Scottsdale knows how to throw a party, and the City's Special Events team is taking that to a whole new level with three events celebrating music, nostalgia, community, and fall fun. Today, we're getting a behind-the-scenes look at what's coming up, from a trip through Scottsdale's history to a pop-punk throwback and a bigger-than-ever Fall Festival.

Alicia chats with Taylor DeAlba, a Recreation Leader with the City of Scottsdale's Special Events team. Taylor works behind the scenes on everything from vendor contracts and marketing to social media and creating the creative, immersive designs that make Scottsdale's events feel like much more than your typical Parks & Recreation experience.

And that's exactly what we're talking about on this episode, the City's goal of creating free, all-ages events where residents and visitors can have fun, make memories, and feel connected to the community.

Fall Events Line-up

Parks & Rec Rewind 75: Celebrating 75 years of Scottsdale through seven decades of music, history, games, crafts, retro experiences, live entertainment, and more.

Pop Punk Picnic: A brand new throwback event celebrating pop punk nostalgia with live music, themed activities, food vendors, a cocktail garden, and photo opportunities.

Scottsdale Fall Festival: A bigger and better fall tradition featuring live music, a DJ, trick or treating, carnival games, arts and crafts, food vendors, and family friendly activities.

https://www.scottsdaleaz.gov/parks

WestWorld is one of Scottsdale's biggest event destinations, hosting everything from Barrett-Jackson and equestrian competitions to major entertainment and community events. On this episode of Scottsdale Vibes, Alicia Haygood sits down with Cassie Johnson, Interim General Manager of WestWorld, to talk about the facility's history, its role in Scottsdale, and what's ahead as the city continues to invest in and reimagine the 400-acre property.

Cassie shares her unique journey with the City of Scottsdale, from starting as an intern with the Scottsdale Police Department to returning to the city and eventually taking on a leadership role at WestWorld. She also discusses the economic impact WestWorld has on Scottsdale and the region, bringing visitors who stay in local hotels, dine, shop and experience everything the community has to offer.

Alicia and Cassie also talk about Monterra, the newly refreshed event space that will offer a different type of venue for weddings, banquets, celebrations and other events. From major national events to smaller equestrian competitions that many Scottsdale residents may not even realize are happening, this conversation offers a behind-the-scenes look at what makes WestWorld such an important part of Scottsdale's identity and economy.

https://westworldaz.com/

This week on the Scottsdale Vibes Podcast, we chat with Scottsdale restaurant legend George Frasher, the founder of Frasher's Tavern, as he takes us behind the scenes of Scottsdale's evolving restaurant scene and shares the stories behind nearly three decades in the business.

George has been part of Scottsdale's restaurant community since 1999, giving him a unique perspective on how the city's dining scene has changed, grown and evolved. Alicia Haygood and George talk about the rise of steakhouses in Scottsdale, the importance of locally owned restaurants, the challenges of staying competitive in a rapidly changing market and what it takes to build a restaurant that keeps customers coming back.

George also shares the story behind Frasher's Tavern, his commitment to quality food and service, and the longtime employees who have become part of the Frasher's family. He talks about his other restaurants, including Frasher's Smokehouse and Mrs. Chicken, and even his newest passion for frozen custard.

The conversation also dives into Scottsdale's deep connection to baseball and the new baseball museum inside Frasher's Tavern. George explains how the Arizona Baseball Legacy Experience came to the restaurant and highlights some of the remarkable memorabilia on display, including artifacts connected to Scottsdale baseball history and the original Scottsdale Stadium.

With Scottsdale's restaurant scene constantly changing, George offers a fascinating look at where it has been, where it is today and what he believes makes a great Scottsdale restaurant stand out.

Plus, Alicia checks in with Scottsdale Vibes sponsor Jeremy Mueller of State Farm Insurance. Jeremy shares important insurance advice for parents with college students, including renters insurance, vehicles, coverage when students move away and what parents should know when their kids return home. He also talks about summer in Scottsdale and his plans to support local events and the community.

If you love Scottsdale restaurants, Old Town Scottsdale, steakhouses, Scottsdale history, baseball, local businesses and the people who have helped shape the city, this is an episode you won't want to miss.

