There’s also an animation showcase, an electric vehicle expo, a STEM event, a psychic fair and both Free Comic Book Day and Star Wars Day. And that’s just in the first week.
The rest of May is also packed with nerd-friendly activities, including a speaking appearance by author and humorist David Sedaris, two screenings of 1994’s “The Crow,” and the chance to meet the stars of “The Sandlot,”
With so much going on, you might need some help keeping everything straight. That’s why we’ve helpfully complied a list of May’s best nerdy events in Phoenix. Read on and start making plans.
ASU School of Art Animation Showcase
Thursday, May 2ASU MIX Center, 50 N. Centennial Way, MesaWant to see what the next generation of animators have to offer? Attend this showcase featuring the work of 50-plus students from the animation program at Arizona State University's School of Art, including animation of the 2-D, 3-D and stop-motion variety. Each project was created collaboratively or individually over two semesters and features dynamic, emotive and spectacular visuals. The event is from 5 to 7 p.m. and it's free to attend.
Free Comic Book Day 2024
Saturday, May 4Multiple locations Comic book fans of the Valley will want to make room in their collections. Dozens of commemorative issues of well-known titles — many featuring such legendary characters as X-Men, Spider-Man, Hellboy, Transformers and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles — will be given away during Free Comic Book Day on May 4. Shops across the Phoenix area will participate, including popular spots like Strange Adventure in Gilbert and local chain Samurai Comics, and will also have storewide sales, giveaways, live entertainment and appearances by artists and authors. Hours vary by location. Check out our guide to Free Comic Book Day here.
Galaxy STEM Fest
Saturday, May 4Historic Heritage Square, 113 N. Sixth St.The nerd-friendly fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (also known as STEM) will mix with history, sci-fi and fandom during this downtown Phoenix event in early May. The fest aims to “ignite curiosity and inspire the next generation of science explorers” with hands-on experiments, an appearance by local “Star Wars” cosplay group Dune Sea Garrison, a panel discussion on careers in STEM and a meet-and-greet with Nichele Nichols biographer Angela Dalton. Hours are 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Admission is free.
Star Wars Day 2024
Saturday, May 4Multiple locations You don’t need to be as wise as Master Yoda to know that “May the Fourth” is a big day for Star Wars fans worldwide every year. Also known as Star Wars Day, it takes place on May 4 (as in “May the Fourth be with you”) and is an annual celebration of the geeky franchise. While not an actual holiday, it’s an excuse to cosplay and indulge your love in all things “Star Wars.” Businesses around metro Phoenix also get into the fun, whether it's local bars hosting costume contests and trivia nights or eateries serving special menu items inspired by the saga. Check out our full guide to this year’s happenings here.
Electrify Expo
Saturday, May 4 to Sunday, May 5State Farm Stadium, 1 E. Cardinals Way, GlendaleDespite the disastrous launch of Tesla's Cybertruck and its numerous technical issues, the future of electric vehicles is bright. More than 40 million EVs are on the road worldwide, sales are up and every major car manufacturer sells a chargeable vehicle model these days. If that doesn’t spark your interest, consider attending the Electrify Expo in early May. You can operate and ride every type of EV at the two-day event outside of State Farm Stadium in Glendale, including scooters, skateboards, bikes and cars. Rock down to electric avenue from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day. Admission is $20 per person and free for kids 5 and under.
Get your tarot read at the Phoenix Psychic Fair, if only for a lark.
Andrew Gustar/CC BY-ND 2.0/Flickr
Phoenix Psychic Fair
Sunday, May 5Doubletree by Hilton Hotel Phoenix Tempe, 2100 S. Priest Drive, TempeYou don’t have to believe in either the supernatural or metaphysical to have a good time at the annual Phoenix Psychic Fair. Even if the idea of prognostication, energy healing, psychic mediums or tarot-card reading causes your skeptic sense to tingle, admission to the daylong event is inexpensive to attend (admission $5 in advance and $7 at the door), There will also be vendors selling gemstones, artwork, handmade jewelry and apparel alongside all the hypnotherapists, aura photographers and animal communicators. The event runs from 9 p.m. to 5 p.m.
