Maya Makes a Comeback

Good morning, Scottsdale. I’m finally back home from Dubai and Portugal. Just in time for Cinco de Mayo and Derby weekend! Traveling is great but I always miss Mexican food after a week or so 😂

I’m doing some re-ordering of the sections. Noticed the events list gets a ton of clicks each week so moving that up since it seems to be of high interest. If you hate it being higher in the newsletter let me know!

In today’s Scottsdale Scoop:

• Popular day club is reopening soon

• A great date spot that gets you moving

• Cinco de Mayo weekend events

— John Apolinar

WEEKEND LINEUP

Thursday, May 2

🦁 Roars & Pours | Phoenix Zoo | 5:30 PM – 8:30 PM

🎤 Des Bishop | Desert Ridge Improv | 7:00 PM & 9:30 PM (multiple days)

🌮 Cinco de Sabor | High Street | 7PM

Friday, May 3

🥊 UFL 6: Scottsdale vs Orange County | WestWorld Equidome | Doors at 5:00 PM, Fights at 6:30 PM

Saturday, May 4

🎩 Kentucky Derby Lawn Party | Fairmont Scottsdale Princess | 1:00 PM

🎉 6th Annual Derby Day Porch Party | Mowry & Cotton at The Phoenician | 1:00 PM

🍻 Pinnacle Brewing 1st Anniversary | Pinnacle Brewing Company | 12:00 PM

🌌 May the 4th Be With You Party | Dave & Buster’s Desert Ridge | 12:00 PM

🎡 Scottsdale Fair & Festival | WestWorld of Scottsdale | Ongoing through May 4

Sunday, May 5

📖 Storytime at Desert Botanical Garden | Desert Botanical Garden | 10:00 AM

SPONSORED BY TRUE REST FLOAT SPA

If you’ve never tried a float spa, this might be your sign. True REST in Scottsdale offers 60-minute sessions in a private float pod filled with 1,000 pounds of Epsom salt—so you float effortlessly in total weightlessness. It’s designed to help with stress, anxiety, muscle recovery, and sleep.

You float in a quiet, zero-gravity environment with no distractions—just pure calm. It’s like a reset button for your body and mind. First-time floats are discounted, so it’s a low-stakes way to see what all the hype is about.

Perfect if you’ve been feeling fried, sore, or just need a solid hour of nothing.

PS - this makes a GREAT Mother’s Day gift 😉

SCOTTSDALE SNAPSHOT

Maya Day + Night Set to Reopen

One of Old Town’s most iconic party spots — is making a huge comeback this summer after a complete remodel.

The newly reimagined 15,000-square-foot venue now boasts a stunning 100-foot wooden goddess sculpture behind the bar, a glowing LED-lit tree, and a ton of aesthetic plants. No word on the menu yet but I’ll stay vigilant. Here’s more pics but it has a similar vibe to Toca Modera from what I can tell.

By day, expect the legendary pool parties, DJ performances, and VIP cabanas Scottsdale is known for. By night, Maya’s state-of-the-art sound system will turn it into a massive entertainment venue.

As a bonus, guests staying next door at the brand-new luxury Remi Hotel will have direct access to the club — making it the ultimate stay-and-play destination for friends and family visiting.

Scottsdale Fair is in Full Swing

I feel like no one talks about our fair and not sure why! It’s currently live at WestWorld and is packed with everything you expect— carnival rides, a huge midway, live shows, games, food vendors, and all the fried everything you could want.

They’re bringing in national entertainment acts, livestock shows, and even a petting zoo, so there’s a little something for everyone, whether you’re rolling deep with kids or just want to crush a funnel cake and hit the rides. The last day to attend is May 4th!

QDOBA is Finally Here

I had no idea QDBOA opened in Scottsdale recently and had to share the news. I’m a long-time QDOBA fanboy and feel they blow Chipotle out of the water (don’t hate me).

Known for their freshly prepared, flavor-packed dishes, QDOBA’s new spot offers customizable burritos, bowls, tacos, nachos, and more — all featuring premium toppings like their famous three-cheese queso and handcrafted guac (at no extra charge!). Personally, I love how tender their steak is and then the habanero salsa 🤌🏽

The standalone location is now open at 4821 N Scottsdale Rd, 85251

DATE SPOT OF THE WEEK

PopStroke

A bit different than a nice restaurant that’s usually in this section but I figured why not! PopStroke Scottsdale is a newish spot that mixes mini golf, a full restaurant, and a little bit of nightlife all in one.

Designed by Tiger Woods and his TGR Design team, PopStroke features two 18-hole putting courses—not goofy windmills and clowns, but more like real golf greens made for casual players and serious putters alike. It’s family-friendly during the day, but turns into more of an adult hangout in the evenings with drinks flowing and sports on big screens.

You can grab burgers, tacos, fresh salads, and milkshakes from their restaurant, and even order drinks while you’re out playing through their app. There’s also a kids’ playground, yard games, fire pits, and tons of outdoor seating if you just want to have a family hangout.

Nothing in this section is sponsored. They're just local businesses I wanted to highlight. I'll always let you know when something's sponsored.

BUSINESS BUZZ

Butters is All the Rave for Brunch

If you’re on the hunt for a breakfast or brunch spot that’s always a crowd-pleaser, Butters Pancakes & Café should be on your list. My neighbors rave about it and for good reason.

This local favorite is all about doing the basics really well—fluffy pancakes, stuffed French toast, omelets loaded with good stuff, and quality coffee. They use fresh, high-quality ingredients (think real whipped butter, pure maple syrup, and farm-fresh eggs), and it shows.

The vibe is casual but polished, perfect for a laid-back breakfast meeting or a slow Sunday morning. Portions are great, and everything just feels a little bit better than your standard diner.

They’ve got multiple locations around Scottsdale, so chances are you’re not too far from a stack of pancakes calling your name.

Nothing in this section is sponsored. They're just local businesses I wanted to highlight. I'll always let you know when something's sponsored.

THE GOOD LIFE

Featuring last weeks most expensive home sold at $5.2M. The butler's pantry has private pass-through door to the formal dining room that has a sophisticated glass wall wine room. Fancy!

Here’s the realtor.com link if you want to check it out!

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