Events Calendar

Central Phoenix

May 4 – June 22 Jazz in the Garden Spring Concert Series, Phoenix. Every Friday night enjoy an evening surrounded by desert beauty and sounds of the Valley’s premier musicians. Desert Botanical Gardens, 1201 N. Galvin Parkway. 480-941-1225, dbg.org.

May 5 Wine Tasting Party and Live Auction, Phoenix. VinArte, the Art of Wine presents two separate events on the same night. The wine tasting party takes place under the stars in the Phoenix Art Museum’s new sculpture garden and will showcase more than 40 vintners pouring premium wines from around the world. In the Museum’s Great Hall, the live auction will feature a gourmet tasting menu and the excitement of a professionally led live auction. Phoenix Art Museum, 1625 N. Central Ave. 602-307-2060, vinarte-mac.com.

May 5 Opera Ball 2007, Phoenix. Fanciful décor will evoke the French and Persian influenced art direction of Arizona Opera’s production of Beauty and the Beast, the theme of this year’s event. The ball raises funds to support Arizona Opera’s education and outreach programs. Arizona Biltmore, 2400 E. Missouri Ave. 602-266-7464.

May 9 – June 3 Dream a Little Dream - The Nearly True Story of The Mamas and The Papas, Phoenix. Depicting the meteoric rise and fall of the 1960s era folk/rock quartet, the show features such classic hits as California Dreamin’, Got a Feelin’ and Monday, Monday. Phoenix Theatre, 100 E. McDowell Rd. 602-254-2151 (box office), PhoenixTheatre.com.

June 1-2 Flying Karamazov Circus, Phoenix. The Phoenix Symphony performs with special guests, The Flying Karamazov Brothers. Enjoy an evening of juggling, music and mayhem that defies description. Symphony Hall, 75 N. 2nd St. 602-495-1999, phoenixsymphony.org.

East Valley
May 5 ARTS JAM Community Arts Festival, Tempe. Enjoy free live performances by local student groups and performers, art activities for kids, craft sales and art on display. Sponsored by Arts Council for Youth to support arts in the Tempe Elementary, Kyrene and Tempe Union High School communities. Kiwanis Park Sister Cities Garden, 5800 S. All American Way. 602-432-9190, artscouncil4youth.org.

May 5 and June 2 Dragonfly Walk, Superior. Water flowing down Queen Creek and the placid surface of Ayers Lake offer great places to view red rock skimmers, blue-eyed darners and various species of the “aerial aces” of insect predation: dragonflies. Bring binoculars! The one-hour walk is included with regular daily admission. Boyce Thompson Arboretum, 55 miles east of Phoenix at highway 60, milepost #220. 520-689-2811, arboretum.ag.arizona.edu.

May 6, 26 and June 23 Butterfly Walk, Superior. Bring your binoculars to enjoy close-up views of a variety of butterflies: queen, painted lady and pipevine swallowtail. Learn to identify them as you are guided by education coordinator, Chris Kline, and Arizona State Parks volunteer naturalists. Boyce Thompson Arboretum, 55 miles east of Phoenix at highway 60, milepost #220. 520-689-2811, arboretum.ag.arizona.edu.

May 12 International Migratory Bird Day, Superior. The Arboretum has a checklist with more than 250 species of birds. The day includes a guided birdwalk, classroom presentation and a living display of migratory birds as well as other rescued mammals and reptiles. Boyce Thompson Arboretum, 55 miles east of Phoenix at highway 60, milepost #220. 520-689-2811, arboretum.ag.arizona.edu.

May 12, June 9 Learn your Lizards, Superior. This guided tour educates participants on how to identify common species such as western whiptails, tree lizards, side-blotched and greater earless. Boyce Thompson Arboretum, 55 miles east of Phoenix at highway 60, milepost #220. 520-689-2811, arboretum.ag.arizona.edu.

May 15-20 The Light in the Piazza, Tempe. Theater-goers are sure to be swept away to Italy where true love and marriage abound in this contemporary, witty and elegant musical. ASU Gammage, Mill Avenue and Apache Boulevard. 480-965-3434, asugammage.com.

May 19 and June 16 Plants-of-the-Bible Guided Tours, Superior. Learn about botany, history and scripture on a walk alongside Arboretum volunteer and Bible scholar David Oberpriller and other volunteer tour guides. Boyce Thompson Arboretum, 55 miles east of Phoenix at highway 60, milepost #220. 520-689-2811, arboretum.ag.arizona.edu.

May 27, June 24 Edible and Medicinal Plant Tour, Superior. Did you know toasted jojoba seeds taste like hazelnuts? That creosote leaves have antifungal and antibacterial healing properties? Learn all about these useful plant properties on this tour alternately guided by Choctaw nation member and ethnobotanist David Morris and Foods of the Superstitions cookbook author Jean Groen. Boyce Thompson Arboretum, 55 miles east of Phoenix at highway 60, milepost #220. 520-689-2811, arboretum.ag.arizona.edu.

West Valley
May 5 Free Family Fishing Day, Goodyear. Instructors with the Arizona Department of Game and Fish will provide loaner poles with barbless hooks and bait as well as instruction during this catch-and-release fishing day. A drawing will be held for a free fishing pole and tackle set. Yacht Club at Estrella, 10300 S. Estrella Pkwy. 623-386-1000.
   
May 26 – September 1 Summer Concert Series, Glendale. Bring the whole family out to enjoy this free night of fun and the music of the most popular bands in Arizona. Concerts are every Saturday night. Arrowhead Towne Center Amphitheatre, 7700 W. Arrowhead Towne Center. 623-979-8928, arrowheadtownecenter.com.
   
June 2 7th Annual Family Farm Day, Glendale. Children’s activities include u-pick garden, train rides, corn husking and watermelon eating contest, crafts, food samples and farm theme games. Tolmachoff Farms, 5726 N. 75th Ave. 623-386-1301, tolmachoff-farms.com.

June 15 – July 29 Grease, Peoria. Rock and roll never forgets in this classic recollection of soda jerks, teen angst and sock hops. Arizona Broadway Theatre, 7701 W. Paradise Ln. 623-776-8400, azbroadwaytheatre.com.

June 29-30 The Professional Bull Riders Built Ford Tough Series, Glendale. The toughest sport on the planet features the rankest bucking bulls and richest prize money in the sport of professional bull riding, with the top 45 bull riders in the world competing at every stop. Glendale Arena, 101 and Glendale Avenue. 480-784-4444 (tickets), pbrnow.com.

Southern Arizona
May 12-13, Holy Trinity Monastery Fiesta de la Primavera, St. David.  There will be more than 150 artists as well as entertainment and several food offering. Holy Trinity Monastery, 520-720-4642.

May 19 and June 16 Twilight Tour of the Temple, Tucson. Taking place on the third Saturday of each month, the Twilight Tour is a living history tour of the historic building, which was the first synagogue in the Arizona Territory. Docents in costume will guide you back in time to 1910 and before, to the history of the territory prior to Arizona statehood. Learn some of the fascinating legends and lore of the famous folks who helped shape Tucson and Arizona history. The Jewish Heritage Center at Stone Avenue Temple, 564 S. Stone Ave. 520-670-9073, jewishheritagecenter.org.

June 9 Weird Plant Sale, Tucson. Growers from and around Tucson will offer their strangest species for sale. Plant varieties include cacti, succulents and unique xerophytic plants that show a natural deviation from the standard of root, stem, leaf, or flower. This sale is dedicated to the strange and dramatic, the weird and wacky, the bizarre and smelly. Tucson Botanical Gardens, 2150 N. Alvernon Way. 520-326-9686, tucsonbotanical.org.

June 15-17 Sabbar Shriner’s Sweet Onion Festival, Tombstone. Festivities include a casino night, taste of Tombstone, parade, music and much more. 520-457-9327, tombstone.org.

Northern Arizona

May 4-6 Sedona Artists Open Studios Tour, Sedona. The tour is preceded by a free public preview on May 4. Each participating artist will exhibit one work of art that best represents his/her studio so event-goers can plan their self-guided tour. Various locations. 928-282-0806, sedonaartistscoalition.org.

May 4-6 “’Neath the Rim” Open Studios Tour, Payson. View paintings, sculpture, photography, hand-crafted jewelry, rock art, weaving, batik, porcelain painting and mixed media works by 27 local area artists as you tour 17 studios. Maps of the studio's locations and free tickets are available at the Payson Chamber of Commerce, Highway 87 and Main Street; the Payson Library, 328 N. McLane Rd. and local galleries and studios. 928-472-8147.

May 5 and June 2 ArtWalk, Jerome. Stroll through the charming mountain town of Jerome and see why it has become Arizona’s art destination. The walk features 30 exciting galleries and studios. Plenty of free parking and a shuttle bus will be available. Restaurants stay open late on this magical night. 928-649-2277.

May 12 James Learning Center Community Welcome Day, Prescott. Come and explore the new green building and campus, find out what they do and how they do it! This event is for everyone. Come and celebrate the completion of an old dream and the start of a new one! Highlands Center for Natural History, 1375 S. Walker Rd. 928-776-9550.

May 12 Lonesome Valley Quilt Guild Tea and Quilt Show, Prescott Valley. This show includes quilts, vendors, free refreshments and a silent auction. Mountain Valley Church of God, 8123 E. Manley Dr. 928-775-6448.

May 12 and June 9 Audubon Bird Walk, Prescott. Join the Prescott Audubon Club for a bird walk on the trails. Highlands Center for Natural History, 1375 S. Walker Rd. 928-776-9550.

May 12-13 Annual Fine Arts and Craft Festival, Prescott. This festival includes juried art and artisans, food, western reenactments, weaving, spinning and woodturning demos. Courthouse Plaza. 928-445-2510, mountainartistsguild.org.

