Tracks N Tunes
Through May 25, McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park
Rock and roll is back on track Sunday evenings at the Railroad Park. With Motown, disco, rhythm and blues, and retro 90s, there’s something for everyone. Bring a blanket or chair and relax in the park. Pack a picnic or enjoy something tasty from Hartley’s General Store or one of the onsite food trucks. Musical performances include Hourglass Cats rock and reggae (May 4), Jemini top 40 (May 11), People Who Could Fly indie pop top 40 (May 11), and Donny Grubb Band country and rock (May 25). Food trucks vary by week. 7-8:30 p.m. Free. www.therailroadpark.com.
Carlisle Arizona Women’s Golf Classic
May 5-11, TPC Scottsdale Champions Course
The Epson Tour is the official qualifying tour of the LPGA. Now entering its 45th season, the tour’s mission is to prepare the world’s best young women professional golfers for a successful career on the LPGA Tour. Support these world class athletes as they compete at the highest level for the Epson tour’s largest purse. This event for the entire family also benefits Girls Golf of Phoenix. The event also includes the Cocktail & Craft Beer Fest on Saturday from 1 to 4 p.m. Times vary by day. One-day GA, $12; four-day GA, $36; four-day VIP hospitality, $299. www.carlislelpga.com.
Euro Wine Dinner Series
May 8 and 15, The Market by Jennifer’s
Embark on a culinary journey to Sicily with a thoughtfully curated four-course menu, with each dish paired with wines and cocktails that highlight the bold, sun-kissed flavors of Sicily. Menus include an amuse bouche of golden-fried arancini paired with Sicilian Spritz cocktail, a first course of ricotta and fresh fig, a main course of poached cod pasta, and Sicilian cannoli for dessert. 4-9 p.m. $75, plus tax and gratuity. www.themarketbyjennifer.com.
Annie
May 9-June 1, Herberger Theater Center
Valley Youth Theatre presents the story of plucky little orphan Annie who charms everyone despite a next-to-nothing start in an orphanage in 1930s New York City. With the help of the other girls in the orphanage, Annie escapes to the wondrous world of NYC and has adventure after fun-filled adventure. Performance times vary. $36.50-$43.50. www.vyt.com.
Par-Tee and Benefit Concert
May 9, The Westin Kierland Golf Club
Prepare for an evening dedicated to supporting the 100 Club of Arizona with a special live performance from one of Arizona’s best cover bands, Rock Lobster. This special event raises funds and awareness for the 100 Club and first responders, making a direct impact on the lives of those who need it most. It will be a night of incredible music, community and generosity. 3:30 p.m. $60. www.100club.org.
Phoenix Children’s Chorus Presents Myths and Legends
May 9, Tempe Center for the Arts
Embark on a mythical journey with Phoenix Children’s Chorus (PCC) as they explore the enchanting tales of legends and myths through music. From ancient folklore to modern interpretations, this concert showcases the power and wonder of storytelling through song. The program will feature performances by PCC’s five premier ensembles. 7 p.m. $20-$30. www.tempecenterforthearts.com.
Sunset Serenades Spring Concert Series
May 10, Scottsdale Quarter
The Quarter’s spring concert series will conclude with a performance in The Quad by Notes from Neptune. The duo of Scott Worstell (guitar and vocals) and Thomas Love (saxophone and vocals) take popular songs and perform them in a way that makes the audience feel like they’re hearing hem for the first time. Their influences range from Harry Connick Jr. to Pink Floyd, Bill Withers to Prince, pop. rock, jazz, gospel, and spirituals. 5:30-7:30 p.m. Free. www.scottsdalequarter.com.
High Tea Aboard the Pullman
May 10 & 11, Platform 18
Step aboard Platform 18’s luxurious Pullman-inspired train car for High Tea Aboard the Pullman this Mother’s Day weekend. Indulge in this elegant and immersive experience, featuring welcome Champagne, a delicious cup of tea and an array of savory and sweet small bites, all set against the backdrop of 1924 New York City. This special event blends history, luxury and indulgence. Reservation times available between 10:30 a.m. and 12:45 p.m. $99; upgraded ticket with truffles and sparkling wine, $129. www.bartershake.com/platform-18.
Connected Through Music
May 11, Scottsdale Center for the Arts
The Scottsdale Symphonic Orchestra will celebrate Mother’s Day with its season finale. Through music, the orchestra will celebrate the relationships in the audience’s lives that mean the most. Peter Eom joins the orchestra as soloist in the moving and brilliant Dvorak Cello Concerto. Program highlights include Fanfare for My City by Henry Flurry, Symphony No. 1 (Afro-American) by William Grant Still, and Cello Concerto in B Minor by Antonin Dvorak. 4 p.m. $15-$35. www.scottsdaleperformingarts.org.
