Scottsdale welcomes full slate of fall festivals

Katie Doyle, Tribune

October 4, 2008 - 5:55PM

Lower temperatures mean the start of Scottsdale's outdoor fall festival season, where organizers say the economic downturn isn't chilling their hopes for success.

Les Conklin, chairman for the 13th annual Cookout at the Ranch in north Scottsdale, said ticket sales for this year's event are going about as well as last year, when it welcomed 425 guests.

"I'm concerned that it might be down a bit because of current problems but we have increased our marketing efforts this year to expand our reach," Conklin said.

Several festivals and charity events will be available in Scottsdale, ranging in price from free to $5,000.

In October, you may find yourself walking along the streets of Old Town in your favorite cowboy boots at Oct. 16's Western ArtWalk, dubbed "ArtWalk the Line," or in your swankest attire at the glamorous Heartbeat on Canal Street on Oct. 18 at the Scottsdale Waterfront.

Although tickets for the Canal Street events are $250 per person and sponsorships start at $5,000, Steve Clawson of Moses Anshell for the American Heart Association said tickets have been selling well so far.

Gifts come from supporters such as Burberry, Cartier, Neiman Marcus and Royal Palms Resort & Spa.

Attendees will experience cuisine from SouthBridge restaurants and lounges hosted by Belvedere Vodka, Mojito and Moet & Chandon champagne.

If you're looking to break out that old cowboy hat and leather boots, "ArtWalk the Line" will mosey on down to Old Town for its 19th year.

The Western event will feature country singers, free restaurant samples, cowboy art and a great atmosphere for peoplewatching and enjoying the Western feel of Old Town. And the event is free.

Also channeling the wild, wild West: On Oct. 25, MacDonald's Ranch in north Scotts-dale is hosting the 13th annual Cookout at the Ranch, where advance adult tickets start at $47 and children get in for $15.

It offers complimentary horse-drawn wagon rides to and from the parking lot and the desert cookout site.

For the music lovers in the Valley, the Oct. 10-12 Festival in the Desert provides a weekend with more than 20 top national musicians.

Featured artists such as Pat Benatar, the Temptations, Patti LaBelle and Smokey Robinson will be at the JW Marriott Desert Ridge Resort's Wildfire Golf Club. General admission tickets are $55 on Friday and $85 on Saturday and Sunday.

Selected festivals

Festival in the Desert

When, where: Oct. 10-12, JW Marriott at Desert Ridge's Wildfire Golf Club, 5350 E. Marriott Drive, Phoenix

Admission: $55 Oct. 10, $85 on Oct. 11 or Oct. 12, or $195 for all three days

Info/tickets: (602) 267-1600 or www.jwfestivalinthedesert.com

Western ArtWalk ("ArtWalk the Line")

When, where: Oct. 16, downtown Scottsdale arts district

Admission: Free

Info: www.scottsdalegalleries.com

Heartbeat on Canal Street

When, where: Oct. 18, Scottsdale Waterfront

Admission: $250 per person, sponsorship starts at $5,000