{"id":796456,"date":"2026-05-14T19:03:23","date_gmt":"2026-05-14T19:03:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/796456\/"},"modified":"2026-05-14T19:03:23","modified_gmt":"2026-05-14T19:03:23","slug":"things-to-do-monster-truck-wars-ballet-in-bloom-restaurant-week-more","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/796456\/","title":{"rendered":"Things to do: Monster Truck Wars, Ballet in Bloom, Restaurant Week &#038; more!"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>The weekend is here! Check out these fun events happening around the Valley on May 15-17.<\/p>\n<p><b>Sponsored Event<\/b><\/p>\n<p><a class=\"Link\" href=\"https:\/\/balletaz.org\/performance\/ballet-in-bloom-evening-at-desert-botanical-garden\/2026-05-13\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><b>Ballet in Bloom: An Evening at Desert Botanical Garden<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n<p><b>When:<\/b> Friday &amp; Saturday at 8 p.m.<br \/><b>Where:<\/b> Desert Botanical Garden, Phoenix<br \/><b>Cost:<\/b> Tickets start at $81<\/p>\n<p>Experience the best of ballet \u2014 outdoors! By popular demand, An Evening at Desert Botanical Garden is back and better than ever before. Surrounded by the magnificent desert landscape with the setting sun as its backdrop, this audience favorite now features two ballet experiences as a double-feature event. This stunning display of artistry won\u2019t be one to miss!<\/p>\n<\/p>\n<p><b>Friday, May 15<\/b><\/p>\n<p><a class=\"Link\" href=\"https:\/\/arizonarestaurantweek.com\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><b>Spring Arizona Restaurant Week<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n<p><b>When:<\/b> Friday &#8211; Sunday | May 15-24<br \/><b>Where:<\/b> Restaurants across the Valley<br \/><b>Cost:<\/b> Three-course meals for $33, $44 or $55 per person<\/p>\n<p>Arizona Restaurant Week returns May 15-24 with more than 250 restaurants across the state offering special three-course prix fixe menus, giving food lovers a chance to explore new spots and signature dishes at discounted prices.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n<p><a class=\"Link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.talkingstickresort.com\/entertainment-acts\/thunder-from-down-under\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><b>Thunder From Down Under<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n<p><b>When:<\/b> Friday &amp; Saturday<br \/><b>Where:<\/b> Talking Stick Resort, Scottsdale<br \/><b>Cost:<\/b> $48 standard admission<\/p>\n<p>Australia\u2019s world-famous Thunder From Down Under brings its electrifying Las Vegas production to the TSR Showroom for two unforgettable nights. Known for high-energy performances, irresistible Aussie charisma, and a stage presence that never holds back, Thunder delivers the perfect celebration for birthdays, bachelorettes, or any night that calls for pure fun.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n<p><a class=\"Link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.azbroadway.org\/shows\/the-cher-show\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><b>The Cher Show<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n<p><b>When:<\/b> Friday &#8211; Sunday | May 1-31<br \/><b>Where:<\/b> Arizona Broadway Theatre, Peoria<br \/><b>Cost:<\/b> Tickets start at $67<\/p>\n<p>The iconic superstar&#8217;s extraordinary life unfolds in this dazzling musical celebrating six decades of reinvention, resilience, and unforgettable hits.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n<p><a class=\"Link\" href=\"https:\/\/phoenixtheatre.com\/events\/ever-after\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><b>Ever After<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n<p><b>When:<\/b> Friday &#8211; Sunday | May 6 &#8211; June 14<br \/><b>Where:<\/b> The Phoenix Theatre Company<br \/><b>Cost:<\/b> Tickets start around<\/p>\n<p>Inspired by the beloved film Ever After, starring Drew Barrymore, the new musical, Ever After takes you beyond the myth to discover the story of Danielle de Barbarac, a fearless young woman who dares to defy expectations, challenge a prince, and write her own ending. With dazzling costumes, breathtaking music, and a romance that will sweep you off your feet, this is the Cinderella story you never knew you needed.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n<p><a class=\"Link\" href=\"https:\/\/mercury.wnba.com\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><b>WNBA: Chicago Sky vs. Phoenix Mercury<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n<p><b>When:<\/b> 7 p.m.