MEMORIAL DAY EVENTS IN AZ
Here is a list of local Memorial Day events from The Republic/AzCentral.
Phoenix Comicon: Thursday through Sunday, May 24-27. Meet stars like Patrick Stewart, Casper Van Dien, Erin Gray, Colin Ferguson, Brent Spiner, Levar Burton, Marina Sirtis and Lou Ferrigno and comic-book writers and artists like Garth Ennis, Brett Booth, George Perez and P.C. Cast at the event that bills itself as "the signature pop-culture event of the Southwest." More than 25 events are scheduled at Phoenix Convention Center and at host hotels Renaissance Phoenix Downtown Hotel and Hyatt Regency Phoenix. Among them are a William Shatner meet-and-greet, a film festival, a zombie beauty pageant, geek speed-dating, a steampunk ball, Vic Mignogna concert, a sketch off, a Doctor Who "Party Like a Time Lord" dance, and fashion shows. Convention Center program hours are 6:30-11:30 p.m. May 24; 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. May 25 and 26; and 10:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. May 27. Visit website for complete schedule of events and membership purchase. Phoenix Convention Center, 100 N. Third St., Phoenix. $40-$45 for full-event membership, $15-$35 for single-day membership, free for a limit of two children 12 and younger with a paid adult 18 or older. 602-635-1711. phoenixcomicon.com.
Salute to Our Heroes: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Thursday and Friday, 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Saturday through Monday, May 24-28. Wet 'n' Wild Phoenix salutes our nation's heroes and thanks them for their service by offering free admission for members and veterans of our U.S. military and first responders such as active-duty police, sheriff, highway patrol, active-duty firefighters, EMTs and paramedics. Family members pay just $19.99 each plus tax for up to six people. Veterans, military and first responders must be present and provide a valid government ID or badge to receive free admission and to get discount tickets. Tickets are valid on the day of distribution only. Wet 'n' Wild Phoenix, 4243 W. Pinnacle Peak Road, Glendale. Free for veterans and active-duty military and first responders, $19.99 each plus tax for up to six family members. 623-201-2000. wetnwildphoenix.com/Events/Upcoming-Events-.htm.
The Red, White and Blue Bash: 7 p.m. May 24. The recently renovated restaurant, now under new ownership with a new menu and indoor-outdoor bar, hosts a pre-Memorial Day girls night out party. Drink specials just for the ladies include $1 Bud and Bud Lights; $2 red, white and blue Jell-O shots; $3 Pinnacle flavors; and $4 Jagermeister shots. A local DJ plays tunes and from 9 to 10 p.m. Pinnacle Vodka hosts shots of its Atomic Hots, Vanilla and Blueberry flavors. Iguana Mack's, 1371 N. Alma School Road, Chandler. $1 Bud and Bud Lights; $2 red, white and blue Jell-O shots; $3 Pinnacle flavors; $4 Jagermeister shots. 480-899-6735. www.iguanamacks.com/.
Boots, BBQ and Beer: Friday through Monday, May 25-28. Escape to the White Mountains for Memorial Day weekend a concert featuring Arrowhead, an all-female country band who perform 5 p.m. May 27. Get barbecue items like hot dogs, baby back ribs, burgers and chicken. Non-alcoholic drinks are included. Beer and cocktails are additional. Reservations are required. Luxurious 900-square-foot cabin accommodations are available and a rancher's package includes the barbecue and concert plus activities like a fishing derby at the pond, canoe races, archery and horseshoe contests, horseback riding, and an orienteering competition. Call or go online to make required reservations. Check-in time is 2 p.m. for those staying in cabins. Hidden Meadows Ranch, 620 County Road 1325, Greer. $675 per double occupancy per night, $50 for barbecue and concert. 928-333-1000. hiddenmeadow.com/news-events.
Memorial Day Weekend: Friday through Monday, May 25-28. Hotel Valley Ho features a weekend of live music poolside, special room rates and brunch at ZuZu. Elvis Before Noon plays retro and modern tunes poolside from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. Friday, and DJ P-Body spins music 1:30 to 5:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Drink specials include $6 cocktails, $3 beers, and $15 beer pails. Brunch at ZuZu from 11:15 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday features options like the breakfast parfait, florentine frittata, and the Sonora burger. Visit the Bloody Mary and make your own from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday. Registered hotel guests only at OH Pool on Saturday and Sunday. Private cabanas are available at the pool from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. for $99-$249 and room rates begin at $179 Friday and Sunday, and at $219 for Saturday. Hotel Valley Ho, 6850 E. Main St., Scottsdale. $179-$219 room rates, $99-$249 cabana rentals, $3-$17 brunch items, $15 beer pails, $6 cocktails, $3 beers. 480-248-2000. www.hotelvalleyho.com.
