There's a reason Scottsdale (in particular, Old Town Scottsdale) is a mecca for fine art and it could have something to do with a festival like this one. Typically when I hear "arts festival," I think of a few random artists in a park. However, this is something so much more. If you've been to the Culinary Festival, think of it like that but replace food with the art. Every inch of the Civic Center plaza (from AZ 88 to the end of the park near the library) was filled from head to toe with artist stations. Art ranged from modern sculptures and paintings that look like images, to some funky pop culture and artsy jewelery. There is something for every art lover at this festival and if you are any sort of a collector, you must add this festival to your list. I'm not even a huge art lover and I found extreme appreciation and respect for the artwork here. The artists are well-known world wide and you get to meet them first hand and ask them about their art.
So of course there's art at an art festival, but what else is there? A lot! They had several food trucks like Sweet Republic and Epic. They also had food vendors such as a delicious kettle corn vendor. In addition, they served beverages all throughout the festival. A festival isn't complete without music and they had not one but two bands playing at different locations of the festival. Both bands were lively and perfect for the atmosphere. I noticed several activities going on, including arts and crafts for kids and journal writing workshops for kids and adults. They also had a silent art auction going on inside Scottsdale Center for Performing Arts.
I enjoyed this festival mainly because it was organized and a quiet chaos. They did an excellent job organizing this event so that there was plenty to see, do and eat but it was spread out enough so that people weren't falling over each other. Tickets were only $7 for admission and it was free if you were a member of SMOCA.