Check out festivals and events in May across the state.
This list is organized by region.
Central Florida (including Orlando, Kissimmee, Daytona Beach, Sanford, the Space Coast, Lakeland/Polk and Lake County)
May 2: Jazz Friday at Foosaner Museum of Art. Melbourne. Every first Friday of the month the Foosaner Museum of Art hosts Jazz Friday in their galleries. Expect great music from local favorites. Admission is free for members of the Museum and $10 for non-members. 1463 Highland Avenue, Melbourne FL 32901. 321-433-4470.
www.visitspacecoast.com
May 2-3: Smoke n' Blues, Bikes and BBQ, St. Cloud. Florida BBQ Association sanctioned competition for both pros and backyard teams. Festivities include live blues entertainment, bike show, crafts, children's play area, BBQ vendors and much more. At St. Cloud Lakefront. Free admission. 407-498-0008.
www.stcloudmainstreetflorida.org
May 3: First Saturday Jam, Barberville. On the first Saturday each month visit the Pioneer Settlement for entertainment and fun for the entire family. 9 a.m to 4 p.m. Includes informal music jams, free workshops, a chili cook-off, yard sale. Admission is free. 386-749-2959.
www.pioneersettlement.org
May 3-4: St. Johns River Festival of the Arts, Sanford. Art festival in downtown Sanford touting live demonstrations and audience participation opportunities. With a juried art show, food vendors, live acoustic music. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday. Free admission. 407-323-9272.
http://stjohnsriverartfest.com/
May 3-4: Jazz on the Vineyard Green, Clermont. Live jazz music, free tours and wine tasting, and food and beverages available for purchase. At Lakeridge Winery and Vineyards. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. Sunday. $2 donation. 800-768-WINE.
www.lakeridgewinery.com
May 5: Cinco de Mayo Celebration, New Smyrna Beach. Begins at 2 p.m. Monday; Flagler Avenue, 100 Flagler Ave., New Smyrna Beach; free; 386-428-1600.
www.nsbfla.com
May 8: Alive After 5, Sanford. Monthly themed street party with vendors and entertainment: 5-8 p.m. Thursday; Downtown Sanford, 300 N. Park Ave., Sanford; $7 for food and beverage samplings; 407-302-2586.
www.sanfordwelcomecenter.com
May 9: Art and Music in the Park, Casselberry. Food trucks and entertainment: 6-9 p.m. Lake Concord Park, 95 Triplet Lake Drive, Casselberry; free; 407-262-7700.
www.casselberry.org
May 9. Friday Family Fest, Melbourne. Held the second Friday of the month in Historic Downtown, it's a family-oriented event that includes art craft and business vendors, lots of great food, beer and wine, a children's activity. Highland Avenue, Melbourne FL 32922. Free. 321-724-1741.
www.downtownmelbourne.com
May 10: Dancing on the Drive, Orlando. Street party in College Park neighborhood with dance instruction and vendors: 6 p.m.-11 p.m. Saturday; College Park, Edgewater Drive and Smith Street, Orlando; free; 407-579-0023.
www.collegeparkpartnership.com
May 10-11: Mayfaire-by-the-Lake, Lakeland. Begun as a crafts fair on the lawn of the Lakeland Public Library, this event has grown into one of Florida's premier outdoor art festivals. Held on Mother's Day weekend each year, Mayfaire is located on the shores of beautiful Lake Morton in the downtown area and is one of the largest and oldest outdoor art festivals in Central Florida. 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Lawn party Saturday 5:30 to 11 p.m. with fireworks and Mayfaire Classic 5K Race. Lake Morton Drive. Free. 863-688-7743 ext. 237. polkmuseumofart.org
May 10-11: Vero Beach Air Show, Vero Beach. All eyes will be looking up during the Vero Beach Air Show on May 10-11. The event, featuring aerobatics exhibitors and vendors, is at the Vero Beach Municipal Airport, 3400 Cherokee Drive. Tickets and VIP passes are available.
www.veroairshow.com
May 11: Mother’s Day Carillon Concerts, Lake Wales. Don’t just give Mom flowers on her day, give her a garden! Bok Tower Gardens marks Mother’s Day with free admission to all Moms on May 11. Moms can enjoy walks along meandering garden paths and special Mother’s Day Carillon Concerts will be presented at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m.