Tiffany Haddish: Friday and Saturday, May 25-26. Tiffany Haddish makes her Stand-up, Scottsdale! comedy debut on Memorial Day weekend. Haddish, seen on HBO's "Def Comedy Jam" and "Bill Bellamy's Who's Got Jokes" is currently appearing opposite Ice Cube in "The Janky Promoters." A two-drink minimum applies. Drinks range from $3 to $9 with no food item more than $10. Shows at 7 and 9 p.m. both nights. Stand-up, Scottsdale! Comedy Club, 6820 E. Fifth Ave., Scottsdale. $15 plus a two-drink minimum. 480-882-0730. www.standupscottsdale.com.
Memorial Day Family Fun: Friday through Sunday, May 25-28. Get your summer started off right with a relaxing rejuvenating three-day Memorial Day weekend beginning on May 26, at the Oasis Pool. The entire family can swim, watch dive-in movies at dusk on Saturday and Sunday, enjoy DJ music, drink specials, and seasonal dining with summer rates starting at $100 per night. Take advantage of the "Extend Your Weekend" special. When you check in on Friday and stay three nights you can receive a late checkout at 6 p.m. on Monday for no additional charge. The Lookout Bar & Grille will offer a poolside menu for lunch and dinner including prickly pear chicken sandwich and Sonoran Cobb salad. The Gold Restaurant serves breakfast all weekend and dinner on Friday and Saturday, offering contemporary American cuisine enhanced with fresh herbs and spices. Summer drink specials will also continue throughout the weekend at both restaurants, as well as live rock music from 7:30 to 10:30 p.m. at the Lookout Bar & Grille. Swimming, tennis, hiking and horseback riding are available along with spa services at the nature-inspired Sonoran Spa. Westward Look Resort, 245 E. Ina Road, Tucson. $100 starting room rate. 520-297-1151. www.westwardlook.com.
Holiday Weekend Singles Dance: 8 p.m. May 26. Singles group Calculated Couples hosts a dance for singles at the resort on Memorial Day weekend. Dance to music provided by a DJ, browse the "personal ad wall" and meet and mingle with other singles. For age 39 to retirement and older. Dress to impress. No jeans or sneakers. Bring a pet food or toy donation for donation to an animal rescue for a discount on admission. Go online for more details. Pointe Hilton Tapatio Cliffs Resort, 11111 N. Seventh St., Phoenix. $10, $9 with pet food or toy donation. 602-765-0200. cupidhelp.com.
Twilight Camp: 6:15-8 p.m. May 26. Visit the zoo after hours for an experience that includes a guided trail hike, animal encounters,, activities, a late-night snack and a night-camp souvenir. Price includes admission for one child age 5 and older and one adult. Reservations are required. Phoenix Zoo, 455 N. Galvin Parkway, Phoenix. $40, $35 for members. 602-914-4333. www.phoenixzoo.org.
Hollywood & Wine: A Night Under the Stars: 7 p.m. May 26. See an all-ages stage show directed and choreographed by Louis Van Amstel featuring performances by past and present stars as seen on "Dancing With the Stars," "So You Think You Can Dance," and "American Idol," all backed by an incredible band. Present e-mail confirmation from online purchase as your ticket. Doors open at 7 p.m. Cash bar and concessions are available. Must be age 21 or older to purchase alcohol. Arizona Biltmore, 2400 E. Missouri Ave., Phoenix. $100 for VIP seating and cast meet-and-greet, $65 for VIP seating only, $40, $25 for children. 602-955-6600. cvent.com/d/zcqp3s.
Memorial Day Weekend Fireworks & BBQ: 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, May 26-27. Wet 'n' Wild Phoenix offers its slides and attractions and hosts an all-you-can-eat barbecue from 7 to 8:30 p.m. in the Red Rock Ravine picnic area, including options like grilled barbecue chicken, hot dogs, green salad, Western-style beans, corn-on-the-cob, sliced seasonal fruit and Coca-Cola beverages. Fireworks displays are featured Saturday and Sunday evenings at 9:30 p.m., which are free with park admission. Meal tickets are additional. Wet 'n' Wild Phoenix, 4243 W. Pinnacle Peak Road, Glendale. $29.99-$36.99 for admission, $11.99 for barbecue meal ticket for age 12 and older, $9.99 for barbecue meal ticket for gold and season pass holders, and for ages 3-11, $7 for parking, free admission for 2 and younger. 623-201-2000. wetnwildphoenix.com/.
