Check Here Each Month for Fun Family Events
May 2013
A list of monthly things to do around the Phoenix Area
- 2nd Friday Night Out
Art, dining, shopping, activities, entertainment, and fun. Main between Center and Country Club in Mesa. The information booth located on Main and Macdonald has a map of the evening’s activities and locations. Bring your kids. Bring your dog. Free.
In 2013: May 10 - Afternoon Concert Series
Bringing live music to the downtown lunch scene from 11:45 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the amphitheater stage at Civic Space Park, 424 N. Central Ave. Call for info 602-262-7490.
In 2013: May ? - The Ameri”CAN” Canned Craft Beer Festival
Celebrating the craft beer movement. Award Ceremony, live entertainment, food, VIP, beer science garden, beer Olympics and over 40 local and national breweries celebrating the canned craft beer revolution. Scottsdale Civic Center Amphitheater.
In 2013: May 18 - Arizona Derby Dames
All-girl roller derby since 2006. Now playing on a banked track. Arizona Veterans Memorial Coliseum, Phoenix.
In 2013: May 4 - Arizona Diamondbacks Baseball
The Arizona Diamondbacks play professional Baseball at Chase Field. Video: Chase Field Tour.
In 2013: Various dates in May - Arizona Tattoo Expo
Tattoos, piercings, contests, vendors. Mesa Convention Center.
In 2013: May 3, 4, 5 - ArtBridge Thursdays
Artists, crafters and jewelers exhibit and sell items in a family-friendly, festive environment. SouthBridge, Downtown Scottsdale. Free admission.
In 2013: Every Thursday in May - Astronomy Evenings
A talk (novice level) explaining facts about the solar system and the galaxy around the planet earth followed by observing the moon, several planets, star systems through a celestron telescope. Weather permitting. Registration required. Ages 8+. Pinnacle Peak Park, Scottsdale.
In 2013: May 4 - Birds in the Garden
Join expert birders for a morning bird walk along the Garden trails. Everyone, including first-time birders, is welcome. Wear a hat, sunscreen and comfortable walking shoes. Bring binoculars if available. Desert Botanical Garden, Phoenix at 7 a.m. This activity is included in the regular admission fee.
In 2013: Every Monday in May - Birds ‘n’ Beer
Birds ‘n Beer offers local professionals a fun and refreshing way to learn about Arizona birds and other wildlife while networking with fellow nature-lovers. Have a cold brew while enjoying an enlightening and lively presentation on Arizona nature. Nina Mason Pulliam Rio Salado Audubon Center in Phoenix. RSVP requested 602-468-6470.
In 2013: May 16 - Blues, Bruise and BBQs
Blues bands, body-painting competition, beer gardens, entertainment. Goodyear.
In 2013: May ? - Carefree Sundays at el Pegregal
Free musical entertainment from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. There is no admission fee but food must be purchased. el Pedregal, Scottsdale.
In 2013: May 5, 12 - Cinco de Mayo Celebrations
Neighborhood and community Cinco de Mayo celebrations are free or very reasonably priced. You’ll find lots of Latino music, dance, Mexican food, games–it’s fiesta time!
In 2013: First week in May - Community Cinema
Free movie and post-show discussion, presented by City of Mesa Office of Diversity, City of Mesa Human Relations Advisory Board, Mesa Arts Center, ITVS Community Cinema and Eight Arizona PBS. Dobson Lecture Hall at Mesa Arts Center. Free.
In 2013: May 16 - Desert Botanical Garden Butterfly Pavilion
Walk among the beautiful butterflies at this special springtime event located at the Desert Botanical Garden in Phoenix.
In 2013: March 2 – May 12 - Downtown Chandler Art Walk
Visit more than 70 artisans set up along the streets in front of the unique shops and cafes of Historic Downtown Chandler. Free.
In 2013: May 17 - Farmers Markets
Vegetables, fruits, herbs, flowers, breads, jams, cheeses, juices, local specialty foods and crafts. Several locations.
In 2013: Various dates in May - First Friday
Visit more than 100 downtown Phoenix art galleries, studios and art spaces. Free.
