61 Things To Do In Phx This May That’ll Help You Ring in The Summer Fun
May is finally here, and there’s no shortage of fun things to do in the Valley! We’ve got you covered with some of the best ways to ring in those summer time vibes.
Wednesday, May 1st
– Take a walk this Wednesday at 5:30 p.m. with Local First Arizona and the Urban Phoenix Project for the 8th annual “Jane’s Walk.” Jane Jacobs was one of the most-famed urbanists, and the walk will take place in Downtown Phoenix to discuss the importance of walkable neighborhoods.
– You can head over to Valley Bar at 8 p.m. to hear singer-songwriter Sawyer Fredericks (winner of the 8th season of the Voice) give a soulful performance. Tickets are $20.
Thursday, May 2nd
– Enjoy lunch and a show at the Herberger Theater at 12:10 p.m. as a part of their “Lunch time” theater performances. The show, Luna & Solis, is based around the love that the sun and moon have for one another. Tickets are $7.
– “Get Lit” is a night of cocktails and conversation around different topics of literary culture inspired by 17th Century French Salons. Enjoy the intimate gathering with other lit enthusiasts, starting at 7 p.m. at Valley Bar.
Friday, May 3rd
– The weather is still pretty nice at night around the Valley, which means you should take advantage of the First Friday Art Walk taking place Downtown. From 6-10 p.m. you can enjoy a range of galleries, street art performances and more, all for free.
– If you’re a fan of ballet, you won’t want to miss “All Balanchine 2019” featuring three ballets by George Balanchine (known as the father of American ballet). Catch a show at Symphony Hall with tickets starting at $33.
Saturday, May 4th
– Again, with the weather still bearable in the early morning, why not head over to the Phoenix Public Market in Downtown Phoenix and shop a variety of local vendors? The market opens at 8 a.m., so make a day of it!
– Local and national standup comedians will be heading to Crescent Ballroom for “Literally the Worst Show Ever,” a night of comedy featuring live sketch comedy and video gags. Tickets are $20 for the 8 p.m. show.
– Brush up on your old college talents with some cornhole! We’re partnering with Talking Stick Resort Arena to bring you a day of Cinco de Mayo fun stocked with drinks, friendly competition and memories. Registration is only $29.99 a person (or $100 per 4 player team), so grab your friends and get ready for some corhole.
Sunday, May 5th
– The Cinco De Mayo Phoenix Festival has been taking place for 26 years now, becoming a staple celebration that features music, lucha libre, plenty of food and drinks, and much more. Tickets are $10, and gates open at noon.
– Chico Malo and Copper Blues in Downtown Phoenix are taking over the streets for the 2nd annual Cinco on Central Block Party. There will be DJs, live musicians, hot chili pepper eating contest, and even a performance by Lil Jon! Tickets are $25.
Monday, May 6th
– Little Rituals is launching their Aperitivo Hour, featuring specials on classic aperitif cocktails, food, beer and wine from 4-6 p.m.
– Sutra Studios is starting a “Roots of Yoga” series, which features various workshops to discuss the origins of the lifestyle. This is the first class, which will cover the six branches of yoga. $40 gets you access to all of the workshops that run weekly through June 10th.
Tuesday, May 7th
– Fatcat Ballroom & Dance Company hosts their Tuesday night Swing Dances featuring a variety of styles of swing dance. Take lessons at 7:30 p.m., and from 8:30-10:30 p.m. you can dance the night away. $10 at the door.
– Paint some ceramic pieces for a good cause over at Rewined Beer and Wine Bar at 6 p.m. They’re partnering with Ben’s Bells, a nonprofit organization that promotes intentional kindness. There is no charge for the event – you’ll be painting kindness coins that serve as symbols of intentional kindness in the community.
Wednesday, May 8th
– It’s time again for Bar Flies – the monthly reading series that features members of the community telling true stories told live on stage for your entertainment. Tickets are $10 for the 7 p.m. show at Valley Bar.
– “The Triumphant Return of EELS” will be taking place at The Van Buren starting at 8 p.m. EELS has been a music project that is constantly evolving and producing diverse, quality content. Tickets are $38.
Thursday, May 9th
– See the acclaimed stage adaption of C.S. Lewis’ masterpiece, the Screwtape Letters, performed at Herberger Theater at 7 p.m. Tickets range in price from $43-93.
– Tickets are still available to see Carrie Underwood at the Talking Stick Resort Arena as a part of her Cry Pretty Tour. The show begins at 7 p.m. and tickets start at $58.
Friday, May 10th
– Two of Arizona’s favorite local bands, decker. and the Haymarket Squares, are recording live albums at Last Exit Live. Support them and enjoy the event for just $10 starting at 8 p.m.
– Get your boogie on for a good cause with “Party with a Purpose” taking place at Valley Bar. The $3 donation goes to a humanitarian organization, and you get to enjoy a range of afrobeat, funk and soul rhythms starting at 10 p.m.
