May 2012 Events in Maricopa County

·  ArtBridge Thursdays
Artists, crafters and jewelers exhibit and sell items in a family-friendly, festive environment. SouthBridge, Downtown Scottsdale. Free admission.  Every Thursday in May

·  Astronomy Evenings
A talk (novice level) explaining facts about the solar system and the galaxy around the planet earth followed by observing the moon, several planets, star systems through a celestron telescope. Weather permitting. Registration required. Ages 8+. Pinnacle Peak Park, Scottsdale. May 11

·  Birds in the Garden
Join expert birders for a morning bird walk along the Garden trails. Everyone, including first-time birders, is welcome. Wear a hat, sunscreen and comfortable walking shoes. Bring binoculars if available. Desert Botanical Garden, Phoenix at 7 a.m. This activity is included in the regular admission fee.  Every Monday in May

·  Blues, Bruise and BBQs
Blues bands, body-painting competition, beer gardens, entertainment. Goodyear.May 5

·  Cabela's Kids Kamp
Free programs on topics related to hunting, fishing and other outdoor activities for ages 9-13 at Cabela's in Glendale. Every Monday evening (except when store is closed for a holiday)

·  Carefree Sundays at el Pegregal
Free musical entertainment from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. There is no admission fee but food must be purchased. el Pedregal, Scottsdale.  May 6, 13

·  Centerline Artwerks | First Saturdays
Features live performing artists, local painters, sculptors, dancers and musicians. Just east of Murphy Park at 58th Avenue north of Glendale Avenue, event goers will have the opportunity to watch artists at work as well as tour the historic area. Free to attend. May 5

·  Cinco de Mayo Celebrations
Neighborhood and community Cinco de Mayo celebrations are free or very reasonably priced. You'll find lots of Latino music, dance, Mexican food, games--it's fiesta time! First week in May

·  Community Cinema
Free movie and post-show discussion, presented by City of Mesa Office of Diversity, City of Mesa Human Relations Advisory Board, Mesa Arts Center, ITVS Community Cinema and Eight Arizona PBS. Dobson Lecture Hall at Mesa Arts Center. Free. May 17

·  Desert Botanical Garden Butterfly Pavilion
Walk among the beautiful butterflies at this special springtime event located at the Desert Botanical Garden in Phoenix. March 5 - May 13

·  Farmers Markets
Vegetables, fruits, herbs, flowers, breads, jams, cheeses, juices, local specialty foods and crafts. Several locations. Various dates in May

·  Fiesta Mall Entertainment
Mariachis, magicians, dancers, bands -- several entertainers each Saturday and Sunday afternoon at Center Court at Fiesta Mall in Mesa. Family friendly. Free. Every Saturday and Sunday

·  First Friday
Visit more than 100 downtown Phoenix art galleries, studios and art spaces. Free. First Friday of the month

·  Flashlight Tours at Desert Botanical Garden
See, hear and feel the desert night including, nighthawks, tortoises, insects and night-blooming flowers. Bring a flashlight and wear comfortable shoes. Tours begin at 7 p.m. Recommended for families and children of all ages. Desert Botanical Garden in Phoenix. every Saturday evening in May

·  Free Art Friday
Preschoolers and their parents participate in an activity involving art and/or music. The theme varies from month to month. No registration required. Free. Tempe. May 20

·  Friday Night Franks
A unique outdoor cookout experience in the Sonoran desert. Live entertainment, Native American storytelling, horseshoes, wagon rides, and an old fashioned wiener roast. Free admission, charge for food and beverages. Fort McDowell Adventures.
every Friday night in May until Memorial Day

·  Gilbert Art Walk
Fine art in different mediums, all price ranges. Artists qualify to be part of the event through a jury selection process. All art items are original creations. More than 30 booths. Water Tower Park, Gilbert.  May 25

·  Lake Pleasant Adventure Day
Clubs, organizations, dive shops, and more will be on-site with freebies, goodies, drawings, demonstrations, and activities for you to try. Water activities for everyone. Lake Pleasant, west of the 10-lane boat launch.
In 2012: May 19

·  Lucky Ducky Derby
Quacktivities start at 11 a.m. Duck Drop at 1:30 p.m. All of the proceeds from the Arizona Lucky Ducky Derby benefit local children's charities. Scottsdale Waterfront.
In 2012: ??

