Fun Scottsdale Events, May 11-14, 2023

Fun Scottsdale events May 11-14, 2023 means Mother’s Day on Sunday 5/14! Book Mom’s Brunch reservation at one of our famous resorts. Or, whip her up a special meal at home — and wash the dishes!

Take Mom to the Railroad Park’s FREE! Summer Concerts! And, the May Music Series at Kierland Commons — also FREE!

Enjoy the end of our fabulous spring weather — with a long list of fun things to do in Scottsdale this weekend! Scroll for FREE! events and activities.

Hi temps are hitting the century mark. The desert is still blooming with yellow paloverde trees, crowns of white flowers atop the saguaros — and lots of other showy cacti.

Let’s hit the trails, parks and our famous golf courses early, watch the sunrise and enjoy the cool mornings. Catch a movie or other event later, along with the sunset.

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!

Arizona Boardwalk Mompalooza — FREE!

I like Mamapalooza better, but they didn’t ask me! No matter what it’s called, there will be mom pampering and fun for the kids, if they must go — just kidding!

SAT MAY 13, 10 AM – 2 PM: Mompalooza — FREE! | AZ Boardwalk | MAP

Scottsdale’s Favorite Mom – Erma Bombeck

It wouldn’t be Mother’s Day in Scottsdale without remembering Erma Bombeck — our national treasure and funniest Mom. She actually lived next door in Paradise Valley, but we claim her anyway.

She kept us laughing when things weren’t always funny at home with her newspaper column, ‘At Wit’s End’ and books — like ‘Motherhood: The Second Oldest Profession.’

Erma Bombeck Quotes:

Dirty ovens: “If it won’t catch fire today, clean it tomorrow.”

Affairs: “If a woman is ever to have an affair, it will be in March. Psychologically, it is a perfect month. The bowling tournaments are over. The white sales on bedding are past. Your chest cold has stabilized and the Avon lady is beginning to look like Tom Jones.”

Male habits: “If a man watches 16 consecutive quarters of football, he can be declared legally dead.”

Housework: “My second favorite household chore is ironing. My first being hitting my head on the top bunk bed until I faint.”

Teenagers: “Don’t ever say you understand them. It breaks down the hostile relationship between you that it takes to understand one another.”

Railroad Park Concerts — FREE!

The McCormick Stillman Railroad Park’s FREE! Summer Concert Series is back!

McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park Summer Concert Series 2023

SUN NIGHTS, May 14 – 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 12: 6-8 PM: May Music Series | SMASHED – High Energy AZ 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 11 | FRI MAY 12 | SAT MAY 13 | SUN MAY 14:

Here are my pics this week:

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: 3.5/5 Collider | 2.5/4 Slant Magazine | 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 11, 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

Sagebrush Theatre Presents Sweeney Todd

Greasepaint Youtheatre and Scottsdale Community Players

• FRI MAY 12, 7 PM: Sweeney Todd, the Demon Barber of Fleet Street | Tickets
• FRI MAY 13, 7 PM: Tickets
• SUN MAY 14, 2 PM: Tickets

Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts

• FRI MAY 12, 8 PM: Christian McBride’s New Jawn – JAZZ | Tickets
• SAT MAY 13, 6 PM: Do Re Mi School of the Arts presents Decades! Dance | Tickets

Ravenscroft Jazz in N. Scottsdale

• FRI MAY 12, 7 – 9:30: | JAZZBIRD NIGHTS: LAUREN HOOKER & FRIENDS |Tickets not required — $10
• SAT MAY 13, 7 – 9 PM: CHAMBER @ RAVENSCROFT: GALA | Tickets
• SUN MAY 14, 6 PM: SOUL REST | FREE!

Scottsdale Drag Shows

FRI MAY 12 | SAT MAY 13, 7 PM | Illusions the Drag Queen Show | Old Town | MAP

FRI MAY 12, 7 PM: Diva Royale Drag Queen Show | Wasted Grain Old Town | MAP

SAT MAY 13, 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:

Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts

• THU MAY 25, 7:30 PM: Rodrigo y Gabriela – with the Krooked Kings – Global Music | Tickets
• SAT MAY 20, 1 PM – 3 PM: AJ’s The Art of Wine and Tastes of Summer | Tickets

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

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 13:

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 11-14, 2023! Play safe.