<br \/><b>Where:<\/b> Mortgage Matchup Center, Phoenix<br \/><b>Cost:<\/b> Tickets start around $35<\/p>\n<p>The Phoenix Mercury host the Chicago Sky Friday night at Mortgage Matchup Center, with tipoff set for 7 p.m. Catch the game on ION. <\/p>\n<p>            <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/1778785397_501_.jpeg\" alt=\"Sparks Mercury Basketball\"  width=\"1280\" height=\"853\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Ross D. Franklin\/AP<\/p>\n<p>        Phoenix Mercury forward Alyssa Thomas dribbles the ball against the Los Angeles Sparks during the second half of a WNBA basketball game Tuesday, Sept. 9, 2025, in Phoenix. (AP Photo\/Ross D. Franklin)<\/p>\n<p><b>Saturday, May 16<\/b><\/p>\n<p><a class=\"Link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.monstertrucks.fun\/monster-truck-wars-tickets-events\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><b>Phoenix Monster Truck Wars<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n<p><b>When:<\/b> Saturday &amp; Sunday<br \/><b>Where:<\/b> Horseshoe Park &amp; Equestrian Center, Queen Creek<br \/><b>Cost:<\/b> $25 general admission<\/p>\n<p>Monster Truck Wars is bringing high-flying, car-crushing action back to Queen Creek May 16-17 at Horseshoe Park &amp; Equestrian Center, featuring monster truck racing, freestyle stunts, quad wars, a pit party and even rides in a real monster truck.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n<p><a class=\"Link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.phxrisingfc.com\/tickets\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><b>Dollar Beer Night: Orange County SC vs. Phoenix Rising FC<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n<p><b>When:<\/b> 7 p.m.<br \/><b>Where:<\/b> Phoenix Rising Stadium<br \/><b>Cost:<\/b> $18 general admission<\/p>\n<p>Phoenix Rising FC hosts Orange County SC Saturday night at Phoenix Rising Soccer Stadium for Dollar Beer Night, featuring $1 beers, post-match penalty kicks on the field and a 7 p.m. kickoff.<\/p>\n<p><a class=\"Link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.desertdiamondarena.com\/event\/who-want-the-smoke\/80\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><b>Who Want The Smoke<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n<p><b>When:<\/b> 7 p.m.<br \/><b>Where:<\/b> Desert Diamond Arena, Glendale<br \/><b>Cost:<\/b> Tickets start around $50<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWho Want The Smoke\u201d is bringing a stacked hip-hop lineup to Desert Diamond Arena on May 16, featuring performances from OhGeesy, Mike Sherm, Kalan.FrFr, 03 Greedo, Bhad Bhabie and more during a high-energy night of live rap music in Glendale.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n<p><b>Sunday, May 17<\/b><\/p>\n<p><a class=\"Link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.japanesefriendshipgarden.org\/event-details\/shoro-nagashi-an-evening-of-japanese-tradition-and-memory-with-obon-dance\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><b>Sh\u014dr\u014d Nagashi Floating Lantern Festival<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n<p><b>When:<\/b> 5:30 p.m. &#8211; 8:30 p.m.<br \/><b>Where:<\/b> Japanese Friendship Garden, Phoenix<br \/><b>Cost:<\/b> $20 admission<\/p>\n<p>The Japanese Friendship Garden of Phoenix is hosting Sh\u014dr\u014d Nagashi on May 17, an evening celebrating Japanese tradition and remembrance with Obon dancing, floating lanterns, cultural performances and peaceful garden strolls. Each lantern carries heartfelt messages of gratitude, love, and remembrance, creating a serene and moving scene of light upon the water.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n<p>More Things to Do stories:<\/p>\n<p>        <a href=\"https:\/\/www.abc15.com\/apps\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"100%\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/liveplayerbanner1.png\"\/><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"The weekend is here! Check out these fun events happening around the Valley on May 15-17. Sponsored Event&hellip;\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":796457,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[5131],"tags":[5229,5643,1587,1589,67,586,132,5230,68,2969],"class_list":{"0":"post-796456","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-phoenix","8":"tag-america","9":"tag-arizona","10":"tag-az","11":"tag-phoenix","12":"tag-united-states","13":"tag-united-states-of-america","14":"tag-unitedstates","15":"tag-unitedstatesofamerica","16":"tag-us","17":"tag-usa"},"share_on_mastodon":{"url":"https:\/\/pubeurope.com\/@us\/116574488463208474","error":""},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/796456","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=796456"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/796456\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/796457"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=796456"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=796456"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=796456"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}