You’re just strolling, shopping, and grabbing a bite in Scottsdale—completely unaware you might be standing in a former movie scene without even knowing it.
📽️ Scottsdale’s Hollywood History Comes to Life at Western Spirit Museum
🎈 Scottsdale-based Totali EZ Balloons expands nationwide
🏡 House Hunch
🗞️ Local Buzz: Scottsdale parks projects earn statewide honors
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Scottsdale’s Hollywood History Comes to Life at Western Spirit Museum
Beat the summer heat with a visit to Western Spirit: Scottsdale's Museum of the West. On May 28, 6 p.m, explore Scottsdale’s history as a movie and film location with local historian Joan Fudala in an engaging and fascinating presentation.
Hollywood roots: This program explores Scottsdale’s role in film and television history, featuring productions such as Raising Arizona and Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure that were connected to the city. Presented as part of the Still in the Saddle exhibition, the event examines notable filming locations, local figures tied to Hollywood, and the early career of Steven Spielberg. The presentation offers insight into Scottsdale’s lasting impact on the entertainment industry and its connection to iconic productions.
That's the spirit: Western Spirit: Scottsdale's Museum of the West is a cultural institution in Old Town Scottsdale dedicated to preserving and showcasing the art, history, and culture of the American West, Western Canada, and Mexico. Opened in 2015, the museum was inspired by former Scottsdale mayor Herb Drinkwater and operates as a non-profit organization.
Adult museum and program admission is at $28.00. Register here. Western Spirit Museum address: 3830 N. Marshall Way, Scottsdale, AZ 85251.
Business
Scottsdale-based Totali EZ Balloons expands nationwide
Totali EZ Balloons, trending for its reusable arch style balloon starter kit, is now officially available in over 500 Michaels stores nationwide.
Humble beginnings: Founded by Scottsdale couple Erik and Angie, Totali EZ Balloons was created to simplify balloon decorating for parties and events. Inspired by Angie’s passion for celebrations and the challenges of creating balloon arches by hand, the family partnered with an engineer to develop an easier, more affordable solution for custom balloon designs.
Easy and buzzing: Totali EZ Balloons uses a reusable Starter Kit that allows users to create balloon arches, columns, garlands, and other designs with minimal setup. The system works by connecting pre-filled balloon packs to EZ tubes and connectors, then inflating and self-sealing the balloons in about one minute using an electric pump included in the kit.
The Totali EZ Starter Kit is priced at $299, and also available online.
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🏠House Hunch
Can you guess the price of this Scottsdale home from just a single photo?
Private listing courtesy of Joan Levinson | Paradise Valley Luxury Real Estate Expert
Three Scottsdale parks projects received statewide recognition for excellence in design, sustainability, and craftsmanship. Ashler Hills Park earned multiple awards for its environmentally conscious design, while McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park and Reata Sports Complex were recognized for architectural quality and community-focused amenities.
SimonCRE has acquired a 10-acre site in Surprise for the development of Prasada East, a new outdoor shopping center anchored by Whole Foods Market. The project will also include retail and restaurant space for upscale tenants and specialty retailers.
Mendocino Farms is expanding further in the Valley with a second Arizona location set to open June 2 at The Promenade Scottsdale. The brand, which first launched locally in Gainey Ranch, also has a third location planned in Arcadia this fall as part of its continued Scottsdale and Phoenix growth.
Art & Company will host a free panel discussion, Artful Interiors: How Designers Work with Fine, on Thursday, May 21, from 3–7 p.m., featuring interior designers exploring how original art shapes interior spaces. The event includes a panel, showroom access, and refreshments, and guests are encouraged to reserve their spot.
The Scottsdale Police Department will launch an AI-assisted non-emergency call system later this year to help handle routine inquiries and reduce dispatcher wait times. The Motorola HYPER technology is designed to identify emergencies through keywords and automatically transfer urgent calls to live dispatchers when needed.
Ravenscroft Jazzbird Lounge will host a free public performance on Sunday, May 24, from 6–8 p.m., featuring Phoenix-based quartet The Local Spirits. The group blends jazz, rock, blues, bluegrass, and global music influences into a genre-crossing sound, with donations benefiting humanitarian causes.
And that’s a wrap on today’s newsletter—thanks for reading the rundown! If you liked it, feel free to share it with someone who can’t resist a good party setup (or a few extra decorations).
—Ben Murray | Founder @ Desert Rundown
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