25 Fun Things to Do Memorial Day Weekend in Phoenix

The best things to do this Memorial Day Weekend in Phoenix include sporting events, comedy shows, and concerts. You can also attend a ceremony at a local cemetery or park, check out a family-friendly festival, or have some fun at a 21-and-over party.

In 2023, Memorial Day falls on Monday, May 29. Since it's a three-day weekend, we've created a list that covers the entire holiday from Friday, May 26 - Monday, May 29.

Read on for more details about the best things to see and do this weekend around the Phoenix metro area.

1. Arizona Diamondbacks Baseball Games at Chase Field

Dates: 5/26 - 5/29

The Arizona Diamondbacks kick off a three-game home series with the Boston Red Sox on Friday, May 26. This series runs through Sunday, May 28.

They then play host to the Colorado Rockies for a four-game home series that starts on Memorial Day.

>> Learn more about seeing a game at Chase Field

2. Other Professional Sporting Events this Weekend in Phoenix

In addition to the Diamondbacks, there are two other professional teams at home this holiday weekend.

The Arizona Rattlers Professional Indoor American Football team takes on the Vegas Knight Hawks at the Footprint Center on Saturday, May 27, at 6:05 pm.

The Phoenix Rising USL soccer team plays the Las Vegas Lights FC on Friday, May 26. It's $1 beer night, and the game starts at 7:30 pm.

3. Memorial Day Ceremonies

This weekend is a time to honor American veterans. Here are a few ceremonies planned for Monday, May 29.

National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona (Phoenix): Starts at 8 am at 23029 N. Cave Creek Road

Pioneers Cemetery (Phoenix): Gates open at 8:30 am, the procession starts at 9 am with a flag raising and TAPS, ceremony runs through noon

Avondale Civic Center: Celebration runs from 10 am to 11 am at the Avondale Civic Center at 11465 W. Civic Center Drive

Louis B. Hazelton Memorial Cemetery (Buckeye): The ceremony runs from 1 am to 12 pm.

Gilbert Memorial Park: The ceremony runs from 9 am to 1 pm and is at 2100 East Queen Creek Road in Gilbert.

4. Ballet Performance at the Botanical Gardens

Spend an evening at the Desert Botanical Garden at a performance by Ballet Arizona. They will perform "The Rite of Spring." It's the world premiere performance of Ib Andersen's work, which offers a modern and energetic take on the work originally composed by Stravinsky in 1911 - 1912.

There are two shows this weekend, one on Friday and one on Saturday. Both start at 8 pm.

5. Comedy

This Memorial Day in Phoenix is a great time to catch a comedy show. Here are just a few of the top performances:

5/26 - 5/28: Adam Conover at Tempe Improv
5/26 - 5/28: Dave Attell at Stand Up Live in Phoenix

6. Drunk Shakespeare

Another way to get a few laughs this weekend is to head over to the Drunk Shakespeare performances at The Rose Theatre. It starts with a professional performer taking five shots of whiskey and then attempting to perform in a Shakespearean work.

You will find performances nightly from Friday through Monday.

>> Visit their site to learn more and pick up your tickets today

7. Phoenix Zoo

If you haven't had a chance to visit the Phoenix Zoo, then make sure to add it to your list this weekend! It's one of the largest zoos in the US, with more than 3,000 animals.

You'll find everything from tigers to bears to several different types of monkeys. It has a decent amount of shade as well, so you will have quite a few opportunities to get out of the sun as you explore this expansive attraction. They also have some rare and endangered animals you probably won't see anywhere else.

It's open Friday - Monday from 9 am to 5 pm.

>> Find details about our experience visiting the zoo

8. Other Top Attractions to Visit

In addition to the zoo, you will find so many other fun things to do around Phoenix. This list includes more of our favorites, including checking out the colorful murals around Roosevelt Row, visiting the Penske Racing Museum, and so much more!

>> Additional attractions to visit this weekend

9. Concerts & Live Music

This weekend is full of amazing concerts all around The Valley of The Sun. Here are just a few you might enjoy.

Justin Moore at The Pool at Talking Stick Resort in Scottsdale
Jason Boland and The Stragglers at The Crescent Ballroom in Phoenix
Mamamoo at the Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale
Modern English at the Gila River Hotels & Casinos - Wild Horse Pass in Chandler

10. Day Trip to the Grand Canyon

As the weather heats up, it's always a great time to head to the Grand Canyon for the weekend. You can drive up on your own or join a one-day guided tour.

The guided tours give you a chance to soak in the beauty of this Northern Arizona attraction without the hassle of having to drive on your own.

11. Foam Frenzy at Arizona Boardwalk

Cool off this weekend at the Arizona Boardwalk. All weekend long, enjoy their free Foam Frenzy. It includes endless foam, a water squirter battle zone, fire truck water play, and so much more.

Make sure to come dressed in clothing and shoes that you don't mind getting wet!

>> More about visiting the Arizona Boardwalk

12. Tempe Town Lake

This Memorial Day Weekend is also a fun time to do a little boating on Tempe Town Lake. You have your choice of larger boats that seat up to 10 to smaller two-person paddle boats.

Most options offer overhead protection, so you are mostly out of the sun.

Hourly rates start at $40 for the smaller boats and up to $140 for the larger boats that fit more people.

>> Visit this site to rent your boat in advance

13. Memorial Day Weekend Fest

Head over to the Wondering Tortoise Beer Shop & Tap Room for their first annual Memorial Day Weekend Fest. This event runs from Friday - Monday and includes food, beer, and fun!

