Things to do in the Valley: May 16-18 | Things to Do

From mouthwatering bites to can’t-miss beats, the Valley is buzzing with excitement this weekend. Dive into our top event picks and make the most of every moment.

A taste of Carefree. With the Carefree Desert Gardens in full bloom, perfect day and evening temperatures, and many indoor and outdoor dining options, Spring Carefree Restaurant Week, now through May 18, is an ideal time to gather with family and friends or those you are just getting to know. Delicious food in a perfect setting is an ideal way to connect. Learn more here.

Flowers in bloom. More than one million flower petals will transform WestWorld of Scottsdale into a vibrant display of color and creativity during the Maricopa County Home & Flower Show, running Friday, May 16 through Sunday, May 18. Read more 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 16, Soulitify will play a variety of popular hits. See the event line-up in this recent article.

Write on. Arizona Professional Writers (APW) will host its annual “Empowered Communication for Today’s World” conference Saturday, May 17, offering professional and aspiring writers a day of inspiration, networking, and practical advice. Read all about it here.

A musical celebration. The Musical Instrument Museum (MIM) will host “Experience Cuba,” a weekend celebration of Cuban music, dance, and culture, on Saturday and Sunday, May 17 and 18. The event runs from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day and is included with museum admission. Museum members may attend for free. Learn more here.

Say hi to the “Peanuts” gang. Desert Foothills Theater will close its season with the heartwarming musical comedy “You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown,” running through May 17 at two North Valley venues. Based on Charles M. Schulz’s iconic “Peanuts” comic strip, the family-friendly show brings Charlie Brown, Snoopy, Lucy, Linus and the rest of the gang to life as they tackle everything from baseball games to crushes and homework with music and humor. Learn more about this must-see show 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.

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