The Valley’s weekend calendar is doing what it always does this time of year: trying to make you feel guilty for staying home. If you want a few reasons to leave the couch, here are some of the events happening around town from November 6–8.
1. Canal Convergence at Scottsdale Waterfront
Canal Convergence runs Friday and Saturday from 6–10 p.m., and Sunday from 6–9 p.m. at Scottsdale Waterfront in Scottsdale, with free admission. This year’s "Western Nature" theme leans into Arizona and the Southwest with illuminated art installations, interactive artwork, nightly fire shows, live music and family activities. The event continues through November 15, which is handy if your weekend plans are already being negotiated by committee.
2. Water Lantern Festival at Kiwanis Park
In Tempe, the Water Lantern Festival runs Friday through Sunday from 3–7 p.m., with the lantern launch set for 6–7 p.m. at Kiwanis Park. Tickets start at $31, and they include a lantern kit, LED candle and markers. The setup is simple enough: design a floating lantern, then watch it glow on the water while food trucks and music fill the time before the launch.
3. Scottsdale Polo Championships and Scottsdale Italian Festival
The weekend lineup also includes the Scottsdale Polo Championships and the Scottsdale Italian Festival, both named in the event roundup for November 6–8. The article doesn’t spell out the full details for those two here, which is almost refreshing in a world that usually tries to turn every outing into a spreadsheet. Still, they’re part of the same Valley weekend mix, which means there’s no shortage of ways to pretend you had a plan all along.
If you’re the type who likes your weekends with a little art, a little spectacle and a little crowd management, this one has your name on it. As ever, the Valley has options — the trick is choosing before everyone else does.
Written by Bill Farr