You'll find them at 2417 E. Indian School Road in Phoenix. They open at 11 am daily. They close at 2 am on Friday and Saturday and 12 am (midnight) on Sunday and Monday.

14. Sample Other Local Brews

The local craft beer scene around The Valley has exploded in the last decade. You will now find a few dozen fantastic places around Phoenix, Tempe, Chandler, and beyond.

Some of our favorite stops include Huss in downtown, Greenwood in the Roosevelt Row District, and Arizona Wilderness Brewing.

>> Find a list of more of our favorites and what you can expect from each one

15. Pac 12 Baseball Tournament

The Pac 12 Baseball Tournament returns to Scottsdale Stadium this Memorial Day Weekend. It runs from May 23 - 27.

This year includes nine teams, and the tournament is pool play. On Friday, you can watch the winners of each pool play in the single-elimination semifinals. The championship game is set for Saturday.

>> Find out more on the official Pac-12 site

16. 21+ Parties

It's a long weekend, and there is no better way to celebrate than at a 21 and older party! Here are just a few places to get your party on:

Memorial Day Weekend Pool Bash!: X Phoenix, 200 W. Monroe, Saturday from 12 pm to 4 pm

I Love the 90s Party: The Phoenicia at 50 W. Jefferson Street, Saturday starting at 9 pm through 2 am

American Made at its Best with Tito's Vodka: Skykill Rooftop Loung at 11 East 7th Street in Tempe and runs from 11 am to 5 pm Friday - Monday

Best of Both Worlds, Red White Blue Affair: Coyote Mexican Cuisine at 7822 North 12th Street in Phoenix, Friday from 9 pm to 2 am

17. BHL Cup Memorial Day Weekend

The Mullett Arena in Tempe is where you will find this weekend's BHL Cup. This adult hockey tournament runs from May 26 - 28.

Each registered team is guaranteed to play in at least four games, and the tournament includes three divisions for all skill levels. Even if you don't have a team, you can register as a free agent, and they will do their best to match you up with a team in need of your skill level.

Games start on Friday and run through Sunday.

>> Visit Eventbrite to learn more and to sign up today

18. 2023 PG West Memorial Day Classic

This annual amateur baseball tournament returns in 2023 to showcase up-and-coming talent. It's the perfect place for your team and/or players to get noticed by Major League Baseball and to continue to support baseball players looking to take that next step in their careers.

Divisions include 13U, 14U, 15U, 16U, 17U, and 18U.

This year's tournament runs from May 26 - 29. Games will be at Goodyear Ballpark and the Surprise Spring Training Complex.

>> Find out more details, including a full schedule, on the official Perfect Game site

19. Museums Around the Phoenix Metro

Phoenix is home to some of the best museums around, including the Phoenix Art Museum, the Musical Instruments Museum, and the Heard Museum. Other fantastic stops include the Arizona Science Center, the Children's Museum, and Western Spirit, Scottsdale's Museum of the West.

This weekend is the perfect time to step inside, cool off, and enjoy some of our top museums. Make sure to also check out some of their traveling exhibits during your visit.

20. 25 Fun Kids Activities

Are you spending the weekend with your kids? If so, you are going to love this list of fun things to do. We made sure only to include those that your entire family will enjoy!

Some of our top picks include Butterfly Wonderland, Legoland Discovery Center, and the McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park.

>> Read through our entire list of the best things to do with kids this weekend

21. Salt River Tubing

Another fun holiday weekend activity is tubing on the Salt River. This great activity is for those eight and older. It's open daily from 8 am to 6 pm.

Tubing on this river is a mellow and relaxing experience. The Salt River is mostly calm, with cool and clear water. It's the perfect way to stay cool on these warm holiday weekend days!

You can rent tubes or bring your own. You can also bring along a cooler and rent a cooler tube so you can easily keep it with you for your entire journey.

>> Visit their site to learn more

22. Castles N' Coasters

Castles N' Coasters is a great family-friendly activity for Memorial Day in Phoenix. It features both indoor and outdoor activities, including miniature golf, an arcade, rollercoasters, rides, and an XD Dark ride (indoor, interactive game). Aram and I love taking family members here because there is something for everyone.

The arcade, mini-golf, bumper boats, and indy cars open at 10 am and close at 10 pm all weekend long. The Thrill Ride section of the park is open from 5 pm to 10 pm on Friday & Monday and from 2 pm to 10 pm on Saturday and Sunday.

23. Six Flags Hurricane Harbor

Six Flags Hurricane Harbor is another fun thing to do for Memorial Day in Phoenix. This huge waterpark features fast water slides, a giant activity pool, and a white water rafting experience.

It is another place we love to bring visitors and family, and it's the perfect way to have some fun and stay cool!

The park is open from 11 am to 5 pm on Friday, 10:30 am to 7 pm on Saturday, 10:30 am to 8 pm on Sunday, and 10:30 am to 7 pm on Monday.

24. Hot Air Balloon Ride

One of the best ways to check out the Sonoran Desert is from above!

These hot air balloon rides offer you an unforgettable experience. You'll start by helping the staff get the balloon inflated and off the ground. You will then hop into the basket and start your ascent into the sky.

The ride is followed by a class of sparkling wine and plenty of memories to take with you.

>> Check out one of our favorites

25. Wine Tasting in Verde Valley

If you love wine like Aram and I do, then we recommend heading up north to Verde Valley for a day or all weekend!

This small but amazing wine region is about an hour and a half north of Phoenix. It offers more than two dozen options in Cottonwood, Jerome, Sedona, and beyond.

Some of our favorites include Tantrum Wines, Cellar 433, and Oak Creek Vineyards & Winery.

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