www.boktowergardens.org
May 14: Climb to the Moon, Ponce Inlet. Climb to the Moon at Ponce Inlet Lighthouse offers views of the sunset and moonrise from atop the lighthouse on May 14. The lighthouse keeper relates the story of this National Historic Landmark. Sparkling cider and hors d'oeuvres are provided by Inlet Harbor Restaurant. The lighthouse is at 4931 South Peninsula Drive. Participation is limited to 25 people and tickets ($25) must be purchased in advance by calling Mary at 386-761-1821 ext. 10.
www.ponceinlet.org/climb-to-the-moon-tour
May 16-17: Gator Nationals World Karate Championships, Daytona Beach. The Ocean Center sets the scene for this sporting competition. Visitors can sit back and watch martial arts professionals kick, punch, knee and elbow their way into locks, throws and restraints. The Ocean Center is at 101 North Atlantic Avenue. For ticket prices or further details, call 800-858-6444 or visit
http://www.gn-wkc.com/.
Weekends May 16 - June 15: Disney Star Wars Weekends, Lake Buena Vista. The Force is always with you as Walt Disney World Resort's Hollywood Studios Park sets the scene for an out of this world event: Star Wars Weekends. Held every weekend (Friday, Saturday and Sunday) from May 16 through June 15. The event features celebrity autographs, shows and a nightly party with Wookies, Ewoks, Stormtroopers and other characters from the Star Wars series. Children ages 12 and under can hone their light saber skills at the Jedi Training Academy, while the whole family can enjoy the Star Tours -- The Adventure Continues attraction at the park which was inaugurated last year. Star Wars Weekends festivities are included in the price of admission to the park ($94 for adults, $88 for children). There are various ticket plans including Florida resident discounts. Visit
www.DisneyParks.com.
May 17: Art of the Automobile, Daytona Beach. Auto show with music and entertainment. Events include a motorsport tour and Saturday Night Cruisin'. 8 a.m.-7 p.m.; Halifax Marina, Basin Street, Daytona Beach; free; 386-255-5922.
www.artoftheautolifestyle.com
May 17: DeSoto County Watermelon Festival, Arcadia. Held annually in May, which is the height of watermelon harvesting season. Features a variety of pageants, contests, vendors and activities. Historic Downtown. Free admission. 863-494-2020.
www.arcadiamainstreet.com
May 17: Cruisin' Downtown DeLand Classic Car Show. DeLand. Every 3rd Saturday of the Month (Except November). East Indiana Avenue in Downtown DeLand. Classic cars & rods line East Indiana Avenue in Downtown DeLand. Live DJ, giveaways, shopping & dining. 4-8 p.m. Free. 386-624-5027.
www.MainStreetDeLand.org
Through May 18: Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival, Lake Buena Vista. Spring special event filled with flowers, gardens, topiaries, live music and educational events. See millions of blooming flowers and a vibrant collection of specially themed topiaries. Stars from HGTV will be present during the weekend to host home and garden seminars. At Walt Disney World's EPCOT with admission. 407-824-4321.
http://www.disneyworld.com/flower
May 23: Fourth Fridays Art Walk, Sanford. Central Florida's only monthly juried art show. With exhibits and music at participating venues. 6-9 p.m. Downtown Sanford, First Street, Sanford, FL, 32771. Free. 407-323-2774.
www.sanfordinfo.com
May 24: Art Walk on Flagler, New Smyrna Beach. Held on the fourth Saturday each month, Flagler Avenue livens up with entertainment and wine tastings at participating venues. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. (wine walk 1 p.m.-7 p.m.). Free ($25 for wine walk or $20 with previous month's glass). Flagler Avenue, 100 Flagler Ave., New Smyrna Beach, FL, 32169. 386-428-1770.
www.flaglergallerygroup.com
Tampa Bay-Sarasota (including Tampa, St. Petersburg, Clearwater, Sarasota, Anna Maria Island, Bradenton, Tarpon Springs and Homosassa)
May 9-11: Sunshine State Games, Bradenton. Rugby, figure skating and Quidditch will take place at GT Bray Park and the Ellenton Ice & Sports Complex. Entry fee and registration date information can be found at
www.flasports.com/
May 17-18: Downtown Sarasota Craft Festival, Sarasota. More than 100 talented crafters display their wares, from baskets and homemade soaps to jewelry and much more. On Main Street downtown. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Free. 941-957-1877.
http://www.escape-to-sarasota.com/ma...ta-events.html
Southwest Florida (including Naples, Fort Myers, Venice, Port Charlotte and Punta Gorda)
May 10: 9th Annual Turtle Trot 5K, Fort Myers. Time to dust off your running shoes? The 9th Annual Turtle Trot 5K Race invites runners, joggers and walkers alike to Lovers Key State Park to join in the fun on May 10. Participants will trek over a path along Black Island Trail, run up a 38-foot hill and cross two bridges as they race toward the finish line at the beach. The event is presented by Friends of Lovers Key, Inc., a non-profit organization that is raising money for a Visitor Center to be built at Lovers Key State Park so if you choose to participate, you can enjoy nature, have fun and support a great cause. Lovers Key State Park is at 8700 Estero Boulevard. Would-be participants can register on line at
www.friendsofloverskey.org or stop by the park and pick up a paper registration form. Cost to participate is $30 for all ages the week before the race; $35 the day of the race.