In 2013: First Friday of the month - Flashlight Tours at Desert Botanical Garden
See, hear and feel the desert night including, nighthawks, tortoises, insects and night-blooming flowers. Bring a flashlight and wear comfortable shoes. Tours begin at 7 p.m. Recommended for families and children of all ages. Desert Botanical Garden in Phoenix.
In 2013: Thursday and Saturday evenings in May - Free Art Friday
Preschoolers and their parents participate in an activity involving art and/or music. The theme varies from month to month. No registration required. Free. Tempe.
In 2013: May 17 - Friday Night Franks
A unique outdoor cookout experience in the Sonoran desert. Live entertainment, Native American storytelling, horseshoes, wagon rides, and an old fashioned wiener roast. Free admission, charge for food and beverages. Fort McDowell Adventures.
In 2013: every Friday night in May until Memorial Day - Gilbert Spring Concerts in the Park
Free concerts take place at the Freestone Park amphitheater, located by the lake. Gilbert. Bring a blanket or lawn chair.
In 2013: May 9 - Glendale’s Live at the Library
Musical entertainment at 6:30 p.m. at the Glendale Main Library. Concerts are free. Call 623-930-3573 for more details.
In 2013: May 23 - Goodyear Spring Concert Series
Bring lawn chairs, blankets, food, beverages (no glass) or purchase from our on-site food vendor. Goodyear Community Park. Free.
In 2013: May 4 - Hot Summer Nights Concert Series
Hear live bands on High Street at CityCenter of CityNorth. Concerts are free. Restaurant specials, other activities (charges may apply).
In 2013: May 11, 18, 25 - Kentucky Derby Events
Can’t get to Kentucky for the annual Run for the Roses? You can find a viewing party, brunch or a mint julep right here in Arizona.
In 2013: May 4 - KUPD UFiesta
Rock and roll all day. Quail Run Park, Mesa.
In 2013: May 4 - Make it and Take it Wednesdays
Children ages 8 and older can enjoy some fun and creativity as they use different types of materials to create their unique art projects. Free. Mesa Main Library.
In 2013: Third Wednesday of the month - McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park Free Concerts
Scottsdale. Bring a blanket or a lawn chair and enjoy a variety of music from 7:30 to 9 p.m. Train and carousel rides are available during all concerts for a small charge.
In 2013: Sunday nights in May - Memorial Day Observances and Events
There are community events, concerts, and observances on Memorial Day weekend.
In 2013: Memorial Day Weekend - Mother’s Day Events
Each year there are a variety of events, activities and dining specials to celebrate that special Mom in your life.
In 2013: Various dates in May - Motorcycles on Main
The streets of downtown Mesa are closed to all but bikers and people who love motorcycles. Music, food, beer garden. Free admission.
In 2013: First Friday of the month - Movies at the Museum
Phoenix Art Museum. Independent and classic cinema and documentaries relating to art, artists, and works on view in the Museum, usually followed by discussion. Free with paid museum admission. First come, first seated.
In 2013: Various dates in May - Movies at the Park
Free admission. Bring a blanket, snacks, and water. Movies begin at dusk (approximately 7 p.m.). Movies are shown by the fire pit on the west side of Kiwanis Lake at Kiwanis Park, Tempe.
In 2013: May 3, 10, 17, 24, 31 - Movies in the Park
Family friendly movies will be shown at Pacana Park in Maricopa. Bring your own snacks and a blanket and enjoy the show. Snacks will also be available to purchase. All movies are free and begin at about 7 p.m. Call for info 520-316-6961.
In 2013: May 4, 18 - Museum Day
May 18 is International Museum Day. Participating museums offer free admissions or special entrance fees on Museum Day.
In 2013: May 18 - Music in the Garden
From 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Ullman Terrace. Ticketed event. Desert Botanical Garden in Phoenix.
In 2013: May 3, 10, 17, 31 - Music in May
Free concerts at Anthem Community Park amphitheater at 7 p.m. Bring your picnic and your blanket or lawn chairs. Concerts are about two hours long. Free admission.
In 2013: Every Friday in May - National Train Day
Free admission to the Arizona Railway Museum. These are real trains in various stages of restoration by volunteers. Special opportunity to go inside of many of the trains. Chandler.
