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)
Through June 3: 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. At Walt Disney World’s EPCOT with admission. 407-939-5277. www.disneyworld.com/flower
May 24-Sept. 27: Bandshell concert series, Daytona Beach. The iconic Bandshell on Daytona Beach’s Boardwalk hosts two separate concert series through summer. Friday night concerts are put on by the city of Daytona Beach and are called the Bandshell Summer Entertainment Series with events on Fridays May 24-Sept. 27 in addition to Sunday, May 26 during Memorial Day weekend and Sunday, Sept. 1 and Monday Sept. 2 during Labor Day weekend with performances from 7:15-9:30 p.m. On Saturdays, Friends of the Bandshell put on events called Star Spangled Summer from May 25-Aug. 3. with performances from 7:15-9:45 p.m. Free ($10 VIP). At the Oceanfront Park Amphitheatre: 70 Boardwalk. 386-255-0415. www.daytonabandshell.com, www.friendsofthebandshell.org
May 2: Blues Night with The Smoking Torpedoes, Daytona Beach. Blues and Jazz quartet performing at Main Street Station, 316 Main Street. 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. Admission is $15. (386) 872-3685 https://www.daytonabeach.com/event/blues-night-with-the-smoking-torpedoes/39163/
May 3-5: Orchid Show and Sale, Merritt Island. Themed “Orchid Safari,” thousands of orchids will be on sale during the three-day event, plus there will be experts available to provide advice and demonstrations. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday. $5 admission, with free parking included. Kiwanis Island Park Gymnasium and Annex, 951 Kiwanis Island Park Road 321-525-7540. www.platinumcoastorchidsociety.org/orchid_shows.html
May 4: First Saturday Jam, Barberville. On the first Saturday of each month visit the Pioneer Settlement for one hour lessons beginning at 10 a.m. The Jam session starts after 1:30 in the auditorium. Membership or admission fee to the Pioneer Settlement is required. 1776 Lightfoot Lane. 386-749-2959. www.pioneersettlement.org
May 4: Art Stroll and Gallery Walk, New Smyrna Beach. Held on the first Saturday each month, historic Canal Street livens up with art vendors, musicians and exhibitions. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Free. 386-428-1600. nsbfla.com
May 4-5: St. Johns River Festival of the Arts, Sanford. Art festival in downtown Sanford featuring over 150 artists and touting live demonstrations and audience participation opportunities with a juried art show, food vendors, live acoustic music, and chalk artists. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. Free admission. Downtown Historic Sanford. 407-416-1779. stjohnsriverartfest.com
May 9: Alive After 5, Sanford. Themed street party with vendors and entertainment held on the second Thursday of each month. 5-8 p.m. Downtown Sanford, 230 East First Street, Sanford; free admission; 407-302-2586.www.sanfordwelcomecenter.com
May 9: The Outdoor Kitchen Farm to Table Dinner, Lake Wales. Prepared by World Food Championship’s Amy Freeze, this dinner features fresh produce and hearty proteins. Amy will incorporate ingredients straight from our garden, to prepare a variety of summer-themed salads, a decadent dessert, and cool summer drinks. 6-8 p.m. Tickets are $45 – $52. 1151 Tower Boulevard. 863-676-1408. www.boktowergardens.org
May 10: Central Florida Shootout, Melbourne. Beginning with the Central Florida Shootouts’ Captains Party, this free event benefits local charities including Candlelighters of Brevard, Brevard Sharing Center, Taylor for Teens, and more. Lots of raffle items, silent auction, kids’ activities, door prizes, free food, drinks, and vendor booths. 5:30 p.m.- 8:00 p.m. at the Melbourne Auditorium: 625 E Hibiscus Blvd. www.centralfloridashootout.com
May 11-12: Jazz on the Vineyard Green, Clermont. Live jazz music, free tours and wine tasting, and food and beverages available for purchase. Live music featuring Robert Harris, The Dave Capp Project, and others. At Lakeridge Winery and Vineyards. Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. $5 admission. Children 12 and under are free. 800-768-WINE. 19239 U.S. 27 N. www.lakeridgewinery.com
