May is a transitional month in the Phoenix area. The weather is typically already hot and there are fewer outdoor events. Our winter visitors leave during this time, heading off to cooler parts.
2nd Friday Night Out in Mesa
Live music, entertainment, art walk, prizes. Each month has a theme. Family friendly. Free admission. On Main Street in Downtown Mesa.
In 2017: 2nd Friday of the month6th Street Market
Original arts and crafts, live music, shopping. Family-friendly. Free admission. Downtown Tempe.
In 2017: every Sunday in MayAJ’s The Art of Wine and Tastes of Summer
Tastings of more than 40 value wines selected by AJ’s cellar masters, along with gourmet specialties tastes from AJ’s. Live music, silent auction. Proceeds benefit the programs and arts education initiatives of the nonprofit Scottsdale Arts. Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts.
In 2017: May 20A.S.U. Sun Devil Baseball
Arizona State University's PAC12 baseball team plays at Phoenix Municipal Stadium.
In 2017: various dates in MayThe AmeriCAN Canned Craft Beer Festival
Celebrating the craft beer movement. Live entertainment, food, VIP, beer science garden, seminars, beer Olympics, and over 100 local and national breweries celebrating the canned craft beer revolution. 21+ only. Margaret T. Hance Park, Phoenix.
In 2017: May 13Arizona Derby Dames
All-girl roller derby since 2006, now playing on a banked track. Phoenix.
In 2017: May 13Arizona Diamondbacks Baseball
The Arizona Diamondbacks play professional baseball at Chase Field in Downtown Phoenix.
In 2017: Various dates in May.Arizona Restaurant Week
Sample prix fixe menus at participating restaurants in the Phoenix area.
In 2017: May 19 - 28Arizona Special Olympics Summer Games
2,000 athletes compete in track and field, powerlifting, gymnastics, softball skills, tennis and other events. Glendale.
In 2017: May 4-6Phoenix Rising FC
Professional soccer, USL League. South Scottsdale.
In 2017: May 6, 13Arizona Winds Concert Ban
The Arizona Winds perform their season finale concert each May. Family-friendly, afternoon performance. Free admission, donations accepted.
In 2017: May 21Art After Work
A painting party for couples, friends, anyone. Learn how to paint your own take on classic masterpieces and local landscapes. Instructor and art supplies provided. Online registration required. Tempe Center for the Arts.
In 2017: 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 2017: May 16Birds 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 2017: Every Monday in MayBirds '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 2017: May 18Bubble Bash
Bubble fun with interactive discovery stations, bubble wand making, experiment with different kinds of bubble solutions and more. Live entertainment, giveaways, contests. Westgate Entertainment District, Glendale.
In 2017: May 6Bubble Bash
Bubble fun with interactive discovery stations, bubble wand making, experiment with different kinds of bubble solutions and more. Live entertainment, giveaways, contests. Tempe Marketplace.
In 2017: May 13Bubble Bash
Bubble fun with interactive discovery stations, bubble wand making, experiment with different kinds of bubble solutions and more. Live entertainment, giveaways, contests. Desert Ridge Marketplace, Phoenix.
In 2017: May 20Caleb Reese Festival of New Plays and Musicals
The works may include stage and screen plays, musicals, children's theatre, and performance pieces. The Festival also includes educational components such as works-related discussions, workshops and internships. Phoenix Theatre.
In 2017: May 5 - 13Cave Creek Balloon Festival
Hot air balloons aglow, live music and family entertainment.
In 2017: May 27Chandler Symphony Orchestra
Indoor concert. Family-friendly. Free, donations accepted.
In 2017: May 7Cinco 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 2017: First week in MayCity Lights Movie Nights
Bring a chair or blanket to watch a free, family-friendly out door movie at CityScape Phoenix. Come early to grab a spot. Prizes, giveaways.
In 2017: May 12CinePark Outdoor Movies
Favorite family films on a big, outdoor screen at Tumbleweed Park in Chandler. Bring a picnic and a blanket or purchase snacks. Activities and games for kids begin and then movie after it gets dark.
In 2017: May 5, 12, 19Date Night at Scottsdale Stadium
Stadium tours, food trucks, beer, wine and a movie. 21+ only. Scottsdale Stadium.
In 2017: May 13Desert Botanical Garden Butterfly Pavilion
Walk among the beautiful butterflies at this special springtime event located at the Desert Botanical Garden in Phoenix.
In 2017: March 4 - May 14Desert Ridge Marketplace Concerts
Free concerts on two stages in North Phoenix at Desert Ridge Marketplace.
In 2017: Every Friday and Saturday nightDowntown 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 2017: May 19Dragons and Vines: Inlaid Guitar Masterpieces
an exhibition featuring more than thirty instruments with incredible inlay by North America's finest artists and luthiers. Guitars, banjos, and one ukulele, featuring inlaid artwork created from materials including abalone shell, mother-of-pearl, coral, gold, copper, wood, and others. MIM, North Phoenix.
In 2017: now through Sep. 4, 2017Experience Polynesia
An annual celebration of Pacific Island music and culture with musical performances, dancing demonstrations and more. Included with museum admission. Musical Instrument Museum, Phoenix.
In 2017: May 20, 21Farmers Markets
Vegetables, fruits, herbs, flowers, breads, jams, cheeses, juices, local specialty foods and crafts. Several locations.
In 2017: various dates in MayFirst Friday
Visit more than 100 downtown Phoenix art galleries, studios and art spaces. Free.
In 2017: First Friday of the monthFlashlight Tours at Desert Botanical Garden
See, hear and feel the desert night's plants and animals on the Discovery Trail. Bring a flashlight and wear comfortable shoes. Self-paced tours begin at 7 p.m. Recommended for families and children of all ages. Desert Botanical Garden in Phoenix.
In 2017: Thursday and Saturday evenings starting May 27Free 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 2017: May 19Friday Night Drags
Local bring their own vehicles and race at Wildhorse Pass Motorsports Park, Chandler. Drivers and spectators welcome.
In 2017: May 12For more information & schedules;
http://phoenix.about.com/cs/events/a/festivals05.htm
