Your Ultimate Guide to the Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show

Your Ultimate Guide to the Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show — What to See, Eat & Do

Quick snapshot

What: The Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show & Shopping Expo — the world’s largest Arabian horse event.
Where: WestWorld of Scottsdale (16601 N. Pima Rd., Scottsdale, AZ)
Typical dates: Mid-February (for example the 2026 show is scheduled Feb 12–22)
Why it matters: Draws hundreds of thousands of spectators and generates major local economic activity — this event is a tourism highlight for Scottsdale.

Why guests love it (and why you should plan a stay with Rove-Living)

The Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show is not just a horse competition — it’s an 11-day festival of beautiful equine athletes, live entertainment, educational seminars, gala parties, and a massive shopping expo with over 200 vendor booths (jewelry, western wear, art and more). Whether you’re a horse fan or just visiting Scottsdale in February, it’s a lively, family-friendly event with a uniquely Arizona flavor — think grand arenas, desert sunsets, and big crowds.

When you stay with us at Rove‑Living, you get to pair that world-class event with comfortable, stylish accommodation — our properties are selected for convenience, comfort, and ease. Make your vacation rental your home base for the show.

Highlights you don’t want to miss

Halter & Liberty classes: Spectacular Arabian type on display — the halter ring and the Saturday night Liberty classes are crowd favorites.
Global Champions Arabians Tour (GCAT) stop: The show has hosted a stop for the Global Champions Arabians Tour Americas, elevating the halter competition with large prize money and international entries.
Over-fences (Jumpers & Hunters): Scottsdale offers broad over-fences competition — a rare breed-show mix that appeals to performance fans.
Shopping Expo & Food Court: With more than 200 vendors and global cuisine, you’ll find unique items and great bites without even leaving the venue.

Practical travel tips (made easy for Rove-Living guests)

Book early. Hotels and short-term rentals fill fast during show dates; with Rove-Living you benefit from vacation-rental flexibility and early-bird availability.
Buy tickets & check schedule: Visit the official Scottsdale show site for class schedules, ticket tiers (single day, evening performances, season passes) and livestream info.
Getting there & parking: WestWorld has dedicated show parking; arrive early for popular weekend sessions. If you’re RVing or bringing a large group, plan accordingly.
Family friendly: Bring layers (indoor arenas can be cool), comfortable shoes (sand/arena footing), and sunscreen. Rove-Living properties come equipped with amenities to make your stay seamless.
Local transport: Taxis and rideshares run to and from WestWorld and Old Town Scottsdale; many visitors combine the show with Old Town shopping and dining.

Where to eat & what to do nearby

Old Town Scottsdale: Galleries, restaurants, nightlife — 15–20 minutes from WestWorld depending on traffic. Great for après-show dinners.
Cuisine court at the show: International food vendors make lunch or dinner easy without leaving the show grounds.
Other nearby activities: Hiking in the McDowell Sonoran Preserve, spa days at resort hotels, galleries on Main Street — perfect to pair with a show morning.

Planning checklist — what to pack

Comfortable walking shoes
Light jacket or sweater (arena temperatures vary)
Sunscreen & hat
Portable phone charger
Binoculars for the ring
Cash or card for vendor booths and concessions

Quick FAQ (for guests)

Q: How long is the show?
A: Typically ~10–11 days in mid-February, with multiple arenas running simultaneously.
Q: Is it kid-friendly?
A: Yes — family events, youth rider classes, and exhibits make it a good outing for all ages.
Q: Are there livestreams?
A: Past shows have offered livestreaming for some classes and special events; check the Scottsdale show website for the current year.

A note on impact & history

This show has been an Arizona institution since 1955 and has grown from a small local event to a global showcase drawing owners, trainers, and visitors from around the world. The event consistently brings significant tourism value to Scottsdale — reports estimate attendance of hundreds of thousands and annual economic impact in the tens of millions of dollars for the city. That means more dining, shopping and memorable stays for visitors like you.

Book your stay with Rove-Living

Planning to attend the Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show? Let us help you find the ideal property with:

Convenient access to WestWorld and Old Town Scottsdale
Comfortable, stylish amenities
Flexible booking and tailored service

Visit us at rove-living.com to browse our available properties, check availability for your dates, and reserve your home-base for this extraordinary event.
Tip: Search for properties early and select those with easy access and good parking — your Rove-Living stay will elevate your show experience.