There are a few activities that are the hallmark of every Memorial Day weekend, such as parades, veterans celebrations, flag-folding ceremonies, and barbecues. Oh, and there are also tons of pool parties too, both of the backyard and more public variety at hotels and elsewhere.
This weekend is no exception as a half-dozen water wingdings will happen every single day of MDW 2014 from Saturday, May 24, to Monday, May 26, in Scottsdale (natch) and other locations in the Valley.
See also: Memorial Day events in Metro Phoenix
Consider it a kick-off to the rest of the summer and a chance to let loose during the three-day weekend.
Memorial Day Weekend Celebration at W Scottsdale
Although you might be saving your American flag bikini or bathing suit for the Fourth of July, the promoters of the back-to-back Memorial Day Weekend affairs at the W are encouraging the skinny and stylish set to wear their finest red, white, and blue summer wear to the two-day party atop the hotel's WET Deck. On Saturday, May 24, patrons can compete in a Red Pong tournament (read: beer pong with Red Bull as the drink of choice) with a $250 cash prize and trophy for the winner. It should give them plenty of energy to dance when Australian actress, supermodel, and club deejay Brooke Evers drops some hot spins.
Games will also be afoot on Sunday, May 25, when giant versions of Jenga and Connect Four will be set up for play. Ping-pong and rock, paper, scissors tournaments will also be staged and will award $250 and a special champagne prize, respectively. Meanwhile, DJ Soulman will be in the mix and cornhole games will also transpire. Hours are from noon to 6 p.m. each day. Tickets are $20.
First Days of Summer at Lustre Rooftop Garden
Beer pong pros can also reign supreme during Lustre's Memorial Day weekend pool parties on both Saturday, May 24, and Sunday, May 25, as games of Champong will take place. If you couldn't have guessed, it's similar to the popular game, only with bubbly instead of brews and players jokingly sticking out their pinkies while playing. The poolside bar at the Hotel Palomar will also feature regular games of table tennis and cornhole during both days, and specialty cocktails will be served and a photo booth will be available for candid snapshots with friends. DJs will perform from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. each day, as well as during an evening session from 8 p.m. onward on Saturday. Dive in starting 11 a.m. There's a $10 cover for non-hotel guests.
Mo'Vida Pool Party at El Dorado Hotel
Self-described by its promoters as a "pool party series with a purpose," Mo'Vida is a bit more high-minded than your average poolside rager. Taking place on Saturday, May 24, at the El Dorado, it will offer a family friendly vibe, a laidback atmosphere via its soundtrack of global soul and intelligent dance grooves, and a portion of its proceeds being donated to charities fighting children's cancer. The DJ lineup includes Montreal's Jojo Flores and such locals as World Famous Rani G, Anton Spevacek, Adam Osuna, FlipStylz, and Emgee. The event runs from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Admission is $20 and includes a free drink and raffle ticket.
Release Pool Parties at Talking Stick Resort
The enormous outdoor stage alongside the pool at Talking Stick Resort will get plenty of use this weekend, as renowned DJs like The Crystal Method, Bad Boy Bill, and Richard Vission are scheduled to perform during the three days worth of Release Pool Parties from Saturday, May 24, to Monday, May 26. And if it's anything like Wet Electric last month, which saw thousands swimming and celebrating while beats filled the air, you can expect to plenty of eye candy and wild times. A swimwear fashion show featuring designs by Dolcessa Swimwear is scheduled for Saturday, specialty cocktails and drink deals can be had, and access to the lush cabanas and daybeds in available. Gates open at 11 a.m. Ladies get in free, guys pay $10.
Memorial Day Weekend at Maya Day & Nightclub
The dayclub portion of Maya and its centerpiece pool will be the site of a special edition of the weekly Sunday Phunday event on Sunday, May 25. The superstar EDM duo known as Showtek will headline the afternoon-long event and occupy the outdoor DJ booth while the joint's cabanas and day go-go dancers perform atop pillars, scenesters party in the pool and VIP cabanas, and the drink staff slings cocktails from two bars. In short, a daytime rager of the highest order, which will be powered by such Showtek hits as "How We Do," "We Like to Party," and "Hey!" Gates open at 11 a.m. Tickets are $30.
Power 98.3 Pool Party at Four Points By Sheraton Phoenix South
R&B artist SoMo will host the Memorial weekend soiree being put on by local radio station that will take over the REVIVE pool area at this Ahwatukee on Sunday, May 25. Power 98.3's resident DJs will load up Top 40 hits all afternoon, and drink specials will be available at the bar. Leave the cutoffs and jorts at home, however, as only proper swimwear (read: boardshorts, trunks, and bikinis) will be permitted. The party pops off from noon until 5 p.m. Admission is free.
