Top 10 Things To Do This Weekend in the Valley (May 23–25, 2025)

Top 10 Things To Do This Weekend in the Valley (May 23–25, 2025)
by Kim Carlson – Your East Valley Real Estate Guide

Ready to make the most of your weekend? Whether you're staying close to home in Gilbert, Chandler, or Mesa—or venturing into downtown Phoenix—here are 10 must-do events to soak up fun, food, and family time this Memorial Day weekend!

1. Arizona Restaurant Week – Final Weekend
Over 230 restaurants, including some East Valley gems like Buck & Rider and Postino East, are offering multi-course meals at set prices. It’s the perfect date night or girls’ night idea!

2. Movies in the Park – Gilbert Civic Center
Grab your blanket and join local families Friday night for a showing of Mufasa under the stars. It’s a free, family-friendly vibe that makes you love small-town living.

3. Water Lantern Festival – Gilbert Regional Park
This magical event on Saturday blends community, music, and thousands of glowing lanterns. Truly an “Instagrammable” moment not to miss!

4. Spring Blast at Rhodes Aquatic Complex – Mesa
Kids (and parents!) can kick off summer Friday night with slides, splash zones, and fun. As a local Realtor and grandma, I love seeing these community spaces thrive.

5. Mac & Cheese Festival – Chase Field, Phoenix
Take a cheesy detour into downtown Saturday to sample the Valley’s most creative mac & cheese recipes. Stretchy pants highly recommended.

6. Jackie Fabulous at Mic Drop MANIA – Chandler
Need a laugh? Jackie’s performing Saturday night and she’s hilarious. Grab a friend and a cocktail—it’s a guaranteed good time.

7. Star Wars in Concert – Symphony Hall, Phoenix
Experience The Empire Strikes Back with live music by the Phoenix Symphony. Even if you’ve seen the movie 10 times, this is different.

8. Paint & Sip at Pinot’s Palette – Gilbert
Friday night creativity with wine in hand? Yes, please. No skills required—just show up and have fun.

9. Vintage Culture at Walter Where?House – Phoenix
For my night owls: this artsy warehouse dance party features world-class DJ Vintage Culture and stunning light installations.

10. Bento Cake Workshop – OLLA OLLA CREPES, Gilbert
This hands-on cake class Saturday blends baking, art, and a whole lot of fun. Perfect for a mother-daughter morning!

🌟 Weekend Tip from Kim: The Valley is bursting with life and opportunity—just like the local housing market! If you’re thinking about making a move, investing in a rental, or just curious about your home’s value…

📲 Let’s chat! Call or text me at 480-993-9384
📩 Or email me at kimcarlson2010@gmail.com
💼 With The Make a Difference Team at Keller Williams Integrity First Realty

Your next home adventure might be just around the corner—let’s find it together!