·  Friday Night Drag Racing
Legal street drag racing at Firebird International Raceway. Race or just be a spectator.
In 2012: Various dates in May

·  McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park Free Concerts
Scottsdale. Bring a blanket or a lawn chair and enjoy a variety of music from 7:30 to 9 p.m. Train and carousel rides are available during all concerts for a small charge.  Sunday nights in May

·  Memorial Day Observances and Events
There are community events, concerts, and observances on Memorial Day weekend.
In 2011: Memorial Day Weekend

·  Montelucia Summer Concert Series
Cover bands take the stage and perform live in Cortijo Plaza. 6:30 p.m. Free. Scottsdale.
In 2012: ??

·  Mother's Day Events
Each year there are a variety of events, activities and dining specials to celebrate that special Mom in your life.
In 2012: Various dates in May

·  Motorcycles on Main
The streets of downtown Mesa are closed to all but bikers and people who love motorcycles. Music, food, beer garden. Free admission.
In 2012: First Friday of the month

·  Movies at the Museum
Phoenix Art Museum. Independent and classic cinema and documentaries relating to art, artists, and works on view in the Museum, usually followed by discussion. Free with paid museum admission. First come, first seated.
In 2012: Various dates in May

·  Movies at the Park                         
Free admission. Bring a blanket, snacks, and water. Movies begin at dusk (approximately 7 p.m.). Movies are shown by the fire pit on the west side of Kiwanis Lake at Kiwanis Park, Tempe.
In 2012: May 4, 11, 18, 25

·  Movies in the Park
Family friendly movies will be shown at Pacana Park in Maricopa. Bring your own snacks and a blanket and enjoy the show. Snacks will also be available to purchase. All movies are free and begin at about 7 p.m. Call for info 520-316-6961.
In 2012: ??

·  Museum Day
May 18 is International Museum Day. Participating museums offer free admissions and gifts on Museum Day.
In 2012: May 18

·  Music in the Garden
From 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Ullman Terrace. Ticketed event. Desert Botanical Garden in Phoenix.
In 2012: May 4, 11, 18, 25

·  Music in May
Free concerts at Anthem Community Park amphitheater at 7 p.m. Bring your picnic and your blanket or lawn chairs. Concerts are about two hours long.
In 2012: Every Friday in May

·  National Train Day
Free admission to the Arizona Railway Museum. These are real trains in various stages of restoration by volunteers. Special opportunity to go inside of many of the trains. Chandler.
In 2012: May 12

·  Pandora Festival
New and provocative plays by women playwrights at Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts.
In 2012: May 18 - 20

·  Phoenix Bridal Show
Vendors for products and services for all your wedding needs. Downtown Phoenix.
In 2012: May 20

·  Phoenix Children's Chorus Spring Concert
Chorus members ages 9 - 18 are joined by guest artists for their performance.
In 2011: May 21, 22

·  Phoenix Comicon
Presenting guests and programming for hobbyists by attracting the top segments of the comics, anime, sci-fi, film, tv, and gaming industries. Phoenix Convention Center and Hyatt Regency, downtown Phoenix.
In 2011: May 26 - 29

·  Phoenix Mercury WNBA Basketball
The women of the Phoenix Mercury play professional basketball at the US Airways Center.
In 2012: Various dates in May

·  Phoenix Symphony in Goodyear
Phoenix Symphony will take the stage at 7 p.m. Estrella Lakeside Amphitheatre, Goodyear.
In 2012: May 20

·  Queen Creek Peach & Art Festival
Enjoy peach picking, recipes, sampling, and entertainment at Schnepf Farms.
In 2011: May 14, 15, 21, 22

·  Railbirds                                                                 
Bird scavenger hunt. Teams led by bird experts identify birds seen along METRO Light Rail. Followed by awards fiesta at Nina Mason Pulliam Rio Salado Audubon Center.
In 2012: May 5

·  Science Saturdays
Combines science experiments with historic home tours. Different science projects at each session. Historic home tours and garden walks will also be available. Free. Tumbleweed Park, Chandler.
In 2012: May 12

·  Scottsdale ArtWalk
Every Thursday evening the Scottsdale Art District invites you to spend a casual evening walking downtown and enjoying fine art. Free.
In 2012: Every Thursday evening