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Scottsdale isn't blowing out its 75 candles in one sitting. 

The big picture: The city is stretching its birthday celebration into the fall with retro games, Wild West stories, old-school photos and plenty of local nostalgia. 

Here are the top three upcoming events worth attending:

Watch Scottsdale on the big screen in the new documentary "Diamond in the Dust," about the city's founding through today, with historian Joan Fudala. Sept. 3, 6pm at Western Spirit Museum. Free for museum members and ticket buyers; otherwise, $10. 

Party like it's 1951 — or 1981 with a DJ spinning hits from every decade, a retro arcade, mini golf, decade-inspired crafts, throwback photo ops, a historic exhibit, food vendors and a cocktail garden. Sept. 19, 6pm at Scottsdale Civic Center. Free. 

Dig into Scottsdale's past at the city library, where you can browse old yearbooks, maps, oral histories and other archival treasures with help from library staff. Oct. 3, Nov. 7 or Dec. 12, 1 pm at Civic Center Library. Free.

Fun fact: A 75-inch-by-75-inch wire horse sculpture named Sonora has become a sort of mascot for the city's big anniversary, with visitors adding fabrics to this interactive artwork over the course of the celebration. 

Flashback: Even though Scottsdale was incorporated in 1951, the city got its name 130 years ago, when residents chose to honor founder Winfield Scott, who arrived in the Salt River Valley in 1888 hoping to grow citrus and build a community.

The town was at first going to be named "Orangedale," as Scott's neighbor, Albert Utley, proposed.

But the Arizona Republican (known now as the Arizona Republic) mistakingly referred to "Orangedale" as "Scottsdale," and the name stuck. 

By the numbers: Scottsdale now has over 243,000 residents, according to the latest Census Bureau figures. 

The bottom line: Scottsdale may be known today for resorts, golf and nightlife, but its 75th birthday is a chance to revisit the citrus groves, cowboys and colorful characters that came first.

mistakingly referred to "Orangedale" as "Scottsdale,"

3 fun ways to celebrate Scottsdale's 75th birthday

The city is stretching its birthday celebration into the fall.

"Welcome to Old Scottsdale" sign featuring a cowboy with a lasso

Scottsdale isn&#x27;t blowing out its 75 candles in one sitting. The big picture: The city is stretching its birthday celebration into the fall with retro games, Wild West stories, old-school photos and plenty of local nostalgia.

News

Things to Do

'Titanic: An Immersive Voyage" is docked in Scottsdale.

The latest: From re-created cabins to the wreck site itself, this exhibit allows you to explore what the inside of the ship looked like — and how it went down.

What's inside: The exhibit begins by paying homage to the 1997 movie "Titanic," with several props on display, including a shirt worn by Leonardo DiCaprio, who played Jack. 

Walk through replicas of first-, second- and third-class rooms and see authentic artifacts, including letters and memorial cards, plus items from White Star Line, the company that operated the Titanic.

Pose like Jack and Rose at one of the several photo-ops, including a replica of the ship's bow — where Rose utters the iconic line "I'm flying, Jack!"  — or the grand staircase. 

Don't miss: Even though I was skeptical about the "immersive" elements, my favorite part was the virtual reality experience, where I walked through the wreckage site more than 2 1/2 miles underwater.

Since queues for the VR experience run long, spend your wait time watching the 3D play-by-play projections of the ship sinking after the iceberg was spotted.

Two smiling women pose with arms outstretched in front of a large ship mural; a person in the foreground uses a smartphone to capture the moment, with a dark silhouette on the left.

Instagram-worthy moments. Photo: Courtesy of Exhibition Hub/Fever

What to expect: It took me 90 minutes to walk through the entire self-guided experience, located at the Galleria Centre, 4301 N. Scottsdale Road.

Tickets start at $24 for adults and $18 for kids. 

Get cheaper tickets and shorter lines on weekdays. 

The intrigue: You will also receive the ticket of an actual Titanic passenger, whose fate is revealed in the exhibit's final installation.

Mine had the name William Theodore Brailey.

He was a young pianist with Titanic's orchestra whose body was never recovered. 

