Canal Convergence presents ‘SHOWTIME’

CAPTION: Canal Convergence will happen from Nov. 7–16, 2025, at the Scottsdale Waterfront. Walter Productions’ fan-favorite fire shows will return for the seventh year. Photo by: David Blakeman

SCOTTSDALE, Arizona — Scottsdale Arts’ Canal Convergence will explore and celebrate the intersection of performance and public art from Nov. 7–16, 2025, at the Scottsdale Waterfront. 

The free, 10-night event features large-scale public artworks, created by artists from around the world, alongside live music and dance performances, creative workshops, educational tours and activities, food trucks and a beer and wine garden. In addition to the event’s perennial focus on interactivity, sustainability and the union of water, art and light, this year’s theme is “SHOWTIME.” 

Jennifer Gill, deputy director and curator of Canal Convergence, said the event is challenging artists this year to expand on the essential element of performance by highlighting its importance and purpose in society. 

“From our music stage and site-specific dance performances to Walter Productions’ fire shows, choreographed live by the artists each night, the art of performance is an integral part of Canal Convergence’s identity,” Gill said. “By blurring the line between audience and performer through interactive and performative public artworks, Canal Convergence seeks to inspire deeper understanding and appreciation of the performing arts and their impact.”  

Finalists from this year’s artwork selection include a broad range of public art and performance artists from all over the world. Walter Productions is set to return once again, bringing together the “razzle-dazzle” of the SHOWTIME theme with fan-favorite fire shows. Though the complete list of exhibiting artists will be announced later this summer, other finalists include transdisciplinary artist collective MASARY Studios; Canada-based art and entertainment powerhouse BIG ART; and purveyors of joy, innovation and play in public spaces, the Australia-based studio Amigo & Amigo. 

Additionally, in connection with the SHOWTIME theme, Canal Convergence will seek to commission more dance, music and light performances than ever before. 

This year’s Canal Convergence will coincide with the 50th anniversary of Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts, which is also operated by the nonprofit Scottsdale Arts. As two of the organization’s most visible and impactful programs, their overlapping celebrations will offer a unique opportunity to highlight Scottsdale Arts’ legacy of inspiring creativity and community engagement. 

In the coming months, additional Canal Convergence artworks and information about performances, workshops and other aspects of the event will be announced and added to the event website at CanalConvergence.com.  

Canal Convergence is made possible with the support of many partners and sponsors, including the City of Scottsdale, Billie Jo Herberger, Salt River Project, Nationwide, Republic Services, Christine and Richard Kovach, Darren Jeffrey, Scottsdale Fashion Square, Lifetime Home Remodeling, Sirus Structures, Dollar Radio Rentals and others.

MEDIA CONTACT: Sydney Ritter | SydneyR@ScottsdaleArts.org | 480-874-4663