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.
Canal Convergence 2025
Canal Convergence returns to the Scottsdale Waterfront under the theme, SHOWTIME. From November 7 to 16 large-scale public artworks will illuminate the waterfront in the evening each evening. Held entirely the immersive event features educational workshops, live music and dance, art tours and family-friendly activities, as well as a beer garden and food trucks. For more information, click here.
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
Looking for things to do in Scottsdale, AZ? 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.
When is the Canal Convergence 2025?
The festival is from 7 to 16 November, 2025. It is free to attend. Installations will illuminate the Scottsdale Waterfront between Scottsdale Road and Goldwater Boulevard.
Flights to Scottsdale
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.
For more on the Canal Convergence
Click here.
For more on things to do in Scottsdale
Cover photo: Desert Sun by Sean Deckert
