May’s Top 10 Things to Do in Phoenix

By Editor May 23, 2016 10:00

May is best known as the month to celebrate the most important woman in our lives — mom. It’s also the month when Mexico made history by defeating French forces at the Battle of Puebla back in 1862, a date now known as Cinco de Mayo. Then it closes off with Memorial Day on the last Monday of May, commemorating all men and women who’ve died in military service in the U.S.

But May in the Valley is also packed with tons of cool events for the entire family. From an entire day devoted to comic books, to the performance of Latin sensation, singer and songwriter Julieta Venegas, May is jam packed with events guaranteed to be a great time for the entire family.

So without further ado (and like every month), here’s the list of our favorite events coming to the Valley this May.

Julieta Venegas @ the Wild Horse Pass Hotel & Casino

Born and raised in Tijuana, Baja California Mexico, Julieta Venegas became a sensation with her 1997 debut album “Aquí.” The album catapulted her to become one of the most prominent songwriters in Latino pop and in 2006, she released her most successful album, “Limón y Sal,” which is her best-selling album to date. Now, the Mexican singer is making her way to Chandler to delight fans at the Wild Horse Pass Hotel and Casino.

Click here for more information

Date: Saturday, May 21st

Time: 8 p.m.

Location:

Wild Horse Pass Hotel & Casino

5040 Wild Horse Pass Blvd

Chandler, AZ 85226

Cinco de Mayo Phoenix Festival 2016

The Cinco de Mayo Phoenix Festival is the largest annual event held in downtown Phoenix! It’s back for its 23rd year of family fun, music, entertainment, and traditional Mexican food & drinks. Performances will include Brenton Wood, Sunny Ozuna, Thee Latin All Stars, 80H Project, El Chicano, and Little Joe.

cincophx.com

Click here for more information

Date: May 7th – May 8th

Location:

200 W. Washington St.

Phoenix, AZ 85003

Annie @ the ASU Gammage

The world’s best-loved musical returns in time-honored form. Directed by original lyricist and director Martin Charnin and choreographed by Liza Gennaro, this production of ANNIE will be a brand new incarnation of the iconic original.

Featuring book and score by Tony Award®-winners Thomas Meehan, Charles Strouse and Martin Charnin, ANNIE includes such unforgettable songs as “It’s the Hard Knock Life,” “Easy Street,” “I Don’t Need Anything But You,” plus the eternal anthem of optimism, “Tomorrow.”

For more information or to get your tickets now, please visit asugammage.com

Date (s): May 4th – 8th

Show Times Vary

Location:

ASU Gammage

1200 S Forest Ave

Tempe, AZ 85281

Urban Wine Walk in Downtown Phoenix

Sip, savor and mingle at the annual Urban Wine Walk presented by Downtown Phoenix Inc. The self-guided tasting tour returns for its sixth year this Saturday, May 14th from 1 p.m. – 6 p.m., offering participants the opportunity to explore downtown, socialize and experience the local bar and restaurant scene. Participating locations will offer wine samples for $2 or $3 a glass, which also includes a delicious hors d’oeuvre.

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Date: Saturday, May 14th

Time: 1 p.m. – 6 p.m.

Location:

CityScape Phoenix

1 E. Washington St.

Phoenix, AZ 85004

FREE Comic Book Day in Phoenix

Some people wait all year for Christmas, and for others, it’s Thanksgiving, or Halloween. Others look forward to Free Comic Book Day, a day to gather upon a favorite local comic shop to pick the best of the bunch. Comic shops throughout the valley will be celebrating with a selection of free comics, as well as some serious deals and discounts that simply can’t be beat. So whether you’re into DC, Marvel or Manga, you’ll have the pick of the litter of your favorite comics and memorabilia. Be sure to arrive early for the best selection!

Shutter stock

For more information, click here.

Date: Saturday, May 7th

Time: 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.

Location:

Dreadnought Comics

3624 W Bell Rd

Glendale, AZ 85308

SKRILLEX at Release Pool Party

Celebrate Memorial Day Weekend at RELEASE when Skrillex makes his debut at The Pool at Talking Stick Resort on Saturday, May 28, 2016. Jack Ü, a duo made up of Skrillex and Diplo is just the latest success story in a long list of accomplishments that has made Skrillex a leader in the electronic dance music industry. To-date, Skrillex has sold over 10 million singles and played over 500 shows in 35 countries. Don’t miss your chance to see him live in Scottsdale on May 28, only at RELEASE.

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Date: Saturday, May 28th

Doors open at 11 a.m.

Location:

The Pool at the Talking Stick Resort

9800 Talking Stick Way

Scottsdale, AZ 85256

Ballet Arizona Presents: “ROUND”

Ballet Arizona is gearing up for its much anticipated production, titled Round, presented at Desert Botanical Garden. Artistic Director, Ib Andersen will be showcasing his latest work May 17 – June 4, 2016 with the world premiere performed on a 360 degree stage constructed specifically for the new ballet. Round, with themes that explore man’s connection to nature, promises to be an enchanting performance that embraces the backdrop of the Sonoran Desert. Get ready to be immersed in the artistry, seated in four sections around the circular stage, amid ramps that the dancers will use as part of the choreography to enter the stage.

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Date (s): May 17th – June 4th | Tuesdays through Saturdays

Time: 8 p.m. nightly

Location:

Desert Botanical Gardens

1201 N Galvin Parkway

Phoenix, AZ 85008

Slide the City Phoenix

Triple-digit weather is right around the corner and Slide the City is bringing back its 1000 ft water slide! Slide the City is a family friendly slip-and-slide water party event. There will be music, food, drinks, a dunk tank, and of course the biggest slip and slide ever to hit asphalt. Don’t miss it!

Click here for more information

Date: Saturday, May 21st

Location:

100 S. 7th Street

Phoenix, AZ 85004

Spring Arizona Restaurant Week

Residents and visitors alike are encouraged to channel their inner foodie and make reservations at Arizona’s premiere restaurants. It’s the perfect opportunity to grab a bite, plan a romantic evening out, schedule a long over-due get together, or finally try that restaurant you’ve had on your wish list. More than 120 restaurants will be offering three-course prix fixe menus for either $33 or $44.

Click here for more information

Date (s): May 20th – 29th

Various Locations

Disney’s The Little Mermaid @ Mesa Arts Center

Journey “under the sea” with Ariel and her aquatic friends in Disney’s The Little Mermaid Jr. In a magical underwater kingdom, the beautiful young mermaid, Ariel, longs to leave her ocean home – and her fins – behind and live in the world above. But first, she’ll have to defy her father, King Triton, make a deal with the evil sea witch, Ursula, and convince the handsome Prince Eric that she’s the girl whose enchanting voice he’s been seeking. This mermaid will swim and sing her way into your heart.