\ud83c\udfad NEW! Arizona Theatre Newsletter<\/p>\n
Scottsdale Family ArtsFest returns for the\u00a0fourth year on March 6 and 7, 2026, bringing two days of performances, interactive art experiences\u00a0and family-friendly activities to the Scottsdale Civic Center.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\ud83c\udfad NEW! Arizona Theatre Newsletter<\/p>\n
The free festival celebrates the creativity of Scottsdale Unified School District (SUSD) students and engages the broader community through hands-on arts experiences. After\u00a0three\u00a0inaugural years at ASU\u00a0SkySong, this year’s Family ArtsFest moves to\u00a0Scottsdale Civic Center, expanding opportunities for families and community members to gather, create and connect in the heart of downtown Scottsdale.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n
Scottsdale Family ArtsFest will feature live music and performances, interactive art workshops,\u00a0student art exhibitions, community activities and a variety of local food and dessert trucks throughout the weekend.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cFamily ArtsFest has become an important milestone\u00a0for\u00a0arts education,\u201d said Gerd Wuestemann, president and CEO of Scottsdale Arts. \u201cThanks to our long-standing partnership with\u00a0Scottsdale Unified School District, Family ArtsFest allows us to showcase the amazing creative work of more than a thousand students each year, while raising money for Scottsdale Community Partners.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
Throughout the festival, attendees can enjoy live music and performances by SUSD choirs, bands, theater\u00a0groups\u00a0and orchestras.\u00a0All performances will take place at\u00a0the Civic Center’s 360 Stage,\u00a0including a special family-friendly\u00a0show\u00a0by\u00a0Arizona\u00a0Opera.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Interactive art workshops,\u00a0hosted by Scottsdale Arts and community partners,\u00a0invite participants of all ages to explore their creativity. These workshops are\u00a0designed for artists of all experience levels to\u00a0create\u00a0in\u00a0a welcoming, hands-on environment.\u00a0<\/p>\n
ArtsFest will also include\u00a0activities led by City of Scottsdale departments and community partners. Families can play games with Parks & Recreation, learn about environmental stewardship with Solid Waste, explore literacy initiatives with Library\u00a0Services\u00a0and\u00a0participate\u00a0in hands-on activities from\u00a0other\u00a0local arts and culture organizations.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Attendees\u00a0can also view art exhibitions,\u00a0featuring\u00a0work from more than 1,000 SUSD elementary,\u00a0middle\u00a0and high school students, highlighting a wide range of artistic mediums,\u00a0including painting, drawing,\u00a0sculpture\u00a0and mixed media.\u00a0The exhibitions celebrate the passion,\u00a0creativity\u00a0and dedication of young artists from across the district.\u00a0<\/p>\n
In addition, Scottsdale Community Partners will host its annual Alli Ortega Empty Bowls Fundraiser. Bowls crafted by SUSD\u00a0students and members of the Scottsdale community will be available for purchase, along with an online auction featuring class bowls,\u00a0art\u00a0and donated goods. Proceeds from the fundraiser support Scottsdale Community Partners programs, in partnership with City of Scottsdale Human Services, including Vista del Camino Food Bank, Back-to-School and Healthy Packs weekend food programs for SUSD students.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Dr. Scott Menzel, superintendent of\u00a0Scottsdale\u00a0Unified School District, said SUSD is looking forward to ArtFest at the new location, where the district will continue elevating the artistic talent of its students.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cArts education is essential to helping young people discover who they are and what they can achieve, and this festival\u00a0showcases\u00a0the\u00a0very best\u00a0of that creative spirit throughout our district,\u201d Menzel said.\u00a0\u201cWe are deeply grateful\u00a0for\u00a0the City of Scottdale and\u00a0all\u00a0our community partners who come together to help make this showcase possible. Their continued support,\u00a0collaboration\u00a0and belief in the power of arts education allow our students to shine and ensure that this event\u00a0remains\u00a0a vibrant celebration.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n