Memorial Day weekend in Scottsdale is a different kind of holiday. The desert heat is already in full swing, the patios fill up fast, and the city has a pulse that only picks up when a long weekend gives everyone an excuse to go bigger. Whether you're a local who knows exactly where to be or someone visiting from out of town, Scottsdale delivers — you just have to know where to point your crew. Here's what's actually worth doing this Memorial Day weekend, and why Bowlero should be on the list.
Start the weekend outdoors, then get out of the heat
Memorial Day weekend in Scottsdale typically lands with temperatures in the triple digits, which means the outdoor window is real — but it's short. Early morning hikes at Camelback Mountain or the McDowell Sonoran Preserve are spectacular before 9 AM, when the trails are cool and the desert light is at its best. Old Town Scottsdale is worth a morning stroll too — the farmers market runs on Saturdays, the coffee is good, and the energy in the streets before noon doesn't feel like the relentless heat that sets in by early afternoon.
The smart move is to plan around the heat, not against it. Get outside early, explore at your own pace, and have a solid indoor destination locked in for the afternoon and evening. Scottsdale has no shortage of options once the sun takes over — and Bowlero has three locations across the area to make sure your crew never has to go far.
Explore what Scottsdale does best
Scottsdale has quietly built one of the best dining and entertainment scenes in the Southwest, and Memorial Day weekend is a great excuse to actually dig into it. The Old Town neighborhood is the obvious anchor — rooftop bars, gallery walks, and restaurants that draw from both Phoenix and Sedona's culinary scenes. Kierland Commons and Scottsdale Quarter are both worth an afternoon if you've got shoppers in the group, with enough food and drink options to keep everyone happy between stops.
For groups that want something more social and high-energy, Bowlero Old Town puts 24 lanes right in the heart of Scottsdale's most active neighborhood. It's the kind of spot that fits naturally into a full day — you can walk from dinner, grab a lane, and stay until the night wraps up on its own. The sports bar is always buzzing, and with private lanes available for special occasions, it's easy to carve out a space that feels like your own.
Get your whole crew on the lanes
Memorial Day weekend is built for groups, and bowling at Bowlero is one of those rare activities that scales to any size. Four people, twelve people, a multigenerational family that can't agree on anything else — the lanes work for all of it. The arcade keeps younger guests locked in between frames, the bar program takes care of the adults, and the food is the kind that actually satisfies — not an afterthought.
Bowlero Via Linda is a go-to on the north end of Scottsdale, with a sports bar, private rooms, and a lounge setup that makes it easy to settle in and stay. Bowlero North Scottsdale rounds out the metro options with bowling, arcade games, and great food all under one roof. If your crew wants to take the night further than a standard lane reservation — think private space, customized setup, a real event rather than just a booking — Bowlero's Adult Social Events are worth a look. And for the families bringing kids along for the long weekend, Kids Parties can turn a casual outing into something they'll be talking about on the drive home.
Make the most of Memorial Day weekend deals
One of the advantages of a long weekend is having the time to actually take advantage of what's on offer. Bowlero runs specials throughout the season, and Memorial Day weekend is no exception — check what's current before you head out. The Summer Season Pass is also worth picking up if Scottsdale is your home base this summer. Two free games of bowling every day, shoe rental included, and Premium Pass holders can even use it at any Bowlero, Lucky Strike, or AMF location across the country — which makes it one of the best value plays in entertainment if you're anywhere near a center between now and September.
Plan your Memorial Day weekend in Scottsdale now
Scottsdale Memorial Day weekend moves fast, and the best lanes go with it. Use code MDW20 at checkout for 20% off your lane reservation. Book by May 25 for reservations held by May 31. Reserve your lane now and check the Bowlero location finder to find the spot closest to your crew. The heat is coming — make sure your plans are ready for it.