May 11-12: 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 Lake Morton in the downtown area and is one of the largest and oldest outdoor art festivals in Central Florida with nearly 165 artists and food and beverage vendors. 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. both days. Lake Morton Drive. Free. 863-688-7743 ext. 237. www.mayfairebythelake.org
May 14-27: Orlando International Fringe Theatre Festival, Orlando. 14 days of more than 200 short plays, musical performances, magic acts and a visual-art exhibition. Headquartered at Loch Haven Park, off Princeton Street between Orange and Mills avenues, north of downtown Orlando. 100% of ticket sales given back to the artists. $10 button plus tickets (Free-$12) required for indoor plays; outdoor performances, art exhibits and weekend kids’ activities are free. orlandofringe.org
May 15-19: Orange Blossom Jamboree, Brooksville. Come on down to the Sertoma Ranch for four days of jam bands and themed nights. Over 50 bands will be performing including The Heavy Pets, Mind Medicine, Soul Jam and Grumpy Ole Trolls. Friday-Sunday 3 Day Passes are $90; Thursday-Sunday 4 Day Passes are $110. All tickets include primitive camping. Sertoma Ranch is located at 85 Myers Rd. orangeblossomjamboree.com
May 16-19: Megacon, Orlando. The southeast’s largest comics, sci-fi, horror, anime, and gaming event, attracting over 100,000 fans each year across four days of comic book stars, cosplay, gaming and more. This year’s guests include the cast of Back to the Future, Kiefer Sutherland, Ben Savage, Pamela Anderson and more. At the Orange County Convention Center. 4-9 p.m. Thursday; 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Friday; 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Saturday; 10 a.m.-5 p.m. on Sunday. Single day youth tickets are $15 and $20 for adults. 9800 International Drive, Orlando. megaconvention.com
May 18: Cruisin’ Downtown DeLand Classic Car Show, DeLand. Every third Saturday of the month. Classic cars & rods line East Indiana Avenue downtown. Live DJ, giveaways, shopping & dining. 4-7 p.m. Free. 386-738-0649.www.MainStreetDeLand.org
May 18: Art Walk, Sanford. Central Florida’s only monthly juried art show, held the third Saturday of each month. With exhibits and music at participating venues. 6-9 p.m. 230 E First Street. Free. 407-302-2586. facebook.com/Sanford-Art-Walk-146847842040361
May 18: Beer ‘Merica festival. Orlando. The 34th annual Beer ‘Merica Craft Beer Festival will feature 100 American craft beers, live music, food trucks and adult games. At Gaston Edwards Park, 1236 N. Orange Ave. 21+ Tickets start at $25 ($20 for designated drivers). 3-7 p.m. with 2 p.m. admission for VIPs. beermericaorlando.com
May 23: My Big, Fat, Greek Cooking Class, Ormond Beach. Learn how to prepare a classic Greek Soups with Chef Elaine Pitenis and explore the wonders of Greek Cuisine in this interactive, hands-on cooking class. Recipe booklets, a wine tasting, and food sampler take-home containers will be offered in this class for each student at no extra cost. 4 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. At The Casements, 25 Riverside Drive ; (386) 299-6522. $85 per student. Seating is limited. http://www.mybigfatgreekcookingclass.com/
May 25: Wine Walk & Art Walk, New Smyrna Beach. Stroll Flagler Avenue and explore over 100 interesting wines inside local pubs, galleries and restaurants during this monthly progressive wine tasting event. $25 Tasting Passports on sale day of the event at 3 locations along Flagler Avenue. Discount with official glass from a previous Wine Walk. 1-7 p.m. In conjunction with ArtWalk with displays of art works by resident and visiting artists, along with entertainment and demonstrations. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. nsbfla.com
May 26: Orlando Carnival Downtown, Orlando. 32nd Annual Orlando Carnival hosted by The Original Orlando Carnival Association. This event features a wide assortment of DJ’s, Caribbean Cuisine, and headliners to include Machel Montano, Raymond Ramnarine, Menace, Tony Matterhorn, Serani, Tara Lynn. 12 p.m. to 11 p.m. At Tinker Field; 1 Citrus Bowl Pl. https://www.facebook.com/events/1830417773932061/