Southwest Indian Arts Festival: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, May 26-27. Dancing and music performances from world champion hoop dancer Tony Duncan, Estun-Bah & the Yellowbird Dancers are featured at noon and 2 p.m. in the Grace Sparks Activity Center with ample seating available. A variety of Indian Artists demonstrate their art indoors in the Pueblo building. Artists also display and sell their work at booths in the museum's parking lots, and a children's craft area is available. Smoki Museum, 147 N. Arizona St., Prescott. $5 admission, item prices vary. 928-445-1230. www.smokimuseum.org.
Al Harbison Legends of Arizona Metal Tribute: 6 p.m. May 26. This Memorial Day weekend celebration honors more than 30 years of Harbison's dedication to his music, his musician brothers and their success. More than 30 musicians ages 16-62 perform and seven bands: Warhead, Ghost 211, Downhill Trend, Chemicals of Democracy, Dying Tribe, Tynator and the Human Condition. Three all-star jams are also featured. All proceeds benefit homeless and in-need veterans and their pets with fostering, pet food and veterinary care while the veterans get on their feet. The event also benefits Valley Dogs Rescue, a local nonprofit agency that helps homeless/disabled veterans and their pets. Tickets available online. (Photo courtesy of Lucky Man Concerts) Marquee Theatre, 730 N. Mill Ave., Tempe. $17, $15 in advance. 480-829-0607 or 480-829-1300. etix.com/ticket/online/performanceSearch.jsp?performance_id=1620780.
Remember the Fallen: 8 a.m.-6 p.m. May 26. This event honors all those who served us with a barbecue cookoff open to all challengers, live music from three bands and a Veterans Memorial Ceremony from 11 a.m. to noon, featuring guest speakers and the Marine Corps League Honor Guard. A variety of vendors attend and sell food, beverages and merchandise. A veteran wall is available for people to write the names of fallen service members. Ambulances, helicopters and a stock car are on display and a raffle is also featured. Call John at 928-522-5974 for more information, available vendor spots and raffle donation details. Presented by the Flagstaff nonprofit organization Vets Serving Vets. Funds raised will help build a Flagstaff sanctuary for veterans. Fort Tuthill County Park, Interstate 17, Exit 337, Flagstaff. Free admission and parking, food and beverage prices vary. 928-522-5974. flagstaffnightout.com/entertainment.
Daylily Flower Show 2012: 2-5 p.m. May 26. The public is invited to come to the Scottsdale Civic Center Library to see a variety of daylilies on display like the pumpkin bandit, a favorite (pictured). Other varieties that may be seen include tropical smoothie, fiesta spirit, Asian, Pele's tears, under the big top and more. Admission is free. (Photo courtesy Jeff Corbett) Scottsdale Civic Center Library, 3839 N. Drinkwater Blvd., Scottsdale. Free. 480-515-2648. www.scottsdalelibrary.org.
Margot & the Nuclear So and So's: 8:30 p.m. May 26. Since earning a buzz for the melancholy chamber-pop of 2006 "The Dust of Retreat," these Indianapolis rockers have moved in a grittier direction without necessarily shaking the echoes of Elliott Smith and the '70s classics that inspired Smith's best work. And there's no shame in that. The end result, as captured on "Rot Gut, Domestic," their latest release, suggests where the Replacement could have gone but didn't after "Pleased to Meet Me." Crescent Ballroom, 308 N. Second Ave., Phoenix. $14-$16. 602-716-2222. crescentphx.com.
Memorial Day Ride and Concert: 4:30 p.m. May 27. Be a part of the second annual ride honoring fallen American heroes. Day-of registration begins at 2:30 for a 4:30 p.m. departure from Buddy Stubbs Harley-Davidson. Mike Broomhead from NewsTalk KFYI-AM (550) flies a gold-star flag in honor of his brother Tom, who was killed in action. Riders make a stop at the National Cemetery, 23029 N. Cave Creek Road in Phoenix, regroup at 6:30 p.m. at Park West Shopping Center, 101 and Northern Ave. and then ride as a group to Dillon's Restaurant at Wildlife World Zoo, 16501 W. Northern Ave., Litchfield Park for a concert and after-party from 7-11 p.m. featuring headlining band Western Bred. Ride fee includes concert entrance. Be among the first 300 registered by May 11 and get a free Memorial Day Ride T-shirt. Proceeds benefit Patriot Guard Riders AZ Chapter and the American Legion Riders Post 138 Legacy Fund. Registration, commemorative ride coin and T-shirt purchases, and donations can be made online. Click the "register here" link at the Facebook page. Buddy Stubbs Arizona Harley-Davidson, 13850 N. Cave Creek Road, Phoenix. $40 per bike for two riders, $25 per biker, $20 for concert only, $15 for commemorative coin or two for $25, $10 for T-shirt or ladies tank. 602-971-3400. facebook.com/azmemorialdayride.
