Things to Do in Old Town Scottsdale
Museums, art, history and a little bit of cowboy
- No. 1Rotating exhibits
- No. 7Open daily
- No. 13(480) 994-4447
By John Apolinar
Looking for things to do in Old Town Scottsdale that aren't just bars? There's a lot more here than people think. You can see a contemporary art museum and a Western museum in the same afternoon, walk the galleries on a Thursday night, hit the Saturday farmers market and grab a sundae at a soda fountain that's been around forever. Everything here is within walking distance.
Want the full list? Browse the Scottsdale activities and experiences directory.
In this guide 13 spots
The spots
Ranked by Scottsdale ScoopOld Town Scottsdale
Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art (SMoCA)
Contemporary art off the Civic Center SMoCA is the contemporary art museum run by Scottsdale Arts, right off the Civic Center. The exhibits rotate, so there's usually something new. Give yourself an hour.
The short list: Rotating exhibitsNext to the Civic Center.
Old Town Scottsdale
Western Spirit: Scottsdale's Museum of the West
Western art and history Western Spirit is the museum to see if your guests want the Old West side of Scottsdale. It covers art and history from across the American West.
The short list: Western art and history.
Old Town Scottsdale arts district
Scottsdale ArtWalk
Thursday night gallery walk ArtWalk is a Thursday evening thing in the arts district. Galleries open their doors, you wander from one to the next and it's free. It's one of my favorite low-key nights in town.
The short list: Thursday eveningsFree.
Old Town Scottsdale
Scottsdale Civic Center
The Civic Center is the big green park in the middle of Old Town. There's public art all over it and it hosts a lot of the big events, including this year's New Year's Eve Party on the Park.
The short list: Public artEvent space.
Old Town Scottsdale
Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts
The Center for the Performing Arts books concerts, comedy and touring acts all year. Check the calendar and pair a show with dinner nearby.
The short list: Year-round shows.
Old Town Scottsdale
Old Town Farmers Market
The Old Town Farmers Market runs on Saturdays. Local produce, coffee, baked goods and a lot of dogs. Go early before it gets hot.
The short list: SaturdaysLocal vendors.
Old Town Scottsdale
Old Adobe Mission
Historic adobe church The Old Adobe Mission is the historic Our Lady of Perpetual Help church on Main Street. It's open Sunday through Friday 11 AM to 4 PM and Saturday 8 AM to 4 PM, and you can do same-day tours. Call first in the summer.
The short list: Open dailySame-day tours.
Old Town Scottsdale
Rusty Spur Saloon
Live country music in an old bank Even if you're not a bar person, the Rusty Spur is worth a peek. It's in an old bank building, there's live country music every day and there's no cover.
The short list: Live music dailyNo cover.
Old Town Scottsdale
Sugar Bowl
Sugar Bowl is the pink ice cream parlor on Scottsdale Road. It's an Old Town classic and the sundaes are huge. Bring the kids.
The short list: Ice cream parlorOld Town classic.
Scottsdale Waterfront
Scottsdale Waterfront
The Waterfront runs along the Arizona Canal at Camelback and Scottsdale. Walk the canal path, check out the shops and grab a bite.
The short list: Canal walkShops and dining.
Old Town Scottsdale
Scottsdale Fashion Square
Fashion Square is the big indoor mall on the edge of Old Town. Good escape from summer heat, and Din Tai Fung is downstairs.
The short list: Indoor shoppingLots of dining.
Old Town Scottsdale
Scottsdale Wine Trail
The Wine Trail is a group of tasting rooms around Old Town pouring Arizona wine. You can walk between them and hit a few in an afternoon.
The short list: Walkable tasting roomsArizona wine.
Old Town Scottsdale
Pedego Electric Bikes
Pedego has an Old Town e-bike shop. Call (480) 994-4447 before you go.
The short list: (480) 994-4447.
The method
How I picked these
Everything on this list is in or right next to Old Town and open to the public. I checked each one's website and a second listing in November 2026. I mixed free stuff with paid stuff and leaned toward things locals actually take visitors to.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is there to do in Old Town Scottsdale during the day?
Start with SMoCA or Western Spirit, walk the Civic Center, check out the Old Adobe Mission and grab lunch. Fashion Square and the Waterfront are right there too.
Is Old Town Scottsdale walkable?
Yes. Most of what's on this list is within a short walk. Pedego has had an Old Town e-bike shop but one directory shows it closed so call (480) 994-4447 before you count on a rental.
When is Scottsdale ArtWalk?
ArtWalk happens Thursday evenings in the Old Town arts district. Check the Scottsdale Gallery Association site for the current schedule.
Are there free things to do in Old Town Scottsdale?
ArtWalk, the Civic Center, window shopping at the Waterfront and the farmers market are all free to walk around.
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