Saturday, May 11th
– The Urban Wine Walk is taking place again in Downtown Phoenix. The self-guided wine tasting tour takes place from 1-6 p.m. and encourages you to visit local bars and restaurants where wine samples will be provided for $2-3 and include a small snack.
– Music and craft beer combine for “The Bash Festival” taking place at Margaret T. Hance Park starting at 1 p.m. Performances from bands like Rancid and The Mighty Mighty Bosstones will take place and you can enjoy over 100 craft beers for tasting. Tickets start at $39.50.
Sunday, May 12th
– Celebrate Mother’s Day with a tour of the Rosson House, which is an 1895 high-style Victorian home. Afterwards, relax with elegant afternoon tea featuring a variety of sandwiches, scones and more. Tickets are $30 for the tour at 11:30 a.m.
– Enjoy the Phoenix Art Museum for no cost as a part of the Discount Tire Free Family Sunday. There will be live performances and other exciting activities starting at noon.
Monday, May 13th
– Make your Monday a bit more exciting by cheering on the Arizona Diamondbacks in the first of a three-game series against the Pirates. Tickets for the 6:40 p.m. game start at $15.
– The Strumbellas are heading to Crescent Ballroom as a part of their Rattlesnake US Tour. The six-piece band is best known for their hit “Spirits,” and are bringing their indie rock sounds to the venue. Tickets are $20.
Tuesday, May 14th
– Enjoy community day at the Desert Botanical Gardens, where admission is free. The park is open from 8 a.m.- 5 p.m.
– Game of Thrones enthusiasts can participate in a themed trivia night taking place at CB Live Phoenix. There will be five rounds of trivia surrounding all seven seasons of the show. The vent is free and will start at 7 p.m.
Wednesday, May 15th
– The Arizona Republic and azcentral.com present a night of “Stylish Stories” discussing fashion and self-expression at the Phoenix Art Museum from 7- 8:30 p.m. Tickets are $12.
– Head over to the Crescent Ballroom for a beautiful show featuring The Japanese House. 21-year old Amber Bain is behind the name, crafting songs that capture the pain of displaced relationships, moving through life on her own, and more. Tickets are $18.
Thursday, May 16th
– Catch a stand-up comedy showcase at Stand Up Live, which features the best up-and-coming comedians in Arizona trying to earn the opportunity for a paid spot on stage. Tickets are $15 with a two-drink minimum in the venue.
– The Crescent Jazz Society features the latest in Phoenix Jazz with a night full of free performances from 10 p.m.- midnight.
Friday, May 17th
– The Arizona Science Center is opening up for the 21+ crowd with Science with a Twist. The night’s theme is “Harry Potter: Battle of Hogwarts,” and you’re encouraged to dress to the theme. Enjoy butterbeer, quidditch and more. Tickets are $12.
– Enjoy a fun night out with ultimate comfort when you attend the “Pajama Jam Dance Party,” hosted at Last Exit Live. Wear your PJs and enjoy a variety of DJ performances. Tickets start at $10.
Saturday, May 18th
– PHX Field Day is finally here! This event is a throwback to grade school with adults in mind, which means you’re basically guaranteed to have a good time. Spots are filling quick, so make sure you grab a general priced ticket ($45) ASAP and join us at Margaret T. Hance Park for a fun-filled day. Your ticket grants you entrance to the event, live music to groove to, three mandatory games and eight scramble games. See you there!
– Wanting to relive high school days and attend a prom again? Maybe you never got to go as a teen, but either way, the Children’s Museum is hosting an “Adult Prom” night that those 21+ can attend. Enjoy dancing, prom photo ops, and even a crowning of Prom King and Queen! The event is from 7- 11 p.m., and tickets are $15.
– Valley Bar is hosting a free night of electronica, deep house, techno and much more, presented by DJ Michael Hooker and RE:Sound starting at 9 p.m.
Sunday, May 19th
– Change up your Sunday afternoon with a Jazz Matinee taking place at The Nash. Ashley Pezzotti will be backed by a versatile band for a performance from 3-5 p.m. to celebrate her debut album. Tickets are $25 or $10 for students with ID.
– History enthusiasts should head over to Valley Bar to hear a variety of obscure anecdotes about a range of Arizona’s people, places and events. Tickets for the 7 p.m. show are just $5.
Monday, May 20th
– Mix up your Monday by celebrating the Spring Arizona Restaurant Week. A variety of restaurants are participating, offering great deals for multiple-course meals. Phoenix Restaurant Grille is one of them, offering three courses for just $33. See the full list here.
– Catch a showing of “Agave: The Spirit of a Nation,” a documentary that showcases the passion and soul behind Mezcal and Tequila. Admission includes pre-show agave tasting at Sazerac Bar Phoenix. The event starts at 7:30 p.m. and tickets are $15.