May 27 & May 31: Memorial Day 1 Mile, 5K & 10K, Orlando. In honor of Memorial Day. MoonJoggers is hosting a virtual race, which means participants can sign up and complete their race anytime, and anywhere, in the month of May. At least 15% of each registration to Operation Gratitude. The price is $20 and that includes your medal, bib and shipping. https://www.moonjoggers.com/
Tampa Bay-Sarasota (including Tampa, St. Petersburg, Clearwater, Sarasota, Anna Maria Island, Bradenton, Tarpon Springs and Homosassa)
May 3: Clearwater Beach Taste Fest, Clearwater. This 9th annual event has a new location at Pier 60 Park, featuring tastings from over 30 participating restaurants, wine and craft beer. Last year’s ive musical entertainment included C’Nergy Band. Raffle items, a live auction and more. 6-9 p.m. Tickets start at $15. 727-447-7600. clearwaterbeachtastefest.com
May 4: St. Pete Indie Market, St. Petersburg. On the first Saturday of every month, local independent designers and artists take to the sidewalks to show off their best works. Beyond vendors, you’ll also find local food, drinks and music. Free. Green Bench Brewery, 1133 Baum Ave. https://www.visitstpeteclearwater.com/event/st-pete-indie-market/8376
May 4 & 9-11: Harvey Milk Festival, Sarasota. The 10th annual Harvey Milk Festival will kick off with their first 5k, a nighttime run over the John Ringling Bridge on Saturday, May 4. The annual Harvey Milk Festival features a variety of music, art and film over three days. Downtown Sarasota at Five Points Park and various other venues. Admission is free. https://harveymilkfestival.org/
May 11: Second Saturday St. Petersburg ArtWalk, St. Petersburg. Meet artists and gallery owners every second Saturday of the month as more than 40 studios and galleries from all five arts districts come together as one arts destination. Get around on free ArtWalk trolleys that encompass all of the districts. 5-9 p.m. Free. 727-518-5142. stpeteartsalliance.org
May 18: Temple Terrace Craft BrewFest, Temple Terrace. The Craft BrewFest will feature samples of 70 beers from 30 different breweries. Families welcome. Admission is $20 with discount tickets available along with unlimited water and soda for designated drivers. This even sold out last year, so mark your calendars early. 4-8 p.m. at Woodmont Park, 415 Woodmont Ave. 813-230-3389. www.templeterracebrewfest.com
May 18: Night in the Islands, Tarpon Springs. Head to the Sponge Docks for Greek music, dancing and dining all while enjoying some of the best Greek food outside of Athens. The event also includes an hour of free Greek dance lessons from 6-7 p.m. To reserve a table, contact the participating restaurants: Costa’s, Hella, Mama’s or Mykonos. 6-11 p.m. Free. Tarpon Springs Sponge Docks, 20 Dodeecanese Blvd. 727-937-1130. spongedocks.net/night-in-the-islands.htm
May 19: Tampa Indie Flea, Tampa. Held on the third Sunday of each month, this market showcases the best vendors of all things local, indie and handmade. There is also local food and drinks and music. 12-4 p.m. Historic Rialto Theatre, 1617 N Franklin St. Free. 561-746-6615. theindieflea.com
May 25: Tampa Bay Margarita Festival, Tampa. Back to a one-day event, sip on a variety Margarita drinks available for purchase. Last year’s live entertainment included Everclear, The Wallflowers, Fastball and Plain White T’s. Presale admission starts at $17, with regular admission starting at $30. VIP Experience Tickets available. 21+ 12-11 p.m. Julian B. Lane Riverfront Park: 1001 N. Boulevard. tampamargaritafest.com
May 25-26: Sunset Music Festival, Tampa. The Sunset Music Festival is an electronic dance music fest at the Raymond James Stadium North Lot. Various tickets and packages are offered, 2 day passes begin at starting at $149.55. 18+ only. 4201 N. Dale Mabry Hwy. www.smftampa.com
Southwest Florida (including Naples, Fort Myers, Venice, Port Charlotte and Punta Gorda)
May 5-26: Sanibel Farmer’s Market, Sanibel. Each Sunday, check out this outdoor marketplace for fresh cheeses, fruits, vegetables, seafood, honey, meats, pastries, baked goods, artisan foods, native plants, fresh cut flowers and more. 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. At City Hall, 800 Dunlop Road. (239) 472-1080. Service Dogs welcome. https://www.fortmyers-sanibel.com/event/sanibel-island-farmers-market/58066