May 10: Great Dock Canoe Race, Naples. Wildly decorated canoes and costumed paddlers compete in this annual event in Naples Bay in front of The Dock restaurant at Naples City Dock. This year's event begins at 11 a.m. and the theme is "Zombies in Paradise." Free for spectators. There is an entry fee to compete. 239-261-4191
www.greatdockcanoerace.com
May 15: Downtown Gallery Walk, Punta Gorda. Held monthly on the third Thursday, 5 p.m.-8 p.m. Visit any of the downtown merchants, restaurants and galleries for your game card. As always, there will be live entertainment, food and drink samplings, art, beauty and health demonstrations, a free trolley, and an evening of fun. Free; free parking. 941-505-1915.
www.puntagordashopping.com
South Florida and the Keys (including Miami, Fort Lauderdale, West Palm Beach, Key Largo, Key West and the Treasure Coast)
May 1-4: Humphrey Bogart Film Festival, Key Largo. Here’s one for Bogie fans! The Humphrey Bogart Film Festival comes to the first of the Florida Keys on May 1-4. The second annual event, where Bogie and Lauren Bacall filmed the classic thriller “Key Largo,” is to screen a rotating selection of Bogie classics centered around a theme of “Romance” this year. Bogie and Bacall fell in love during the filming of “To Have And Have Not” and since 2014 marks the 70th anniversary of that film, what better topic than romance for the festival? In addition to screenings of various Bogie romantic films the festival plans screenings of the most romantic films of all time. For event information, schedule and ticket prices, visit
www.bogartfilmfestival.com. There are various tickets and passes –a general admission ticket for a screening of African Queen at 2 p.m. on May 1 is $10 ($11.34 with service fee).
www.fla-keys.com
May 3-4: Buckler’s Craft Fair, West Palm Beach. The Buckler’s Craft Fair presents the original creations of professional craft people at the South Florida Fair Expo on May 3-4. Admission is $7 (one paid admission is good for both days with hand stamp). Children 12 and under are free. Visitors can get $2 off admission by printing coupon available online or donating a can good to benefit a local food bank. Fair hours are from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday. The South Florida Fair Expo is at 9067 Southern Boulevard.
www.bucklercraftfair.com
Through May 4: SunFest, West Palm Beach. Florida's largest music, art and waterfront festival attracts nearly 300,000 fun-in-the-sun seekers with headliners in every music genre from rock to rap and hip-hop to blues. Admission. 561-659-5980.
www.sunfest.com
May 4: Greynolds Park Annual Love-In, North Miami Beach. Miami-Dade Parks' annual 1960s-themed outdoor festival and concert. It features live music, a '60s costume contest, vintage VW bugs and a great time for the whole family. Greynolds Park. Admission price TBD. 11 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. 305-945-3425.
www.greynoldslovein.org
May 4: Suntrust Sunday Jazz Brunch, Fort Lauderdale. Live outdoor concert series bringing the area's best local jazz artists to the city's scenic Riverwalk the first Sunday of each month. Listen to the soulful sounds on four different stages. Everyone is welcome to attend, including well-behaved, leashed pets, and there is ample room to set up chairs, blankets and picnic baskets. 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Free admission. 954-828-5363.
http://www.fortlauderdale.gov/events...jazzbrunch.htm
May 7-11: Key West Songwriters' Festival, Key West. The 19th annual showcase of musical magic features America's foremost performing songwriters, with concerts staged in intimate, audience-friendly island settings. 305-304-0814.
www.keywestsongwritersfestival.com
May 15: Third Thursday Art Walk. Islamorada. The Morada Way Third Thursday Art Walk presents local fine arts, music and culinary specialties on May 15. The galleries of Morada Way are between Mile Markers 81 and 82. Event hours are from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. For details, visit
www.fla-keys.com.