David Sedaris
Friday, May 10Orpheum Theatre, 203 W. Adams St.David Sedaris, widely renowned for his witty and often irreverent humor, has a certain nerdiness beneath his literary charm. The author, satirist and frequent NPR contributor often obsesses over the minutiae of life, crafting intricate narratives from the most mundane encounters. His penchant for collecting oddities also speaks volumes about his nerdy inclinations. Whether dissecting the various quirks of language or exploring the absurdity of social norms, he embraces each topic with a certain geeky gusto. See for yourself when Sedaris speaks at Orpheum Theatre at 8 p.m. in support of his latest book, “Pretty Ugly.” Tickets are $29 to $69.
Chess Club Night
Wednesday, May 15Valley Bar, 130 N. Central Ave.Chess. A game of kings. Civilized, strategic and a total effin’ mystery for some people. The folks at Valley Bar will help unravel its intricacies and strategies during their twice-monthly Chess Club Night. Taking place every first and third Wednesday in the underground bar’s Secret Library, the free event offers “strategic gameplay, camaraderie and hidden delights,” as well as instruction in the fundamentals of the game. You might not learn Vladimirov's Thunderbolt or how to play as flawlessly as Beth Harom from “The Queen’s Gambit,” but you’ll definitely pick up a few pointers. All skill levels are welcome. The pieces fall into place from 7:30 to 10 p.m.
Cult Classics: ‘The Crow’
Saturday, May 18Landmark Scottsdale Quarter Theatre, 15257 N. Scottsdale Road, ScottsdaleWhen the trailer for the upcoming remake of 1994’s “The Crow” dropped in March, outrage among fans of the original ensued. They claim a glossy reboot of the dark and gritty revenge flick is wholly unnecessary and an insult to the late Brandon Lee, who was accidentally killed during filming. If you’ve ever seen the movie, which features a bravura performance by Lee, frenetic action scenes, a moody atmosphere and a fantastic alt-rock soundtrack, you’d probably agree. If you haven’t, local repertory film series Cult Classics is presenting two screenings on May 18. Showtimes are at 9 p.m. and tickets start at $16 per person.
Phoenix Fan Fusion 2024
Friday, May 24 to Sunday, May 26100 N. Third St.Geeks of the Valley, get ready to squee. Phoenix Fan Fusion, the biggest pop culture event in Arizona returns this weekend — and it's going to be just as nerdy as ever. The weekend-long extravaganza will be a three-day convergence of pop culture, sci-fi, fantasy, comic books, video games, horror and anime. Dozens of celebrities — including actors Simu Liu, Giancarlo Esposito, Alan Tudyk, Shameik Moore, Paul Sun-Hyung Lee, Dante Basco and Dante Basco — will appear at the event to sign autographs, pose for photos or participate in Q&A sessions. There will also be Hundreds of panels and programming events, a massive exhibitor hall to explore and a a legion of cosplayers. Event hours vary. Fan Fusion memberships are $39 to $59 per day, $89 for the weekend, $395 for VIP access and free for kids 3 to 12.
The Sandlot 30th Anniversary
Friday, May 31Orpheum Theatre, 203 W. Adams St.“The Sandlot” is one of those films that never gets old, even if you’ve seen the 1993 kiddie baseball film enough times to know all its memorable lines (“You’re killing me, Smalls”) by heart. The cast of the flick, which centers on pre-teen Scotty Smalls (Tom Guiry) and his ragtag group of friends attempting to recover his stepdad’s autographed Babe Ruth baseball, are coming to Phoenix as part of its 30th-anniversary tour. Guiry, Chauncey Leopardi (“Squints”) and Marty York (“Yeah Yeah”) will participate in a Q&A and storytelling session following a screening of “The Sandlot.” The event starts at 7 p.m. Tickets are $19 to $39 for general admission and $129 for VIP, which includes a meet-and-greet.
