May Minis Exhibition
May 7, The Marshall Gallery

The May Minis show spotlights talented artists in compact, conversation-starting pieces. All of the artwork is 12x12 or smaller, making it perfect for collectors of all levels. A reception kicks off the month-long exhibition that turns small-scale art into a major experience. Refreshments will be served and there will be an opportunity to meet some of the artists behind the works. 6-9 p.m. Free. www.themarshallgallery.com.

Roars & Pours
May 7, Phoenix Zoo

If you love the activities of camp, but the sleeping outside—not so much—you’ll love Roars & Pours at the Phoenix Zoo. Enjoy brews, outdoor games, live entertainment, and exclusive after-hours entertainment. Sips by the fire, music under the stars, and the great outdoors—it’s the best part of camping for just one night. This is a 21-and-over event. 5:30-8:30 p.m. $13. www.phoenixzoo.org.

Spring Season Finale Weekend
May 8-10, Desert Botanical Garden

Celebrate the final days of spring at the Garden with immersive art, nighttime adventures, entertainment, and a last chance to visit the Majestic Mariposas in the Butterfly Pavilion. Events include the Desert Studio: Emerging Artist Series on Friday, the last Dog Days in the Garden on Saturday morning, followed by an evening of Flashlight Nights, concluding with Mother’s Day in the Garden on Sunday. Moms get free access to the garden with a paid child on Sunday. While you’re there visit the complimentary flower bar from Wondry, get your water bottle engraved, and take some snaps in the photo booth. Each evening, experience the Garden: After Dark by Desert Pulse. Choose a day or make it a weekend. Times vary. www.dbg.org.

Sunset Serenades
May 9, Scottsdale Quarter

Saturday nights on the Quad at Scottsdale Quarter mean live music, warm evening vibes and local talent. Wrap up the weekly series with the Americana, blues, folk, and funk vibes of JTM3. Sit beneath the palm trees and soak in the sounds in a relaxed, open-air setting. 5:30-7:30 p.m. Free. www.scottsdalequarter.com.

Mother’s Day Brunch Buffet
May 10, J&G Steakhouse

In celebration of Mother’s Day, J&G Steakhouse at The Phoenician is serving an elaborate brunch buffet. Perched on the side of Camelback Mountain, J&G Steakhouse offers unparalleled views, paired with exceptional cuisine. Brunch menu highlights include a chef’s attended carving station featuring herb roasted prime rib, honey roasted pork loin, and citrus roasted arctic char, along with a variety of seasonal salads and sides. Additional themed areas include a chilled seafood and raw bar, hand-rolled sushi and sashimi, decadent breakfast and brunch items, a bruschetta station, artisanal pastries and sweets, and much more. Adults, $190; children ages 3-12, $95. www.jgsteakhousescottsdale.com.

Mother’s Day at Royal Palms
May 10, Royal Palms

Whether celebrating your mom, grandma, aunt, friends, or other influential women in your life, she will appreciate a decadent brunch at Royal Palms. Two options are available: a three-course prix-fixe plated brunch, or the Banquet Buffet. Reservations are recommended for either experience. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. $175; children 6-12, $74; children 5 and younger, free. www.royalpalmshotel.com.

Mother’s Day Celebration
May 10, Sanctuary Camelback Mountain

Sensational dining, indulgent spa experiences, and festive touches—what everyone wants for Mother’s Day. A complimentary Whispering Angel Rosé toast, photo booth, and a build-your-own bouquet cart are also on the menu, alongside a five-course dining experience. Start with a lobster roll; move on to a first course Hamachi crudo, carpaccio, or fettunta; second course is a wedge salad; the third course is a choice of steak and lobster, ravioli uovo, pan-seared salmon, or roasted lamb loin. Close with a choice of pavlova or double chocolate cheesecake. Seatings 11 a.m.-9 p.m. $155; children 12 and younger, $65. www.sanctuaryaz.com.

Mother’s Day Tea
May 10, Renatas Hearth

Honor Mother’s Day with an elegant afternoon tea at Renata’s Hearth, set within the iconic Arizona Biltmore. This refined prix fixe experience features a tiered selection of savory bites—think lobster rolls, smoked salmon, and mesquite turkey tea sandwiches—paired with warm scones, Devonshire cream, and citrus curds. Delicate pastries, from French macarons to chocolate profiteroles, complete the offering. With dedicated children’s and vegetarian menus, it’s a sophisticated yet welcoming way to celebrate. 11 a.m.-3 p.m.; Adults, starting at $95; children ages 5-12, starting at $60. www.renatashearth.com.

Phoenix Mercury Season Opener
May 12, Mortgage Matchup Center

Watch as familiar favorites and new faces take the court for the Phoenix Mercury as they take on the Minnesota Lynx in a WNBA showdown. The home opener will be followed by matchups with Chicago Sky (May 15), Toronto Tempo (May 19), Los Angeles Sparks (May 21), and June 1 (Minnesota Lynx, WNBA Commissioner’s Cup). It’ll be another exciting season as the Mercury make another run to the WNBA Finals. 7 p.m. Ticket prices vary. www.mercury.wnba.com.

