All Balanchine
Through May 5, Phoenix Symphony Hall
Ballet Arizona’s All Balanchine, with musical accompaniment from The Phoenix Symphony, will be comprised of three ballets by renowned choreographer George Balanchine and staged by Ballet Arizona’s Artistic Director Ib Andersen. Andersen is one of a handful of artists worldwide authorized by The Balanchine Trust to stage the late choreographer’s masterpieces. The lineup includes performances such as La Valse, which will revisit the Arizona stage for the first time since 2011, Prodigal Son and Square Dance. $55-$169. www.balletaz.org.
Villa Fleur
Through May 12, Desert Ridge Marketplace
Villa Fleur is a revival of Desert Ridge’s exclusive pop-up dome experience, an immersive journey highlighted by 360-degree projections of art, light and color. Guests enjoy parlor-style seating to enjoy chef-driven fare and elixirs, a curated beer and wine offering, and a state-of-the-art projection show. The experience requires guests to be at least 21 years old and reservations are required. Villa Fleur is open Monday through Sunday for dinner, with brunch service Saturday and Sunday. $30 charge for entry; food and drinks additional. www.districtdome.com.
Mariachi Sol de México de José Hernández
May 5, Madison Center for the Arts
Sol de México embraces the romanticism of Mexico’s land, people and beauty of the heart. Founded in 1981 by Maestro José Hernandez, the platinum-selling mariachi band Sol de México has broken countless barriers in mariachi music, including becoming the first mariachi ensemble to be nominated for a Grammy. Their original rhythms, fresh sounds, and inspiring ideas have energized the world of mariachi for over 30 years. Mariachi Sol de México is truly a traveling cultural icon that symbolizes extraordinary musicianship and communal cross-generational joy. 7 p.m. $30-$75. www.themadison.org.
Sundays at the Railroad Park Concert Series
May 5-26, McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park
The Railroad Park is the place to be on Sunday nights this summer. With Motown, disco, rhythm and blues, and retro ’90s, there’s a little something for everyone. Bring a blanket and the family, pack a picnic, or enjoy food from one of the local food trucks. Groove to Spanish and Top 40 tunes from Soulitify (May 5); rock out to the music of Paul McCartney with All McCartney (May 12); and sing along to Top 40 hits with JJ’s Band (May 19) and A’lee (May 26). Food trucks include Snowy Churro, Poky’s Cocina, Lost Burro, Udder Delights, Super Farm, We B Poppin, Pizza Arno, and others. Free. 7-8:30 p.m. www.therailroadpark.com.
Kentucky Derby Lawn Party
May 6, Fairmont Scottsdale Princess
The Kentucky Derby is as much about fashion as it is about horse racing, so don your best Derby hat and walk the red carpet at Fairmont Scottsdale Princess to experience the fastest two minutes in sports. Enjoy live music, food and drinks, a photo booth, lawn games, and more while watching the 149th Run for the Roses on Bourbon Steak’s indoor and outdoor plasma screen televisions. There will be a men’s and women’s Derby hat and fashion contest. Tickets include complimentary Champagne or a mint julep upon arrival, traditional Derby food favorites, and raffle drawings. 1-5 p.m. $189. www.scottsdaleprincess.com.
Chocolate Centerpiece Creation Class
May 7, Valley of the Sun J
Looking for a special Mother’s Day gift this year? Who can resist a homemade — and delicious — centerpiece? Unlock the secrets of chocolate tempering and molding in this wonderfully creative, hands-on course. Learn to differentiate between chocolate and compound coatings while mastering 3D molding and decorative techniques. Create a beautiful and delicious chocolate centerpiece that will be perfect for celebrating Mother’s Day. Get ready for some chocolate fun — and don’t forget your apron! 5:30-7:30 p.m. Members, $45; nonmembers, $55. www.vosjcc.org.
Disney’s Finding Nemo Jr.
May 10-19, Greasepaint Theater
Most are familiar with the tale of Marlin, the anxious clownfish dad who goes on a quest to find his son, Nemo, who is captured and taken to Sydney, Australia. This 60-minute musical adaptation follows the epic adventure with new music by the award-winning songwriting team of Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez. Audience members will enjoy the lovable characters from the original — including Dory, Crush the sea turtle, and Nemo’s tank friends — as they explore the world and overcome challenges. $25. www.greasepaint.org.
Celebration in Song 40th Anniversary Concert
May 11, Dream City Church
Phoenix Children’s Chorus will celebrate its 40th anniversary season with a one-night performance featuring alumni from across the country. Current and former members of the choir will sing favorites from past seasons and new songs for the spring season. Phoenix Children’s Chorus is the Valley’s premier mixed-voice choir program, with performance and touring choirs for children in grades 2 through 12, and music exploration classes for kindergarteners through second grade. 6:30 p.m. $20-$30. www.phoenixchildrenschorus.org.