Memorial Day Concert With Mark Chesnutt: May 28. Mark Chesnutt, whose hits include "Bubba Shot the Jukebox," "Goin' Through the Big D" and "Too Cold at Home" performs a special acoustic concert in honor of Memorial Day. Shows at 2 and 5 p.m. Seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Oasis Lounge, Harrah's Ak-Chin Casino 15406 N. Maricopa Road, Ak-Chin Reservation. Free. 480-802-5000. www.harrahs.com.
Bark in the Park: 11:30 a.m. May 27. Baseball fans and their canine companions can spend a day at the ballpark together. A pre-game puppy rally and parade on the track at Chase Field is held for dogs who are registered by 11:30 a.m. Water is provided. Pups and people can then watch the Arizona Diamondbacks versus the Milwaukee Brewers game, which begins at 1:10 p.m. Presented by Pet Club, in conjunction with the Arizona Diamondbacks, who donate $5 of every ticket sold to the Arizona Animal Welfare League and the Arizona Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. Pre-registration is required to attend the game with your dog - no walk-ups are permitted. Dogs must be at least 6 months old and have a current license. Owners must be able to provide a copy of current vaccinations from a licensed veterinarian. A custom Diamondbacks-themed dog house is raffled and tickets are available for purchase prior to the game. Call or visit AAWL website for more details. (Photo courtesy the Arizona Diamondbacks) Chase Field, 401 E. Jefferson St., Phoenix. $25 per person and per dog for baseline reserve, $18 per person and per dog for the bleachers and picnic pavilion, $5 each or 5 raffle tickets for $20. 602-273-6852. aawl.org.
Memorial Day Buffet: 7-11 a.m. May 28. All current and former military members with valid ID can enjoy "A Meal Fit for a Hero" breakfast buffet for free from 7 to 11 a.m. at Cafe 24/7 inside the casino. Scrambled eggs, bacon, hash browns, biscuits and gravy, oatmeal, pastries, fresh fruit and orange juice are featured. Military who are also Player's Club members receive a complimentary T-shirt while supplies last, beginning at 6 a.m. Wild Horse Pass Hotel & Casino, 5040 W. Wild Horse Pass Blvd., Gila River Reservation. $12.99, free for current and former military with ID. 520-796-7777. www.wingilariver.com.
Memorial Day Observance: 9 a.m. May 28. Representatives of several of the Valley's historic organizations attend. Included are tours of the 1897 Smurthwaite House, self-guided tours of the cemeteries, book signings by noted authors such as Debe Branning, "Grand Canyon Ghost Stories"; Pat Grady, "Out of the Ruins: Pioneer Life in Frontier Phoenix, Arizona Territory 1867-1881"; and Lisa Schnebly Heidinger, "Arizona 100 Years Grand". Historical re-enactor Don Shields portrays George W.P. Hunt, Arizona's first governor. Light refreshments are served. Gates open at 8 a.m., the ceremony begins at 9, and gates close at noon. Presented by the Pioneers' Cemetery Association. Pioneer and Military Memorial Park, 15th Ave. and Jefferson St., Phoenix. Free. 602-534-1262. azhistcemeteries.org.
A Tribute to WWII Veterans: 10:30 a.m.-10 p.m. May 28. Dine on restaurant specialties like frozen custard and steakburgers, or on other menu items such as chicken fingers, hot dogs and shakes on Memorial Day when 10 percent of sales is donated to Honor Flight Arizona, a nonprofit organization that flies America's veterans to Washington, D.C. to see the National WWII Memorial at no cost to the veteran. Volunteers from Honor Flight Arizona are available to answer questions about the program. All five Valley locations of Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers participate. Freddy's co-founder Freddy Simon is a WWII veteran. Visit website to find a location nearest you. Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers, 2065 E. Baseline Road, Gilbert. Menu prices vary. 480-633-7988. www.freddysfrozencustard.com.
Sunset Memorial Day Service: 7-8 p.m. May 28. The public is invited to bring lawn chairs and blankets to the outdoor amphitheater for a program that features a posting of the colors, "taps," a solemn POW/MIA table ceremony and a candle-lighting remembrance. A wreath is on display to honor the memory of fallen members of the armed forces on the flag-lined path which features bricks engraved with names of veterans and flags representing each of the six branches of the military. Presented by the City of Avondale, in partnership with the American Legion Crandall Palmer Post 61, VFW Pat Tillman Memorial Post 40, Scottish American Military Society, and the Blue Star Moms of the Southwest Valley. Avondale Civic Center, 11465 W. Civic Center Drive, Avondale. Free. 623-333-2400. www.ci.avondale.az.us.