Tuesday, May 21st
– It’s the May wine tasting at Rott n’ Grapes RoRo and the theme is a Pinot Noir throw down. Champion wines will be available for you to sample and enjoy for just $25.
– Legendary country musician Willie Nelson is making an appearance at the Celebrity Theatre for a show starting at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are still available, ranging from $71-131.
Wednesday, May 22nd
– Enjoy the last night of “WalkPhx Wednesday” for the season – the free social walk/run takes you through a 3.2 mi. loop of Downtown Phoenix and allows you to socialize with members of the community. There are also food trucks waiting for you at the end. The event starts at 5:15 p.m.
– Create a masterpiece at Paint Nite taking place at The Vig Uptown, where you’ll be guided by an artist step-by-step from a blank canvas to a work of art. Tickets are $37 and come with all the materials you need. The event starts at 7 p.m.
Thursday, May 23rd
– Experience the state-of-the-art laser system at the Arizona Science Center with “Lasers and Liquor: Stranger Things and Beastie Boys.” The night will feature a variety of music from the TV show and band, while a light show takes place in the Dorrance Planetarium. The evening will go from 6-10 p.m, and tickets are $10.
– Urban Yoga in Phoenix is hosting a “Candlelight Flow to Zen” from 7:30-8:45 p.m. where you’ll be flowing in Vinyasa to unwind in restorative stretches and meditation, all with relaxation in mind. Ticekts are $22.
Friday, May 24th
– From 9:30 p.m. to close you can party at Lucky Strike bowling in Phoenix with a live DJ. It takes bowling to the next level, and you can enjoy the full bar and billiard tables too. Prices for lanes vary.
– Winter is coming to the Van Buren, where a Game of Thrones night is being hosted. The night will feature a themed dance party, live action sword fights, costume contests and much more. Come dressed as your favorite character and enjoy being around other fans of the show. Tickets are $8 for the event at 10 p.m.
Saturday, May 25th
– Head over to the Phoenix Convention Center for day three of Phoenix Fan Fusion– featuring a range of speakers, panels and other activities for fans of fantasy, anime and more. Some of the Saturday guests include Adam Savage from Mythbusters and the legendary actor Jeff Goldblum. Tickets range, with single day Saturday prices starting at $45.
– The Van Buren is hosting “One More Time,” a tribute to electronic music duo Daft Punk. Tickets are $15 for the 9 p.m. show.
Sunday, May 26th
– The Phoenix Symphony brings the 2018-2019 classic series to an end with a performance of “The Planets, an HD Odyssey” at 2 p.m. The multimedia experience features beautiful music combined with NASA and Hubble images projected. Tickets start at $25.
– Dance along to Reggaetón, Cumbia, Hip Hop and music styles for a Gasolina Party taking place at The Van Buren starting at 10 p.m. Tickets are $10.
Monday, May 27th
– Spend your Memorial Day morning at the 13th annual “Flags for Our Fallen” Memorial Day rally taking place from 6-9 a.m. Flags and motorcycles will line the entrance to the National Memorial Cemetery, and the official ceremony will start at 8 a.m. The event is free, but donations for flags will be accepted.
Tuesday, May 28th
– Step into the Triviadome to test your knowledge on a range of questions surrounding cinema and culture. Valley Bar hosts this free event where you can win some great prizes. Registration starts at 7 p.m.
– Caravan Taproom is hosting a girl’s night out where you can enjoy specials like $3 shots and $4 wine. Get out on the dance floor and party on a Tuesday from 5 p.m.- 2 a.m.
Wednesday, May 29th
– Gracie’s Tax Bar is hosting a free BINGO night at 7 p.m. where you can win a lot of cool prizes and spend your Wednesday doing something different.
– Electropop band A R I Z O N A will be at the Van Buren at 8 p.m. as a part of their Find Someone tour. They’ll be performing hits like “Cross My Mind” and recent single “Freaking Out.” Tickets are $21.
Thursday, May 30th
– The Arizona School for the Arts is hosting their 2019 showcase featuring performing arts such as dance, music and theatre. It’s taking place in the beautiful Orpheum Theatre in Phoenix starting at 7 p.m.
– A murder mystery night is taking place at The Old Spaghetti Factory where you’ll have to use clues to figure out who did the deed. Enjoy a three-course meal as well, all for $49.
Friday, May 31st
– The Van Buren is hosting a “Drake vs. Kanye” night where hits from both artists will be played all night. Tickets are $15, and the event starts at 9:30 p.m.
– It’s a night of “Loose Joints” with DJ Cocoe at Valley Bar featuring a rotating selection of House, Boogie, Disco, Hiphop and other dance beats. The fun starts at 10pm, and entry is free!
Show us how you have fun in the Valley this May using #PHXFray and #FrayLife.
Happy May, Phoenicians!
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