Staff Reports | Happenings & Events
Scottsdale Arts’ Canal Convergence will explore and celebrate the environmental and cultural landscapes that define the American West, the Southwest and Arizona from Nov. 6-15, 2026, at the Scottsdale Waterfront.
The free, 10-night event will feature large-scale public artworks by artists from around the world, along with live music and dance performances, creative workshops, educational tours and activities, food trucks, and a beer and wine garden.
This year’s theme, “Western Nature,” will focus on the visual and cultural landscapes of Arizona and the American West. Canal Convergence will activate the Arizona Canal with public art, workshops and performances inspired by the region’s natural environment, cultures and histories, according to a press release.
In addition to the event’s focus on interactivity and the intersection of water, art and light, programming will examine the many ways nature shapes life across the American West.
“Canal Convergence is excited to explore the beauty and diversity of the American West through a variety of artistic lenses this year,” Jennifer Gill, deputy director and curator of Canal Convergence, said. “With Canal Convergence planning its 15th year and the City of Scottsdale commemorating its 75-year anniversary, there is no better time to celebrate all the unique visual and cultural landscapes that make up our state and region.”
Artists were encouraged to explore a broad range of topics, from water resources, natural landscapes, climate, and native plants and wildlife to the cultures, histories and defining characteristics of the American West.
Finalists selected for this year’s event include local, national and international artists, musicians and performers. Arizona-based Walter Productions is expected to return with its fire performances inspired by desert plants and wildlife.
The full list of participating artists will be announced later this summer. Additional finalists include experiential design studio Ottomata, Australian artist Jay Tettamanti of Chalk River Studio and Curious Form, an art and fabrication studio led by William Nemitoff.
Additional information about artworks, performances, workshops and other event programming will be announced in the coming months and posted at Canal Convergence.
Canal Convergence is supported by several partners and sponsors, including the City of Scottsdale, Salt River Project and Nationwide.
