PHOENIX — The first weekend of May is here! Check out these fun events happening around the Valley on May 2-4.
Sponsored Event
All Balanchine with live music by The Phoenix Symphony
When: Friday - Sunday
Where: Symphony Hall, Phoenix
Cost: Tickets start at $55
The Father of American Ballet! Don’t miss three of George Balanchine’s ballets at Symphony Hall with live music by Phoenix Symphony.
Friday, May 2
When: Friday - Sunday
Where: Desert Diamond Arena, Glendale
Cost: Tickets start at $25
Discover why no dream is too big at Disney On Ice presents Into the Magic! Seek adventure in the great wide somewhere with Belle as she explores the Beasts enchanted castle, experience Moana's courage to embark on a voyage with demigod Maui to save her island, and sing-along with Miguel from Coco as he follows the music in his heart. Be inspired by Anna's devotion to her sister Elsa on her journey to the North Mountain to stop the eternal winter, and watch Rapunzel and Flynn go to great lengths to make her dream come true. Celebrate the magic of courage, love and adventure at Disney On Ice!
Beautiful: The Carole King Musical
When: Friday - Sunday | Shows running until June 5
Where: Arizona Broadway Theatre, Peoria
Cost: Tickets start at $75
“Beautiful: The Carole King Musical” is a Broadway jukebox musical that tells the inspiring story of singer-songwriter Carole King’s rise to fame. The story follows a young aspiring songwriter in Brooklyn to become one of the most successful solo acts in history, Carole King. We are given a new perspective into King’s personal and professional life, including her early collaborations with her first husband and her friendship and rivalry with Barry Mann and Cynthia Weil. “Beautiful” is captivating, uplifting, and engaging as it celebrates Carol King’s enduring legacy.
When: 6 p.m. - 10 p.m.
Where: Downtown Phoenix
Cost: Free event
First Friday is one of the nation's largest, self-guided art walks on the first Friday of every month from 6 to 10 p.m. Tour more than 70 galleries, venues and art-related spaces throughout the Roosevelt Row and Grand Avenue arts districts.
When: 5 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Where: Japanese Friendship Garden, Phoenix
Cost: Free admission
The Japanese Friendship Garden of Phoenix is happy to continue to support the arts and our local community on First Fridays with free admission/pay-as-you-wish admission each month. We welcome guests in on the first Friday of each month. Just beside Roosevelt Row, in the heart of Downtown Phoenix, the natural oasis welcomes you to enjoy a tranquil stroll through the living art and transport yourself to Japan.
First Friday at Phoenix Art Museum
When: 5 p.m. - 8 p.m.
Where: Phoenix Art Museum
Cost: Free admission
Join Phoenix Art Museum for First Friday, featuring in-gallery sketching, bilingual tours, and live music. Enjoy the sounds of resident DJs Jaime Lee and Alex Castles. Participate in in-gallery sketching with Aileen Martinez. Don't miss the Los Guias Bilingual Tours at 6:00 PM and 7:00 PM. Enjoy delicious treats from food vendors such as El Fogon de Joy and Harlem Coffee. Free admission.
When: 6 p.m. - 9 p.m.
Where: Herberger Theater Center, Phoenix
Cost: Free admission
A spring celebration of the visual art of dance! Experience a variety of diverse and cultural styles of dance performances featuring well-known dance companies, studios, and choreographers from around the valley. Enjoy drink specials at the Spotlight Bar, explore our art galleries, and bring non-perishable food items to donate to St. Mary’s Food Bank.
First Friday: Summer Sunset Jam featuring Casper & the Mighty 602 Band
When: 5 p.m. - 9 p.m.
Where: Heard Museum
Cost: Free admission
Join us on Friday, May 2 for a very special sunset performance from Casper Lomayesva (Hopi) and the Mighty 602 Band! These musical artists are bringing their messages for healing and cool vibes as we kick off the summer with a reggae show you do not want to miss. As always, museum admission is FREE on First Friday. Check out the concert, grab a snack from the Coffee Cantina, and visit our galleries inside.
Tina Fey & Amy Poehler: Restless Leg Tour
When: 7 p.m.
Where: Arizona Financial Theatre, Phoenix
Cost: Tickets start at $200
Comedian duo Tina Fey and Amy Poehler are taking their ‘Restless Leg Tour’ to Arizona Financial Theatre on Friday night at 7 p.m.
The Beach Boys: The Sounds of Summer Tour
When: 8 p.m.
Where: The Showroom at Wild Horse Pass, Chandler
Cost: Tickets start at $49
You know that unmistakable sound of summer? The one that feels like sun on your skin, sand between your toes, and the wind in your hair? That’s The Beach Boys, and they’re bringing their legendary harmonies, endless energy and timeless hits to The Showroom!
Saturday, May 3
When: Live racing at 11:30 a.m. | Kentucky Derby broadcast live at 3:57 pm
Where: Turf Paradise, Phoenix
Cost: $50 general admission
Arizona’s most exclusive and only Kentucky Derby Party with LIVE thoroughbred horse racing and on-site private betting is coming to Turf Paradise on May 3rd. The Derby DayClub features VIP and luxury tables, live thoroughbred racing, DJs, champagne, quintessential Mint Juleps made with Woodford Reserve— and of course, the Kentucky Derby itself.
Arizona Bridal and Wedding Expo
When: 12:30 p.m. - 5 p.m. | Saturday - Sunday
Where: Arizona State Fairgrounds, Phoenix
Cost: $10 tickets at the door
The Arizona Bridal & Wedding Expo takes place this weekend, offering engaged couples a one-stop destination to explore the latest trends in wedding fashion, venues, photography, catering, and more. Attendees can enjoy live fashion shows, interactive exhibits, and exclusive vendor discounts to help plan their perfect day.
When: 4 p.m. - 11 p.m.
Where: Talking Stick Resort Amphitheatre, Phoenix
Cost: Tickets start at $50
UFEST 2025, presented by 98KUPD, is set to electrify Phoenix on Saturday at the Talking Stick Resort Amphitheatre. The all-ages rock festival features a powerhouse lineup including A Day To Remember, Seether, We Came As Romans, Mammoth WVH, Dorothy, Point North, and The Funeral Portrait.
When: 6 p.m. - 10 p.m.
Where: Arizona Science Center, Phoenix
Cost: Free event
Join us at Arizona Science Center’s Astronomy Family Night for a FREE evening of stargazing, discovery, and cosmic fun. Alongside the team from Focus Astronomy, explore how astronomers unlock the secrets of the universe using different types of telescopes—and even learn how to build your own! From hands-on activities to out-of-this-world demonstrations, you and your young explorer will dive into the wonders of space and the science behind it. Check it out outside Arizona Science Center in Heritage Square.
Sunday, May 4
When: 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. on Saturday - Sunday
Where: 13001 N. La Montanta Drive, Fountain Hills
Cost: Free event
Get ready to catch 'em all at the Phoenix Area Poké Fest! Join us for a day of fun, collectibles, cosplay, and Pokémon battles!
LIST: Cinco de Mayo celebrations in the Valley
Cinco de Mayo Phoenix Festival
When: 12 p.m. - 10 p.m.
Where: 1st Avenue & Washington Street, Downtown Phoenix
Cost: $15 general admission
The 33rd Annual Cinco De Mayo Downtown Phoenix Festival is one of the largest multicultural festivals in Arizona commemorating Mexico's victory over the French Army in the 1862 Battle of Puebla. The street festival is located between the skyscrapers in downtown Phoenix and provides attendees with non-stop fun, music, games, and giveaways. This year's headliner is Grammy Award-winning Los Lobos and pop funk group GQ!
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