May 12-13 The Verde Valley Sinfonietta, Sedona. The Verde Valley’s “little symphony” presents Spanish Serenade: Music Inspired by Spain. Featuring the direction of Sean Paul Mills and performances by guest artist and NAU faculty guitarist, Thomas Sheeley. The Church of the Red Rocks, 54 Bowspring Dr. 928-282-3066.

May 19 8th Annual Iris Exhibit, “Iris Splendor,” Prescott. Featuring an amazing variety of iris in all the colors of the rainbow. Come vote for your favorite irises and enjoy this stunning display of blooms from local gardens. Mortimer Nursery, 3166 Willow Creek Rd. 928-776-7217.

May 25, June 15, 29 Grape Train Escapes, Clarkdale. Wine tasting trains will feature unique wines and food from around the world. Verde Canyon Railroad, 300 North Broadway Rd. 928-639-0010, 800-293-7245, verdecanyonrr.com.

June 1 Tapas and Tequila, Prescott. Join us for an evening with writer, lecturer and world-renowned conservation scientist, Gary Nabhan, to explore the fascinating agave. Taste some fine mescal and tequila, feast on gourmet tapas, enjoy the lovely evening atmosphere of our Lynx Creek site and dance to mariachi music. Highlands Center for Natural History, 1375 S. Walker Rd. 928-776-9550.

June 3 Antiques on the Square, Prescott. Enjoy the cool breezes at the Courthouse Plaza in downtown Prescott. Over 65 dealers from all over the state with a wide variety of antiques and collectibles. Sponsored by Questers to benefit the restoration of Elks Opera House. Courthouse Plaza. 928-445-5137 or 928-899-6438.

June 7-9 Road Tour to the Grand Canyon, Flagstaff. Experience a new way of enjoying your Corvette! Join us at 7,000 feet in the majestic pines of northern Arizona on Historic Route 66. Enjoy the blue skies and clean mountain air. This three-day one-of-a-kind event will feature an all Corvette road tour to some of America’s most spectacular scenery. The event wraps up with a free car show in Williams on the ninth for tour participants and the general public. Route 66. 928-527-8388, corvette-n-america.com.

June 9-10 17th Annual Strawberry Festival and Strawberry Jam, Strawberry. Join us in the cool pines for this event, featuring vendor booths, music and strawberries. West Fossil Creek Road in Strawberry. 928-476-3000.

June 16 Star Party with the Prescott Astronomy Club, Prescott. Saturn is big and bright tonight. Come and share the wonder of the universe with us and enjoy a beautiful summer’s night. Donations suggested.  Highlands Center for Natural History, 1375 S. Walker Rd. 928-776-9550.

May 25-27 Valle Redondo Days Celebrating John Wayne’s 100th Birthday, Springerville and Eagar. Three days packed with bull riding and rodeo events, a western parade, a cowboy cookout, cowboy church and more. Festivities will take place in the sister communities of Springerville and Eagar, home of the Duke’s 26 Bar Ranch. 866-733-2123.

Cinco De Mayo
May 5 Cinco de Mayo Fiesta, Phoenix. Celebrate the holiday on Aunt Chilada’s patio with a disc jockey, signature margaritas and authentic Mexican food. Free non-alcoholic drinks to designated drivers. Aunt Chilada’s at Pointe South Mountain Resort, just west of Baseline Road and I-10. 602-431-6470.

May 5 Cinco de Mayo Fiesta, Clarkdale. Enjoy mariachis, margaritas and Mexican beer. Verde Canyon Railroad, 300 N. Broadway. 928-639-0010 or 800-293-7245, verdecanyonrr.com.

May 5 Cinco de Mayo Sailing Regatta, Lake Havasu City. Celebrate lake-style by watching the London Bridge Yacht Club’s sailboat race. Lake Havasu Marina, 1100 Mcculloch Blvd. golakehavasu.com.

May 5 Cinco de Mayo Parade and Fiesta, Safford. Enjoy the parade downtown then head to the fiesta. St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church, 311 S. Central Ave. visitgrahamcounty.com.

May 5-6 Cinco de Mayo Fiesta, Tucson. Enjoy food, artists, music and folkloric dancers. Kennedy Park, 3700 S. Mission Rd. visitTucson.org.

May 6 11th Annual Cinco de Mayo Celebration, Yuma. Performing arts groups will be on-hand along with folkloric dancers, art exhibits and food. 928-783-2423.

Confirm information by calling the listed numbers before making plans. Information is published on a space-available basis. Send complete details by May15 for the July/August issue.


Information is published on a space-available basis. Send complete details by March 15 for the May/june issue.
Information may be submitted to:

Highroads Calendar
3144 N. 7th Ave.
Phoenix, AZ 85013
fax: 602-241-2917
or e-mail: highroads@arizona.aaa.com.

The activity calendar and advertisements for non-AAA approved facilities and products are placed as a service and do not imply AAA endorsement.