Parada Del Sol Parade & Trail’s End Festival 2026: Scottsdale Comes Alive in a Dazzling Celebration of Western Spirit
Every winter, Scottsdale pauses just long enough to tip its hat to the past, and in 2026 that moment shines brighter than ever. On Saturday, January 31, 2026, the streets of Old Town Scottsdale will burst into color, music, and motion as the 75th Annual Parada Del Sol Parade and Trail’s End Festival returns for a full day of unforgettable Western celebration, community pride, and family-friendly fun.
As one of the most iconic events of Scottsdale Western Week, Parada Del Sol is more than a parade. It is a living tribute to the city’s roots, its diverse cultural influences, and the enduring spirit that continues to shape Scottsdale today.
A Morning of Tradition: The Parada Del Sol Parade
The festivities begin at 9:30 a.m. when the historic Parada Del Sol Parade steps off along Scottsdale Road, traveling north from Drinkwater Boulevard toward Indian School Road. Spectators line the streets, early morning coffee in hand and cameras ready, as anticipation builds for one of the Southwest’s most beloved Western parades.
More than 150 parade entries roll, march, and ride through Old Town in a breathtaking procession. Expect an incredible mix of ornate floats, precision marching bands, equestrian units, horse-drawn wagons, vintage vehicles, and cultural performers all coming together to tell the story of Scottsdale’s past and present. The thunder of hooves, the gleam of polished track, and the sound of music echo through the streets, creating a sensory experience that feels both timeless and electric.
Parada Del Sol proudly showcases the region’s rich cultural tapestry, highlighting Western heritage alongside Mexican, Native American, Arabian, and multicultural influences. It is a celebration where tradition meets creativity and where every entry brings its own personality, craftsmanship, and story.
2026 Theme: A Diamond in the Desert
The 2026 theme, A Diamond in the Desert, adds special meaning to this year’s event, honoring 75 years of Scottsdale since its incorporation. The theme reflects the city’s remarkable transformation from a rugged desert town into a vibrant destination known worldwide for art, culture, hospitality, and Western elegance.
Throughout the parade and festival, attendees will see nods to Scottsdale’s milestones, longtime residents’ legacy businesses, and the pioneers who helped shape the community. It is a year that celebrates not just history but the people who continue to polish Scottsdale into the gem it is today.
New Bullpen Views
The Bullpen is a premier VIP hospitality experience hosted by the Scottsdale Charros, offering a unique way to enjoy both the parade and the subsequent festival. Located in a prime “front row” position on the parade route, it sits adjacent to the main stage of the Trail’s End Festival.
The Bullpen VIP Experience
This shaded tent area, located at the northwest corner of 1st Ave and Scottsdale Road, provides a transition from a family-friendly morning to an adult-oriented afternoon:
- Family Morning (9:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.): Designed for families to view the Parada Del Sol Parade together.
- Adult Afternoon (12:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.): At noon, the area flexes to an adults-only (21+) crowd to enjoy the musical acts on the festival’s main stage.
- Amenities: Tickets include entry to the private area, food, light snacks, and beverages (including five drink tickets).
Ticket Pricing & Admission
Tickets grant access to the VIP area for the entire day.
- Adult Tickets: $100 per person.
- Child Admission: Each adult ticket includes free entry for one child under the age of 18 (valid during the parade session).
- Additional Children: Extra child tickets can be purchased for $25.
- Purchasing: Tickets are available online at scottsdaleparade.com/bullpen.
Sponsorship Opportunities
Local businesses can align their brand with the event through several high-visibility sponsorships within the Bullpen:
- Cup Sponsor ($3,500): Features a logo on one side of reusable plastic bar cups.
- Water Sponsor ($2,500): Logo placement on single-use plastic water bottles.
- Banner Sponsor ($1,500): Placement on the exterior fence facing the heavy foot traffic of the parade and festival.
- Tabletop Sponsor ($500): One of six exclusive spots for a logo on custom-designed tables within the hospitality area.
- Food Service Partner: Businesses can provide “500 bites” for guests in exchange for digital billboard rotation during the parade, promotional material distribution, and website logo placement.
If you are interested in becoming a sponsor or have specific questions regarding the Bullpen VIP experience, you can reach out to the Scottsdale Charros through the following channels:
- Primary Contact: Erik Osland
- Phone Numbers: 480-990-2977 or 602-743-9688
- Email Addresses: info@charros.com or erik@evolvedmd.com
- Websites: charros.com or scottsdaleparade.com
The Party Continues Trail’s End Festival
As the final parade entry passes, the excitement rolls straight into the Trail’s End Festival, turning Old Town into a lively walkable street party from approximately noon until 5:00 p.m. This free all-ages festival is where the community truly comes together to relax, celebrate, and soak in the atmosphere.
