekend brunch with bottomless cocktails (yes please). Spice your weekend up with new modern Mexican dishes ala Chef Jose Garces. Some of our new favorites include Distrito Eggs Benedict, chorizo, brioche, and a black truffle hollandaise. The Tres Leches French Toast is served with fresh berries and Chantilly Cream and Costillas, a Berkshire pork spare rib dish with a chipotle-cider mustard BBQ. To go along with the food, for $15 Distrito will offer bottomless Bloody Marias and Mimosas. It gets better when you realize these drinks are completely customizable with a list of 16 ingredients.

Old Town Whiskey is stepping up its game too with its Saturday Midnight Feast and Daily Happy Hour. When the clock strikes midnight every Saturday, the Whiskey will offer a complimentary Midnight Feast. We’re going to repeat that: a complimentary Midnight Feast. Enjoy Chef Garces famous fried chicken wings after a night of hitting the bars. Speaking of drinks, the Whiskey’s “Shoot ‘Em Up Early” happy hour is available 7 days a week, from 4 – 7 p.m. with cocktail, beer, and food specials starting at $4. Our favorites: BBQ Pork Sliders, Pickled Beet Crostini, and the Pony Express Old Fashioned.

We know what we’re doing this weekend, what about you?

The Saguaro | 4000 North Drinkwater Blvd. | Scottsdale, Arizona 85251

April is Testicular Cancer Awareness month. So, the Pussycat Lounge in Scottsdale has joined forces with the Feel My Balls (too the point, right?!) foundation and Valley matchmaker Joann Cohen to raise awareness and money for this very important cause. That’s why on April 9, the Pussycat Lounge will be home to Let’s Hear it For the Boys: Hook up with a hunk and rid testicular cancer.

Some of the Valley’s most beloved bartenders will be participating in a male auction to raise funds. All of the proceeds and contributions will go to the LIVESTRONG Foundation, which is the designated charity for all FeelMyBalls events. Joann Cohen, Valley Matchmaker, will be there to emcee and help you bid on your favorite bartender.

The main goal of FeelMyBalls is to bring increased awareness of testicular cancer to the masses. Men between the ages 20 and 39 are the most at risk and can be preventative by…Well as the name suggests…

Mark your calendars. Monday, April 9 at the Pussycat Lounge at 10:00 p.m.

The Pussycat Lounge | 4426 North Saddlebag Trail | Scottsdale, Arizona 85251

For all of you fans of the hit show The Voice, you’re going to want to make your to the Scottsdale W hotel on April 6. Starting at 9 p.m. in the Living Room at the W, The Voice star Justin Hopkins will be performing some of his favorites.

Hopkins has performed with many A-list stars like working with greats such as Carol Bayer Sager, David Foster, Jesse Velenzuela, and Joe Firstman, who invited him to became a member of the Last Call of Carson Daly House band in 2007. Currently, Hopkins is working on a new record with Grammy winner Jesus “Chuy” Flores and Scott Fisher.

The event is for guests 21 years of age and older.  For more information or for VIP table reservations, contact (602) 405-0099

The Scottsdale W | 7277 East Camelback Road | Scottsdale, Arizona 85251 

Since its opening in January Late Nite Catechism and Late Nite Catechism III: ‘Till Death Do Us Part has been a huge hit. Each show plays weekly and the popular series will extend through April 14. Dubbed the “best habit in town,” these comedies have brought people from all over the Valley to the Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts.

The shows stars Patti Hannon as the outrageously funny and strict nun, Sister. The interactive Catechism show is about a nun who is ruling a her class with an iron fist. The audience participates as her class and she will them “everything she knows about sins and saints while doling out rewards and reprimands with lightning speed.”

The other show, ‘Till Death Do Us Part is a hilarious rendition of the “newlywed” game. Each performance guarantees a unique performance and appeals to all ages.

The show originally openend in 2000 and was an overnight sensation. This weekend marks the end of a chapter of a brilliantly executed live comedy. For information on the last show click here.

Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts | 7380 East Second Street | Scottsdale, Arizona 85251 

Do you feel the need? The need for speed? Well, if you’re like us then besides loving movies from the 80s, you’ll want to be in Scottsdale on March 24. The Windgate Ranch Community presents the fourth annual Windgate Ranch Festival of Speed. From 9 am to 1 pm, the park will be filled with 150 rare and vintage sports cars for this annual car show. Admission is free for the public. If you have a ride you want to show off, $35 is the cost to enter your car day of (not exactly a steep price if you’re thinking about displaying your Ferrari). All of the proceeds will go to benefit the 100 Club of Arizona.

There will be a complimentary lunch for all entrants compliments of the Toll Brothers. The event is put together by Scuderia Southwest, a group of people who share a common love for automobiles. Though the event is free for spectators, donations are encouraged as they go to directly benefit the community. If you get lost on your way, just follow the sound of revving engines.

Windgate Ranch | 10095 East Windgate Ranch Road | Scottsdale, Arizona  

The Mint just got a whole lot better. When the weekend raging at this popular Scottsdale hangout finally concludes, they pull you right back in. But this time they will be nursing your hangover, not inducing it. After every wild Saturday night, The Mint brings you their 24k Sunday Brunch. Don’t worry, it starts at noon.

You also won’t have to worry about breaking your wallet (if the previous night hadn’t done it already) because every featured item is under $10. The menu includes Poached Eggs with Barbecue Pulled Pork, Nutella French Toast, and a Frittata Florentine. And during brunch throw back a mimosa, White Peach Bellini, or The Mint’s Bloody Mary. Each glass costs $5 but if you pay $10 each refill is 1¢. There are plenty of other food items and alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages to choose from.

The Mint | 7373 East Camelback Road | Scottsdale, Arizona 85251

The Old Town Farmers’ Market in Scottsdale, arguably the Valley’s best farmers’ market, continues its Edible Education. The new, chef driven series will pair local chefs and local producers for helpful tips, tastes, and delicious demonstrations every Saturday morning through March 31.

Check the schedule of who’s cooking and when after the jump: »READ MORE

Can’t get enough beer goodness this AZ Beer Week? Today the Phoenician resort is teaming up with Four Peaks Brewery to present the Phoenician Brew Fest. Starting with a reception at 5:30 pm, the event will feature some of your favorite appetizers like warm pretzels, Kilt Lifter Brewed Brats, and cheddar beer soup.

Dinner starts at 6:30 pm and will serve an array of delicious entrees. It’s a beer fest, so where’s the beer you might be asking? Well, the night will be filled with all of Four Peaks brewing classics like SunBru and Kilt Lifter, along with Roger Clyne’s Mexican Moonshine. The fun will cost $60. We’ll see you at the Relish Burger Bistro at the Phoenician.

For reservations call (480) 434-2530

The Phoenician | 6000 East Camelback Road | Scottsdale, Arizona 85251

The Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art, or as it’s more affectionately known, SMoCA is unveiling three new exhibits this spring, with an opening celebration this Friday, February 10 from 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. The free event tonight features DJ P-Body, cocktails and more in the SMoCA lounge.

About SMoCA’s Spring 2012 Exhibitions: