Fun Scottsdale Events, May 4-7, 2023

Fun Scottsdale events May 4-7, 2023 means Cinco de Mayo and the Kentucky Derby — and, it’s officially hot even if it’s unofficially summer. It’s also the return of the Railroad Park’s FREE! Summer Concerts! And, the May Music Series at Kierland Commons – 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 blooming with yellow paloverde trees, crowns of white flowers atop the saguaros — and lots of other stunning 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!

Railroad Park Concerts

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

McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park Summer Concert Series 2023

SUN NIGHTS, May 6 – June 25, 7-8:30 PM | Summer Concert Series — FREE! | MAP

May Music Series Kierland Commons

Yes, the May Music Series is back at Kierland Commons Center Plaza and it’s FREE!

FRI May 5: 6-8 PM: May Music Series | Turning Point – Instrumental Jazz | 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 4 | FRI MAY 5 | SAT MAY 6 | SUN MAY 7:

Here are my pics this week:

Showing Up is a new indie dramedy starring Michelle Williams as a sculptor, along with Hong Chau, Judd Hirsch, Amanda Plummer et al. A hilarious look at the life of artists — I’m going! R, 1 HR 48 MINS

Ratings: 7.2/10 IMDb | 90% Rotten Tomatoes | 3.7/5 Letterboxd | 75% of Google Users Liked

Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret is here! Based on the 1970 girls coming-of-age book written by Judy Blume. It was groundbreaking — funny, poignant, real and revealing about the awkwardness of becoming a young woman. I’m going with my high school girlfriends! PG13, Dramedy, 1 HR, 51 MINS

Ratings: 90% of Google Users liked. R | 1 HR, 41 MINS

Chevalier is the biopic of Joseph Bologne, Chevalier de Saint-Georges, a French Creole virtuoso violinist, composer and fencer who lived in the mid-1700s. It looks like a fantastic period piece, set in France around the French Revolution. Starring Kelvin Harrison, Jr., Samara Weaving, Minnie Driver and Lucy Boynton as Marie Antoinette. PG13 | 1HR 47 MIN

Ratings: 5.6/10 IMDb | 95% Rotten Tomatoes | 66% Metacritic | 87% of Google Users Liked

Featured Moonlight Cinema® Classics This Week

FRI MAY 5, 7:45 PM – Early Show

Toy Story is the 1995 animated classic featuring the voices of favorites including Tom Hanks, Laurie Metcalf, Tim Allen and Kelsey Grammer. A G-rated family comedy, 1 HR 17 MINS.

Ratings: 8.3 /10 IMDb | 100% Rotten Tomatoes | Metacritic 96% | Google Users 88% liked

FRI MAY 5, 10:00 PM – Late Show

John Wick stars Keanu Reeves in the original 2014 film, along with Bridget Moynahan, Ian McShane, John Leguizamo, et al. R | Action Thriller | 1 HR, 41 MINS.

Ratings: 7.4/10 IMDb | 86% Rotten Tomatoes | 68% Metacritic

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 5, 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

Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts

• THU MAY 4, 7:30: Joshua Redman 3×3 | Jazz | Tickets
• FRI MAY 5, 12 Noon: ShadowMe World Tour | Hair Show | Tickets
• SUN MAY 7: 4 PM: Scottsdale Philharmonic | Tickets — $14 – $15

Ravenscroft Jazz in N. Scottsdale

• FRI MAY 5, 7 – 9:30: JAZZBIRD NIGHTS: TITO CARILLO & THE VJC SENIOR SHOWCASE | Tickets not required — $10
• SAT MAY 6, 2 – 3:30: VJC SPOTLIGHT CONCERT – FEATURING TITO CARRILLO – Benefit | Tickets – $20

Casino Arizona

• SAT MAY 6, 7:30: Selena Super Show | Tickets

Scottsdale Drag Shows

FRI MAY 5 | SAT MAY 6, 7 PM | Illusions the Drag Queen Show | Old Town | MAP

FRI MAY 5, 7 PM: Diva Royale Drag Queen Show | Wasted Grain Old Town | MAP

SAT MAY 6, 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

• 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!

McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park Summer Concert Series 2023

SUN NIGHTS, May 6 – 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 7:

Old Town Farmers Market — 8 AM – 1 PM. Lots of great food, entertainment, artisanal fare, and people and dog watching! MAP

Farmers Market North Scottsdale — Variable times and locations, so check the link to see 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 4-7, 2023! Play safe.