May 6: Taste of the Beach, Fort Myers. More than 20 restaurants will participate along with live on-stage concerts in this 24th annual event. Restaurants will offer samples of their signature dishes available for purchase and compete for top Taste of the Beach Award honors in the categories of Best Appetizer, Best Desert, and four awards for Best Entrée. Gates open at 11 a.m. Food will be served until 4 p.m. Admission is $5. One ticket and 30 food tickets is $30. Old San Carlos Blvd. chamber.fortmyersbeach.org
May 10: Yappy Hour, Fort Myers. Grab your pup and head to Bell Tower Shops for Yappy Hour, held on the second Friday of each month. You can meet adoptable dogs, enjoy an outdoor bar and listen to live music. Finish the night at one of the eight pet-friendly restaurants in the center. Proceeds benefit the Gulf Coast Humane Society. 6-8 p.m. Free. The Bell Tower Shops, 13499 U.S. 41 SE. https://www.gulfcoasthumanesociety.org/yappy-hours.html
May 11: Great Dock Canoe Race, Naples. Wildly decorated canoes and costumed paddlers compete in this 43rd annual event in Naples Bay in front of The Dock restaurant at Naples City Dock. This year’s event begins at 10:30 a.m. $500 goes to the Grand Prize Winner. Food and music all day. www.greatdockcanoerace.com
May 11: 7th Annual Key Lime Festival, Punta Gorda. Enjoy family-friendly games and activities all day, along with music and dancing. Village merchants will feature specialties like key lime-scented Florida sea salts and soap, as well as all manner of key lime goodies, including gelato, ice cream, milk shakes, yogurt, pie, fudge, marinade, dips, jelly, candy, almonds, truffles, cookies, limeade, taffy, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and “Lime-a-Ritas.” Free admission. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. 1200 W. Retta Esplanade. (941) 639-8721. charlotteharbortravel.com
May 16: Alive After Five, Punta Gorda. Held on the third Thursday of each month, Alive After Five is an evening of fine art and craft, wine tastings, art receptions and more. 5 to 8 p.m. Free. Downtown Punta Gorda. 941-505-0130. charlotteharbortravel.com
May 30-June 12: Summer Sizzle SWFL Restaurant Week, Naples. More than 70 participating restaurants offering three-course prix-fixe dinner menus with special upgrades and deals starting at just $26 or $36 between Cape Coral and Marco Island. The goal of Restaurant Week is to encourage people to visit the best local restaurants. This is a semi-annual fundraiser that benefits local scholarships. Reserve a spot by visiting: sizzleswfl.com
South Florida and the Keys (including Miami, Fort Lauderdale, West Palm Beach, Key Largo, Key West and the Treasure Coast)
Through July 15: Miami International Piano Festival, Miami Beach. Witness the emergence of the next great generation of keyboard giants and brilliant prodigies in an intimate, non-competitive setting. This is the 22nd year of the festival. At select venues on Miami Beach. Location, tickets and admission details online. www.miamipianofest.com
May 2-5: Key West Paddle Classic, Key West. The Last Key sets the scene for the Key West Paddleboard Classic. Presented by Lazy Dog Adventure Tours, the challenge includes a 12-mile Elite Race around the island and a four-mile open race. Other events include a kick-off registration party, paddleboard clinics and races for kids. lazydog.com/events
May 2-5: Sunfest, West Palm Beach. Sunfest presents a lineup of headliners in downtown West Palm Beach. A variety of tickets are available including a regular admission one-day pass for $25 for ages 13 and up. Past performers include Pitbull, Billy Idol, 311, Nick Jonas and Third Eye Blind. Tickets start at $41 (children under 6 are free). The festival grounds are on Flagler Drive. Banyan Boulevard to Lakeview Drive lie at the north and south boundaries, respectively. www.sunfest.com
May 4: Wheelin’ Dealin’ Food Truck Festival, Fort Lauderdale. The best food trucks in South Florida meet the first Saturday every month at The Casino. 5-10 p.m. Free. The Casino, 301 E. Dania Beach Blvd. 954-920-1511. sunny.org
