Fun Scottsdale events May 18-21, 2023 means it’s officially H-O-T! I call it our ‘Reverse Season,’ where we go outside to get stuff done and play early and after the sun goes down — like vampires.
There’re still lots of fun things to do in Scottsdale this weekend! Scroll for FREE! events and activities.
Walk at the Taj Mahal of Scottsdale malls for a cool and luxurious early indoor walk! FREE! — unless you find an iresistible must-have when the mall opens for biz!
Hi temps are hitting 100. The desert is still abloom with yellow paloverde trees, crowns of white flowers atop the saguaros — and lots of other showy cacti. Pretty desert willow trees are making their appearance this week.
Let’s hit the trails, parks, dog parks and our famous golf courses EARLY, watch the sunrise and enjoy the still cool mornings.
Free fun things to do in Scottsdale, include hitting the Indian Bend Wash Greenbelt! May is Indian Bend Wash’s Celebration month — since 1985.
Catch a movie — indoors or out. Or, a FREE! summer concert later later, along with the sunset.
The Water Parks, splash pads and aquatic centers are open for summer! They are either FREE! or with a small fee — to enjoy hours of cool fun in the sun. Wear your sunscreen, hat and sunglasses!
Discounted Resort rates are back summer — for a romantic weekend getaway at a posh desert oasis, or take the family for a wet and rambunctious staycation. My post has tables to find what suits your vibe – fast!
With lots of outdoor and indoor events — and activities for every age and budget, let’s get out there. Soak up a bit of sun and have fun!
FREE! Fun things to do in Scottsdale
Dive In Movie
SAT MAY 20, 7 – 9 PM: Dive In Movie Moana | El Dorado Park Aquatic Center — FREE! | MAP
Scottsdale ArtWalk
THU MAY 18, 6:30 – 9 PM | — FREE! Scottsdale ArtWalk in Old Town.
McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park Summer Concert Series 2023
SUN NIGHTS, May 21 – June 25, 7-8:30 PM | Summer Concert Series — FREE! | MAP
May Music Series Kierland Commons — FREE!
Yes, the May Music Series is back at Kierland Commons Center Plaza and it’s FREE!
FRI May 19: 6-8 PM: May Music Series | ‘Candle’ Elton John Tribute Cover Band — FREE! | MALL MAP | STREET MAP
Scottsdale’s Museum of the West
Here’s my post to learn all about the Best Western Museum! Why? It’s a great and inexpensive way to spend a cool few hours indoors. And, learn about the Old West and Native American life and culture.
Scottsdale Movie Date
New Features and Classic Films
Harkins Camelview Theatre at Fashion Square
THU MAY 18 | FRI MAY 19 | SAT MAY 20 | SUN MAY 21:
Here are my pics this week:
Carmen is an indie musical drama, loosely based on Bizet’s opera Carmen. ‘A woman on a quest to find freedom embarks upon a dramatic and life-altering journey from Mexico to Los Angeles.’ I was sure it was filmed in the Southwest, but nope — Australia.
Ratings: 6.1/10 IMDb | 66 % Rotten Tomatoes | 3.2/5 Letterboxed | 85% Google Users Liked | R | 1 HR 56 MINS
Bookclub: The Next Chapter is the new Romcom Starring Fonda, Steenburgen, Bergen and Keaton — as in Jane, Mary, Candice and Diane! And ooh la la — Johnson and Garcia, as in Don and Andy, and lot of other handsome chaps! And it’s set in Italy. If I can’t go to Italy, I’m going to this movie!
Ratings: 5.7/10 IMDb 3.5| 45 % Rotton Tomatoes | 85% Fandango | 76% Google Users Liked | PG13 | 1 HR 47 MINS
Love Again is also a new Romcom starring Priyanka Chopra Jonas, her hubby Nick Jonas, Sam Heughan, Celine Dion and her singing. It’s kind of panned, but you never know . . .
Ratings: 6.1/10 IMDb | 17% Rotten Tomatoes | 34% Metacritic | 79% of Google Users Liked | PG13 | 1HR 42 MINS
Polite Society is an indie action/comedy about a British-Pakistani teenager stunt gal who tries to save her sister from marriage. Starring Priya Kansara and Ritu Arya.
Ratings: 7.2/10 IMDb | 91% Rotten Tomatoes | 3.5/5 Collider | 86% of Google Users Liked | PG13 | 1HR 43 MINS
Here are other films playing this week and everything you need to know about Harkins! See you at the movies!
Art, Music, Theater and Comedy
Art Walks and Festivals
Scottsdale ArtWalk — FREE!
THU MAY 18, 6:30 – 9 PM | — FREE! Scottsdale ArtWalk in Old Town.
Live Music Daily | Weekly — Downtown | Old Town
- Belle’s Nashville Kitchen — Live music daily
- Rusty Spur Saloon — Since 1951. Live music every day
- Dierks Bentley Whiskey Row — Live music weekly
Parking Map and Tips in Old Town
Arrive early for good parking or hitch a ride share! Here are other fun, safe ways to avoid Old Town traffic snarls, tickets and DUIs: Riding Around Old Town Scottsdale.
