Theme Party Ideas

Planning the ultimate theme party - it's perhaps one of the most challenge tasks facing meeting planners. How do you find an exciting, out of the ordinary theme and plan an outstanding experience that's perfect for your group?

Let us help! Following is a brief list of suggested themes that incorporate the best of what Scottsdale has to offer. And, thanks to Scottsdale's temperate year-round climate, most are ideal for outdoor settings.

Scottsdale's destination professionals can assist you in making arrangements for any of these exciting events. If you would like assistance in obtaining proposals for the meetings market, please contact the Scottsdale CVB's Convention Services Department (800-782-1117 or e-mail sales@scottsdalecvb.com)

Sonoran Desert Cookout - Cowboy Style
Native American Heritage
Fiesta de Mexico
Art Walk & Dine-Around
Arizona Beach Party
Arabian Nights
An Evening at the Kasbah
Hit the Links - Day or Night
Grand Prix Racing
Polo Afternoon
Speakeasy Night
Spring Training
Team Building Challenge

Sonoran Desert Cookout - Cowboy Style

Grab your Stetson and cowboy boots and head out on horseback into the wide open spaces of the Sonoran Desert. Your cowboy guides will tell tall tales of the Old West and talk about the desert's unique history as your group passes by some of the most breathtaking scenery in the American Southwest. At the cookout site, your group can learn how to shoot a six-gun, rope a "steer," and dance the two-step. After a hearty steak dinner served under the starry desert sky, a cowboy balladeer will entertain with humorous cowboy poetry and traditional western songs as everyone relaxes around the warm, bright flames of a campfire. Listen carefully and you might hear coyotes singing in the distance.

Native American Heritage
Travel by jeep or horseback to a pristine desert setting, where you'll be greeted by the soft rhythm of drums and the sweet, high notes of a Native American flute. Dancers, in ceremonial dress, swirl gracefully around the crackling campfire. As the sun sets, you'll enjoy authentic Native American cuisine served amid handmade pottery, baskets, and woven rugs. Later, a traditional storyteller will share native legends of creation and the cycle of life. Many variations of this theme are available including a meal of authentic Native American foods served at your group's hotel. Native American flute music and a traditional blessing by a tribal elder add to the unique cultural atmosphere.

Fiesta de Mexico

Scottsdale's Southwestern culture is heavily influenced by our neighbor to the south, Mexico. The "South of the Border Mexican Fiesta," complete with mariachis, pinatas and delicious Mexican cuisine, is a favorite theme for special events. Ole'!

Art Walk & Dine-Around
Thursday evenings kick-off to a lively start when your group is transported via Ollie the Trolley to Scottsdale's downtown districts for an Art Walk through some of the country's most prestigious galleries. Artists mingle with your group and provide creative insight into their magnificent works of art. When appetites are peaked, you are whisked away for a gourmet dine-around with each culinary establishment serving one specialty course. The piece de resistance? A swinging jazz concert under the stars.

Arizona Beach Party
Beaches in the desert? You better believe it! The "Arizona Beach Party" is a Southwestern version of the popular Caribbean or Luau theme. This theme is excellent for a summer poolside reception with mesquite grilled seafood and salsa bands. For a truly Southwestern twist, take this event to the shores of one of our nearby rivers or lakes.

Arabian Nights
Imagine a scene from the Arabian Nights – authentic music and dance complemented by exotic specialty acts like fire dancers, elephants, whirling dervishes and sword swallowers. This Ancient Egyptian and Arabian theme can be brought to life for your group with decorative tents, spectacular props, authentic décor and camel rides. Host your event at an Arabian horse ranch and enjoy a magnificent show with the world famous Arabian horses.

An Evening at the Kasbah
Set against the backdrop of the Arizona desert and lush palm trees, the exotic mystery of Morocco is brought to life for your group, complete with decorative Moroccan tents and tame camels like those who once roamed wild in the deserts of the Southwest. Experience the magical charm of Casablanca and the Kasbah with musicians, belly dancers, snake charmers and fire eaters. Dine on gourmet Moroccan cuisine served in tagines with mint tea served from samovars. Women’s events can be held in the famous Red Tent creating a bonding desert-oasis experience for women of all ages.

Hit the Links - Day or Night
With Scottsdale's numerous championship golf courses and a wide range of golf industry professionals, a perfectly coordinated golf event is easy to plan. Competitive tournaments, high-spirited night golf using glow-in-the-dark balls, and the popular "Murder Mystery on the Greens" theme are just a few of the possibilities. Here's a theme sure to score a hole in one!

Grand Prix Racing

Auto racing draws thousands to Arizona each year. Create a "Days of Thunder" scene with actual race cars or miniature models. You might even hold an event at one of the professional racetracks in the area or treat your group to an afternoon high performance driving lesson. Ladies and gentlemen . . . start your engines!

Polo Afternoon
With championship equestrian events being so popular in Scottsdale, this theme is a natural choice. This event is particularly effective at one of the area's many equestrian centers.

Speakeasy Night
The Great Gatsby comes alive! Set at an original mansion of the era, an event facility, or a resort property, this 1920's theme has endless adaptations. Costumed flappers, vintage cars, and limousines set the stage for this gala event.

Spring Training

Scottsdale is home to the San Francisco Giants during Cactus League Spring Training, and Scottsdale Stadium is a home run location for a "Take Me Out To The Ball Game" theme. If your timing is right, you can plan your event around a game. The star athletes, the food, and the fun create a memorable environment.

Team Building Challenge

A team building event is a perfect way to integrate management theory into an experiential, fun, and adventurous learning activity. Programs can be customized to compliment the subject matter of your meeting or incentive program. Paintball adventures, rock climbing, "cowboy" events, ropes courses, and game show themes are just a few of the available activities. All activities are geared toward participants of all physical agility levels. Both indoor and outdoor options are available.

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