photo credit: Dru Bloomfield – At Home in Scottsdale

Looking for something different to do this weekend – Try Downtown Scottsdale.  Lots going on!

OLD TOWN FARMER’S MARKET

In addition to multiple varieties of organic and locally grown greens, carrots, potatoes, applies, herbs and processed foods including apple butter; Amish breads, canned goods, picadillies, pickles, jams, and spreads, the Saturday market includes multiple chef demonstrations, local businesses such as Via Mediterranee, which features handmade fabrics and pottery. The market is on the northwest corner of Brown Avenue and 2nd Street with plentiful underground parking and streetside parking. The market runs from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. More information here or call (480) 312-7750.

Slide show of Farmer’s Market

FESTIVAL OF THE WISE FESTIVAL

Residents and visitors are invited to a new Civic Center Mall festival that focuses on health and wellness. Titled, Festival of the Wise, this event will be held Saturday and Sunday, December 6-7, 2008, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Civic Center Mall and in the Scottsdale Center for Performing Arts. More than 100 vendors featuring a wide array of services and resources related to health and wellness. More info at: www.festivalofthwise.com

SATURDAYS ON MARSHALL

Starting this Saturday, December 6, Marshall Way merchants (located between 5th and Indian School) will be hosting a Greenwich Village style gathering with artist demonstrations, restaurant samplings, and unique vendors such as a performer preparing custom perfumes. Saturdays on Marshall will take place every Saturday from noon to 3 p.m. in the various courtyards and patios that are found throughout this tree-lined destination. For more information call: (480) 299-0313.

5TH AVENUE FREE UNPLUGGED SOLO MUSIC SERIES 

The historic Fifth Avenue shopping district has long promoted local musicians as a way to enhance its pedestrian environment. In keeping with this musical heritage, the city of Scottsdale Downtown Office in conjunction with the Fifth Avenue merchants association is hosting a series of live performances including several original artists who began their musical careers on 5th Avenue. These free, live performances will take place on Saturdays from noon to 3 p.m., in various locations along Fifth Avenue (which is just west of Scottsdale Road and south of the canal. This week’s performer is Michael V. Additional Fifth Avenue information and event listings are available at www.virtual5thavenue.com 

OLD TOWN PIMA PLAZA FEATURES LIVE MUSIC SERIES

Starting December 6, 2008, Old Town’s Pima Plaza, located on the southwest corner of 1st Avenue and Brown Ave. (just east of Scottsdale Road) will be hosting free, live performances on Saturdays, from noon to 3 p.m.  This Saturday, listen to the top 40 sounds of Chris Putrino.

DIVAS & DOGS 2008 DOG FASHION SHOW

FEATURES MUSIC, PRIZES AND A PERCENTAGE OF SALES TO BE DONATED TO THE AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY. The 2nd annual Divas & Dogs Fashion Show will take place Saturday, December 6 from 2:30 to 5 p.m. in front of dog boutique Classy Jazzy, which is located at 7111 5th Ave. Owners can register their dogs by calling (480) 970-1894 or by visiting www.classyjazzy.com

“MIMOSA SUNDAYS” COME TO SCOTTSDALE ARTWALK

Fine artists, awesome galleries, great people watching – and complimentary mimosas! It’s the new thing at Scottsdale ArtWalk® on Sunday afternoons through March. The public is invited to “ArtWalk the Line” the length and breadth of the Scottsdale Arts District to seek out special “Mimosa Sundays” happenings featuring champagne mimosas, delicious cheeses, and other special treats.

Time: Sundays, noon to 4 p.m., through March 2009
Where: Along Main Street
Contact: www.ScottsdaleGalleries.com

Enjoy!