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Hi Scottsdale, we made it to Thursday! 

In today’s fun-for-grown-ups edition: Film festival returns with new categories, a 35,000-square-foot indoor pickleball club, and Seth Meyers live + plenty of reasons to put on real pants this week.

Today’s sponsor, American Hartford Gold, is helping folks around Scottsdale protect their savings as gold and silver continue to gain momentum. Their free guide explains what’s driving the surge… and what to know before adding precious metals to your portfolio. Grab your free copy here.

📰 In the news

Spotlight on signature events: The Phoenix Film Festival returns April 9 to 19 at Harkins Scottsdale 101 with favorites and new categories. Tickets are on sale now for Music Videos and Deaf Directed Shorts — get all the details.

Amenity-focused refresh planned: Scottsdale developer Diversified Partners plans a new lakefront dining and shopping spot at McCormick Ranch, replacing aging offices. Groundbreaking is slated for June 2026, with leasing and design starting sooner — get the timeline and milestones.

Fourth Valley location coming: Center Court Pickleball Club will open a 35,000-square-foot indoor facility in Scottsdale this summer with 13 courts at Scottsdale Fiesta near Loop 101 and Shea. Construction began in February — get all the details.

Nothing prepares you for a pet emergency: I learned that the hard way after charging $10k to a credit card for life-saving surgery on my cat, Miss Stache. As soon as we got home, I signed up for Spot. It’s super affordable – and reimburses up to 90% of the bill.

Compare rates for free: The national average for car insurance is around $175/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.

Highlights this week:

• Enjoy free family fun at Arizona Aloha
• Sip, shop, and enjoy free music
• Uplift lives at TCAA’s VICINITY
• Unlock clinical-level wellness data from home

💎 Local business spotlight

Weeknight inspiration, solved: Grace Renee Gallery blends contemporary art with exclusive designer jewelry, curated with Sonoran Desert soul. If your walls are bored, or your accessories need a conversation starter, expect exhibitions that actually make you feel something and pieces that play nice with Scottsdale style… weeknights included.

Downsize without downgrading: Overland Park Models is a third-generation Arizona builder, crafting customizable Cavco park model homes since 1971. They guide you through floor plans and interior design, with delivery across the Southwest, so downsizing feels smart, not spare… ideal if a minimalist desert home base has been calling.

Arrive like you mean it: Whether it’s an airport dash, a gala, or a Thursday you won’t parallel park, Lima Concierge delivers black-car polish with a security-minded touch and just-right red-carpet vibes, so Scottsdale errands, arrivals, and exits feel smooth, punctual, and blissfully drama-free.

\*These aren’t ads or sponsored placements, just some cool nearby spots we think are worth a visit.

🫶 We got your back

Your data is for sale right now: There are over 400 websites selling your info to marketers, political campaigns, and scammers. They’ve got your phone number, home address, relatives’ names… you name it. That’s how robocallers seem to know everything about you before you pick up. You can remove your info one site at a time, or pay a service to do it for you. Here’s what we recommend →

Why your last diet didn’t work: Sustained weight loss is nearly impossible with diet alone. Your body literally fights back by making you hungrier the moment you start restricting calories. That’s why more doctors are recommending GLP-1s. The best part? Getting them has never been easier. We compared three programs to help you find the right fit. See which ones stood out →

Thinning hair? Don’t treat the wrong thing: When my ponytail started thinning, I tried the usual stuff (biotin, shampoo, sprays, etc.) and not one of them lasted. Turns out, most products target the strand, not the follicle… and that’s the whole problem. Once follicles go dormant, they need targeted help to come back. The good news? You can get treatment that actually works with no office visits or trips to the pharmacy. Learn about my favorites here →

Six figures you can’t spend: Most homeowners over 50 have spent years dutifully paying their mortgage, assuming the only time it’ll pay off is when they sell. I thought the same thing until I discovered you can tap into the equity you’ve earned whenever you want (without leaving your home). Overdue for a new roof? Want to build your dream bathroom? There are two ways to turn equity into usable cash →

📆 Scottsdale for grown ups

Have an event to share? BaseLocal Verified Businesses can submit them for free! Learn more about how to submit an event here →

All events are subject to change without notice. Always check official event pages for the most up to date information.