Live entertainment fills the air with music, dance performances, and cultural showcases, creating a nonstop soundtrack for the afternoon. Festival goers can explore rows of artisan vendors and local merchants offering handcrafted goods, Western-inspired merchandise, and unique finds you will not see anywhere else.
Food lovers are in for a treat with a wide selection of food trucks and vendors serving everything from classic Southwestern flavors to festival favorites and sweet treats. Whether you are grabbing lunch, sharing snacks with friends, or simply enjoying a refreshing drink in the sunshine, Trail’s End delivers the perfect blend of comfort and celebration.
Families will especially love the KIDZ Zone, packed with interactive activities, games, face painting, and attractions designed to keep younger guests entertained while parents enjoy the festivities. It is an event where generations gather, grandparents, reminiscing parents soaking it all in, and kids creating memories of their own.
Photos by CLN
Silverado Main Stage
- 12:00 Noon-2:00 PM: TBD
- 2:30 PM–5:00 PM: TBD
Tailgate Stage
- 12:00 Noon-2:00 PM: TBD
- 2:30 PM–5:00 PM: TBD
Fiesta Scottsdale Stage
- 12:00 Noon-12:55 PM: TBD
- 1:00 PM-1:55 PM: TBD
- 2:00 PM-2:55 PM: TBD
- 3:00 PM-5:00 PM: TBD
Arizona Indian Festival Stage
- 12:00 Noon-1:30 PM: TBD
- 2:15 PM-3:45 PM: TBD
A Scottsdale Tradition That Endures
First held in 1953, Parada Del Sol has grown into one of the largest and longest-running parades in the region, drawing tens of thousands of spectators each year. What keeps people coming back is its unmistakable charm, the feeling that for one day, Scottsdale becomes both a bustling celebration and a close-knit hometown.
The 2026 Parada Del Sol Parade and Trail’s End Festival capture everything that makes Scottsdale special: deep Western roots, cultural pride, community connection, and a sense of fun that welcomes everyone. Whether you are a lifelong local or a first-time visitor, this event invites you to step into the story, hear the music, feel the energy, and celebrate a city that continues to shine brightly in the desert.
All photos courtesy of Parada del Sol website
With Gratitude to Our Sponsors and Volunteers
The Parada Del Sol Parade stands as one of Scottsdale’s most enduring community traditions, and its success is rooted in the dedication of the people behind the scenes. Generations of volunteers have devoted countless hours to this event; many of whom grew up attending the parade and later became part of the team that brings it to life. Their long-standing commitment, passion, and pride ensure that this treasured celebration continues year after year.
Equally vital is the generous support of the sponsors, whose partnership makes it possible to host a parade and festival that the entire community can enjoy. Let’s extend our heartfelt appreciation to the City of Scottsdale, Western Week, Old Town Scottsdale, Right Toyota, Alexander Building Company Inc., AR MAYS Construction, Snader Law Group, ZenBusiness, Waymo, Grand Canyon University, Vitalant Blood Donation, Discount Tire, Scottsdale Injury Lawyers, Arizona’s Real Country 96.3, 95.1 WOW Factor, HOT 97.5, 103.9 Your Feel Good Hot Spot, KMLE 107.9, Subway on North Miller Road and Indian School Road, Bashas’, McDonald’s on Hayden Road and Indian School Road, and Coors.
Through the combined efforts of these volunteers and sponsors, Parada Del Sol continues to honor Scottsdale’s heritage, strengthen community bonds, and create meaningful experiences for families and visitors alike. Their support helps ensure this iconic event remains a proud reflection of the city’s Western spirit for generations to come.
Coors Banquet
Coors Banquet has been around for more than 150 years. They haven’t compromised their craft. You get what you give, and they’ve only given the best that they can brew. Banquet is brewed with 100% Rocky Mountain water, so when you’re enjoying a Banquet, you’re drinking history. Coors Banquet has been an amazing and loyal sponsor of professional rodeo since 1980. Their support runs deep for the inspiration and passion of rodeo cowboys. Coors Banquet has been the official beer of the PRCA since 1987 and is a sponsor for the Prada del Sol. Coors Banquet launched its “Man in the Can” program in 1984. The program recognizes top barrelmen in ProRodeo for the uniqueness, determination, and passion that they display in the rodeo arenas all throughout the United States. Coors Banquet is dedicated to its fans with a grass-roots sponsorship of local rodeos as well as ingenious marketing. Next time you’re thirsty for a cold one, Make It a Banquet. Coors Banquet can be found throughout the festival and parade route at other pop-up bars.
Last Updated on 01/12/2026 by Olivia Clements
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