Gear Up for a Season of Fall Fun at This Iconic Scottsdale Resort!
Scottsdale, Arizona, may be a destination for sun-drenched pool days, but the fall season ushers in all kinds of festivities in this desert destination. Local sports bars gear up for football Sundays and resorts prepare for spooky season fun. And when it comes to planning a Scottsdale vacation, The Westin Kierland Resort & Spa knows how to celebrate a Southwestern autumn. From its exciting OktoberWest festival to a pumpkin-carving master class for the whole family, this Scottsdale resort is ready to get you in the fall spirit. Here are seven reasons why we love The Westin Kierland Resort & Spa for a festive fall escape.
1 | OktoberWest
A highly anticipated part of the Kierland After Dark series, this festival takes the best of Oktoberfest and blends it with country-western style. From 6 to 10 p.m. on Oct. 5, OktoberWest will feature country bands—including Jake Jones Band and The Kruse Brothers—which means you’ll need your best boots for the occasion. Enjoy a barbecue dinner alongside a full bar, and be ready to shop at the Golden Desert Boutique—there will even be a custom hat bar! You’ll want to stay tuned for ticketing details because this event is certain to sell out.
2 | Pumpkin-Carving Workshop with Ray Villafane
If you’ve ever wanted to level up your pumpkin-carving skills, then attending a workshop with the masters is the definitive way to learn. Led by a team of former Food Network pumpkin-carving champions, including world-renowned artist Ray Villafane, this workshop is set to take place on Oct. 12 and will guide you through the process of making 3D pumpkin art. Think of all the ghouls and goblins that will come to life on your very own jack-o’-lantern! All you have to do is gather the family and show up with a creative mind—all the pumpkins and tools you’ll need will be there. This process doesn’t involve any sharp tools, so little ones are welcome too. Check the website closer to the date to book tickets—just in time for Halloween!
3 | Scotch/Bourbon Tastings at The Scotch Library
If the 5 o’clock hour prompts thoughts of a sophisticated social setting, then plan ahead and book an appointment at The Westin Kierland’s Scotch Library. Ambassadors will guide you through an extensive whisky selection—over 360 labels that include rare bottles from active, silent and ghost distilleries. This library is made for aficionados and neophytes alike—simply show up with a desire to expand your palate.
Open from 5 to 9 p.m. every Wednesday to Sunday, The Scotch Library will light a love for single malts and blended selections, whether it’s a $10 pour or one up to $3,500! You’ll want to make reservations for this exclusive experience.
4 | Wellness Experiences at Agave, the Arizona Spa
While barley is the crop given special attention at The Scotch Library, agave is the plant that is celebrated at the spa. Inspired by the desert landscape, Agave, the Arizona Spa looks to traditional therapies that come from Arizona’s many cultures of healing. As its namesake suggests, the moisture-rich agave plant is incorporated into many treatments here. However, don’t be surprised to see pumpkin on the fall menu too.
We recommend the Warming Body Ritual and Autumn Harvest Facial. With 20 rooms , a movement studio, and a weight room, begin your journey of relaxation and book a day here. The locker rooms are outfitted with a whirlpool Jacuzzi, dry sauna and eucalyptus steam room. Meanwhile, cabanas surround the pool garden.
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5 | Far Niente Wine Dinner
Sip and savor your way through an unforgettable evening as The Westin Kierland rolls out the red carpet for an exquisite wine dinner with Far Niente. Known for crafting benchmark Napa Valley chardonnay and cabernet sauvignon, Far Niente is synonymous with passion, precision and unrivaled excellence in winemaking. This exclusive event will be hosted by none other than Sean Genn from the Far Niente Portfolio. He will guide guests through a curated selection of wines guaranteed to transport you straight to Napa Valley.
The culinary experience will be just as impressive with Executive Sous Chef David Roldan set to create a four-course dinner in the Mariposa Dining Room that perfectly complements each glass. Mark your calendars—this event will take place on Oct. 10!
6 | Beautiful Golf Courses
Fall is a perfect time to take advantage of The Westin Kierland’s Golf Club. Ranked by Golf Digest as one of “America’s 9 Most Cheerful Golf Courses,” this leading resort is a must-play for any golfer. With courses designed around the rugged desert terrain, the layout here features multiple tees and generous fairways. Play on three courses—the Acacia, Ironwood and Mesquite—with or without a lesson or a package. Book a tee time before you arrive, and leave time to visit the Brittlebush Bar & Grill for a casual lunch or early dinner. Here, sports fans can also catch NFL games on the SkyWatch projector screen and enjoy football Sunday specials from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., like discounted drinks and game-day grub!
7 | Seasonal Savings
Embrace the beauty of fall with The Westin Kierland’s Pumpkin Spice & Desert Paradise package! This offer is available from Oct. 1 through Dec. 31 and comes with two complimentary cocktails and a $100 nightly resort credit. Use your credit to explore seasonal delights like the Autumn Nights cocktail, blending Stoli Vanilla Vodka with rich fall flavors. Or, indulge in the Campfire Mocha at Coffee Flats, infused with espresso, mocha and toasted marshmallow syrup. Rejuvenate with a warming body ritual or facial at the Agave Spa, hit the greens for a round of golf in perfect autumn weather and discover countless other ways to celebrate the season at The Westin Kierland Resort & Spa.
The Westin Kierland Resort & Spa
6902 E Greenway Pkwy
Scottsdale, AZ 85254
480.624.1000