Memorial Day Rally: 6:30-8 a.m. May 28. Hundreds of motorcycles and American flags line Cave Creek and Pinnacle Peak roads approaching the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona, to let entering family members know the sacrifices of their loved ones will never be forgotten. An official state-sponsored ceremony begins inside at 8 a.m. All bikes and riders are welcome. More information and flag sponsorships in memory of those who served are available online. Presented by Riders United for a Sovereign America, Corp. National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona, 23029 N. Cave Creek Road, Phoenix. Free, $10 flag sponsorships. 480-203-1051. ridersusa.net.
Memorial Day Benefit: 9 a.m.-noon May 28. The restaurant donates all its profits from 9 a.m. to noon to the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America, a volunteer-driven nonprofit dedicated to finding a cure for Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. Both Raising Cane's Phoenix locations participate and at each location, one lucky customer will win a year's worth of meals at Raising Cane's. Raising Cane's Chicken Fingers, 4325 E. Thomas Road, Phoenix. Menu prices vary, all proceeds benefit charity. 602-256-0888. www.ilovecanes.com.
Salute to the Troops Concert and Barbecue: 5-10 p.m. May 28. The historic resort begins a new tradition on Memorial Day, celebrating our nation's heroes beginning with a barbecue at 5 p.m. on the front lawn and a concert performed by Luke Air Force Base's own classic rock band, the Screamin' Javelinas. All-you-can-eat barbecue is included and refreshing drinks are available from the Wigwam's culinary team. A discounted room rate of $79 (regular room rate starts at $169) is offered on May 27 for active duty, reservists and retired members of the U.S. military and Arizona's law-enforcement officials and firefighters. A portion of proceeds is donated to the Fighter Country Foundation, a nonprofit group focused on supporting programs and services at Luke Air Force Base that aid, support and honor airmen and their families in need. Wigwam Resort and Golf Club, 300 E. Wigwam Blvd., Litchfield Park. $15, $7 for children, free for 4 and younger, $169 starting room rate, $79 discounted room rate for military, law enforcement and firefighters. 623-935-3811. www.wigwamresort.com/arizona-golf-resorts.php.
Memorial Day Service: 9 a.m. May 28. This annual service honors fallen heroes with a traditional ceremony that includes a posting of the colors, a wreath presentation, rifle salute and taps. Valley of the Sun Mortuary and Cemetery, 10940 E. Chandler Heights Road, Chandler. Free. 480-895-9232. www.valleyofthesuncemetery.com.
"Beat the Heat" Fitness Hike: 7-8:30 a.m. May 31. Take a 3.5-mile hike through the upper Sonoran desert and see amazing views of Cave Creek Regional Park. Tips on general fitness, hiking gear and strategies for hiking during warmer months are discussed along the way. Wear sturdy closed-toe shoes, dress appropriately for the weather and bring more water than you think you will need. Meet at the Nature Center. Cave Creek Regional Park, 37900 N. Cave Creek Parkway, Cave Creek. $6 per vehicle. 623-465-0431. www.maricopa.gov/parks/cave_creek/.
Memorial Day Program: 10 a.m. May 28. The annual event honors all those who have passed, and especially those who served in our military. An inspirational message, music and the laying of the wreath at the Veterans Columbarium are followed by the release of several white doves. More than 80 United States flags are flown, which are donated to the Avenue of Flags, for families of deceased U.S. veterans to honor their service to our country. The public is invited. Refreshments are served following the program. The Red Cross Bloodmobile is on-site from 1 to 6 p.m. for all those who wish to donate blood in honor of their loved one. Call 480-830-4422 or visit redcrossblood.org and register using sponsor code: dignity. Mariposa Gardens Memorial Park and Funeral Care, 6747 E. Broadway Road, Mesa. Free. 480-830-4422. www.mariposagardens.com.
Friday Night Franks: 5-10 p.m. Fridays, through May 31. Enjoy a cookout experience with the family in the Sonoran Desert. Live entertainment, horseshoes, corn hole and wagon rides are available. An old-fashioned wiener roast features $3 hot dogs, $5 brats, $3 beers, and $3 s'mores. Offered from Labor Day to Memorial Day. Fort McDowell Adventures, 14803 N. Hiawatha Hood Road, Fort McDowell. Free to attend, reserved seating and packages available for groups of 10 or more. 480-816-6465. www.fortmcdowelladventures.com.