Old Town Parking Map
Ravenscroft Jazz in N. Scottsdale
- FRI MAY 19, 7 – 9:30: | JAZZBIRD NIGHTS: JAMES FERNANDO TRIO |Tickets not required — $10
- SUN MAY 21, 5 – 6:30 PM / 7:30 – 9 PM: ARTEMIS (5:00 PM) | 5 PM Tickets | 7:30 PM Tickets
Scottsdale Drag Shows
FRI MAY 19 | SAT MAY 20, 7 PM | Illusions the Drag Queen Show | Old Town | MAP
FRI MAY 19, 7 PM: Diva Royale Drag Queen Show | Wasted Grain Old Town | MAP
SAT MAY 20, 1:30 PM | Diva Royale Drag Queen Show | Wasted Grain Old Town | Tickets | MAP
Upcoming Scottsdale Events MAY 2023:
Plan ahead so no more FOMO. Book your Special Scottsdale Resort. Get your tickets. Don’t miss any of these peak Scottsdale experiences:
Toss the Wash Disc Golf Event — FREE!
Haul the family over to Shelly Sharpe Memorial Disc Golf Course for Disc Golf lessons, games, contests, food trucks and more!
THU MAY 25, 5:30 – 7:30 PM: Vista Del Camino Park Disc Golf Course — FREE! | MAP
Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts
- THU MAY 25, 7:30 PM: Rodrigo y Gabriela – with the Krooked Kings – Global Music | Tickets
Ravenscroft Jazz in N. Scottsdale
- FRI MAY 26, 7 – 9:30: | JAZZBIRD NIGHTS: JOE GARCIA & FRIENDS | Tickets not required — $10
- SUN MAY 28, 6 – 8 PM: JAZZ FOR THE SOUL: ZAZU WEST — FREE!
McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park Summer Concert Series 2023
SUN NIGHTS, May 11 – June 25, 7-8:30 PM | Summer Concert Series — FREE!
Talking Stick Events
- FRI MAY 26, 8 PM: Justin Moore | Tickets | MAP
- FRI JULY 14, 8 PM: Happy Together Tour | Tickets | MAP
Casino Arizona
- FRI MAY 19 / SAT MAY 20, 7:30: Faux Fighters | FRI Tickets | SAT Tickets
- FRI MAY 26 / SAT MAY 27: Bella Donna Stevie Nicks Tribute | FRI Tickets | SAT Tickets
Scottsdale Farmers Markets
SAT MAY 21:
Old Town Farmers Market — 8 AM – 12 PM. Lots of great food, entertainment, artisanal fare, and people and dog watching! June Hours: 7 AM – 10 AM MAP
Farmers Market North Scottsdale — Variable times and locations, so check the link to see their hours and where they are this week.
Ongoing Scottsdale Outdoor Activities
More Fun things to do in Scottsdale Outdoors
With the desert heating up, get out early this time of year to do your hiking, biking, walking and dog walking, running, tennis, pickle ball, etc. There are so many desert and flat trails in the city, including Accessible ones. See my post and table links below. Consider our wonderful water parks and aquatic centers, plus indoor fitness centers — see links and tables below.
Free fun things to do in Scottsdale, include hitting the Indian Bend Wash Greenbelt! Or take a FREE! ride around town on the Scottsdale Trolley weekdays. Take the dogs out to rough-house at the dog parks and make new friends! Did you know Scottsdale is the number 1 pet-friendly city?
Top Golf Scottsdale’s Bargain Special:
MON – FRI 10 AM – Noon | $15 per person | Hit unlimited balls!
How about golf, hiking, strolling or cycling to maximize your outdoor fun for FREE? Disc golf is Free! Here you go — everything you need to know and tables of amenities for fast choices to suit everyone’s wants and needs to seize a little sunshine, shade and fresh air!
Here are posts and tables to ease your search for fun and FREE or low-cost things to do in Scottsdale:
- Aquatic and Fitness Centers
- Hiking, Walking, Mountain Biking, Rock Climbing and Horseback Riding
- Golf: Table from N. to S. with all the good stuff!
- The Indian Bend Multi-use Trail
- Parks, Playgrounds, Fishing and Dog Parks
- Scottsdale Cycling and Self-Propelled Wheeling
- Tennis and Pickleball
Be Smart and Safe in the Desert
The desert is a land of extremes and it’s getting hot. Be smart. Bring plenty of water and snacks. Wear sunscreen, your hat and the right shoes. Check the weather and bring other appropriate gear.
Be mindful of your furry friends, plus tiny and older ones getting too tired and hot.
If hiking, stay on the trail and watch where you’re stepping, for rattlesnakes, cacti and rocks — no bites, pokes, sprains, falls or helicopter rescues need to spoil your fun. Don’t pester or feed wildlife. Pick up your dog’s poop. Don’t take anything out but your trash and dog poop.
Give yourself plenty of time to make it on and off the trail safely and see a stunning sunrise or sunset!
Churches and Temples in Scottsdale
There are many choices for worship, faith traditions, and community at Scottsdale Churches and Temples. And, if you seek fellowship or are struggling, Scottsdale has a strong 12-Step recovery community. Many recovery meetings are held in churches, temples and North Scottsdale Fellowship Club.
Daylight’s burning — let’s go kick up our heels and not miss a minute of fun Scottsdale events and fun things to do, May 19-21, 2023! Play safe.
April Halstead
Scottsdale Lifestyle Blogger
I’m a 5th generation native Arizona gal who loves showing and telling what makes Scottsdale an amazing place to visit and make home! I hope you enjoy our city through my lens, making your own discoveries and memories here!
