Our top picks for early summer events in the Valley.
May 17-26
2024 Spring Arizona Restaurant Week
It’s the tastiest time of the year! Grassroots Kitchen and Tap, Mora Italian and SanTan Brewing Company are among the participants committed to this annual event for Arizona foodies. You can find your new favorite dish without the huge check with three-course prix-fixe menus for only $33, $44 or $55 per person. Check for a complete list of participating restaurants and menus at arizonarestaurantweek.com.
May 7
The Rolling Stones
More than 60 years after the band’s inception, Mick Jagger, Keith Richards and Ronnie Wood continue defying the odds. They’re hitting the road again, this time to support their excellent new album, Hackney Diamonds. Ironically, their latest tour is sponsored by AARP. 7 p.m., $93-$443, State Farm Stadium, 1 Cardinals Dr., Glendale, 602-379-0102, rollingstones.com
May 17-18
Pure Imagination Festival
The eclectic, eco-friendly festival will return to Prescott with a lineup that includes The Flaming Lips, Tanya Tucker, Ozomatli and Sylvan Esso. Check website for schedule and ticket packages. Watson Lake Park, 3101 Watson Lake Park Rd., Prescott, pureimaginationfestival.com
June 25-July 28
Hamilton
The award-winning musical sensation about the titular Founding Father returns to Tempe! Featuring hip-hop-infused songs by Lin-Manuel Miranda, its chart-topping soundtrack might be the only rap album you and your kids can agree on. Call for times and ticket prices. Gammage Auditorium, 1200 S. Forest Ave., Tempe, 480-965-3434, asugammage.com
May 4
Kim Etiquette
You may recognize the drag queen’s name from when she took home PHOENIX magazine’s Best of the Valley award for Best Drag Queen last year. Now’s your chance to see why in this show, titled The Proper Bitch, a crash course in manners, customs and courtesies that promise to take you from a debutante to a socialite. Check website for showtimes. $40, Garden Bar Phoenix, 822 N. Sixth Ave., Phoenix, yesandproductions.org
June 22
Sesame Street Live!
Elmo, Abby and the other residents of the familiar street are hitting the road for a fun show for kids and parents alike. 2 p.m. Check website for ticket prices. Arizona Financial Theatre, 400 W. Washington St., Phoenix, 602-514-2919, livenation.com
May 24-26
Phoenix Fan Fusion
Geeks and nerds unite! Comic book artists, voice performers and actors will be available for meet and greets and autographs. There will also be gaming sessions, after-dark parties and, of course, cosplay fashion parties. If you’re looking for a tribe, you’ll find it here. Guests slated to appear include Giancarlo Esposito and Simu Liu. $50-$395, check website for schedule, Phoenix Convention Center, 100 N. Third St., Phoenix, phoenixfanfusion.com
June 19
Megan Thee Stallion
The Houston rapper has dubbed her latest tour Hot Girl Summer, which, as far as we’re concerned, means that the “Hiss” artist now controls the weather in addition to the pop music charts. 7:30 p.m. Check website for ticket prices. Footprint Center, 201 E. Jefferson St., Phoenix, 602-379-7800, footprintcenter.com
May 1
I Think You Should Leave Live with Tim Robinson and Zach Kanin
The Netflix comedy sketch show that introduced sloppy steaks and the Baby of the Year Pageant comes to life on stage with the help of its hilarious creators. 7:30 p.m. Check website for ticket prices. Arizona Financial Theatre, 400 W. Washington St., Phoenix, 602-514-2919, livenation.com
May 4
The Stella Artois Derby DayClub: Presented by Sanderson Lincoln
It’s that time of year when we put on our Derby best, sip a mint julep and watch the most exciting two minutes in sports. The Derby DayClub event is the next best thing to being at Churchill Downs on race day, with live racing and betting, refreshing cocktails, and some of the best food trucks in the Valley. Get your tickets early, as this event typically sells out! Doors open at 10:45 a.m. Individual tickets start at $45. Turf Paradise, 1501 W. Bell Rd., Phoenix, 480-423-1414, thepoloparty.com/derby
