“Star Wars” Trivia
MAY 4
“May the Fourth be with you” at this special trivia event celebrating one of sci-fi’s most iconic and enduring franchises. Walter Station Brewery will test fans’ knowledge of all things “Star Wars,” from the main episodes to spinoffs like “Rogue One” and “Solo.” RSVP online.
Walter Station Brewery, 4056 E. Washington Street, Phoenix, 602-368-8402, maythe4thwsb050423.eventbrite.com, 6 p.m., free admission
“Chasing Light” Art Show First Friday Reception
MAY 5
Amanda Adkins and Cindy Brower’s “Chasing Light” art show — on display from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday and 8 a.m. to noon Sunday through Wednesday, May 24 — will host a special reception for First Friday. Adkins’ paintings pair heavily saturated and unrealistic colors against a simple backdrop of natural wood grain; Brower’s specialize in colorful abstract photography finding magic in the ordinary. The courtyard will also feature a Ukrainian fundraising festival sponsored by You Are the Angel, which helps deliver food and medical supplies to and evacuate people from Ukraine.
Olney Gallery at Trinity Episcopal Cathedral, 100 W. Roosevelt Street, Phoenix, 623-826-9912, trinitycathedral.com/arts-music/olney-gallery, 6 to 9 p.m., free admission
“Disney’s The Lion King Jr.”
MAY 5 TO MAY 21
See the African savannah come to life in Theater Works’ stage adaptation of the musical animated classic featuring music and lyrics by Elton John and Tim Rice. Recommended for ages 6 and older, audiences can follow Simba’s journey as he faces off against his wicked uncle, Scar, as well as visit with Rafiki, Nala, Timon, Pumbaa and other beloved characters in this production at the Gyder Theater.
Peoria Center for the Performing Arts, 10580 N. 83rd Drive, Peoria, 623-815-7930, 7 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays except May 6, 2 p.m. Sundays, $19
Arizona Diamondbacks vs. Washington Nationals
MAY 5 TO MAY 7
Centering around Cinco de Mayo, these three games that pit the D-backs against the Nationals boast myriad other activities. May 5 will feature a post-game concert from Los Chicos del 512: The Selena Experience. Then, the first 15,000 fans on May 6 will receive a Serpientes replica jersey. Finally, on May 7, fans can join the D-backs for special Paint at the Park and Bark at the Park experiences. All three games will be broadcast on Bally Sports Arizona, 98.7 FM and KHOV Univision 105.1.
Chase Field, 401 E. Jefferson Street, Phoenix, 602-514-8400, mlb.com/dbacks, 6:40 p.m. May 5, 5:10 p.m. May 6, 1:10 p.m. May 7, $22-$190
“Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3”
OPENS MAY 5
It’s been a long time since the Guardians have led a film of their own on the big screen — five years, to be exact. In the meantime, the beloved misfits have aided the Avengers against Thanos, traversed the galaxy with Thor, and even received their own Disney+ Christmas special. Now, after the death of Gamora, Starlord and Co. must band together once again to defend the universe and protect one of their own. Said to be the final installment of a trilogy, “Vol. 3” is once again written and directed by James Gunn. Chris Pratt, Zoe Saldana, Dave Bautista, Karen Gillan, Pom Klementieff, Vin Diesel, Bradley Cooper and Sean Gunn return, alongside newcomers Chukwudi Iwuji, Will Poulter and Maria Bakalova. Rated PG-13.
In theaters, movies.disney.com/guardians-of-the-galaxy-vol-3
Jo Koy
MAY 5
Jo Koy is on quite the run. The comedian-actor released a Netflix special of a Los Angeles Forum gig as well as the narrative feature “Easter Sunday” last year. Now, he’s bringing his stand-up musings to the arena stage here in the Valley. This show is recommended for ages 13 and older.
Footprint Center, 201 E. Jefferson Street, Phoenix, 602-379-7800, footprintcenter.com, 8 p.m., $62.50-$77.50
Cinco de Mayo Phoenix Festival
MAY 7
Billed as “Arizona’s largest Cinco de Mayo festival,” this Downtown event is turning the big 3-0. A family-friendly event with an emphasis on education, it’s also a celebration of culture. Multiple stages of music will include performances by Los Lonely Boys, Latin Breed, Lakeside and Caballo Dorado. Other entertainment includes lucha libre and baile folklórico. Don’t forget the food and drink!
First Avenue and Washington Street, Phoenix, 602-279-4669, cincophx.com, noon, $5-$75 or free for kids 10 and younger
“The Office” Trivia
MAY 10 AND MAY 24
Head to Scranton, Pennsylvania — well, the Rose Room at the Valley Bar, actually — to test your knowledge of one of television’s most beloved sitcoms with hosts Corey G and Carolyn. Sign-up begins at 6 p.m. both nights, with trivia beginning at 7. Valley Bar will offer $1 off craft cans. The second night is billed as the “Hard Edition.”