May 15-18: Key Largo Original Music Festival, Key Largo. Multiple melodic happenings are to set the stage for music lovers during the annual festival, featuring live and original performances. Hit songwriters from Nashville, Tenn., and around the U.S. are expected to appear during the four-day festival on various intimate stages. Individual singers and bands, both locally and nationally acclaimed, participate in the musical celebration that includes pop, rock, blues, jazz and country. For more information, visit
www.keylargosongwritersfestival.com.
May 17: Battle in the Bay Dragon Boat Festival, Marathon. Don't miss this high-action event as High Five Dragon Boat arrives in Marathon for the only beach-launch boat race of its kind. Bring a team or come and watch as boats race along a 400-meter course parallel to Sombrero Beach. Finals begin around 2 p.m. Spectators free. 305-766-1053.
www.highfivedragonboat.com
May 16-18: Redland International Orchid Show, Homestead. One of the largest annual orchid shows in the U.S. featuring more than 50 booths of educational exhibits and orchid vendors. An American Orchid Society judged event showcasing various types of orchids, plants and supplies for sale, as well as raffles, international food and lectures by experts. At Fruit and Spice Park. Admission details online. 305-247-5727.
www.fruitandspicepark.org
May 18: KEYS100 Ultra-Marathon, Florida Keys. The Keys' seventh annual KEYS100 Ultra-Marathon races are set for Saturday with racers navigating up to 40 bridges over the Atlantic Ocean, Florida Bay and Gulf of Mexico. Three competitions take racers along the island chain's Overseas Highway: a 100-mile individual race from Key Largo to Key West, a 50-mile individual race from Marathon to Key West and a 100-mile, six-runner team relay race from Key Largo to Key West. Close to 900 runners are expected to compete. The 100-mile team relay and individual races are to begin Saturday at 6 a.m. and 6:10 a.m., respectively, on the sidewalk near Mile Marker 100 at the Divers Direct and Office Depot shopping center ocean-side in Key Largo. The 50-mile challenge is to begin at 10 a.m. at Mile Marker 50 in front of the Marathon Garden Club. Nearly 75 percent of the race is to be run on bike paths, pedestrian bridges and service lanes, with the remainder on road shoulders facing traffic. There are various fees to compete (proceeds benefit charity) but it is free to watch. Visit
www.keys100.com.
May 23-25: Miami International Piano Festival / Discovery Series, Miami Beach. Witness the emergence of the Next Great Generation of keyboard giants and brilliant prodigies in an intimate, non-competitive setting. Colony Theater. Admission details online. 305-935-5115.
http://www.miamipianofest.com
Northeast Florida (including Jacksonville, St. Augustine, Flagler County and Amelia Island)
May 1-4: World of Nations Celebration, Jacksonville. Celebration of rich cultural traditions and unique heritage of people from around the world, where you can experience the cuisine, artistry and customs from lands near and far. At Metropolitan Park. Admission $5 (one-day ticket) or $8 (two-day pass). 904-630-3690.
http://www.makeascenedowntown.com/Ev...lebration.aspx
May 2-4: Isle of Eight Flags Shrimp Festival, Fernandina Beach. The Pirate Parade is the kick-off event for the annual Isle of Eight Flags Shrimp Festival. Includes stage performances, putt putt tournament, blessing of the fleet, best decorated boat contest and more. In downtown area. 904-261-5841.
www.shrimpfestival.com/
May 2-4: Gamble Rogers Folk Festival, St. Augustine. This annual event celebrates the best in folk and Americana for three days with music, stories and dance that made Gamble Rogers famous. On Friday, during the Old City’s First Friday Art Walk downtown St. Augustine galleries will host festival performers. A stage will be set up at the city marina at the base of the Bridge of Lions, and on Saturday and Sunday performers will take the stage at the St. Augustine Amphitheatre located at 1340 A1A South. A variety of tickets, packages and passes is available. 904-794-4163.
www.gamblerogersfest.org/
May 8-11: The Players Championship, Ponte Vedra Beach. One of golf's biggest events played annually at Northeast Florida's stunning Stadium Course at TPC Sawgrass. Tournament begins on Monday with practice rounds. Thursday, Round 1 of tournament play begins leading up to the big finish on Sunday to see who will take home the crystal trophy. Events, including The Players Downtown Experience, are scheduled throughout the region. Admission, parking fees. 904-285-3700.
http://www.pgatour.com/tournaments/t...mpionship.html
May 9-18: Romanza Festivale Week, St. Augustine. A celebration of art and music in the Old City featuring more than 50 productions and presentations by more than 30 organizations. Daily events include music and dance performances, concerts, art shows, dramatic productions and more at locations throughout the city. Many of the events are free; admission is required for others and prices vary.