Ballet in Bloom: An Evening at the Desert Botanical Garden
May 13-30, Desert Botanical Garden

Ballet Arizona’s audience favorite returns to the Desert Botanical Garden with a double-feature ballet experience. First, Lar Lubovitch’s Concerto Six Twenty-Two, set to Mozart’s jubilant Clarinet Concerto in A Major, K. 622, is a celebration of masterpieces in dance and music. The second piece is the US debut of Reset with choreography by Daniela Cardim and music by Gabriel Prokofiev. It features a fusion of classical and electronic music, enveloping the dance in a unique contemporary sound. 8 p.m. Risers, $71; table seating, $91; premium table seating, $111. www.balletaz.org.

Glow Up @SMOCA: Sound Bath
May 14, Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art

Refresh your aura and bathe in the serene light of SMoCA’s infinite installation, Squidsoup. Melinda Milton eases you into a deep relaxation with her sound bath meditation session. Wear something warm and comfortable and bring a yoga mat. Your favorite blanket, pillow, or eye mask can enhance your comfort and soothe your soul. 7 p.m. $25. www.scottsdalearts.org.

Spring Arizona Restaurant Week
May 15-24, Valleywide

Try new restaurants, explore different cuisine, or enjoy exclusive menus at your favorite spots for a fraction of the usual price. Fine-dining, fast casual, and under-the-radar independently owned dining establishments offer three-course tasting menus with variations of popular dishes and unique specialties not featured every day. The menus will highlight seasonal and hyper-local ingredients. A full list of participating restaurants can be found on the website. $33, $44, or $55 per person, plus tax and gratuity. www.arizonarestaurantweek.com.

Casting Cosanti
May 15, Cosanti Originals

Explore the art of casting using molds made from the desert earth. The experience includes an hour-long guided tour of Cosanti, and your very own cast plaster tile which will be shaped and pigmented using techniques formed by their historic architecture and craftwork. This hands-on experience is a great way to connect with the tradition of artisan craftwork that is at the heart of Cosanti. 10:15 a.m.-1:30 p.m. $125. www.cosanti.com.

250 Years of American Symphony
May 16, North Canyon High School

Celebrate America’s 250th birthday with works by American composers. The North Valley Symphony Orchestra will perform Leonard Bernstein’s West Side Story Dances, Florence Price’s Symphony No. 1, and George Gershwin’s An American in Paris. 7-9 p.m. $10. www.northvalleysymphony.org.

AJ’s The Art of Wine: Summer to Impress
May 16, Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts

Part wine tasting, part stylish summer soirée, The Art of Wine is inspired by the colors, flavors, and effortless elegance of the season. Explore a curated selection of spring and summer wines paired with garden-inspired sweet and savory cuisine. There will be a silent auction with exceptional wines, gift baskets, accessories, and more. Dress in your best vibrant summer styles to match the festive ambiance. Proceeds benefit all the programs of Scottsdale Arts. 1 p.m. $45. www.scottsdalearts.org.

Learn & Lunch
May 16, Marcellino Ristorante

These intimate, monthly watch-and-learn style classes are held at the chef’s island, where Chef Marcellino demonstrates how to prepare a signature dish, while telling stories of his childhood growing up on a farm in Italy. Following class, enjoy a delectable lunch of the featured dish, plus an organic green salad and a sweet treat of handmade biscotti. The featured dish is minestra con fave e cecci, a soup of fava and garbanzo beans, cicoria, and pancetta topped with parmigiano reggiano. Reservations required. 1-3 p.m. $85 plus tax and gratuity. www.marcellinoristorante.com.

Collect-A-Con
May 16-17, WestWorld of Scottsdale

Do you have a baseball cards that have been collecting dust? Ready to unload those old comic books? Have some Pokemon, Funko Pops or anime merchandise that you’re ready to cash in? Collect-A-Con is the nation’s largest trading card, anime, and pop culture convention. Submit your items for grading, consign or authenticate them, or add some new items to your collection. In addition to a concert by Steve Aoki, there will be special celebrity guests, panels, entertainment, cosplay and more. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. General admission, $30-$35; two-day pass, $50; VIP fast pass, $110. Meet and greet VIP pass, $199. www.collectaconusa.com.

The Music of Our Time: Sounds of America at 250
May 20, Musical Instrument Museum

Celebrate the tapestry of American classical music in a concert that highlights the sounds of Aaron Copeland. From the sweeping landscapes of the American heartland to the vibrant rhythms of urban life, attendees of this concert will experience music that is as diverse and dynamic as the country itself. The Phoenix Symphony, conducted by Alex Amsel, will present a program that honors the spirit and innovation of American classics. 11 a.m. $89-$128. www.phoenixsymphony.org.

West Coast Conference Baseball Tournament
May 20-23, Scottsdale Stadium

The Spring Training home of the San Francisco Giants will host the best collegiate teams in the West Coast Conference for four days of championship baseball. The six-team tournament will be played over four days. There will be two games on Wednesday, with the winners advancing to a double-elimination bracket with the number one and two seeds, beginning on Thursday. All-session tickets, $60; single day tickets, starting at $20; student tickets, $10. www.wccsports.com.

Science With a Twist: Nebula Nights
May 29, Arizona Science Center

Starlight sets the mood while science sets the stage. Dress to impress, sip some out-of-this-world drinks, and dance beneath a galaxy of immersive, science-fueled surprises. This is a 21-and-older event. Add-on tickets for the Dorrance Dome will be available onsite. Cocktails, food and snacks will be available for purchase. General admission plus tickets include a fresh floral corsage or boutonniere. 6-10 p.m. www.azscience.org.