May 4-5: Fort Lauderdale Air Show, Fort Lauderdale. The U.S. Navy Blue Angels will headline this air show. Also featured is the U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptor Demo Team. Watch military jet flyovers, parachute teams, civilian aerobatic acts and formation flight teams. Tickets start at $26 for adults and $13 for children 6-12 years old. Gates open at 9 a.m. daily. At the Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport, 6000 NW 21st Avenue. http://fortlauderdaleairshow.com/
May 5: Sunday Jazz Brunch, Fort Lauderdale. Live outdoor concert series bring 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. to 2 p.m. Free. 954-828-5363. www.fortlauderdale.gov
May 8-12: Key West Songwriters’ Festival, Key West. The 24th annual showcase of musical magic features America’s foremost performing songwriters, with concerts staged in intimate, audience-friendly island settings. Over 200 performers and over 50 shows, and most shows are free. 305-304-0814. www.keywestsongwritersfestival.com
May 10-12: Rolling Loud Festival, Miami. Party for a weekend at Bayfront Park in downtown Miami at one of the world’s largest hip-hop festivals, featuring performances from CardiB, Travis Scott, Kid Kudi and so many more. Miami Gardens Hard Rock Stadium: 347 Don Shula Dr. This event is 95% sold out, so get your tickets soon. rollingloud.com
May 11: Supercar Saturdays Florida, Fort Lauderdale. Held on the second Saturday of each month, Supercar Saturdays is a gathering of car enthusiasts. 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Lamborghini Broward, 4645 Volunteer Road. Free. 305-761-2929. sunny.org
May 11: Wynwood Artwalk, Miami. Held every second Saturday, this event features openings at art galleries, intuitions and businesses. Art enthusiasts from all over crowd the streets to have a great night out and enjoy the Miami art scene. 6-10 p.m. Free. NW 2nd Ave. and NW 23rd St. 305-814-9290. www.wynwoodartwalk.com
May 16: Third Thursday Art Walk, Islamorada. The Morada Way Third Thursday Art Walk presents local fine arts, music and culinary specialties. The galleries of Morada Way are between Mile Markers 81 and 82. Free. Event hours are from 6-9 p.m. moradaway.org
May 16-19: 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. Over 50 songwriters from Nashville and around the U.S. are expected to appear during the four-day festival on various intimate stages. Live entertainment includes pop, rock, blues, jazz and country music from such performers as LaLa Deaton, Adrienne Z, RJ Comer and Matt Feranti. Sunday finale to feature crawfish boil and pig roast. Admission is free. 305-394-3736. 104450 Overseas Highway. keylargooriginalmusicfest.com
May 17-19: Redland International Orchid Show, Homestead. The largest annual orchid show in the U.S. featuring educational exhibits and orchid vendors. An American Orchid Society judged event that showcases various types of orchids, plant and supplies for sale. Hear lectures, try your look at one of the many raffles and taste an assortment of delectable treats from around the world. At Fruit and Spice Park. 24801 SW 187th Avenue. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is $10. 305-247-5727. redlandfruitandspice.com
May 17-19: KEYS100 Ultra-Marathon, Florida Keys. The race is a point-to-point event beginning in Key Largo to Marathon for the 50-mile race and Big Pine Key for the 50 KM race, ending in Key West on the Atlantic Ocean at Higgs Beach. www.keys100.com
May 18: Downtown Hollywood Artwalk, Hollywood. Recurring every third Saturday, this event features pop-up shops, artist showcases, vintage shopping, boutique goods live music and more. Stroll through downtown Hollywood on a guided tour to learn about Hollywood and the Downtown Hollywood Mural Project. 5-10 p.m. Free. 1945 Hollywood Blvd. 954-924-2980. floridashollywood.org
May 25: FATVillage Artwalk, Fort Lauderdale. FATVillage, a community home to local artists and creative businesses, presents a night of great art, food and music every last Saturday of the month. 6-11 p.m. Free. 523 NW 1st. Ave. 954-540-9897. www.fatvillage.com/artwalk
