What’s Happening in Arizona — November 2026
Steinway & Sons Hosts Adult Piano Festival
Steinway & Sons Scottsdale will celebrate the launch of its adult piano education program with a free, two-day festival Nov. 20-21. Hosted in partnership with Steinway Hall of Fame Legend Ashley Lane, founder of Master’s Music Academy, the event begins with a Friday evening social, during which guests can play a nine-foot Steinway Spirio concert grand while enjoying cocktails and conversation. On Saturday, Lane will lead an interactive master class exploring musical interpretation and technique, followed by a special performance featuring master artist Francesco Parrino. Performing live from New York, Parrino’s playing will be transmitted to the Scottsdale showroom, where the Spirio grand piano will reproduce his performance in real time. The festival takes place at 14418 N. Scottsdale Road. Admission is free, but reservations are required.
Vecina Brings Latin-Inspired Cuisine to Scottsdale
One of Arcadia’s most celebrated restaurants has expanded to Scottsdale. Vecina, the modern American restaurant known for its inventive Latin-inspired cuisine, opened its second location in McCormick Ranch in September. Nearly three times the size of the original, the new restaurant features lakefront patio dining, private event spaces, a mezzanine and a colorful mural by artist Tato Caraveo. Chef and co-owner James Fox brings longtime favorites, including carne asada-marinated Japanese karaage chicken and salmon tacos with yuzu kosho aioli and citrus, while introducing new dishes made possible by the larger kitchen. Beverage director Sloane Van Zanen oversees a cocktail program featuring inventive margaritas, palomas and seasonal specialties. The expanded location also offers catering, with lunch service planned for the future.
Denū Hotel & Spa Debuts in Downtown Phoenix
Downtown Phoenix welcomed a luxurious new hospitality destination in October with the opening of Denū Hotel & Spa. The 236-room property features contemporary accommodations across 17 floors, including a 970-square-foot penthouse with sweeping city views. Its centerpiece is Solstone Holistic Spa, downtown’s first hammam-inspired spa, offering traditional cleansing rituals, therapeutic massages, facials and restorative body treatments. Culinary offerings include Sartén Kitchen & Bar, specializing in modern Sonoran cuisine, Nidos Rooftop Bar, featuring Latin-Mediterranean bites and skyline views, and Blend Café. Additional amenities include a rooftop plunge pool, yoga studio, 24-hour fitness center and wellness programming. Located near the Phoenix Convention Center, the hotel combines upscale accommodations, distinctive dining and spa experiences in the heart of the city. www.denuhotel.com
Kuza Fires Up North Scottsdale Dining Scene
North Scottsdale’s dining scene has another exciting addition with the September opening of Kuza, a globally inspired Asian restaurant from Clive Collective. Led by executive chef Erik Davila, the restaurant centers on a live-fire robata grill and raw bar, combining traditional Japanese techniques with international flavors. Menu highlights include charcoal-grilled Chicken Negima skewers, Spanish Grilled Octopus with harissa honey and Japanese-inspired aguachile, and fresh seafood flown in twice weekly from Tokyo’s Toyosu Market. The cocktail menu features inventive creations such as the Lychee Collins and Shikoku Marg, while house-made desserts include Matcha Nameraka pudding and Sudachi Lime Tart. Located at 17767 N. Scottsdale Road, Kuza joins neighboring sister concepts The Americano and Tell Your Friends, further expanding Clive Collective’s North Scottsdale presence.
Maricopa Opens $16.2 Million Fieldhouse at Copper Sky
The City of Maricopa celebrated a major recreational milestone this fall with the opening of the Fieldhouse at Copper Sky, a $16.2 million, approximately 44,000-square-foot indoor sports and community facility. An extension of Copper Sky Regional Park, the project transformed and expanded a former police substation into a year-round destination for athletics and community gatherings. Built by CHASSE Building Team, the Fieldhouse can accommodate four basketball courts, six volleyball courts or up to 12 pickleball courts, providing additional space for practices, leagues and regional tournaments. Flexible gathering areas also support meetings, classes, dances, movie screenings and community events. Located at 17985 Greythorn Drive, the facility significantly expands Maricopa’s recreational offerings while creating new opportunities to attract sporting competitions and visitors.
Art of Our Soul Receives $100,000 Grant
Art of Our Soul has received a $100,000 Mercy C.A.R.E.S. Community Reinvestment Grant to support its innovative art and music therapy program at the Eagle Point Complex at Arizona State Prison Complex-Lewis in Buckeye. The program serves approximately 250 incarcerated men annually who are living with serious mental illness, providing daily therapeutic activities including art, music, yoga, breathwork and sound healing. Founded by Brandon Lee, the nonprofit operates within a 1,200-square-foot studio established through an initial $375,000 Mercy Care investment in 2024. According to data collected by the Arizona Department of Corrections, Rehabilitation and Reentry, the program has contributed to a 64% reduction in self-harm incidents and a 60% reduction in disciplinary violations, demonstrating the potential impact of creative therapies.