Season Events
2025-2026 :: Arts & Beyond :: 26th Season
Progress + Preservation
Wednesday, October 29, 2025
6:30pm Private Architecture Tour,Downtown Phoenix
Monroe Street Abbey, set in the heart of downtown Phoenix, was originally built in 1929. This iconic landmarkrooted in history and reborn through fireled by former Phoenix mayor Terry Goddard and local architecture firm Jones Studio offers a rare opportunity to learn about the restoration process to resurrect the structure after four decades.
Member & Partner Opening Act
Wednesday, November 5, 2025
6:30pm Gainey Golf Club, Scottsdale
With panoramic views of the McDowell Mountains, the season’s opening dinner is not just a celebration of the present it is a cherished tradition that marks the return of friends, the forging of new connections, and a preview of the salon series events aheadthat promise to keep member’s calendars full.
Eric Fischl; Stories Told: Myths of Suburbia
Monday, November 10, 2025
6:00pm Reception & Private Docent Tour :: Phoenix Art Museum, Phoenix
Eric Fischl: Stories Told brings together 40 large-scale works by the renowned figurative painter. Born in 1948, Eric Fischl grew up in Long Island, New York, and Phoenix, Arizona, where he attended Phoenix College and Arizona State University in the late 1960s. After studying under contemporary landscape painter Merrill Mahaffey, Fischl received his B.F.A. in 1972 as part of the first graduating class at the California Institute for the Arts (CalArts). Working with figurative painting and narrative content in the late 1970s, when it was decidedly out of favor in the art world, Fischl made his subject what he knew best: memories of suburban life and the nuclear family of his childhood.
Big Cats of Arizona
Saturday, November 15, 2025
8:30am Continental Breakfast, Zookeeper talk, Private Exhibit Tour :: Phoenix Zoo, Phoenix
See the new Big Cats of Arizonahabitat with ample space for mountain lions and jaguars. The two jaguars, Caipora and Saban, will get a habitat increase by more than double their current living situation. Mystic, a mountain lion, was found as an abandoned orphan 17 years ago in South Dakota will get a new space approximately five-times the size of her current home.The Big Cats of Arizona habitat will facilitate guest viewing like never before on the Arizona Trail. These intriguing desert cats are rarely seen in the wild, so viewing from different angles will improve visibility for guests.
A Literary& Musical Salon featuring Anne Marie Kenny
Tuesday, November 18, 2025
5:30pm Cabaret Performance of her Memoir. Grayhawk, Phoenix
With a dream and a passion for singing, author Anne Marie Kenny’s decision to move to France sparked the events she writes about in her memoir, A Song for Bohemia. Growing up in Omaha, Kenny began singing with her sisters when she was five. As an adult, Kenny moved to France to begin a professional singing career. Kenny performed on the radio, in clubs, and in concert halls throughout Paris. In 1989, Kenny watched from France as the Berlin Wall fell. Soon after, Kenny moved to Czechoslovakia watching the people around her reinvent themselves after 40 years of totalitarian rule that resonated with her own struggles at the time.
Carlos Page: Energy & Balance
Tuesday, December 2, 2025
6:30pm Private Studio Tour, Cave Creek
The SculptorCarlos Page focuses on contemporary design and sculpture, creating functional and abstract pieces made with steel, concrete and wood. He was born Buenos Aires, Argentina.He traveled extensively before settling in the United States in 1989 to pursue the study of fine art.Over the years Carlos has been recognized at nationally juried arts festivals and design shows. In 2001, Carlos opened his first sculpture studio in Hoboken, NJ, where he created his work for many years. In 2014, Carlos relocated his studio to the beautiful Sonoran Desert in the town of Cave Creek.
Behind the Curtain with Musicfest Director Alan Naplan
Wednesday, December 10, 2025
7:00pm Private Presentation:: Grayhawk, Phoenix
Have you ever sat in a plush theater seat, the house lights dimming, the hush of anticipation settling over the audience, and wondered: How did this remarkable program of shows and performances come to be? What goes on behind the scenes in deciding which musicals grace the stage, which artists are featured, and how the arc of a season unfolds? The process of programming a concert season—especially in the world of musical theater—lies at the crossroads of artistry, logistics, community engagement, and a touch of magic.This is your chance to pull back the curtain and explore, in detail, the journey from inspiration to opening night. In this presentation, you’ll gain insight into the creative, collaborative, and occasionally chaotic process of season planning, followed by a lively Q&A session to address all your burning questions.
Trivia Night @SMoCA: 5 Arts Circle Edition
Wednesday, January 7, 2026
6:30pm Reception:: SMoCA, Scottsdale
Test your artful knowledge with a special edition of a lively trivia game themed around the visual and performing artscreated just for 5 Arts Circle members. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. with private gallery access, food, and drinks. Trivia starts at 7 p.m., with the winning teams earning both bragging rights and custom trophies crafted by SMoCA curators.
DIY: Get Creative at a Maker’s Space
Wednesday, January 21, 2025
6:30pmPrivate Tour :: Phoenix Forge, Phoenix
We invite you to discover Phoenix Forge—a place where curiosity ignites and inspiration transforms into tangible creation. More than just a makerspace, Phoenix Forge is a vibrant community of over 1,600 members, ranging from students to seasoned professionals, all united by a passion for hands-on making and boundless imagination. Here, you can develop new skills, experiment with ideas, and bring even the boldest projects to life using state-of-the-art tools and collaborative energy.