Northeast Florida (including Jacksonville, St. Augustine, Flagler County and Amelia Island)
May 3-5: Gamble Rogers Folk Festival, St. Augustine. This 24th annual event celebrates the best in folk and Americana for three days with music, stories and dance that made Gamble Rogers famous. Food and drinks are available at the Colonial Quarter’s restaurants and beverage sales areas, a jam area, and a children’s area that features interactive music making, folk arts and crafts demonstrations, and storytelling. Tickets are $15 in advance or $20 at the door. Doors open at 6 p.m. 33 St George St, St. Augustine, 32084. 904-794-4163. www.gamblerogersfest.org
May 3-5: Isle of Eight Flags Shrimp Festival, Amelia Island. The 56th annual Isle of Eight Flags Shrimp Festival lures thousands of visitors to historic downtown Fernandina Beach on Amelia Island to celebrate all things shrimp. The event features free admission, nationally-recognized juried fine arts and crafts show, antiques, live entertainment, children’s activities, contests, pirates and more. Dozens of food vendors will be serving up the tastiest shrimp you can find, prepared every way possible by local non-profit organizations. 102 Centre St. www.shrimpfestival.com
May 3-12: Romanza Festivale Week, St. Augustine. A celebration of art and music in the Old City featuring more than 60 productions and presentations by dozens of 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 11: Riding Into History, St. Augustine. Riding Into History, one of America’s premier motorcycle events, returns to World Golf Village in St. Augustine. The event features hundreds of classic American motorcycles along the Village’s Walk of Champions. Vendors, exhibitors and entertainment included. 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Admission starts at $15, with all proceeds benefitting K9s for Warriors. 1 World Golf Place. 904-677-9452. ridingintohistory.org
May 13-26: Jacksonville Jazz Festival, Jacksonville. Jazz performances in the heart of downtown Jacksonville. Enjoy over a dozen live performances that have included artists like Sheila E, on multiple stages of entertainment, Art in the Heart Downtown juried art show and sale, and children’s educational activities. In downtown Jacksonville on West Duval Street. Free event with VIP packages available to purchase. 904-630-3690. jacksonvillejazzfest.com
May 17-19: 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, live music and more. Wide variety of tours and outings and prices. www.wildamelia.com
North-Central Florida (including Ocala, Gainesville and Tallahassee)
May 1-14: Suwannee River Jam, Live Oak. The Suwannee River Jam at the Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park presents a lineup of headliners including Hank Williams Jr., Gretchen Wilson and Trace Adkins. A variety of tickets is offered with general admission for 4 days is $100, with other ticket offerings available. Children under 5 are free. The Suwannee Music Park is at 3076 95th Drive. Camping is available with a reservation. www.suwanneeriverjam.com
May 5: Florida Safari, Ocala. On the first Sunday of each month take a tram tour of the longleaf pine forest. Learn about the park’s land management practices and see Florida wildlife. Begins at 10 a.m. Limit of 15 spaces available. To RSVP, call 352-236-7148 ext. 4. 5656 E. Silver Springs Blvd. floridastateparks.org/silversprings
May 5-6: Spring Garden Show and Festival, Williston. This 4th annual event is expanded to its biggest display of the Cedar Lakes Woods and Gardens ever. Featuring over 50 separate garden displays in a century-old lime rock quarry with waterfalls, koi ponds. The event will be held 9:30 a.m.-5:00 p.m. Admission ranges $4 to $9 (children 6 and under are free). 4990 NE 180th Avenue, 32696. 352-529-0055. cedarlakeswoodsandgarden.com
