Great Upcoming Events

By Elizabeth Liberatore

Club Casino
Oct. 11, The Vault of Scottsdale

Why settle for an ordinary casino when a Miami Vice-themed one benefiting the Boys & Girls Clubs (BGC) of Greater Scottsdale awaits? This high-energy fundraiser transports attendees to the iconic 1980s TV show: think neon lights, tropical pastels, coastal cool. Event highlights include casino games, handcrafted cocktails and mocktails, a supper featuring small plates, a silent auction and raffle, live entertainment, and more. Sip, spin and samba the night away, as proceeds support BGC Greater Scottsdale’s programs that equip today’s youth to be tomorrow’s leaders. 6:30-10 p.m. $100. www.bgcs.org.

Saloon Nite
Oct. 11, Western Spirit: Scottsdale’s Museum of the West

Roll the dice and prepare to win big at this high-energy celebrity poker and casino party. Along with poker, craps, roulette, and blackjack, guests will enjoy dinner, spirits, live country music, dancing, celebrity photo ops and prizes. Additionally, attendees will be of the first to step into Western Spirit’s new Louis Sands IV Center and experience the space before four new exhibitions move in. The evening will open with a buffet dinner, followed by the casino party and the Cards Up! auction. Keep an eye out for World Series of Poker celebrities in attendance, including Steven Jones, Tom Schneider, Chris “Jesus” Feguson, Jamie Gold, and Natalie Bode. 5 p.m. $250. www.westernspirit.org.

Birdies Bubbles & Brunch
Oct. 16, Grass Clippings Rollings Hills

Sip and swing at First Tee Phoenix’s newest signature fundraiser, presented by PXG. Guests can take part in a golf clinic with LPGA pros or relax in the Health and Beauty Lounge before savoring brunch, bubbly a PXG fashion show where cocktail chic meets course-ready, and a keynote address on leadership and resilience by Christa Steele. Every ticket supports First Tee Phoenix programs that help young people build character, confidence, and life skills — both on and off the green. 8:30 a.m. $125. www.firstteephoenix.org.

OktoberWest Festival
Oct. 18, The Westin Kierland Resort & Spa

Get ready for four hours of boot-stompin’, hand-slappin’, good ole-fashioned fun! Blending Oktoberfest vibes with country-western flair, guests are encouraged to rock cowboy hats, boots and Daisy Dukes while dancing to live bands, including Jaty & The Black Stallions and Jacob Morris. There will be games, handcrafted cocktails (for ages 21 and over) and mocktails, and a variety of delicious festival foods. All ages are welcome for this lively evening of music, food and country western flair. 6-10 p.m. $45. www.kierlandafterdark.com.

10th Annual Italian Festival
Oct. 25-26, Old Town Scottsdale Waterfront

Experience Italy without leaving the Valley of the Sun! Hosted by the Italian Association of Arizona, this year’s festival celebrates a decade of Italian culture and community. For two days, attendees can enjoy a La Strada del Vino-themed event—the “street of wine” — featuring authentic Italian cuisine, more than 30 vinos from across Italy, live entertainment, cooking demonstrations, and vendors offering a curated selection of Italian products. Plus, Salvatore Ferragamo Jr., grandson of the legendary fashion designer, will make a special appearance. Big, bold, and full of passion, this festival delivers la dolce vita the Italian way. Saturday, 11 a.m.-7 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. $15+. www.italianassociation.org.

The Banner Ball
Nov. 1, Arizona Biltmore

Raise a glass to a decade of impact at the Banner Health Foundation’s signature gala (formerly the Pulse of the City Soiree). The event venue will be as elegant as the black-tie event itself, with chic trimmings and 1920s-era touches. The evening begins with cocktails, followed by a seated dinner and inspiring program, live entertainment, dancing, and more. Proceeds will benefit Banner MD Anderson Cancer Centers across Arizona, which provide innovative cancer care initiatives for patients, caregivers, and survivors. 5-10:30 p.m. $1,500. www.bannerhealthfoundation.org.