Mac Schweitzer; Mid century Artist of the Southwest
Thursday, January 29, 2026
6:30pm Private Docent Tour :: Western Spirit Museum, Scottsdale
Step into the vivid world of mid-century Southwestern art as we embark on a private docent-led tour highlighting the remarkable legacy of Mac Schweitzer. Journey through the evocative stories and pioneering spirit of the Tucson artists’ colony, where Schweitzer—alongside luminaries like Maynard Dixon, Edith Hamlin, Tom Bahti, Rose Cabat, and Harrison Moore—helped shape a flourishing creative community. Marvel at her award-winning works, which graced renowned Tucson galleries as well as Scottsdale’s Camelback Galleries and Lloyd Kiva’s Craftsman Court, each testament to her vision and determination to live by her art alone. Discover the lasting impact of her commissions, such as the exuberant 1961 interior and exterior panels of Scottsdale’s iconic Trader Vic’s Polynesian restaurant—a beloved landmark for decades.
Glorious Glass
Wednesday, February 4 , 2026
7:00pm Private Glass Collection :: Ancala, Scottsdale
Nestled in the tranquil enclave of Ancala, a private glass collection awaits, reflecting the luminous artistry and innovation of contemporary glassmakers. The collection dazzles with an array of vibrant sculptures, delicate vessels, and abstract forms, each piece capturing light in unexpected ways and transforming the space into a kaleidoscope of color and form. Renowned artists from around the world are represented, their works juxtaposed to reveal the boundless possibilities of glass as an artistic medium. Visitors to this exclusive setting are invited to experience close-up the intricate craftsmanship and daring creativity that define the modern glass movement.
Private Reception & Fashion Show
Thursday, February 12, 2026
1:30pm Neiman Marcus :: Fashion Square,Scottsdale
Indulge in an afternoon of style and sophistication at Neiman Marcus in Scottsdale. The private reception and fashion show begins at 1:30pm, offering a first-hand look at the latest designer collections in an elegant setting. Celebrate creativity in fashion as models showcase cutting-edge looks and mingle with fellow enthusiasts while enjoying refreshments. This exclusive event promises an inspiring glimpse into high fashion, set against the backdrop of Neiman Marcus’s renowned hospitality.
Studio Spotlight Lunch & Learn :: Ballet Arizona
Wednesday, March 11, 2026
11:00am Dorrance Theatre, Phoenix
Experience an intimate private rehearsal featuring artistic leadership and the dancers of Ballet Arizona. Go backstage at Ballet Arizona’s Dorrance Theatre for a behind-the-scenes look at our productions. This is the closest you will ever be to the work without being on the stage! Lunch with the Dancers afterwards.
The Music of Elton John Starring Michael Cavanaugh with The Phoenix Symphony
Friday, March 20, 2026
7:30pm Symphony Hall, Phoenix
Get ready to rock out with Michael Cavanaugh, as he performs the timeless hits of Elton John, such as “Tiny Dancer,” “Rocket Man,” “Bennie and the Jets,” “Candle in the Wind,” and many more! This electrifying show features Cavanaugh’s powerhouse vocals and incredible piano skills, accompanied by your Phoenix Symphony.
Visionary in Poetry and Education
Thursday, March 26, 2026
6:30pm Private Residence, North Scottsdale
We invite you to an inspiring evening with Elisa New, a visionary in poetry and education. Elisa New serves as the Director and Host of the acclaimed PBS series Poetry in America, and is also the Director of the Educational Media Innovation Studio at Arizona State University, Director of Verse Video Education, and the Powell M. Cabot Professor of American Literature at Harvard University.Through her groundbreaking work, New has reimagined the reach of poetry, making it accessible to audiences everywhere—on public television, streaming platforms, in schools and libraries, and even on airlines. Poetry in America brings the timeless power of verse out of the classroom and into living rooms across the nation, inviting viewers to discover the beauty and relevance of poetry in everyday life.Join us for an engaging discussion and celebrate the ways poetry connects, inspires, and transforms.
Jazz Luncheon with the Charles Anderson Quartet
Tuesday, April 7, 2026
11:30am Paradise Valley Country Club, Paradise Valley
Join your friends at the Paradise Valley Country Club for a jazz luncheon in the spectacular setting of the patio, where the melodies of the Charles Anderson Quartet will mingle with mountain views and warm spring breezes. Delight in delicious cuisine and lively conversation as music fills the air, making for an unforgettable afternoon of culture and camaraderie.
Cinderella Back Stage Tour, & Dress Rehearsal Arizona Opera
Thursday, April 16, 2026
5:00pm Symphony Hall, Phoenix
Step into the magic of Rossini’s Cinderella in this delightful semi-staged production brimming with humor, charm, and enchanting melodies. Angelina—mistreated by her stepfather Don Magnifico and his scheming daughters—dares to dream of a brighter future. With help from Prince Ramiro’s clever valet and a sparkling twist involving a pair of bracelets, Angelina must navigate royal intrigue to capture the prince’s heart. Perfect for audiences of all ages, this vibrant retelling of the beloved fairytale promises laughter, romance, and soaring arias the whole family will adore.
Member& Partner Season Finale Cocktail Party
Thursday, April 30, 2026
6:30pm Sereno Canyon Mountain Lodge House, North Scottsdale
As the season draws to a close, gather with fellow members for a memorable evening at the Sereno Canyon Mountain Lodge House in North Scottsdale. Against the majestic backdrop of stunning mountain views savor a refined cocktail party designed to celebrate another year of cherished experiences. Enjoy exquisite cuisine, heartfelt toasts, and a warm sense of community as the sun dips below the horizon, and an opportunity to Stargaze with the Arizona Astronomy Association telescopes.