In 2013: May 11 - Neon Splash Dash
Combines a 3-mile Fun Run/Walk with an After Glow Party, with performers and entertainment. Runners will dance to the pumped up music as they cross through different colored Glow Spray Zones. In each Zone, you will be sprayed with Glow Water while being illuminated with high intensity U.V. black lights. , Scottsdale.
In 2013: May 11 - Out and About in Avondale
A monthly community event in Avondale. Activities vary each month and may include block parties, concerts, movies, and seasonal holiday-themed events.
In 2013: second Friday of the month - Pandora Festival
New and provocative plays by women playwrights at Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts.
In 2013: May ?? - Phoenix Bridal Show
Vendors for products and services for all your wedding needs. Downtown Phoenix.
In 2013: May 19 - Phoenix Comicon
Presenting guests and programming for hobbyists by attracting the top segments of the comics, anime, sci-fi, film, tv, and gaming industries. Phoenix Convention Center and Hyatt Regency, downtown Phoenix.
In 2013: May 23 – 26 - Phoenix FC Soccer
The professional USL Pro soccer team in Arizona plays at Sun Devil, Soccer Stadium in Tempe.
In 2013: May 3, 23 - Phoenix Mercury WNBA Basketball
The women of the Phoenix Mercury play professional basketball at the US Airways Center.
In 2013: Various dates in May - Queen Creek Peach Festival
Enjoy peach picking, recipes, sampling, and entertainment at Schnepf Farms.
In 2013: May 18, 19, 25, 26, 27 - Railbirds
Bird scavenger hunt. Teams led by bird experts identify birds seen along METRO Light Rail. Followed by awards fiesta at Nina Mason Pulliam Rio Salado Audubon Center.
In 2013: May ?? - Science Saturdays
Combines science experiments with historic home tours. Different science projects at each session. Historic home tours and garden walks will also be available. Free. Tumbleweed Park, Chandler.
In 2013: May 11 - Scottsdale ArtWalk
Every Thursday evening the Scottsdale Art District invites you to spend a casual evening walking downtown and enjoying fine art. Free.
In 2013: Every Thursday evening - Scottsdale Street Fair
A weekly street fair with art, food, family entertainment, kids activities. Some weeks will have themes or special guests or appearances. Admission is free. Scottsdale Pavilions.
In 2013: every Sunday in May - Spring Butterfly Exhibit
Visitors to the Marshall Butterfly Pavilion can expect to see hundreds of butterflies housed in a spacious 36-by-80-foot flight enclosed garden that recreates a habitat that is most appealing to butterflies. Desert Botanical Garden in Phoenix.
In 2013: March 2 – May 12 - Carefree Sundays at el Pegregal
1 p.m. to 4 p.m. There is no admission fee but food must be purchased.
In 2013: May 5, 12 - Surprise Mayfair
Kids activities, petting zoo, car show, vendors. Surprise.
In 2013: May 4 - Talk Cinema
Audience members are the critics at a sneak-preview film. This film series screens award-winning indie and foreign films before their theatrical release. The films are selected from leading festivals by critic Harlan Jacobson. Screenings include moderated conversations hosted by guest speakers. Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts.
In 2013: May 7 - Target 3 for Free Performance Series
Target and Mesa Arts Center sponsor free concerts on the first Sunday of the month at 1 p.m. Courtyard. Bring a snack and enjoy live music in a great setting.
In 2013: May 5 - Third Thursdays in Tempe
Local musicians performing on the streets for Music on Mill. There are usually other activities or performances scheduled as well. Check online for monthly themes. Mill Avenue District, Tempe.
In 2013: third Thursday of the month - Walk-In Wednesdays
Local musicians perform at a free open mic night from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Tempe Center for the Arts in Downtown Tempe.
In 2013: Every Wednesday in May - Westgate Bike Night
Hundreds of bikes line Coyotes Boulevard. Entertainment, deals and discounts from Westgate merchants. All riders are welcome. You don’t have to have a bike to attend. Free admission. Westgate City Center, Glendale.
In 2013: Thursdays, March 28 – June 27
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