Listen to Scottsdale Vibes wherever you get your podcasts.

The conversation continues as Alicia Haygood sits down with Scottsdale Unified School District Superintendent Dr. Scott Menzel for Part 2 of their conversation about the future of SUSD.

In this episode, Alicia and Dr. Menzel continue their discussion about what comes next following the district's school closure discussions. Dr. Menzel explains what Phase Three could look like, the district's plans to develop growth strategies for each learning community, and the goal of creating thriving schools that attract families back to Scottsdale Unified.

They also take a closer look at the proposed $375 million SUSD bond, what bond dollars can and cannot be used for, aging school infrastructure, HVAC systems, technology, safety and security, and why the district says continued investment in its facilities is important.

Alicia and Dr. Menzel also discuss how SUSD is approaching artificial intelligence in the classroom, including the opportunities and challenges AI presents for students and teachers. Dr. Menzel explains why he believes students still need productive struggle and how the district is working to find the right balance between technology and learning.

The conversation also touches on superintendent compensation, upcoming school board elections, the timeline for future school closure decisions, parent feedback, school choice, enrollment challenges and Dr. Menzel's hopes for the upcoming school year.

This episode was recorded on July 29, 2026, following the most recent school board and committee meetings. Some information discussed may have changed since the recording.

If you have children in SUSD, are considering moving to Scottsdale, own property in the community, or simply care about the future of Scottsdale, this is an important conversation to hear.

Listen to Part 1 and Part 2 of Alicia Haygood's conversation with Dr. Scott Menzel wherever you get your podcasts.

https://www.susd.org/our-district/district-committees/phase-ii-design-advisory-team

Welcome to a special Small Business Saturday episode of the Scottsdale Vibes Podcast!

Scottsdale has become a destination for health, wellness, innovation, and aesthetics, and in this episode, we're talking with one of the experts helping shape that reputation.

Host Alicia Haygood sits down with Dr. Paul Holden of Scottsdale Plastic Surgeons, a double board certified facial plastic surgeon who specializes exclusively in the face, nose, and neck. Dr. Holden is nationally recognized for his expertise in rhinoplasty, complex revision surgery, and innovative facial rejuvenation techniques designed to achieve natural looking results.

But Scottsdale Plastic Surgeons is about much more than surgery. The practice offers a comprehensive approach to aesthetic and wellness care, including aesthetic treatments, skincare, hormone balance, weight management, and peptides.

One of the things that makes the practice stand out is its experienced team. Many team members have been together for more than 10 years, with some there for more than 15 years.

Dr. Holden shares what has helped build the practice's reputation for quality care, patient safety, natural results, and an easy, enjoyable patient experience.

It truly is a one stop shop for aesthetic and wellness care in Scottsdale.

Tune in to get to know Dr. Paul Holden, Scottsdale Plastic Surgeons, and the people behind this Scottsdale small business.

Check out thier website and social media accounts:

https://scottsdaleps.com/dr-paul-k-holden

https://www.instagram.com/scottsdale_ps/

https://www.instagram.com/drpaulholden/

As another school year begins, Scottsdale Vibes sits down with Scottsdale Unified School District Superintendent Dr. Scott Menzel for the first of a special two-part conversation about the future of education in Scottsdale.

In Part 1, host Alicia Haygood and Dr. Menzel discuss what families can expect this school year, including school safety, academic achievement, district priorities, enrollment, teacher recruitment and retention, school funding, and how SUSD is preparing students for future success. They also answer some of the biggest questions parents have as students head back to the classroom.

Be sure to subscribe—Part 2 of this conversation will be released next week, where Dr. Menzel dives even deeper into the district's long-term vision and additional topics impacting Scottsdale families.

Whether you're a parent, grandparent, educator, or community member, this episode offers valuable insight into one of Arizona's highest-performing school districts and the people leading it.

Listen now wherever you get your podcasts.

Visit SUSD's website for more info: https://www.susd.org/our-district/district-committees/phase-ii-design-advisory-team

Youth sports can build confidence, teamwork, and lifelong memories, but they can also come with a hefty price tag. What if there was a way to help offset those costs while teaching young athletes valuable life skills at the same time?

