Phoenix Events in May 2023: Concerts, Holidays, and More

Phoenix events in May 2023 include sporting events, concerts, comedy shows, and top museum exhibits.

Spoil your mom this Mother's Day with several fun activities planned just for her and the family. You will also discover a variety of colorful and memorable things to do over Memorial Day weekend.

We've also included some fun tours and day trips from Phoenix. You can see the Grand Canyon, head down to wine country, or explore Phoenix on foot by taking a wine or brewery tour.

Read on for more details on the top Phoenix events in May 2023.

Sporting Events

The Valley of the Sun is the perfect place for sports lovers. Phoenix has 3 professional teams playing during the month of May, so you will get a chance to see at least one great sporting event while you are here.

Arizona Diamondbacks

Dates: 5/5 - 5/7, 5/8 - 5/10, 5/11 - 5/14, 5/26 - 5/28, 5/29 - 6/1

The Arizona Diamondbacks have 20 home games this month. They take on the Washington Nationals, Miami Marlins, San Francisco Giants, Boston Red Sox, and Colorado Rockies.

If you are worried about heat, you'll love Chase Field's fully retractable roof. It's a great way to stay comfortable no matter the temps outside. You will find Chase Field in the Downtown District.

>> Find out more here

Phoenix Suns

Dates: Playoff Schedule: 5/1, 5/5, 5/7, 5/9. If needed: 5/11, 5/14

The Phoenix Suns are in the playoffs and looking to win a championship. The team has at least 2 home games against the Denver Nuggets on Friday the 5th and Sunday the 7th. The Friday game tips off at 7 pm, and the Sunday game tips off at 5 pm.

If they win one of the first four games, there will be a 6th game on Thursday, May 11th, at the Footprint Center. If they win the series, this schedule will be updated with the next opponent and the game dates.

They play at the Footprint Center in downtown Phoenix.

>> More here

Phoenix Mercury

Dates: 5/12, 5/21, 5/25

The WNBA's Phoenix Mercury season is off to a strong start, and they are ready to win it all. The team has 3 home games during the month of May, with the first one on the 12th against the Los Angeles Sparks. This is a preseason game.

The other two games are regular season games. They take on the Chicago Sky on May 21st at 1 pm and the Minnesota Lynx at 7 pm on Thursday, May 25.

They play their games at the Footprint Center in downtown Phoenix.

Phoenix Rising

Dates: 5/20

The Phoenix Rising Soccer Team is halfway through its season and ready to make a run for the playoffs. The first home game in May is against the Hartford Athletic on Saturday the 13th at 7:30 pm. The second game of the month is on May 26th versus the Las Vegas Lights FC at 7:30 pm. It is also a $1 beer night, so get ready to celebrate!

They played in the newly renovated Phoenix Rising Soccer Stadium. It has amazing views from any seat and is about 3 miles east of downtown Phoenix.

Concerts and Live Music

Phoenix is an amazing place to find great concerts or live music performances. You'll find everything from large shows at places such as the Footprint Center or Chase Field to smaller venues all around town.

Some of these smaller venues include The Rhythm Room, Last Exit Live, the Orpheum Theatre, and the Crescent Ballroom.

Other excellent places to see top-level entertainment include Comerica Theatre, Ak-Chin Pavilion, and the Gila River Arena.

Mother's Day

Date: Sunday, May 14

May is the time to spoil your mom, and you will have plenty of opportunities to do that all around Phoenix. Our list of ideas includes everything from heading to the spa to checking out some of our top local museums and attractions.

>> Check out this list of fun Mother's Day things to do

Memorial Day Weekend

This three-day weekend is full of fun activities. You can check out some local sporting events, head out for a hike, or find fun activities for your entire family. You'll also find recommendations for some great concerts, comedy shows, and 21+ parties.

We've also included some options for those looking for a remembrance memorial at local parks and cemeteries.

>> More things to do this Memorial Day Weekend around Phoenix

Theater Performances in May

You will find some of the biggest Broadway shows and other theatre performances in Phoenix and the surrounding areas throughout the month of May. Here are just a few top shows on stage this month.

A Chorus Line

Dates: 5/3 - 5/14

Location: Phoenix Theatre

One of the most loved Broadway shows returns to Phoenix this May. A Chorus Line is famous for the music, the dancing, and the story. It focuses on 17 dancers, all of who are trying to get a spot on the Chorus Line.

After they make the first cut, the director and choreographer ask them about their lives. As they explain them, using song, dance, and singing, you learn more about them and what makes them tick.

It is amazingly moving and wonderful to learn about each aspiring performer.

Ranging from laughter to tears, A Chorus Line is a can't-miss Broadway show while you are in Phoenix!

All shows are at the Phoenix Theatre by the Phoenix Theatre Company.