Man in a gray shirt and orange sneakers wearing a VR headset stands in a white-walled gallery. Black upper walls, geometric logos on wall panels and floor tiles around him, others in background.

 Even if you look silly while doing it, the VR's visuals will transport you underwater. Photo: Courtesy of Exhibition Hub/Fever

What they're saying: More than a century after the Titanic sank, people remain fascinated by the tragedy, ASU film professor Kevin Sandler told KJZZ.

"Unlike other disasters," he said, "Titanic was not filmed. So you had to visualize what happened" — and this exhibit helps do just that.

If you go: Get free parking at the Fifth Avenue Garage, located at 7136 E. Third Ave. in Scottsdale.

Six-word review: Good value to escape the heat. 

Escape the heat by stepping inside the sunken Titanic ship

Walk through movie props, recreated cabins and a VR dive to the wreck.

Narrow hallway with orange walls, a black diamond-pattern metal gate at the far end, overhead pipes, and a glossy dark marble floor reflecting light.

Walking through the immersive "Titanic" exhibit. Photo: Gitanjali Poonia/Axios

&#x27;Titanic: An Immersive Voyage&quot; is docked <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="in Scottsdale" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/scottsdale/2026/08/19/celebrate-scottsdale-75th-anniversary-events-things-to-do" data-vars-content-id="8209d0f1-0f5a-4a7b-905f-afa7cd57ed2c" data-vars-headline="Escape the heat by stepping inside the sunken Titanic ship" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/scottsdale/2026/08/19/celebrate-scottsdale-75th-anniversary-events-things-to-do" target="_self">in Scottsdale</a>.The latest: From re-created cabins to the wreck site itself, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="this exhibit" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/04/03/charlotte-titanic-vr-dates-tickets-immersive-exhibits" data-vars-content-id="8209d0f1-0f5a-4a7b-905f-afa7cd57ed2c" data-vars-headline="Escape the heat by stepping inside the sunken Titanic ship" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/04/03/charlotte-titanic-vr-dates-tickets-immersive-exhibits" target="_self">this exhibit</a> allows you to explore what the inside of the ship looked like — and how it went down.

Culture

Add NBA star James Harden to Scottsdale's growing roster of celebrity restaurateurs — only this time, the draw is a $12 sandwich, not bottle service.

The big picture: Smiling Moose, a Colorado-based restaurant, is the only fast-casual concept in Scottsdale's long list of celebrity-associated restaurants.

The vibe: I visited the restaurant on opening day, when it was decorated in Maroon, gold and white balloons, a nod to the Sun Devils, for whom Harden played from 2007 to 2009. 

Customers got prompt service and the first 100 received prizes including $50 Adidas gift cards and free sandwiches. 

What to try: The Original Mo with chopped sirloin with melted American, romaine lettuce, tomatoes, onions, banana peppers, mayo and a vinaigrette.

It tastes like a New York-style chopped cheese sandwich and is just as messy. 

Half-eaten sandwich on a toasted bun filled with yellow pepper slices, chopped red onion, leafy greens, and ground beef, placed on white parchment.

The Original Mo sandwich. Photo: Gitanjali Poonia/Axios

Flashback: This is Harden's second try at the restaurant business.

His high-end Houston restaurant and club, Thirteen, named for his No. 13 Rockets jersey, had a four-year run. 

Zoom out: While Harden tries his hand at Scottsdale's dining scene, here are a handful of other relatively new and buzzy celebrity restaurants also worth checking out. 

Problem Lounge: This Italian steakhouse in Old Town — with San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Deebo Samuel's backing — is set to make its debut this weekend. The deep-fried Cajun-style deviled eggs topped with caviar caught our eye. 

Wolf by Vanderpump: Reality star and restaurant mogul Lisa Vanderpump leans into desert life with globally inspired food and drinks — and a killer view. It opened less than a year ago and offers an eclectic menu of food and cocktails. The coconut-flavored power dust mojito was a standout. 

40 Love: Opened last year, this lounge has two big names behind it — former One Direction member Niall Horan and former Cardinals star DeAndre Hopkins. The must-trys include a pull-apart brioche and a grilled Caesar salad. 

