Things to do in the Valley: Weekend of May 23-26 | Things to Do

This weekend is bursting with things to do across the Valley. From outdoor ballet performances and can’t-miss dining deals to classic theater and heartfelt Memorial Day tributes, there’s something for everyone. Read on for a roundup of standout shows, tasty events, and meaningful moments happening this weekend. 

A dazzling performance. Ballet Arizona is bringing its acclaimed outdoor performance series back to Desert Botanical Garden this month with a revival of Artistic Director Emeritus Ib Andersen’s Eroica. The ballet will be performed now through May 31, with shows beginning nightly at 8 p.m. Learn more here.

Delicious eats. Arizona Restaurant Week returns until May 25, bringing an exciting culinary experience to food lovers across the state. Hosted by the Arizona Restaurant Association, event features nearly 200 restaurants, ranging from intimate chef-driven spots to luxurious five-star dining. Read all the details here.

See a classic show. Valley Youth Theatre (VYT) will close out its 2024–2025 season with the beloved Broadway musical Annie, running through June 1 at the Herberger Theater Center in downtown Phoenix. Directed by VYT alum and Phoenix Theatre’s New Works Director Michelle Chin, the production will bring the Depression-era tale of a hopeful young orphan to life on the Center Stage. Learn more in this article.

Catch a play. A mix of magic, music and moral lessons takes center stage as The Phoenix Theatre Company brings Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine’s Tony Award-winning musical Into the Woods to life. The production runs through July 13. Get all the details here.

Celebrate an icon. Arizona Broadway Theatre is bringing the Tony Award-nominated Beautiful: The Carole King Musical to its stage through June 5, offering Valley audiences a chance to experience the inspiring true story of one of America’s most iconic singer-songwriters. Read all about it here. 

Music in May. The Anthem Community Council has announced the band lineup for its annual Music in May concert series, set to return each Friday this month at the Community Park Amphitheater. On May 23, The Rave will play hits from the 80s and 90s. See the event line-up in this recent article.

Honor the fall. On Monday, May 26, two major Memorial Day ceremonies in Arizona will honor the men and women who died in military service to the United States. From 8 to 9 a.m., the Town of Carefree will host its annual tribute at the historic Cave Creek Memorial Cemetery, bringing together veterans, students, and community members for a solemn morning of remembrance. In the East Valley, Mountain View Funeral Home & Cemetery in Mesa will hold its 25th Annual Memorial Day Celebration, one of the state’s largest, honoring over 3,000 U.S. military veterans with more than 1,000 attendees expected at 9 a.m. Get the details about the Carefree event here and learn more about the Mesa event here.

Looking ahead: The National Reined Cow Horse Association (NRCHA) will bring its Kimes Ranch Derby back to WestWorld for the fifth consecutive year, offering 11 days of Western sport, artistry and family-friendly fun. Scheduled for May 28 through June 7, the event is free and open to the public. Get the details here.

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