The 2018-2019 offerings available this season at Arts Scottsdale includes everything – I mean EVERYTHING – for the discerning arts and culture connoisseur, all centralized in lovely Civic Center park near Old Town. Dozens of shows, exhibits, concerts, films and public happenings will kick off something-for-everyone next week with Live and Local Friday’s featuring exceptional talent like the Phoenix Afrobeat Orchestra and Marmalade Skies beginning Friday, September 7. The beat continues with famous names like the 60’s duo Hot Tuna and Graham Nash coming soon. Also something to look forward to is a night with Rosanne Cash and Band, Feb. 19. Tickets for this show start at $79.

Brazilian Day Festival is Sept. 22 with the Art House Cinema Series begins Sunday, the 23rd. Throughout the Arts Scottsdale season, the Discovery Series examines the country of Cuba with 10 unique events bringing the films, politics, music and passion of this long mysterious Caribbean island to new friends. Classical and Flamenco dance ensembles perform almost every month this year and Native Trails brings champion hoop dancing to the big theater for $10 a ticket, Feb. 20. Watch out for the comedy styling of Story Pirates; AfterDark at the intimate Stage 2, November 2. This is an adult only show.

December 7-16 brings Sister’s Christmas Catechism for multiple sure-to-sell-out shows, tickets $39, as well as Scottsdale Philharmonic Dec. 9, a very affordable classical music experience for the whole family. Six different Sippin’ Series begin Oct. 20 and run the gamut from cocktails, beer, tequila along with The History of Rum in January, all include ‘light bites’ with the tastings.

The Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art is always an interesting destination and this season’s exhibits will compliment the arts line-up, such as a retrospective of Cuban printmaker Belkis Ayon (1967-1999) for low – and sometimes free – admission prices. Music, food, dance, stage and public art abound in one of Arizona’s most artistic cities, so make a reservation soon! Some events are free to attend like the local favorite Scottsdale Arts Festival March 8, and for those that are not, please note that there are mutli-show discounts available. Scottsdale Arts ONE Memberships offer world-class access to all this. Please review the easy-to-navigate website through the link HERE or call (480) 499-8587 for all details, maps and prices.

Looking for an exceptional date night?  Some nearby eateries offer specials such as the Catwalk Lounge – advance $12 ticket purchase necessary – opening 90 minutes before most evening events. Other shops and dining options nearby with plenty of free parking available. There are simply too many great acts to list here, so go online and book your next arts and culture adventure now.

*Photo collage made from Arts Scottsdale brochure.