In this episode of Scottsdale Vibes, we sit down with Scottsdale native Mandy Holmes, founder of Sponsor My Athlete, to discuss how families can turn their athlete's story into meaningful sponsorship opportunities. After successfully securing sponsorships for her own son, Mandy created a step-by-step system that helps parents build authentic partnerships with local businesses while teaching young athletes communication, leadership, and personal branding skills.

Drawing from her background in publishing and advertising, Mandy shares practical advice on finding sponsors, creating lasting business relationships, and helping kids become positive ambassadors in their communities.

Website: https://sponsormyathlete.com/

We also chat with Scottsdale Realtor and Scottsdale Vibes sponsor, Shawn Shackelton of The Shackelton Group, about the latest Scottsdale real estate market trends. Shawn explains why the market has shifted into a more balanced environment, what increased inventory means for buyers and sellers, why pricing is more important than ever, and why Scottsdale continues to be an attractive market for investors.

Whether you're a sports parent, coach, business owner, thinking about buying or selling a home, or simply love staying connected to what's happening in Scottsdale, this episode is packed with valuable insights and practical advice.

Tune in to discover how sponsorships can help make youth sports more affordable, hear the latest on Scottsdale's evolving real estate market, and learn why both topics are creating new opportunities throughout our community.

Music has the power to bring people together, but what happens after the final encore?

In this episode of the Scottsdale Vibes Podcast, Alicia Haygood sits down with Maria Brunner, Arizona Chapter Director for Musically Fed, to discuss how the nonprofit rescues surplus food from concerts, sporting events, and entertainment venues to feed local families experiencing food insecurity.

One of the most inspiring parts of Musically Fed's work is the incredible support they receive from the entertainment industry. Many touring artists specifically request that any untouched backstage catering and hospitality food be donated rather than thrown away.

Thanks to those requests and the collaboration of venues, promoters, and catering teams thousands of pounds of fresh, high-quality meals are redirected each year to local shelters, food banks, and organizations serving people in need.

From major touring acts to local performances, every concert has the potential to end on a high note by helping feed the community.

Alicia also welcomes Jeremy Mueller of Jeremy Mueller Insurance to talk about protecting what matters most and why working with a trusted local insurance expert can make all the difference.

From giving back to the community to planning for your family's future, this episode highlights two Scottsdale businesses making a meaningful impact in different ways.

🎧 Listen now and discover how small acts of service can create big change.

The Scottsdale City Council election is approaching, and Scottsdale Vibes is helping voters get to know the candidates before ballots arrive. In this special election series, host Alicia Haygood sits down with the individuals seeking to help shape Scottsdale's future.

In this fourth episode, Alicia sits down with candidate Solange Whitehead. The conversation covers the issues Scottsdale residents are talking about most, including growth and development, traffic, public safety, water resources, fiscal responsibility, neighborhood preservation, and maintaining Scottsdale's unique quality of life.

Whether you've already started researching candidates or are just beginning to learn about the election, these interviews provide an opportunity to hear directly from the people asking for your vote ahead of the July 21st primary election.

Please note that Candidate Eric Sloan was offered equal time but declined to participate in the interview series. We have provided his website below.

Get to know the candidates:

https://www.solangeforscottsdale.com/

https://www.ericsloan.com/

The Scottsdale City Council election is approaching, and Scottsdale Vibes is helping voters get to know the candidates before ballots arrive. In this special election series, host Alicia Haygood sits down with the individuals seeking to help shape Scottsdale's future.

In this third episode, Alicia sits down with candidates Michelle Ugenti-Rita and Crystal Carroll. The conversations cover the issues Scottsdale residents are talking about most, including growth and development, traffic, public safety, water resources, fiscal responsibility, neighborhood preservation, and maintaining Scottsdale's unique quality of life.

Whether you've already started researching candidates or are just beginning to learn about the election, these interviews provide an opportunity to hear directly from the people asking for your vote ahead of the July 21st primary election.

Get to know the candidates:

https://www.electmichelle.com/

https://www.crystalforcouncil.com/