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Scottsdale Unified School District Students to Showcase Artistic Talent at 2026 Scottsdale Family ArtsFest

Scottsdale Unified School District Students to Showcase Artistic Talent at 2026 Scottsdale Family ArtsFest

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — Scottsdale Unified School District (SUSD) students will take center stage March 6 and 7, 2026, as Scottsdale Family ArtsFest returns for its fourth year, offering students the opportunity to perfect their craft and proudly showcase their artistic talent through mural displays, exhibitions and live performances.

The free festival will take place at the Scottsdale Civic Center, bringing two days of performances, interactive art experiences and family-friendly activities to the heart of downtown Scottsdale. After three inaugural years at ASU SkySong, this year’s Family ArtsFest moves to Scottsdale Civic Center, expanding opportunities for families and community members to gather, create and connect.

A major highlight of the event is the opportunity for SUSD students to display their artistic growth through curated exhibitions and collaborative mural installations. More than 1,000 elementary, middle and high school students will have artwork featured, representing a wide range of artistic mediums, including painting, drawing, sculpture and mixed media. 

The large-scale mural displays allow students to work collaboratively, refine techniques and experience the pride of presenting their work in a professional public setting.

Throughout the weekend, attendees can enjoy live music and performances by SUSD choirs, bands, theater groups and orchestras on the Civic Center’s 360 Stage, including a special family-friendly show by Arizona Opera. Interactive art workshops hosted by Scottsdale Arts and community partners will invite participants of all ages to explore their creativity in hands-on environments.

“Family ArtsFest has become an important milestone for arts education,” said Gerd Wuestemann, president and CEO of Scottsdale Arts. “Thanks to our long-standing partnership with Scottsdale Unified School District, Family ArtsFest allows us to showcase the amazing creative work of more than a thousand students each year, while raising money for Scottsdale Community Partners.

ArtsFest will also include activities led by city of Scottsdale departments and community partners, offering families opportunities to engage in games, environmental education, literacy initiatives and other creative experiences.

In addition, Scottsdale Community Partners will host its annual Alli Ortega Empty Bowls Fundraiser. Bowls crafted by SUSD students and members of the Scottsdale community will be available for purchase, along with an online auction featuring class bowls, art and donated goods. Proceeds from the fundraiser support Scottsdale Community Partners programs, in partnership with the city of Scottsdale Human Services, including Vista del Camino Food Bank, Back-to-School and Healthy Packs weekend food programs for SUSD students.

Scottsdale Unified School District’s Superintendent Dr. Scott Menzel said SUSD is looking forward to ArtsFest at the new location, where the district will continue elevating the artistic talent of its students.

“Arts education is essential to helping young people discover who they are and what they can achieve, and this festival showcases the very best of that creative spirit throughout our district,” Menzel said. “We are deeply grateful for the city of Scottdale and all our community partners who come together to help make this showcase possible. Their continued support, collaboration and belief in the power of arts education allow our students to shine and ensure that this event remains a vibrant celebration.”

Scottsdale Family ArtsFest will run March 6–7, 2026, at Scottsdale Civic Center. The event is free and open to the public. For more information on the event, visit ScottsdaleArts.org.

To learn more about SUSD’s art programs head to our website.

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#ChooseSUSD
With nearly 20,000 students in all schools, the Scottsdale Unified School District (SUSD) has been a premier choice for pre-kindergarten through grade 12 public education for almost 130 years. Located northeast of metropolitan Phoenix, the District serves the educational needs of students and families in Phoenix, Paradise Valley, Fountain Hills, Tempe, and Scottsdale. A highly experienced, professionally certified teaching staff fosters a diverse and rigorous educational environment that engages all students in world-class, future-focused learning. Offering gifted learning, special education, career and technical education, and a variety of athletics, arts and enrichment programs and clubs, SUSD provides the rich environment today’s students need to explore their interests, develop important social skills, and grow into tomorrow’s leaders. For more information, visit www.susd.org and follow along on social media: Facebook: @ScottsdaleUSD, Instagram: @ScottsdaleUnifiedSD, LinkedIn and YouTube.