Valley Bar, 130 N. Central Avenue, Phoenix, 602-716-2222, valleybarphx.com, 7 p.m., free admission
Arizona Diamondbacks vs. San Francisco Giants
MAY 12 TO MAY 14
This weekend, the D-backs will play three games against the Giants, paired with several promotions. The May 12 game celebrates Pacific Island heritage with pregame and in-game themes, music and tributes. The May 13 Asian heritage celebration will then pay tribute to Asian American culture, history and traditions as well as offer an anime player T-shirt featuring Merrill Kelly, Jake McCarthy and Corbin Carroll for the first 15,000 fans. Finally, on Mother’s Day, May 14, the first 10,000 moms will get a three-quarter-sleeve T-shirt; that game is also preceded by a Yoga on the Field special pregame event in the outfield. All three games will be broadcast on Bally Sports Arizona, 98.7 FM and KHOV Univision 105.1.
Chase Field, 401 E. Jefferson Street, Phoenix, 602-514-8400, mlb.com/dbacks, 6:40 p.m. May 12, 5:10 p.m. May 13, 1:10 p.m. May 14, $22-$215
“Fool’s Paradise”
OPENS MAY 12
Written and directed by “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia” star Charlie Day, this satirical comedy is “about a down-on-his-luck publicist who discovers a recently released mental health patient who looks just like a misbehaving movie star,” according to the log line. “The publicist subs him into a film, creating a new star. But fame and fortune are not all they are cracked up to be.” It features an ensemble cast including Ken Jeong, Kate Beckinsale, Adrien Brody, Jason Sudeikis, Edie Falco, Jason Bateman and Common, with Ray Liotta and John Malkovich. Not yet rated.
In theaters, foolsparadisemovie.com
May-garita Pub Crawl
MAY 13
May becomes May-garita at this event themed around tequila and one of the most popular beverages you can make with it. Those who imbibe can also partake in beer and other cocktail specials, not to mention food. Contest awards and prizes will be given out, too. Check in at The Kettle Black Kitchen & Pub, 1 N. First Street, Suite 108, Phoenix, between 4 and 5:30 p.m. The crawl will take drinkers to Hanny’s, with other locations TBA. But be aware, tickets can only be purchased online and in advance. This event is for ages 21 and older.
Downtown Phoenix, dothecrawl.com/Phoenix/Maygarita, 4:30 p.m., $15-$25
Tortoise & Hare Sports Ice Cream Run
MAY 13
For the 10th time, Tortoise & Hare Sports is back with the Ice Cream Run. A family-friendly event, it features a four-mile walk or run, as well as the half-mile Kids Sundae Sprint. The event includes an after-party and ice cream social; complimentary ice cream cup from Rita’s Italian Ice; and other goodies like shirts, medals and stickers.
Rio Vista Park, 8866 W. Thunderbird Road, Peoria, tortoiseandharesports.com/events/icr, 7 a.m. Kids Sundae Sprint, 7:15 a.m. 4-mile walk/run, $32.95-$48.95
Mother’s Day Sparkling Brunch
MAY 14
Morning and afternoon seatings are available, both indoor and outside, for this Mother’s Day celebration, so find some time to take mom out and show her thanks. Prepared by Chef Karl Schwirian, the buffet includes breakfast breads and pastries, a seafood selection, a meat-carving station and plenty of brunch side dishes, plus complimentary sparkling cider.
Spirit in the Desert, 7415 E. Elbow Bend, Carefree, 480-488-5218, spiritinthedesert.org, 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., $10-$30
Red Hot Chili Peppers
MAY 14
At long last (and with no disrespect to Josh Klinghoffer), guitarist John Frusciante is back with the Chili Peppers. Sixteen years since the core quartet’s last album together, “Stadium Arcadium,” the band returned last year with not one but two new albums: “Unlimited Love” and “Return of the Dream Canteen.” Catch the band on tour in support of those albums, with special guests the Strokes and Thundercat.
State Farm Stadium, 1 Cardinals Drive, Glendale, 602-379-0102, statefarmstadium.com, 6:30 p.m., $26-$950
“The Rite of Spring”
MAY 16 TO JUNE 3
With choreography by Ib Andersen, this modernized take on Igor Stravinsky’s 1911-12 orchestral work is making its world premiere. Aiming to capture the energy and emotion behind the music, audiences can experience the ballet within the beautiful confines of the Desert Botanical Garden.
Desert Botanical Garden, 1201 N. Galvin Parkway, Phoenix, 602-381-10960, balletaz.org, 8 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays, see website for tickets
The Cure
MAY 18
It’s been almost 15 years since goth rock legends The Cure have visited the Valley. Now, the group’s long-awaited 14th album, “Songs of a Lost World,” is reportedly on the way. The massive supporting Shows of a Lost World tour has been heavily publicized for its scalping drama, and while tickets are now sold out, there’s still a possibility some might become available via Ticketmaster’s Face Value Exchange from fans whose plans have changed. The Twilight Sad opens.