🍣 Make Sushi With Chef Greg @ The Wine Collective 4020 North Scottsdale Rd, Scottsdale, AZ, 85251 | Thursday (3/12) at 6:00 PM – Trade takeout for a night at the neighborhood wine bar, where Chef Greg teaches you to actually nail sushi. Blacken ahi, roll spicy shrimp, and crank out a crispy veggie roll, then toast your new party trick with something that isn’t soy sauce.

🍷 Four Course Wine Dinner @ The Vistas Pavilion at Las Sendas (Mesa) | Friday (3/13) at 7:00 PM – Trade your usual takeout for a four-course wine dinner at Las Sendas’ Vistas Pavilion, starring pours from Caymus and dishes that deserve a slow clap. Seating is limited, and reservations are required, so claim your spot now. Bring your best story, not your golf swing.

🎷 Edu Ribeiro Brazilian Jazz Trio @ Ravenscroft | Friday (3/13) at 8:00 PM – Jazzbird Nights brings the real Brazilian swing. Two-time Grammy winner Edu Ribeiro brings his São Paulo trio to toast Caipora with razor-tight grooves, playful interplay, and melodies that move, the sort that make even your friend who doesn’t do jazz start smiling into their drink.

🍺 Beer Run @ Hundred Mile Brewing Co. (Tempe) | Saturday (3/14) at 12:00 PM – Whether you run, walk, or perfect your spectator shuffle, this 5k-ish loop starts and ends at Hundred Mile Brewing Co, which feels right. Earn your pint the old-fashioned way, then stick around for live local music, patio laughs, and Arizona bragging rights.

🐢 Trampled by Turtles and more @ Scottsdale Civic Center | Saturday (3/14) at 8:30 PM – Nothing like Trampled by Turtles to remind you cardio can be acoustic. Blazing banjos, howling fiddles, and harmonies that make you clap and stomp, with a speed metal of bluegrass vibe, plus Wild Horses setting the pace. Wear sturdy shoes.

🎤 Seth Meyers @ Salt River Grand Ballroom | Saturday (3/14) at 9:00 PM – Whether you’ve watched him since Weekend Update or just need smart laughs that don’t insult your intelligence, Seth Meyers is bringing the good stuff. Expect quick punchlines, clever stories, and that dry, surgical wit. Come ready to snort-laugh, and maybe feel pleasantly roasted.

🎗 Carvin Jones Cancer Benefit @ The Monastery (Mesa) | Thursday (3/19) at 6:00 PM – Whether you’ve followed Carvin since the juke joint days or just need a night that doesn’t involve streaming, he’s lighting up The Monastery Mesa for a cancer benefit. It’s $20 to get in, with raffles, big guitar energy, and zero regrets.

Live music & entertainment:

• 3/13 Dennett @ Sunbar Tempe – 10:00 PM
• 3/14 Rio Grande @ BLVD Kitchen & Bar – 7:00 PM
• 3/14 Jade @ ASU Kerr – 8:30 PM
• 3/15 Handlebar J’s @ Handlebar J – 3:00 PM
• 3/15 Phoenix Women’s Chorus @ Episcopal Church of the Nativity – 3:00 PM
• 3/17 St. Patrick’s Day @ On The Green Sports Grill (Mesa) – 2:00 PM
• 3/19 Jason “Gordo” Gordon @ Encore Mesa Spirit (3020 E Main St, Mesa, AZ) – 8:00 PM

Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →

📻 Scottsdale report

Weather forecast

Today – High: 91°F – Low: 56°F – Precip: 0%

Sunny, with a high near 91. Northeast wind 0 to 5 mph. Later: Mostly clear, with a low around 56. North northwest wind around 0 mph.

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Tomorrow – High: 93°F – Low: 58°F – Precip: 0%

Sunny, with a high near 93. South southeast wind 0 to 5 mph. Later: Partly cloudy, with a low around 58. North wind 0 to 5 mph.

This house is wild

Set on 1.567 acres in Scottsdale’s Pima Acres, this 6,792-square-foot estate captures sweeping mountain views and resort-style living. Five bedroom suites, two powder rooms, and a flexible lounge anchor a grand great room with stone fireplace, chef’s kitchen, and wine wall. Crafted by Sheshadri Estate Properties, outdoor living features a cascading pool with swim-up bar, alfresco kitchen, and a spa.

Take a peek inside →