Great Upcoming Events

By Elizabeth Liberatore

May Music Series
May 2-23, Kierland Commons Center Plaza

Grab a blanket or a lawn chair, leash up a furry friend and head to the Kierland Commons to usher in the summer season with live music under the stars. With a new show every Friday during this four-week concert series, there’s sure to be a sound to fit every taste. Musicians include Turning Point, which blends Greek and Southwestern-inspired music with hints of jazz, rock and blues; Dirty Yachtin’ Soundrels, a must-see for lovers of soft rock; Candle in the Wind, a crowd-favorite Elton John tribute show; and Stanley Serrano, a showstopping local artist. 6-8 p.m. Free. www.kierlandcommons.com.

Professional Women’s Leadership Forum & ATHENA Kick-Off
May 8, Marriott Phoenix Airport

This half-day professional development summit is a networker’s dream. Presented by the Greater Phoenix Chamber, the inaugural event is dedicated to empowering and inspiring women in the workplace, with interactive skill-based workshops, impactful keynote speakers and plenty of opportunities to build connections with likeminded professionals during the provided lunch and a happy hour following the program. The Forum also serves as the kick-off for the 2025 ATHENA Awards program, meaning attendees will be among the first to learn how to nominate the deserving women in their lives for this coveted honor. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Members, $195; nonmembers, $275. www.phoenixchamber.com.

Coffee, Conversation & Classics
May 15, Symphony Hall

Join Phoenix Symphony at this open rehearsal, hosted by associate conductor Alex Amsel, as the symphony prepares for an upcoming concert. In the program is the cinematic Grand Canyon Suite by American composer Ferde Grofé, a symphonic poem that captures the majesty of Southwestern landscapes in five movements. Also in the repertoire for the upcoming concert are Copland’s El Salón México and Márquez’s, the latter of which features the talents of award-winning Spanish violinist Francisco Fullana. This intimate experience concludes with a Q&A with the musicians and decorated guest conductor Thomas Wilkins. 9:30 a.m. $50. www.phoenixsymphony.org.

Arizona Restaurant Week
May 16-25, Valleywide

The spring edition of this biannual event from the Arizona Restaurant Association promises even more unforgettable eats. As many as 200 participating restaurants will present exclusive multicourse menus, offering gourmet experiences at a fraction of the usual cost. With a diverse lineup – everything from fan-favorite Southwestern eateries to luxe five-star restaurants – this week is the perfect time to support some of the local restaurants that bring so much color and culture to the Grand Canyon State. Times vary. Reservations recommended. $33-$55. www.arizonarestaurantweek.com.

Mamma Mia!
May 27-June 1, ASU Gammage

Here we go again – this global sensation is taking the stage at ASU Gammage for an unforgettable night. Told through the songs of ABBA, the musical follows a young woman on the eve of her wedding as she searches for answers about the father she never knew, all set against the backdrop of a stunning Greek island. This feel-good story has been a part of the cultural zeitgeist since the musical first debuted in 1999, followed by the hit 2008 film starring Meryl Streep and Amanda Seyfried. Times and prices vary. www.asugammage.com.

Sting 3.0 Tour
June 1, Arizona Financial Theatre

No one knows how to put on a show quite like a 17-time Grammy Award-winner. The Phoenix leg of Sting’s world tour promises plenty of the hits the multitalented musician is known for, in genres ranging from new wave to rock to jazz. Over the decades, the Rock & Roll Hall of Famer has sold over 100 million records, including as frontman for the iconic band The Police. 8 p.m. Prices vary. www.arizonafinancialtheatre.com.