Desert Diamond Arena, 9400 W. Maryland Avenue, Glendale, 623-772-3240, desertdiamondarena.com, 7:30 p.m., sold out
“9 to 5”
MAY 19 TO JUNE 4
Violet, Judy and Doralee are workin’ 9 to 5 in this Mesa Encore Theatre stage adaptation of the 1980 comedy classic of the same name, in which three women played by Jane Fonda, Lily Tomlin and Dolly Parton attempt to best their sexist boss played by Dabney Coleman. Catch local actors retell the story in the Nesbitt/Elliott Playhouse.
Mesa Arts Center, 1 E. Main Street, Mesa, 480-644-6500, mesaartscenter.com, various dates and times, $28-$38 or free for lap children 2 and younger
“Fast X”
OPENS MAY 19
“The end of the road begins” reads the synopsis of the latest installment of the long-running “Fast & Furious” franchise. No, it may not be the final film itself, but it’s said to kick off the final chapters. In the globe-trotting “Fast X,” the events of 2011’s “Fast Five” come back to haunt Dom Toretto (Vin Diesel) and his family, as the son of defeated Brazilian drug kingpin Hernan Reyes is out for vengeance — and targeting Toretto’s own 8-year-old son. Directed by Louis Leterrier, it features an ensemble cast including Michelle Rodriguez, Tyrese Gibson, Chris “Ludacris” Bridges, Nathalie Emmanuel, Jordana Brewster, Sung Kang, Jason Statham, John Cena, Scott Eastwood, Helen Mirren, Charlize Theron, Brie Larson, Alan Richtson, Daniela Melchior, Rita Moreno, Jason Momoa and Leo Abelo Perry. Rated PG-13.
In theaters, fastxmovie.com
“Master Gardener”
OPENS MAY 19
“Master Gardener” completes the thematic trilogy that began with 2017’s “First Reformed” and 2021’s “The Card Counter.” But even before his recent works, writer-director Paul Schrader has garnered a reputation for his man-in-a-room films as well as penning the screenplays for such Martin Scorsese classics like “Taxi Driver” and “The Last Temptation of Christ.” This one stars Joel Edgerton as a meticulous horticulturist whose dark, violent past is unlocked after he takes on his employer’s wayward and troubled great-nice as an apprentice. Signourney Weaver and Quintessa Swindell co-star. Rated R.
In theaters, mastergardenermovie.com
Space Cadet Fest
MAY 20
Phoenix’s own Playboy Manbaby curated this festival, with 24 bands spread across three stages. Aside from the aforementioned headliner, the lineup includes Rootbeer Richie & the Reveille, Sad Park and Phoenix Afrobeat Orchestra, among so many other local favorites. A beer garden adds to the experience.
Trunk Space, 1124 N. Third Street, Phoenix, spacecadetfest.com, 1 to 11 p.m., $30
Phoenix Mercury vs. Chicago Sky
MAY 21
After a pair of preseason games earlier in the month, the Mercury heads into another season with this home opener (you can catch them next versus the Minnesota Lynx on Thursday, May 25). ESPN and ESPN+ will also broadcast this game.
Footprint Center, 201 E. Jefferson Street, Phoenix, 602-379-7800, mercury.wnba.com, 1 p.m., $25-$86
Lizzo
MAY 24
The clock is ticking to catch Lizzo on her Special 2our, with tickets going fast! The singer, rapper and all-around entertainer last came to the Valley in support of “Cuz I Love You” in 2019, but her most recent work is last year’s similarly well-received “Special.” The second leg of this U.S. tour, it features Latto as the opening act.
Footprint Center, 201 E. Jefferson Street, Phoenix, 602-379-7800, footprintcenter.com, 8 p.m., $274.50-$394.50
Phoenix Rising FC vs. Las Vegas Lights FC
MAY 26
It’s $1 Beer Night for Phoenix Rising fans as their home team takes on the Las Vegas Lights in the second home game of the month (they also play on Saturday, May 13, for Health & Wellness Night versus the Hartford Athletic).
Phoenix Rising Soccer Stadium, 3801 E. Washington Street, Phoenix, 623-594-9606, phxrisingfc.com, 7:30 p.m., $26.02-$41.67
Arizona Rattlers vs. Vegas Knight Hawks
MAY 27
Hopes are high for this game, as the Rattlers won their last two matchups versus the Knight Hawks during the 2022 season with good margins (67-20, 49-31). See the Rattlers duke it out again as they attempt to maintain their streak in the second home game of the month (you can also catch them versus the Northern Arizona Wranglers on Saturday, May 20).
Footprint Center, 201 E. Jefferson Street, Phoenix, 602-379-7800, azrattlers.com, 6:05 p.m., $15-$95
Gazillion Bubble Show
MAY 28
Families can round out the month of May with this bubbly event. The unscripted touring show has been going strong for 16 years, and now bigger than ever, it’s elevating to the arena stage. The 75-minute showcase of bubble artistry features plenty of audience interaction and makes for a unique experience each time.
Desert Diamond Arena, 9400 W. Maryland Avenue, Glendale, 212-239-6200, gazillionbubbleshow.com, 1 p.m., $20-$50
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