May 9-12: Free Shakespeare in the Park, Macbeth, Tallahassee. Southern Shakespeare Company expands the annual Shakespeare Festival to four days and one of the best Renaissance Festivals in the Southeast region. Visitors will experience jugglers, illusionists, stilt walkers, and fortune tellers, armored combat, medieval food; and even learn a new skill, be it blacksmithing, weaving, or belly dancing. Kids’ Kingdom lowers the drawbridge for the young folks and all visitors will enjoy the multiple programs and performances leading up to a mainstage production of William Shakespeare’s Macbeth, performed in true Renaissance style, on the Capital City Amphitheater stage at Cascades Park. 4449 Meandering Way. southernshakespearefestival.org
May 12: Windsor Zucchini Festival, Windsor. For 35 years, the folks in this Alachua County city celebrate the zucchini with a zucchini contest, zucchini carving a Duke of Zuke & Zuqueenie Pageant and even zucchini ice cream. The event also features live music, kid’s activities, a raffle, arts and crafts and plant sale. Held at the Windsor Fire Station grounds east of Gainesville. 1401 Co Rd 234. 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Free. 352-372-4875. http://www.afn.org/~windsor/page2.html
May 24: River Rhythms, Ocala. On the fourth Friday of each month, Silver Springs hosts an evening of live music featuring a drum circle. To participate in the drum circle, make sure to bring your own drum or percussion instrument. At Silver Springs State Park. 4 p.m. to sundown. Free with paid park admission. 1425 NE 58th Avenue. (352) 236-7148.www.floridastateparks.org/silversprings
March 24-27: Palatka Blue Crab Festival: Canceled in 2018, the festival plans a return for 2019. 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. 386-983-9772. https://www.facebook.com/bluecrabfestivalpalatka/
The Panhandle (including Pensacola, Panama City Beach, Apalachicola and Destin)
May 1-5: 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. www.thunderbeachproductions.com
May 5: Cinco de Mayo Pub Crawl Fiesta, Destin. Grab your friends and celebrate Cinco de Mayo in Destin. Drink specials from 7 local bars will be featured. Event is from 6 p.m. to midnight at HarborWalk Village. $10 pub crawl pass, with all proceeds benefiting a local charity. www.destinchamber.com
May 11: Ironman 70.3 Gulf Coast, Panama City. The race will begin with a 1.2-mile, open water swim in the Gulf of Mexico, along white sand shores. Competitors then bike 56 miles on an out-and-back course which travels through the rural areas of Bay County and Panama City Beach.The 13.1-mile run will feature some of the most picturesque beach front areas that distinguish the area, with a spectacular finish at the Edgewater Beach & Golf Resort. With 27 miles of white sand beach, Panama City Beach proves to be a great destination for athletes and families alike, with multiple state and beachfront city parks, nearly 100 public beach access points, and an untouched seven-mile long barrier island. Registration starts at $420.00. www.ironman.com
May 14-19: Jeep Beach Jam, Panama City Beach. Five-day family oriented event, filled with fun in the sun activities that will prove to be one of the highest sought over Jeep festivals in the complete southeastern United States. The Vendor Village will feature national and regional industry-leading companies in which they will provide new, state-of-the-art accessories, parts and other Jeep merchandise. Special tents will be set up for workshop seminars, charity raffle tents and official JBJ merchandise. Alongside the Vendor Village there will be the Official Jeep Kids Zone. Large Jeep bounce houses, remote control Jeeps with obstacle courses and even a real safely built obstacle course where kids will be able to test their skills in two seated electric Jeeps. 16200 Panama City Beach Pkwy. Tickets and registrations vary. jeepbeachjam.com
May 17-18: Digital Graffiti Art Festival, Alys Beach. Walk through pedestrian paths and take in the incredible digital art projected upon Alys Beach’s stark white architecture. The event is the world’s first projection art festival, with artists using the latest technologies to project their original, dynamic works. Ticketed events on Friday, Saturday and Sunday ranging from $15-$175 with weekend passes available. 18 Charles St. Alys Beach, 32413. 850-213-5000. www.digitalgraffiti.com
May 24-26: 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. Admission starts at $25 for adults. https://www.floridastateparks.org/FloridaFolkFestival
