Lake Havasu City, AZ – As the weather warms up and the days grow longer, Lake Havasu City is preparing for a jam-packed month of events in May 2024. From cultural celebrations and tribute concerts to sports tournaments and family-friendly activities, there’s something for everyone to enjoy in this vibrant desert community.
Kicking off the month, the city will honor fallen firefighters with the “Light the Night for Fallen Firefighters” event from May 1-5. Local buildings and landmarks will be illuminated in red as a tribute to those who have lost their lives in the line of duty. On May 2, the community will come together for the National Day of Prayer from 8:00 AM to 9:00 AM, a day of unified prayer across the nation.
Fishing enthusiasts won’t want to miss the Major League Fishing (MLF) Bass Tournament Weigh-In from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM on May 2-4, where anglers will showcase their biggest catches of the day. The event coincides with the 42nd Annual WON Striper Derby on May 4-5, a long-standing fishing competition targeting striped bass with attractive grand prizes, running from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM each day.
Celebrating Mexican heritage and culture, Cinco de Mayo festivities will take place on May 3-5, featuring traditional music, dance, and delicious food. The London Bridge Renaissance Faire, held from May 2-4 at SARA Park Rodeo Grounds, will transport visitors back in time with jousting tournaments, medieval merchants, and period performances.
For a unique and inclusive experience, the Arizona Adaptive Watersports Day on May 3-4 will offer adapted watersports activities for individuals with disabilities from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Thrill-seekers can head to the Havasu 95 Speedway on May 3-4 for the Monster Truck Insanity Tour, featuring jaw-dropping stunts and races from 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM.
Art lovers can enjoy the First Friday event on May 3 from 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM, showcasing local arts and crafts vendors, live music, and tasty food stalls. The Lake Havasu Museum of History will host the Bridge of Friendship Quilt Show in early May, displaying over 100 intricately crafted quilts and offering workshops and demonstrations.
Mother’s Day celebrations on May 12 will include special offerings from local businesses, while the Mommy and Me Tea on May 5 from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM provides a delightful opportunity for mothers and children to bond over tea and treats. The Black and White Gala Ballet Fundraiser on May 11 from 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM will raise funds for local ballet productions in an elegant setting.
Music fans have plenty to look forward to, with tribute concerts honoring The Highwaymen on May 20 and the Eagles on May 21 at Lake Havasu State Park. The Havasu Concert Lounge will host performances by punk rock band Authority Zero on May 10 from 9:00 PM to 12:00 AM, psychobilly band Nekromantix on May 19 from 9:00 PM to 12:00 AM, and a Sublime tribute band on May 24-25 from 9:00 PM to 11:30 PM.
For a dose of laughter, catch the Adam’s Kokomo Komedy Tour on May 4 and 18 from 8:00 PM to 10:00 PM at Kokomo Beach Bar, featuring both local and touring comedians. Families can enjoy the Kids on the Colorado River Community Day on May 5 from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM, offering environmental education and outdoor activities, or attend the Free Family Game Day on May 17 from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM at Rotary Community Park for a day of board and lawn games.
Sports enthusiasts can participate in the Southwest Kayaks Fishing Open on May 4 from 6:00 AM to 3:00 PM, the U.S. Freestyle PWC Championship on May 11 from 1:30 PM to 6:00 PM, the Battle at Bridgewater Disc Golf Tournament on May 18 from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, and the Southwest Custom Tackle (SWCT) Weekend Warrior Bass Series on May 24 from 6:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Other notable events include the Bunco social dice game on May 8 from 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM, the Havasu Meltdown frozen treat festival on May 10 from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM, the Lake Havasu Youth Market on May 25 from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM, and the Havasu Classic Cars Drive-In Movie Night on May 30, with classic cars on display from 5:30 PM followed by a movie at dusk.
With such a diverse array of events, Lake Havasu City promises an unforgettable month of entertainment, community engagement, and fun for residents and visitors alike. Mark your calendars and get ready to experience the best of what this desert oasis has to offer in May 2024!
—Jeremy Webb
Proposed bill would consolidate control of Mohave County public schools
A controversial bill proposed by two Mohave County legislators would implement a pilot program consolidating control of the county’s public school districts under a single elected official.
House Bill 2717, sponsored by State Reps. John Gillette (R-Kingman) and Leo Biasiucci (R-Lake Havasu City), would transfer many powers held by local school boards to the Mohave County School Superintendent’s office for a 5-year pilot program starting in 2025. The bill would also implement a similar consolidated administration pilot program in neighboring La Paz County.