The Marshall Tucker Band
May 11, Talking Stick Resort
For over 50 years, The Marshall Tucker Band has been a cornerstone of Southern rock, delivering timeless hits like Can’t You See, Heard It in a Love Song, and Fire on the Mountain. Formed in Spartanburg, South Carolina, their unique sound blends rock, country, and blues, creating music that spans generations. 8 p.m. $30 to $125. www.talkingstickresort.com.
Ballet Arizona’s Eroica
May 14-31, Desert Botanical Garden
Surrounded by the magnificent dessert landscape with the setting sun as its backdrop, Eroica will makes a comeback at Ballet Arizona’s annual An Evening at Desert Botanical Garden production. Expect the unexpected as this ballet evolves, takes chances, and challenges emotional boundaries in the desert that Phoenicians call home. 8 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday. $60-$105. www.balletaz.org.
Maricopa County Home & Flower Show
May 16-18, WestWorld of Scottsdale
More than a million flower petals make up the installations, sculptures and gardenscapes that adorn the home improvement exhibits at the second annual show. More than the largest flower show in the Southwest, this event will feature the latest trends in home improvement. The theme of this year’s show will be The Language of Flowers, and unique attractions include The Flower Showcase, Flower & Home Market, The Plant Bar with hands on gardening lessons, Battle of the Bouquets competition, and the Gardenscapes Best in Show Competition. 10 am.-5 p.m. $10. www.mchomeshows.com.
Bubble Bash
May 17, Desert Ridge Marketplace
Suds and bubbles make a great party – especially when it’s the soapy kind. Welcome the summer with interactive bubble stations and a foam zone at The District at Desert Ridge Marketplace. At this family-friendly event, there will also be live entertainment and fun activities for all ages. Bubble art, make-your-own bubble wand, bubble chemistry, bubble art and chemistry, and a bubble shop are all part of the experience. Stand inside a giant bubble and snap a photo for the socials. 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Free. www.shopdesertridge.com.
Kyler Murray Foundation Softball Game
May 17, Salt River Fields at Talking Stick
NFL stars, NBA players and entertainers will take the field to support Kyler Murray Foundation’s mission to provide educational resources, leadership development and opportunities for veterans and underserved children, as well as provide support for cancer patients. In addition to the celebrity softball game, there will be VIP on-field experiences; an interactive fan zone with music, food, and entertainment; and a free kids zone with face painting, balloon art, and more. Bring two canned goods for a local food bank and receive a raffle ticket for a chance to win Kyler Murray memorabilia and other great prizes. Doors open at 3:30 p.m.; gametime, 5:30 p.m. $25. www.saltriverfields.com/k1/.
Phoenix Mercury Home Opener
May 17, PHX Arena
This month, Phoenix Mercury will open its season at home against the Seattle Storm. Some of the hottest players in the WNBA will visit the PHX Arena this season. Get to know new additions All-WNBA First Team forwards Satou Sabally and Alyssa Thomas as they join Kahleah Copper in the quest for a championship. 7 p.m. Starting at $23. www.mercury.wnba.com.
Experience Cuba
May 17-18, Musical Instrument Museum
Experience Cuba is part of MIM’s Signature Events series. Learn about the history and cultural significance of Cuban music from Afro-Cuban rhythms to contemporary styles and more. Activities include a gürio craft and a photo booth. At the curator talk, learn about the amazing Cuban instruments in MIM’s collection. Phoenix Salsa Dance will teach attendees salsa and rumba. Ritmo Latino and Jaleo will perform both days, and there will be a showing of Buena Vista Social Club taking place Sunday. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Included with museum admission. www.mim.org.
Grayhawk Elementary Golf Tournament
May 20, Verde River Golf & Social Club
The Grayhawk Elementary Dads’ Club works to enrich the students’ educational experience through the involvement of fathers and male guardians at the school. The golf tournament raises money for school improvement projects, and includes golf, lunch and prizes. 7:30 a.m., check in; 9 a.m., shotgun start. $800 for a foursome. www.grayhawkpto.com/dads-club.
Science Goes Hollywood Adult Prom
May 23, Arizona Science Center
Want to relive or rewrite prom? At Science Goes Hollywood: It’s Prom – but for Adults, attendees can actually do so, but with cocktails and some tinsel town glamour. There will be a DJ, professional prom photos, optional fresh floral corsage/boutonnieres from Urban Desert Flora and – of course – a costume contest. Prom-worthy attire is encouraged, but not required. Science activities include stop motion video with spider web effects, thometropes, zoetropes, and forced perspective. Cocktails and food will be available for purchase. 6 p.m. $40. www.azscience.org.
Kimes Ranch Derby
May 29-June 8, WestWorld of Scottsdale
The National Reined Cow Horse Association (NRCHA) will bring an 11-day showcase of cow horse competitions and horse show classes to WestWorld. The event will also host the Holy Cow Performance Horses CD Survivor Open Bridle Spectacular. The derby will also include a vendor village featuring premium western goods, concessions, and local food trucks. 8 a.m. Free. nrcha.com/event/western derby/.