This is a curated list of weekly events around the Phoenix area for May 18-24.
Calendar listings include public events and attractions from around the Valley and state. Confirm information before making plans by calling the listed phone number, or check each website for last minute confirmation or cancellations. E-mail calendar.events@citieswestmedia.com to submit events for consideration.
SPECIAL EVENTS
2026 Spring Arizona Restaurant Week
Through May 24
It’s the tastiest time of the year! Restaurants across the Valley will be taking part in this annual event for Arizona foodies. Discover your new culinary favorites without breaking the bank at participating eateries, where three-course prix-fixe menus are available for only $33, $44 or $55 per person. Check for a complete list of participating restaurants and menus at arizonaarestaurantweek.com
Ballet in Bloom: An Evening at Desert Botanical Garden
May 13-30
The beauty of the Desert Botanical Garden will provide the backdrop for this Ballet Arizona Performance. 8 p.m. Check website for performance dates and ticket prices. Desert Botanical Garden, 1201 N. Galvin Pkwy., Phoenix, balletaz.org
THEATRE & DRAMA
Goldilocks
May 21-June 14
Kids will love this puppet production about three bears and a little girl who likes things “just right.” Call for times. $15, adults; $10, children 12 and younger. Great Arizona Puppet Theater, 302 W. Latham St., Phoenix, 602-262-2050, azpuppets.org
Drunk Shakespeare: Drunk Pirates
Through August 1
A swashbuckling story will be told on stage. However, one of the actors will be drunk on five shots of whiskey while the sober cast follows their lead. Check website for times and ticket prices. The Rose Theatre, 455 N. Third St., Phoenix, drunkshakespeare.com
Over the River and Through the Woods
Through June 20
Four spirited New Jersey grandparents invent a wild scheme to keep their grandson from leaving for Seattle in this heartwarming comedy. Check website for days and times. $32-$42. 8989 E. Via Linda, Scottsdale, 480-314-0841, donbluthfrontrowtheatre.com
The Wizard of Oz
Through June 27
If you’re gripped with a Wicked fever, see what happens to Glinda and Elphaba when a teenager from Kansas named Dorothy arrives in Oz. Spoiler: lots of singing. Check website for times and ticket prices. Hale Centre Theatre, 50 W. Page Ave., Gilbert, 480-497-0277, haletheatrearizona.com
Ever After
Through June 14
Adapted from the popular Drew Barrymore film, this musical gives the Cinderella story a new twist. Call for times and ticket prices. Dr. Stacie J. and Richard J Stephenson Theatre, 1825 N. Central Ave., Phoenix, 602-254-2151, phoenixtheatre.com
The Cher Show
Through May 31
Three different actresses will tell the story of Cheryl Sarkisian, better known to her fans as Cher. Expect plenty of music, drama and costume changes. Check website for times and ticket prices. Arizona Broadway Theatre, 7701 W. Paradise Ln., Peoria, azbroadway.org
Old MacDonald
Through May 23
The famous farmer and his barnyard full of critters will get into a little entertaining trouble in this sing-along puppet production. Call for times. $15, adults; $10, children 12 and younger. Great Arizona Puppet Theater, 302 W. Latham St., Phoenix, 602-262-2050, azpuppets.org
CONCERTS & COMEDY
Demi Lovato
May 19
The Grammy-nominated former Disney superstar is bringing the party to Glendale to support her latest album, It’s Not That Deep. 8 p.m. Check website for ticket prices. Desert Diamond Arena, 9400 W. Maryland Ave., Glendale, desertdiamondarena.com
SPORTS
Arizona Diamondbacks
Watch the D-Backs take on the San Francisco Giants, May 18-20; Colorado Rockies, May 21-24; Los Angeles Dodgers, June 1-4; Washington Nationals, June 5-7; Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, June 15-17; Minnesota Twins, June 19-21; and San Francisco Giants, June 29-30. Call for times and ticket prices. Chase Field, 401 E. Jefferson St., Phoenix, 602-514-8400, dbacks.com
Phoenix Rising F.C.
The Phoenix Rising will oppose the Sacramento Republic F.C., May 30; Louisville City F.C., June 10; and Oakland Roots F.C., June 20. Call for times and ticket prices. Phoenix Rising Stadium, 3801 E. Washington St., Phoenix, phxrisingfc.com
Arizona Rattlers
The season heats up for the Valley’s Indoor Football League Team when they battle the NAZ Wranglers, May 30; Fishers Freight, June 14; and New Mexico Chupacabras, June 27. Call for times and ticket prices. Desert Diamond Arena, 29400 W. Maryland Ave., Glendale, 623-772-3200, desertdiamondarena.com
Phoenix Mercury
The Mercury are poised to make a run for the Commissioner’s Cup this season. Watch as they take on the Toronto Tempo, May 19; Los Angeles Sparks, May 21; Minnesota Lynx, June 1; Los Angeles Sparks, June 13; Las Vegas Aces, June 17; and Seattle Storm, June 20. Call for times and ticket prices. Mortgage Matchup Center, 201 E. Jefferson St., Phoenix, 602-379-7800, mercury.wnba.com
THINGS TO DO LOOK AHEAD
June 8
Rod Stewart
The “Da Ya Think I’m Sexy?” singer is saying farewell with one last tour, and Richard Marx is coming along for the ride. 7:30 p.m. Check website for ticket prices. Mortgage Matchup Center, 201 E. Jefferson St., Phoenix, 602-379-7800, mortgagematchupcenter.com
June 26-27
Nate Bargatze
The “nicest guy in comedy” is also one of the most successful. Find out why when he comes to the Valley for two shows. 7 p.m. Check website for ticket prices. Mortgage Matchup Center, 201 E. Jefferson St., Phoenix, 602-379-7800. mortgagematchupcenter.com
Scottsdale 4th of July
July 4
Enjoy one of the state’s largest pyrotechnic displays and family fun including a rodeo and a slider eating contest. Festivities start at 5 p.m., and fireworks begin around 9 p.m. Check website for ticket prices. WestWorld of Scottsdale, 16601 N. Pima Rd., Scottsdale, scottsdale4th.com
John Mellencamp
August 9
The singer-songwriter is hitting the road with a playlist of classics he hasn’t performed in years, including “R.O.C.K. in the U.S.A.” and “I Need a Lover.” 8 p.m. Check website for ticket prices. Talking Stick Resort Amphitheatre, 2121 N. 83rd Ave., Phoenix, 602-254-7200, livenation.com
Lionel Richie with Earth, Wind & Fire
August 11
Are you going to “Sing a Song” or start “Dancing on the Ceiling”? Now that the latest season of American Idol is over, Richie can do what he does best: perform his decades of hits. Joining him: Earth, Wind & Fire. 7:30 p.m. Check website for ticket prices. Mortgage Matchup Center, 201 E. Jefferson St., Phoenix, 602-379-7800, ticketmaster.com
About this guide
Calendar listings include public events and attractions from around the Valley and state. Confirm information before making plans by calling the listed phone number. Submissions must arrive at least 8-10 weeks prior to the month of publication/event. E-mail to: calendar.events@citieswestmedia.com; or mail to: PHOENIX magazine, 16100 N. 71st St., Ste. 170, Scottsdale, AZ 85254.
