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Happy Friday, Scottsdale. You know the drill – grab your coffee (or whatever you sip in the morning), kick back, and let Scottsdale Brief serve up everything you need to know for the weekend ahead.
In today’s edition: Suffs musical, a free Halloween character carnival, Kevin Costner’s Field of Dreams screening, and more.
Let’s get to it.
— Cait Baker
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📰 In the news
From market to flagship: Scottsdale favorite DiMaggio’s Italian Restaurant is moving to The Grove with double the seating, a wood-fired oven, an expanded menu, and a 15-person “Godfather table” after Oct. 12 closure — learn more here.
Baseball meets movie magic: Kevin Costner will host a Field of Dreams screening Oct. 25 at Scottsdale Stadium after Western Wiffle Ball Classic championship game. Admission is free after 6:30 p.m., with first-come seating — get all the details.
Season of standout experiences: Scottsdale rolls into winter with resort overhauls, wellness trends, bold dining and festive arts, from The Phoenician’s Canyon Suites villas in December to Canal Convergence returning Nov. 7 to 16 — see all the updates.
Compare rates for free: The national average for car insurance is around $175 per month. Paying more than that? Same, so I did some shopping around and ended up cutting my premium in half. If you haven’t checked in a while, you’re probably overpaying too — here’s the comparison tool I used.
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Want to be seen by 3,300+ people in Scottsdale?
If you own or manage a local business, our readers could be your future customers. Why advertising with us works:
It’s hyper-local: Reach 3,300+ neighbors who actually live here and use our newsletter to discover where to eat, shop, and spend their time.
It’s effective: Issues average ~57% open rates with very strong engagement — your message will be heard, not shouted into the void.
It’s easy: We know you’re busy. Tell us what you want to promote and we’ll handle the rest.
What you get: A featured spot just like this with a headline, image, and 75–100 word write-up, plus your logo at the top of the email and two direct links so readers can take action right away.
We have a few spots open as early as next week. Fill out our advertiser form if you’re looking for a simple and effective way to reach engaged locals in Scottsdale.
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🫶 We got your back
An elevated wine experience: Virtù Honest Craft is hosting Salvatore Ferragamo Jr. on Oct. 27 for a 7-course wine dinner by James Beard nominee Chef Gio Osso. Pairings feature Il Borro and Pinino pours, with an option to buy bottles signed by Ferragamo. Only 60 seats. Tickets are $400 via OpenTable. Get all the details.
Upcoming performances and initiatives: The Scottsdale Philharmonic’s next concert is Sunday, Nov. 16, featuring Dvorak’s New World Symphony. They also set 2025-26 season dates (all at La Casa de Cristo, 4 to 6 p.m.) and announced a Star Wars pops concert in August, plus a new Student Music Education Program and donation-based Symphony Store. They continue free streaming and student and veteran tickets. See concert dates and programs.
Neighborhood reset button: If your shoulders sound like bubble wrap, VH Spa is a mellow spot to unclench and recalibrate. One focused session lightens your week, loosens knots, and clears the fog… consider it a small favor your future self will appreciate.
An emergency vet visit could cost you $7,000+ (ask me how I know 🙃). From the initial fee just to be seen to x-rays, surgery, medicine, and aftercare, it adds up quicker than a chew toy turns into a crime scene. The good news? You could get up to 90% cash back on your vet bill with this pet insurance plan.
Break up with debt for good: These guys can help you cut ties, pay up to 30% less than you owe, and finally get some peace. This isn’t your average debt relief advice… it’s a financial fresh start, complete with a victory dance and happy cry or two when your balance hits zero.
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📆 Around town this weekend
All events are subject to change without notice. This is entirely outside our control. Please check official event pages and social media for the most up to date information.
Have an event to share? Submit it here for free →
Today
🎭 Mainstage Improv Comedy Show @ The Bridge Improv Theater | Friday (10/17) at 7:00pm – If you like your laughs made to order, catch a one-hour improv sprint with six quick-witted cast members spinning games, scenes, and stories out of thin air. It plays across from Rito’s at Mesa Riverview, which means tacos before, chuckles after, and zero scripts.
🎸 Hit the Earth, CP & the Honey Shakers, Redlich and the Holy Heathens, Camello Road @ Chopper John’s @ Chopper John’s | Friday (10/17) at 8:00pm – Take a breather from adulting and duck into Chopper John’s for a stacked night of local rock. Four bands, no cover, cold drinks, and the kind of floor-shaking guitars that rattle your fillings in a good way. 21+, obviously.
