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Canal Convergence, Scottsdale, Arizona 2019
November 8 - November 17
Free
A large open air art event in downtown Scottsdale, the Canal Convergence features local and international artists. It begins in the late afternoon and continues into the night.
Scottsdale Public Art are the organisers of the festival. It looks impressive at night when the light displays can be seen in their full beauty.
Two interesting foci for this year are a group of indigenous artists called the Continuum and a focus on sustainability that includes craft beers brewed from recycled water.
This is not just about visual art either. There are poetry readings, live music, dance, comedy, storytelling and creative workshops as well. Food trucks are on hand and there are a range of restaurants and a beer and wine garden nearby at Soleri Bridge.
The event takes place at the Scottsdale Waterfront and there is a free trolley service until mid-evening.
The History of Canal Convergence
The Canal Convergence began in 2013 when the Arizona Canal on the Scottsdale Waterfront was temporarily drained and the area was turned into an open air art display. It was originally a two-day event, though it has grown steadily since then.
Other Things to Do in Scottsdale
If you enjoy hiking in the desert and mountains, consider a visit to the McDowell Sonoran Preserve. It has over 100 miles of trails. The Butterfly Wonderland contains a well-cared for rainforest and thousands of butterflies, also for nature lovers there are the Xeriscope Gardens and the Southwest Wildlife Conservation Center that cares for animals indigenous to the area. Downtown Scottsdale and the Contemporary Art Museum are worth a wander around. If you want to appreciate the history of this region then consider calling in at the Museum of the West.
And that’s just Scottsdale. Phoenix and the state of Arizona are at your doorstep.
Read our Five Reasons to Visit Arizona in 2019.
When is the Canal Convergence 2019?
The festival is from Friday 8 to Sunday 17 November, 2019. It is free.
Flights to Scottsdale
To find the best accommodation and worldwide flights, please search via our comparison engine, which scans all the major booking sites.
Scottsdale is a suburb of Phoenix, Arizona, it is the city’s airport that will be of interest to out of state visitors. It has connections to major US cities such as Dallas, Miami, Los Angeles and San Francisco. If you are overseas it is best to fly in to one of these and then take a domestic flight.
Hotels in Scottsdale
To find the best accommodation in the area and worldwide flights, please search via our comparison engine, which scans all the major booking sites.
For more on the Canal Convergence
Click here.
For more on things to do in Scottsdale
Cover photo: Desert Sun by Sean Deckert
