One of the Best Indoor Summer Activities in Old Town Scottsdale
When summer temperatures soar, finding memorable ways to stay cool becomes part of the adventure. If you’re searching for the best indoor summer activities in Scottsdale, look no further than the Sip + Shop Summer Market Series at Hotel Valley Ho in Old Town Scottsdale.
This two-part culinary event combines chef-driven dining, local shopping, wine and spirit tastings, and live entertainment—all in an air-conditioned setting. Whether you’re a local looking for a unique weekend outing or a visitor seeking things to do indoors this summer, Sip + Shop offers an experience that’s equal parts food festival, tasting event, and community gathering.
A Summer Event for Food Lovers
The Sip + Shop Summer Market Series brings together acclaimed chefs, local purveyors, wineries, breweries, distilleries, and artisan vendors for three special weekends. After kicking off in June with Gio Osso of Virtù Honest Craft and Pizzeria Virtù along with Bernie Kantak of The Gladly, Citizen Public House, Beginner’s Luck and Minnow, we’ve got two weekends of foodie fun remaining.
UP NEXT
July 17 + 18 | Chef Jonathon Sawyer
August 14 + 15 | Chef Beau MacMillan + Mixologist Jason Asher
Friday Night Celebrity Chef Dinners
Looking for a unique Scottsdale dining experience? The Friday evening Celebrity Chef Dinners offer an intimate culinary event featuring Executive Chef Russell LaCasce alongside renowned guest chefs.
Hosted in the Sands Event Venue, each dinner begins at 6 p.m. with a meet-and-greet reception, followed by live cooking demonstrations and a thoughtfully curated three-course menu with pairings.
Even better, 25% of proceeds benefit the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central and Northern Arizona, making each dinner a meaningful way to support the community while enjoying an exceptional meal. Tickets are $149++.
Saturday Market: Shop, Sip & Discover
The festivities continue on Saturday mornings with a free public market event in the SoHo Ballroom from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Guests can enjoy:
- Six complimentary wine, beer, and spirit tastings
- Live music from a DJ
- Pastry Chef Maria’s famous XL cookies
- Bites from guest chefs
- Local artisan vendors
- Specialty food products
- Unique gifts and handcrafted goods
Located in the heart of Old Town Scottsdale, the market offers a fun way to discover local makers, sample Arizona wines and spirits, and explore one of Scottsdale’s most iconic boutique hotels.
For visitors seeking indoor summer activities near Scottsdale, the event delivers the perfect combination of entertainment, shopping, and food—all without the Arizona heat. Tickets are free.
July 17: Chef Jonathon Sawyer
In July, we welcome Chef Jonathon Sawyer, winner of Last Chef Standing and recipient of a James Beard Award.
Known nationally as a Food & Wine “Best New Chef,” Sawyer has worked in some of the country’s most celebrated culinary cities before returning to Chicago, where he now leads the acclaimed restaurant Kindling. Guests can expect inventive flavors, wood-fired inspiration, and an unforgettable collaborative menu with Chef Russell.
August 14: Chef Beau MacMillan & Mixologist Jason Asher
The season concludes with two names familiar to Arizona’s culinary community: Chef Beau MacMillan and Mixologist Jason Asher.
A two-time James Beard Award nominee and television personality, Beau MacMillan is celebrated for his bold approach to ingredient-driven cuisine. After reaching national recognition as Executive Chef of elements at Sanctuary, he’s gone on to create memorable culinary experiences across the country.
Joining him is Jason Asher, who was named GQ Bombay Sapphire’s Most Inspired Bartender while working at Sanctuary’s Jade Bar. He later opened his own establishments including Century Grand, which was honored with the title of “Best U.S. Cocktail Bar” at the Tales of the Cocktail Awards. He now runs Juniper & Jigger, offering his expertise on marketing and beverage program development for bars and restaurants.
Together with Chef Russell, they’ll create a memorable evening featuring standout cuisine and expertly paired craft cocktails.
One of the Best Things to Do in Scottsdale During Summer
While Scottsdale is famous for outdoor adventures, summer is also an ideal time to discover indoor experiences that showcase the destination’s creativity and culture.
The Sip + Shop Summer Market Series is perfect for:
- Couples planning a weekend date
- Foodies looking for unique culinary events
- Groups of friends seeking summer activities
- Scottsdale residents looking for local events
- Visitors searching for indoor things to do in Scottsdale this summer
- Anyone interested in supporting local makers and businesses
With chef appearances, curated tastings, artisan shopping, and live entertainment, the event offers far more than a traditional market experience.
Experience an Iconic Scottsdale Landmark
The Sip + Shop Summer Market Series takes place at Hotel Valley Ho, a AAA Four Diamond boutique hotel in Old Town Scottsdale. Known for its iconic mid-century modern architecture, vibrant atmosphere, and award-winning dining, the hotel has been a Scottsdale destination since 1956. The event offers a unique opportunity to experience the property while supporting local chefs, artisans, and beverage makers.
Plan Your Visit
Whether you’re attending a celebrity chef dinner, browsing local vendors, or sampling wines and spirits, the Sip + Shop Summer Market Series delivers a fresh take on summer entertainment.
Join us for two unforgettable weekends celebrating food, drink, community, and local creativity—all in one stylish setting.
Event Details:
- Dates: July 17–18 and August 14–15
- Friday Celebrity Chef Dinners: 6 p.m. | Sands Event Venue | $149++
- Saturday Market: 10 a.m.–2 p.m. | SoHo Ballroom | free admission
- All ages welcome
- Registered service animals only
- Valet parking: $6 for 3 hours with validated ticket
Get your tickets for the dinners and the markets online.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best indoor summer activities in Scottsdale?
Food festivals, culinary events, tasting experiences, local markets, spa days, and boutique hotel events are among the most popular indoor summer activities in Scottsdale.
Is the Sip + Shop Summer Market Series free?
The Saturday market event is free to attend (ticket required). Friday celebrity chef dinners are $149++.
What can I expect at the Saturday market?
Guests can enjoy tastings, live music, local vendors, artisan foods, baked goods, and chef-created bites.
Who are the featured chefs?
The series features Executive Chef Russell LaCasce alongside acclaimed guest chefs: Bernie Kantak and Gio Osso in June, Jonathon Sawyer in July, and Beau MacMillan (plus celebrated mixologist Jason Asher) in August.
Is the event family-friendly?
Yes. The Saturday market welcomes guests of all ages.
Where can I find summer events in Scottsdale?
The Sip + Shop Summer Market Series is one of Scottsdale’s premier summer culinary events, offering food, shopping, tastings, and entertainment in a cool indoor setting.
What are the best summer events in Old Town Scottsdale?
The Sip + Shop Summer Market Series at Hotel Valley Ho features celebrity chef dinners, wine and spirit tastings, local vendors, live music, and culinary experiences throughout the summer.
Where can I find food and wine events in Scottsdale?
Hotel Valley Ho’s Sip + Shop Summer Market Series brings together celebrated chefs, mixologists, wineries, breweries, and local food purveyors for one of Scottsdale’s premier summer culinary events.
What is Hotel Valley Ho known for?
Hotel Valley Ho is a AAA Four Diamond boutique hotel in Old Town Scottsdale known for its mid-century modern design, vibrant social atmosphere, award-winning dining, and year-round events.