www.Romanzafestivale.com
May 16-18: Wild Amelia Nature Festival, Amelia Island. Educates residents and visitors about the bioregion, and encourages stewardship of the area's natural resources. Started by a group of residents who realized that Amelia Island's unique position of being almost surrounded by State and National Parks made it the perfect place for a nature festival. Includes kids activities, stargazin, live music and more. Wide variety of tours and outings offered, ranging in price. 904-251-0016.
www.wildamelia.com
May 23-25: Jacksonville Jazz Festival, Jacksonville. Jazz performances in the heart of downtown Jacksonville. This year it is a street festival featuring a jazz club atmosphere with multiple stages of entertainment, Art in the Heart Downtown juried art show and sale, Wine Down Tasting Experience, jazz exhibits, children's educational activities, and more. At Jacksonville Landing; on Laura Street. Free admission; smaller ticketed events. 904-630-3690.
http://www.makeascenedowntown.com/Ev...ng-Events.aspx
May 23-26: Blue Crab Festival, Palatka. Florida's largest Memorial Day celebration. Includes Memorial Day Parade, seafood cook-off, live entertainment, helicopter and airboat rides, arts and crafts, antiques, and more. Downtown. Free admission. 386-325-4406.
www.bluecrabfestival.com
North-Central Florida (including Ocala, Gainesville and Tallahassee)
Through May 3: Suwannee River Jam. Live Oak: The Suwannee River Jam at the Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park presents a lineup of headliners including Montgomery Gentry, The Charlie Daniels Band and Colt Ford. A variety of tickets is offered with Saturday tickets costing $50. The Suwannee Music Park is at 3076 95th Drive. For information, visit
www.suwanneeriverjam.com.
May 10: Windsor Zucchini Festival, Windsor. For the past 30 years, the folks in Windsor celebrate the zucchini with a zucchini contest, zucchini carving a Duke of Zuke & Zuqueenie Pageant and even zucchini ice cream. Festival runs from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
www.afn.org
May 17: Newberry Watermelon Festival, Newberry. Some of the favorite festival activities started many years ago and still continue today, including contests for watermelon eating, seed spitting, hog calling, pie/cake baking, and of course the "Big Melon." Melons are from local growers and are provided free to festival goers. At the future site of Destiny Community Church. Free admission; fee charged for parking. 352-278-5190.
www.newberrywatermelonfestival.com
May 17: 24th Annual Tupelo Honey Festival, Wewahitchka. Honey is a local delicacy in Wewahitchka, and one day a year people come from all over the world to sample the sweet nectar. Festival runs from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
www.tupelohoneyfestival.com/
The Panhandle (including Pensacola, Panama City Beach, Apalachicola and Destin)
May 2-3: Spring Tour of Historic Homes, Apalachicola. Don't miss the 22nd Annual Trinity Episcopal Church Historic Apalachicola Home and Garden Tour. Many of Apalachicola's private homes and buildings can only be viewed from the exterior except on this day. For a $20 donation you can take a guided tour through architecturally and historically significant homes, churches and commercial buildings. Homes are open to visitors on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Visitors can also attend a gourmet lunch in Trinity's parish hall for $10. 850-653-9419.
www.apalachicolahistorichometour.org
May 2-4: 30th Annual Pensacola Crawfish Festival, Pensacola. The bayou meets the beach at this gigantic mud bugs boil featuring Cajun and Zydeco music, dancing, crafts and games, crawfish races, crawfish eating contest and a complete range of foods from boiled crawfish to crawfish pies and poboys. At Bartram Park. Adults $5, children under 12 free. 850-433-6512.
www.fiestaoffiveflags.org/
Through May 4: Thunder Beach Spring Rally, Panama City Beach. One of the fastest growing motorcycle rallies in the Southeast. Held twice yearly, the first weekend in May and October, to share stories, see great bands and live entertainment, find the hottest custom motorcycles and motorcycle accessories available, and experience a scenic ride on "The World's Most Beautiful Beaches." All activities are free. 850-249-7627.
www.thunderbeachproductions.com
May 23-25: Florida Folk Festival, White Springs. On Memorial Day Weekend the Stephen Foster Folk Cultural Center State Park in the little hamlet of White Springs abounds with the sounds and sights of Florida's finest music, dance and stories. The Florida Folk Festival presents the roots of Florida's many cultures as performers gather from little towns and large cities. One of the oldest state folk festivals in America, the event now brings 30,000 concert-goers to the festival site each year to hear more than 300 performances on multiple stages. 877-635-3655. Admission.
www.floridastateparks.org/folkfest/
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