Children Helping Children Fashion Show & Luncheon
May 11, Arizona Biltmore
The latest in children’s fashion will be on display at this 24th annual fundraiser, themed Here Comes the Sun, to support PANDA, an organization that advocates for the advancement of medical knowledge to improve treatments and find cures for devastating childhood diseases. Each year, the event raises funds for Steele Children’s Research Center, the flagship pediatric medical research center in Arizona, finding insight into diseases that were once thought to be unstoppable. In addition to the fashion show, there will be a silent auction, a cocktail hour, and an afterparty. Noon-4:30 p.m. Tables starting at $3,500. www.azpanda.org.
Verde Valley Wine Festival
May 11, Cottonwood
Wine enthusiasts from near and far will gather to celebrate the best of Northern Arizona’s burgeoning wine industry. More than 20 wineries will attend the festival in Cottonwood’s Riverfront Park. While the focus will be on wine, there will also be local beer, spirits, live music, and goods from local artisans to enjoy and browse. Sample cuisine from local favorites like Merkin Vineyards Kebab Wagon, Poppin in the Pines Gourmet Kettle Corn, Batchelor’s Pad BBQ, Rockin’ Rollz Lobster, Carmella’s Joy, Craft Wood Fired, Carolina’s Chocolate, Peace Love and Smoked Cheese, Positively Frosted, and Napoli Gardens & Italian Kitchen. 11 a.m.-6 p.m. In advance, $40; at the door, $50; nondrinker, $10. www.verdevalleywinefestival.com.
Celebrate the Music of Alice Cooper
May 11-12, Musical Instrument Museum
School’s out for summer! Celebrate the musical legacy of Phoenix’s own Alice Cooper. While there, check out the museum’s collection of more than 7,500 instruments from 200 countries and territories. The Musical Instrument Museum delivers an enriching, inspiring, interesting and fun exploration of music that inspires people around the world. Rock on to Alice’s music and story at this special event. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. www.mim.org.
Spring Music Series
May 11, 18 & 25, Scottsdale Quarter
Sunsets and serenades are perfect for spring. Each Saturday, enjoy the vibes of local music under the palm trees of The Quad at Scottsdale Quarter. On May 11, Pandy Raye and the Contrabanditos will perform; May 18 features Pete Pancrazi; and the Sugar Thieves round out the series on May 25. 5:30-7:30 p.m. Free. www.scottsdalequarter.com.
Sunsets & Sips
May 16 & 23, Taliesin West
Explore the serene outdoor pathways of Taliesin West at sunset, and visit select indoor spaces that vary each visit. During this event, guests will experience Frank Lloyd Wright’s architectural innovation at leisure while enjoying a complimentary cocktail, beer or wine. Admission includes one beverage, and bar service is open for additional beverage purchases until 30 minutes before closing. 6-8 p.m. $35-$40. www.franklloydwright.org.
The Central Arizona Cactus & Succulent Society Show
May 17-19, Desert Botanical Garden
Master growers will display the finest and most fantastic cactus and succulents in the Garden’s Dorrance Hall. Additionally, attendees can learn how to care for native plants, hear about the conservation efforts of local groups and buy plants from the garden’s own nursery. The event will feature demonstrations and discussions about supporting healthy plants and caring for them in Arizona’s extreme temperatures. The garden will sell its own Desert Signature and Preferred line of plants. These plants are specifically selected and grown in the garden’s nursery because of their uniqueness, rarity or lack of availability in the trade. Friday and Saturday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sunday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Included with garden admission. www.dbg.org.
Friendly Pines Camp Open House
May 18, Friendly Pines Camp
Thinking about what to do with the kids this summer? Pack the car and head up north for a fun-filled day at Friendly Pines Camp in Prescott for a camp preview. The whole family can enjoy camp tours, wagon rides, marshmallow toasting, zip-line rides, archery, door prizes, and more. Meet some of the camp staff who will answer questions about summer sleepaway camp. A complimentary barbeque lunch and shaved ice will be served. Friendly Pines has sessions ranging from one to six weeks for ages 6 through 14, with traditional camp activities. Registration is required for the open house. 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Free. www.friendlypines.com.
Learn & Lunch Cooking Class
May 18, Marcellino Ristorante
These intimate, monthly watch-and-learn style classes are held at the Chef’s Island, where chef Marcellino demonstrates how to prepare a signature dish while telling stories of his childhood growing up on a farm in Italy. Following class, enjoy a delectable lunch of the featured dish, plus an organic green salad and a sweet treat of handmade biscotti. The May featured dish will be medaglione de maiale, which are pork medallions rolled with prosciutto and arugula with a port reduction. Reservations are required. 1-3 p.m. Starting at $85. www.marcellinoristorante.com.
Boots in the Park
May 19, Tempe Beach Park
Country vibes will take over Tempe with line dancing, beer, craft cocktails, local food vendors, art installations, beautiful views, and – of course – country music from country’s hottest artists. Performers include Kane Brown, Lee Brice, Tyler Hubbard, Parmalee, Dylan Schneider, and Luwiss Lux. VIP experiences feature express entry, VIP bars and food vendors, and access to an exclusive viewing area with chairs. 2-10 p.m. General admission, $99; VIP, $225. www.bootsinthepark.com.