The bottom line: Harden's Scottsdale comeback is decidedly more casual. No velvet ropes or tasting menus, just big, messy sandwiches.

James Harden's new restaurant joins long list of celeb spots

The ASU alum brings a casual restaurant bet to Scottsdale.

Brick storefront with a large sign reading "Smiling Moose" and "SANDWICH GRILL." Red, white, and yellow balloon column decorations flank the entrance; glass doors show posters under a clear blue sky.

Smiling Moose's grand opening day in Scottsdale. Photo: Gitanjali Poonia/Axios

Add NBA star <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="James Harden" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/cleveland/2026/02/11/james-harden-cavaliers-nuggets-win" data-vars-content-id="8e2dd745-92a1-4294-a123-ce1f6d8295a4" data-vars-headline="James Harden&#x27;s new restaurant joins long list of celeb spots" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/cleveland/2026/02/11/james-harden-cavaliers-nuggets-win" target="_self">James Harden</a> to Scottsdale&#x27;s growing roster of celebrity restaurateurs — only this time, the draw is a $12 sandwich, not bottle service.The big picture: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Smiling Moose" data-vars-click-url="https://www.smilingmoosedeli.com/stores" data-vars-content-id="8e2dd745-92a1-4294-a123-ce1f6d8295a4" data-vars-headline="James Harden&#x27;s new restaurant joins long list of celeb spots" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.smilingmoosedeli.com/stores" target="_blank">Smiling Moose</a>, a Colorado-based restaurant, is the only fast-casual concept in Scottsdale&#x27;s long list of celebrity-associated restaurants.

Food and Drink

Newcomers Guide

Even on a hot Tuesday, when other Old Town bars look empty, Cien Agaves is packed. 

Dig in: Their Taco Tuesday deals include $4 Tecates and $3 Tex-Mex-style tacos with options for barbacoa, tinga chicken and diabla shrimp.

Winners: I tried all three tacos, but my favorite was the shredded chipotle chicken, dressed with cheddar cheese and sour cream, served in freshly fried corn tortillas. 

Shrimp tacos, served with a creamy chipotle sauce, onion, and cilantro, are also worth ordering.

If you go: Happy hour is 3-6pm every day, with $7 margaritas and $5 Modelo Especiales, as well as half off on appetizers and $3 tinga tacos.

Reverse happy hour — 9pm-12am — features the same deals. 

Plate of three tacos with meat, crema, shredded cheddar, lettuce, onions, cilantro and salsa; a small Mexican flag decorates the middle taco.

This taco sampler plate costs $9. Photo: Gitanjali Poonia/Axios

Catch up quick: Bob Schulken and Roque Jimenez opened this tacos-and-tequila spot in 2007.

Their restaurant group, Backbar Hospitality, is also behind Nello's Pizzeria + Italian Kitchen in Ahwatukee and Ghost Ranch Modern Southwest Cuisine in Tempe.

Fun fact: Cien Agaves offers 100 agave spirits, in case you're craving a margarita. 

Six-word review: Cheap beer and fresh chicken tacos. 

Old Town's ultimate $3 tacos

Here's what to expect at this tacos-and-tequila spot in Old Town Scottsdale and Chandler.

Chips and dips on a wooden table: a bowl of tortilla chips, a red salsa, and a green chunky dip; a Tecate Light beer can with a lime wedge sits nearby as a busy bar background hums.

A happy hour at Cien Agaves. Photo: Gitanjali Poonia/Axios

Even on a hot Tuesday, when other Old Town bars look empty, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Cien Agaves" data-vars-click-url="https://www.cienagaves.com/" data-vars-content-id="c1c0824f-ea33-4670-b976-dec281c8f572" data-vars-headline="Old Town&#x27;s ultimate $3 tacos" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.cienagaves.com/" target="_blank">Cien Agaves</a> is packed. Dig in: Their Taco Tuesday deals include $4 Tecates and $3 Tex-Mex-style tacos with options for barbacoa, tinga chicken and diabla shrimp.

Officials across the political spectrum nationwide — and in Scottsdale — are pushing back against license plate readers made by Flock and similar companies, fueled by privacy concerns and suspected police misuse. 

