Good morning, Scottsdale.

Charlie Kirk, a conservative activist who built a Turning Point USA campus in Phoenix and made Scottsdale his home—dining at favorite Italian spots and raising a family with his wife Erika—was assassinated on Sept 10 during his American Comeback tour, and local leaders remember him for his warm faith and genuine community work.

Panda Fest—a celebration of Asian American and Pacific Islander cultures—will be held at Salt River Fields at Talking Stick from Nov.

21 to Nov. 23. The festival will feature over 120 Asian food vendors, 30 artisans, and a 15-foot inflatable panda as its centerpiece.

Scottsdale Arts is celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts by launching an upcoming 2025 to 2026 season that features the touring off-Broadway show Dungeons & Dragons The Twenty-Sided Tavern with five scheduled shows and a live performance by Grammy-nominated Trombone Shorty at the East Bowl amphitheater.

Erika Kirk—a Scottsdale native who excelled in sports and charity work—was named the new executive director and board president of Turning Point USA nearly a week after her husband, Charlie Kirk, was fatally shot during a public speech in Utah; she now vows to continue his mission.

Scottsdale City Council voted on Sept 12 to file a notice of claim against Senate Bill 1543— a law that will let Axon build nearly 2,000 apartments and an international campus in our city, set to become law on Friday, Sept 26.

Some critics, including former councilman Bob Littlefield, say the bill removes the chance for a city vote, while supporters argue it protects against state overreach.

The Arizona Department of Transportation has opened its ninth annual safety message contest for submissions through Sept.

22 — Arizonans may send in traffic safety messages that could be displayed on ADOT’s signs statewide, with public voting set to choose two winners.

Zac Gallen led the Diamondbacks to a 4-3 win over the Phillies Saturday night—he held the Phillies to four hits in seven innings while James McCann scored the go-ahead run in the sixth.

The win moved Arizona to a 78-77 record and put the team within two games of the NL wild-card spot.

Arizona State football beat Baylor 27-24 in a low-scoring game as Sam Leavitt and Jordyn Tyson led a late drive that set up a two-point conversion.

The Sun Devils will host TCU on Sept. 26 for their next game.

Aloft Live! Featuring Joannah Zamora

5-8 p.m. — Aloft Scottsdale — No cover charge — Enjoy cocktails and light fare while listening to live alternative music.

Scottsdale Networking Event

12-1 p.m. — Arizona School of Real Estate & Business — $25 drop-in fee — Connect with entrepreneurs and elevate your business in a heart-centered community.

Scottsdale Oktoberfest 2025

4-11 p.m. — The Hot Chick — Ticket required — Celebrate Oktoberfest with beer, food, and live music at an unforgettable bar crawl experience.

Chopin and Beyond - Executive Piano

2-3:30 p.m. — ASU Kerr — Check event page for cost — Experience the exciting launch of the Executive Piano Series with a bold celebration of European piano.

Arizona Stronghold Wine Dinner

6-11:59 p.m. — Citizen Public House — $150 per person — Experience a culinary evening with chef-crafted dishes paired with wines from Arizona Stronghold Vineyard.

Aloft Live! Music with Kyle Kovalchick

5-8 p.m. — Aloft Scottsdale — Free entry — Enjoy a laid-back evening with cocktails and live music in Old Town Scottsdale.

Scottsdale Networking Event

12-1 p.m. — Arizona School of Real Estate & Business — $25 drop-in donation — Network and connect with local entrepreneurs to enhance business growth and collaborations.

Highline Autos October 4th Cars and Coffee

7:30-10:00 a.m. — High Street — $5 parking — Explore 400+ exotic, classic, luxury, and JDM vehicles alongside fellow enthusiasts.

ACF Fiorentina Soccer Training Camp

8:45 a.m. – 2:15 p.m. — Scottsdale Sports Complex — Early bird pricing available — Train with official ACF Fiorentina Academy coaches from Italy and enhance your soccer skills.

Scottsdale Networking Event

12-1 p.m. — Arizona School of Real Estate & Business — $25 drop-in fee after two visits — Connect with entrepreneurs and amplify your business presence in a community-focused environment.