May 27–28
Policing the Bowl
Eighties pop icons The Police take control of the mammoth Hollywood Bowl. The band—consisting of frontman and bassist Sting, guitarist Andy Summers and drummer Stewart Copeland—reunited last year for a hotly anticipated world tour, its first since the trio's split in 1986; the tour sold more than 2.5 million tickets, making it one of the year's most successful. Although the band's last album, Synchronicity, was released in 1983 and Sting's solo career has since eclipsed those of the other members, The Police have sold more than 22 million albums, and singles such as "Every Breath You Take," "Roxanne" and "Message in a Bottle" remain rock classics. Elvis Costello and The Imposters open the shows. 2301 N. Highland Ave., Hollywood, 213.480.3232. Map W20

MAY 2
THE AMERICANA AT BRAND Retail hotspot from the creators of The Grove opens in Glendale, offering 90 stores and dining options. Boutiques include a Tiffany & Co. concept store, Kate Spade, Kiehl's and Vera Bradley; other draws include H&M and Barneys CO-OP. Brand Boulevard and Americana Way, Glendale, 818.637.8900. Map southeast of T23

MAY 2–4
CINCO DE MAYO Mariachis, folkloric dance, food and children's activities—and margaritas in the restaurants, of course—mark the Mexican holiday on Olvera Street downtown. Alameda Street between Main and Los Angeles streets, downtown, 213.628.1274. Map H17

MAY 3
DE LA HOYA VS. FORBES L.A. native Oscar De La Hoya fights a "homecoming" match against Steve Forbes, the first-ever boxing event at the 27,000–seat soccer stadium at Home Depot Center in Carson. 18400 Avalon Blvd., Carson, 310.630.2102. Map M15

MAY 5
ALICIA KEYS The R&B chanteuse and pianist takes the stage at Staples Center downtown. Opening acts are Ne-Yo and Jordin Sparks. 1111 S. Figueroa St., downtown, 213.480.3232. Map I15

OPENING MAY 11
TWO UNRELATED PLAYS Despite the name, the two plays on the double bill at Culver City's Kirk Douglas Theatre are related: They're both by David Mamet. The world premiere of Keep Your Pantheon is paired with Duck Variations. Kirk Douglas Theatre, 9820 Washington Blvd., Culver City, 213.628.2772. Map L11

MAY 17–18
VENICE ART WALK & AUCTIONS Two-day event features home tours in Venice and Malibu as well as tours of more than 60 private Venice artists' studios and special exhibits. Also on schedule: a food fair, live music and silent auction of more than 400 works. Begins at Westminster Avenue Elementary School, 1010 Abbot Kinney Blvd., 310.392.9255. Map M9

THROUGH MAY 19
COLLECTING COLLECTIONS The Museum of Contemporary Art downtown presents an exhibition of key acquisitions and gifts that make up its permanent collection. Featured artists include Piet Mondrian, Mark Rothko and Barbara Kruger. MOCA Grand Avenue (GA), 250 S. Grand Ave, downtown, 213.626.6222. Map H16

OPENING MAY 24
THE SIMPSONS AT UNIVERSAL STUDIOS Universal Studios Hollywood opens The Simpsons Ride, an attraction based on the popular animated sitcom. The simulator takes riders through Simpsons character Krusty the Clown's theme park Krustyland. 100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City, 818.622.3801. Map U20