Why it matters: Recent audits have revealed potential misuse of the Flock system, which allows police agencies to track the location of almost anyone. But it's unclear whether Scottsdale will abandon its Flock cameras for good. 

The big picture: Flock has over 120,000 cameras across the country, the company tells Axios.

Advocates say the cameras help quickly track down criminals, making cities safer.

Opponents say they're a form of constant surveillance that infringes on residents' civil liberties. Some have even turned to sabotaging the cameras.

Zoom in: Scottsdale installed the Flock system in 2023, with 85 cameras currently operational. 

The existing contract expires in June 2028. The city didn't immediately respond to a request for comment from Axios about the use of cameras. 

What they're saying: Although the City Council hasn't raised this issue in a recent session, some members have called for the removal of the cameras.

Councilmember Solange Whitehead, who often disagrees with the council's conservative majority, tells Axios this is uniting the council. 

"Keeping Scottsdale one of the safest cities in the nation, and protecting our privacy are Scottsdale's top priorities," she tells Axios. "We have to end immediately the Flock contract and get rid of the cameras because they violated residents' trust."

Councilmember Barry Graham, a conservative who is in the November runoff, also said he is concerned about the potential abuse of this technology, adding: "It's an emerging issue, and right now we are talking to city staff about it because I think residents' right to privacy outweighs the benefits of constant and intrusive surveillance."

Threat level: Council candidate Michelle Ugenti-Rita, who is also in the runoff, noted that cities aren't completely abandoning license plate recognition technology; they're simply "moving from one system to another." 

Flock's logo on cameras isn't the issue, she added in a social media post. "It's whether government can use this technology to build a record of where law-abiding people go without a warrant," she said.

Yes, but: Scottsdale Vice Mayor Maryann McAllen, who supports the cameras, pushed back, saying, "There's nothing wrong with bringing it up, see how it's used in Scottsdale and explain it to people."

The latest: Flock said last week that it's improving its privacy, security and accountability features.

It's making misuse detection mandatory for all customers, and cutting default data retention settings to one week from 30 days in some places.

The company tells Axios via email that the changes "come following a year of listening to customers, communities, and civil liberties groups and build on Flock's impact" in aiding about 1 million police investigations last year and helping find about 10,000 missing people.

Zoom out: Several Valley police departments have flagged issues with their systems in recent weeks.

Four Arizona cities — Goodyear, Surprise, Chandler and Apache Junction — said they're looking into officers' use of the cameras. 

Chandler and Surprise canceled their Flock contracts, and Tempe shut off the ability of other departments to search its Flock database, though it will keep its system operational.

What we're watching: Whitehead says she hopes to bring up the issue in the City Council meeting next week.

Who in Scottsdale is balking at Flock cameras

Some council members want Scottsdale to ditch the cameras after reports of potential police misuse.

Animated illustration of a street surveillance camera. Red no signs appear in front of the lens and project outward from it in succession.

Illustration of 18 streetlight surveillance cameras, filling the whole frame and rotated around the reader's point of view.

Officials across the political spectrum nationwide — and in Scottsdale — are pushing back against license plate readers made by <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Flock and similar companies" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/douglas/2026/08/04/flock-ceo-douglas-county-sheriff-regret-axon-data" data-vars-content-id="f6f568eb-17f9-4649-8dd2-bfe22c7d843d" data-vars-headline="Who in Scottsdale is balking at Flock cameras" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/douglas/2026/08/04/flock-ceo-douglas-county-sheriff-regret-axon-data" target="_self">Flock and similar companies</a>, fueled by privacy concerns and suspected police misuse. Why it matters: Recent audits have revealed potential misuse of the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Flock system" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/phoenix/2026/08/17/arizona-cities-distance-from-flock-cameras" data-vars-content-id="f6f568eb-17f9-4649-8dd2-bfe22c7d843d" data-vars-headline="Who in Scottsdale is balking at Flock cameras" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/phoenix/2026/08/17/arizona-cities-distance-from-flock-cameras" target="_self">Flock system</a>, which allows police agencies to track the location of almost anyone. But it&#x27;s unclear whether Scottsdale will abandon its Flock cameras for good.

Gitanjali Poonia

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