This weekend
🎨 2025 Fall Larsen Art Auction @ Larsen Gallery | Saturday (10/18) at 10:00am – Ready to trade small talk for bidding paddles? The Fall Larsen Art Auction is where locals upgrade their walls with Western icons, modern stunners, and conversation starters, then stay for the people-watching, the paddle drama, and that oddly satisfying buyer’s remorse.
🎃 Free Candie’s Halloween Character Carnival @ Arizona Boardwalk | Saturday (10/18) at 10:00am – Expect sugar-fueled chaos, but the good kind. A free outdoor Halloween carnival with princesses, superheroes, a certain red monster, face painting, bubbles, giant bounce houses, crafts, performances, and local vendors, capped by a kid-hyped costume parade. Costumes encouraged, patience optional, no admission or activity fees.
🎭 Suffs @ ASU Gammage | Saturday (10/18) at 2:00pm – Take a break from the grind and see SUFFS, a rousing musical about the women who organized, marched, and got the vote. Proof that behind every powerful woman is an even more powerful chorus. Bring your book club, your partner, and your sense of solidarity.
🍂 Fast of AZ – 12th Annual Community Fall Picnic @ McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park | Sunday (10/19) at 10:00 am – Round up the family for a full day of food, fun, and Filipino community spirit! This annual picnic is packed with games, laughter, and good vibes—perfect for soaking up that crisp fall sunshine in Scottsdale.
💀 Signs of the Swarm @ Nile Theater | Sunday (10/19) at 5:30 pm – Prepare for chaos in the best way possible. Deathcore heavyweights Signs of the Swarm are unleashing an unrelenting wall of sound in Mesa—expect bone-crushing riffs, guttural growls, and a mosh pit that doesn’t quit.
Next week
🎸 The Dangerous Summer @ The Rebel Lounge | Monday (10/20) at 7:00pm – Ready to prove you can still belt an emo chorus without pulling something? The Dangerous Summer hits The Rebel Lounge with Bad Luck, courtesy of Psyko Steve, so dust off your band tee, book the sitter, and enjoy the AC, earplugs, and all.
💃 Ballroom Dance Night @ Via Linda Senior Center | Monday (10/20) at 8:00pm – Whether you still remember your foxtrot or just mastered not stepping on toes, this ballroom night delivers live music, instruction, and refreshments, plus raffle prizes. It’s grown-up fun with actual rhythm, not strobe lights. Register ahead, then glide in with smug posture.
🎸 Richie Kotzen + John 5 with special guest Vern Daysel & The Burning Breeze @ Celebrity Theatre | Tuesday (10/21) at 7:00pm – Two guitar heavyweights, Richie Kotzen and John 5, are co-headlining at Celebrity Theatre, with Vern Daysel & The Burning Breeze warming things up. Expect surgical shredding, tone for days, and the rotating stage doing laps. School-night therapy for grown-ups who still chase goosebumps.
Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →
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🎶 Live music & entertainment
- 10/17 Marie Vaunt @ Darkstar Theater – 9 pm
- 10/18 54th Annual Fall Festival @ Scottsdale Civic Center Plaza – 5 pm
- 10/18 Ian Bagg @ Tempe Improv – 7:30 pm
- 10/19 Scottsdale Symphonic Orchestra: Echoes of a New World @ Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts – 4 pm
- 10/19 Hirie @ Marquee Theatre – 7 pm
- 10/21 Pinkshift @ The Rebel Lounge – 6:30 pm
- 10/22 Five For Fighting with String Quartet @ Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts – 7:30 pm
- 10/22 Ben Bailey @ Talking Stick Resort Hotel – 8 pm
- 10/23 Sandra Bassett @ Tempe Center for the Arts – 7:30 pm
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🏠️ Price is right – Scottsdale edition
How it works: We’re going to give you some facts about a home for sale, including a picture of the outside, the kitchen, and one additional room. Your job? Guess how much it’s listed for (preferably before you click to find out).
Listed by: Babbi L Gabel (RETSY)
In gated Legend Canyon, this 7,063 sq ft Tom Mooney creation by Modern Splendor Homes frames Pinnacle Peak and Troon. The main home holds 4 en-suite bedrooms and 4.5 baths, plus an attached 1 bed, 2 bath casita with a full kitchen. Josh AI and $120K Ketra lighting tailor scenes, while motorized telescoping doors erase boundaries.
Outside, two pools, spa, ramada and covered patios meet a swivel screen that rises from the ground for game time. Black Canterra and leathered granite star inside, plus a pro kitchen, a climate controlled four car garage, solar and a Build Magazine shoutout.
Make your guess, then (and only then)… see how much it costs →
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