The Rusty Spur Saloon has spent 75 years turning a one-time bank building into one of Scottsdale’s most recognizable gathering spots. The bar has held steady through the COVID-19 pandemic, a spring training lockout and an ever-changing Old Town. 

This month, the landmark is celebrating its anniversary with an all‑day event that thanks the regulars, visitors and musicians who helped shape its identity.

The Rusty Spur’s 75th birthday party is Saturday, Sept. 26, and will feature all-day drink specials, country music and food. 

“Reaching 75 years is an incredible milestone, especially in a community that has grown and changed so much,” said Janeth Moore, vice president of operations for POV Foods, in a statement. 

“This celebration is our way of thanking everyone who has made us part of their story.”

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General manager Steve Fleshner has been with the Rusty Spur Saloon for six years. He said the team wanted the anniversary to feel like a true community event.

“We’ve never had a party like this,” Fleshner said. “Seventy‑five years is a big milestone, so we’re excited to do it.”

Live music begins at 11 a.m. and continues late into the night, featuring performers who have become part of the Spur’s identity. The house band, Psychobilly Rodeo, takes the stage at 8 p.m. and has been playing the Rusty Spur for more than 30 years.

“Most of our bands have been playing here for five-, 10-, 20‑plus years,” Fleshner said. “Our house band, Psychobilly Rodeo, has been doing it over 30 years.”

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Celebration highlights include 75‑cent Coors Banquet beers; free commemorative 75th anniversary koozies (while supplies last); limited‑edition anniversary T‑shirts, with select shirts given away throughout the day; giveaways; music from longtime Rusty Spur performers; and staff and guests in Western attire.

The anniversary celebration will also benefit Phoenix Children’s Foundation, continuing the Rusty Spur’s longstanding commitment to giving back. A custom “75” display will be placed on the west wall, and guests will be invited to help fill the numbers with dollar bills benefiting the Hope Fund.

Built in 1921 as the Farmers State Bank of Scottsdale, the structure at 7245 E. Main St. served as the city’s first bank before closing during the Great Depression. It later housed the Scottsdale Chamber of Commerce and a real estate office before opening as the Rusty Spur in 1951. Today, the original bank vault serves as the saloon’s walk‑in cooler.

Every December, the saloon removes the thousands of signed dollar bills pinned to its walls and donates the proceeds. The annual collection raised $6,000 in 2024 and $7,000 in 2025.

“The dollar bills have become such an iconic and meaningful part of visiting the Spur,” Moore said. “We are so thrilled to raise even more money for such an important cause.”

The tradition dates to the Rusty Spur’s early days, when cowboys would leave a dollar with their name on it so they could return for a drink when money was tight. Today, the gesture has become a symbol of community support.

Fleshner said the bar’s longevity comes down to its history, hospitality, and the feeling guests get when they walk in.

“I think the history always resonates with people,” he said. “When they get here, and they realize that we do have live music every day, we do have cold beer—it kind of slows down here at the Rusty Spur. When you come in the door, you’re almost transported back in time to a simpler time.”

Spring training has also played a major role in the Rusty Spur’s success. Fleshner sees many of the same visitors return year after year.

“There are so many returning guests,” he said. “I see a lot of the same guests coming for spring training almost all six years.”

For Fleshner and his team, the anniversary is about gratitude for regulars, seasonal visitors, and the community that has supported the Rusty Spur through everything from the pandemic to baseball lockouts.

“For the 75th anniversary, we’re really trying to give back to the community, to our regulars,” he said. “We just want everybody to come in and have a great time, like they have been for the last 75 years.”