Dirty Rotten Scoundrels

Dates: 5/5 - 6/4

Location: Arizona Broadway Theatre

This show is based on the 1988 film where the con artist, Lawrence Jamieson, lives in a very luxurious resort town. However, when the not-nearly-so-sly upstart Freddy Benson shows up, he realizes that things may be taking a wrong turn.

So, since they both realize that the town isn't big enough for the two of them, they decide to have a winner-takes-all competition. And whoever wins gets to stay while the other has to hit the road and face being broke.

The bet? They have to swindle a rich heiress out of $50,000. The question is, who is the real scammer, and who wins the bet?

It's at the Arizona Broadway Theatre and is only for ages 13 and up.

Museums

Museum Exhibits in May

Dates: Throughout the Month

With world-class museums all around Phoenix, it's no surprise to find such an amazing array of museum exhibits to enjoy throughout the month. These are just a few we think you will like.

Heard Museum: The North Star Changes: Works by Brenda Mallory
Arizona Railway Museum: Self-guided tour through their trains and museum
Phoenix Art Museum: MOVE: The Modern Cut of Geoffrey Beene

Museums to Visit in May

Here are a few additional museums to visit this month.

Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport: There are 3 different locations in the airport to see art, including Terminals 3, 4, and the rental car area.

Arizona State University: Cuban Print Collection which includes art from 17 Cuban artists.

Phoenix Police Department Museum: Find out everything you could ever want to know about the lawlessness of the Valley of the Sun and the people who kept everyone safe.

>> Find additional top museums around the Phoenix Metro

Festivals and Other Annual Events

Cinco de Mayo Festival

Date: 5/7

The biggest Cinco de Mayo festival in all of Arizona is located in Phoenix, and it is always an amazing time. You'll find amazing food, drinks, and entertainment throughout the day.

Some of the best restaurants, food vendors, artists, and representatives of Latinx culture are here. You will see dancers, musicians, and all kinds of fun demonstrations and events during the day.

There is also live music by well-known musicians from around the world.

The event takes place on Sunday, May 7th starting at noon and ending at 10 pm, and is located in Downtown Phoenix at 1st Avenue and Washington.

Spring Arizona Restaurant Week

Dates: 5/20 - 5/29

All week long, 100s of Phoenix restaurants, and some outside of the metro area, will offer special meal deals. This week is a wonderful way to learn more about the epicurean delights that the Valley of the Sun has to offer.

It's a fun time to dine out since there are numerous options to choose from. They are prix-fixe dinners that cost either $33, $44, or $55 per person. Also, this year, they've added take-out in case you are busy, want to eat alone, or can't get a reservation.

There is no fee to attend, but you will have to pay for your dinner, drinks, and tips. Note: You are welcome to order any menu item you want if you don't want to have their prix-fixe meal.

Performing Arts

Phoenix Symphony

Dates: 5/12 & 5/13

Gil Shaham Plays Brahms is the Grand Finale performance for the 2022 - 2023 season. The master violinist Gil Shaham will be performing the Brahms Violin Concerto with the full orchestra.

They will also be performing Leonard Bernstein's Chichester Psalms with Benjamin Wenselberg conducting.

The shows are on Friday, May 12th, at 7:30 pm, and Saturday, May 13th, at 3 pm, and 7:30 pm at the Phoenix Symphony Hall in the Downtown District.

Arizona Opera

Dates: 5/7 - 5/30

Known as one of the best opera companies in the country, Arizona Opera has put on over 200 operas and concerts. They have one opera this month: The Magic Flute.

The Magic Flute starts on the 7th and runs until the 30th.

The Arizona Opera's main stage is at the Arizona Symphony Hall at 75 N. 2nd Street.

Comedy Shows

If you want some laughs, you are going to love the options around the valley!

Some of the best comedy clubs include Rick Bronson's House of Comedy, the Stir Crazy Comedy Club, and The Showroom at Talking Stick Casino.

Other great clubs include JesterZ Improv Comedy, ImprovMANIA Comedy Club, and JP's Comedy Club.

Tours and Day Trips

You will also find several fun tours around Phoenix and beyond. Here are just a few of our recommendations.

Ghosts & Poltergeists Guided Haunted Walking Tour: This fun tour takes you to several haunted spots around downtown Phoenix. Your knowledgeable guide will tell you all about important events and stories that will make you shiver. Find out more here.

Grand Canyon with Sedona Day Tour: Leave the driving to the locals and enjoy this day trip to both the Grand Canyon and Sedona. You'll spend the day exploring some of Arizona's top attractions. It's a great option for those that only have a few days in town. Find out more.

Apache Trail Tour with Canyon Lake Cruise: After your pick up at your local Phoenix hotel, you'll cruise out to the Sonoran Desert. On the way, you'll stop at a replica of an 1890s ghost town, you'll then stop at Tortilla Flat (another old west town), and then arrive at your destination Canyon Lake. You'll then take a 90-minute cruise around the lake and learn more about the Apache Trail. Find out more here.

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