Best Events to Attend in May

Events in May set the tone for early summer travel, and this is when every destination we host begins to feel more vibrant. Arizona leads with major festivals and city events, while Florida brings energy through beach weekends and Orlando attractions. Palm Springs and Palm Desert offer warm, sun-filled stays, and Washington adds a fresh mix of outdoor and wine-country experiences.

Travel feels easy this time of year, with great weather and more flexibility before peak season demand. It’s a strong moment to plan a quick escape or secure a longer stay. Take a look at what’s happening this month and where your next stay can take you.

Must-See Events in California This May

Events in California this May create a steady flow of entertainment, from concerts to comedy shows across the region. The desert cities offer easy access to nearby venues, making it simple to plan an evening around a live performance. With a mix of music tours and stand-up acts, something is happening throughout the month. The setting allows you to enjoy both daytime relaxation and evening events without overpacking your schedule. This is a great window to plan a trip before peak summer demand builds.

Lady A Tour

May 16, 2026

Indio, CA

Best Events to Attend in May

Must-See Events in California This May

Lady A Tour

May 16, 2026

Indio, CA

Events in California this May include the Lady A Tour, bringing a well-known country-pop act to the desert for a memorable live performance. The concert features a mix of popular hits and fan-favorite tracks, keeping the audience fully engaged throughout the show. The venue setting offers a comfortable yet lively environment, allowing guests to enjoy the performance without the scale of massive festival crowds. The energy builds steadily across the evening, making it easy to stay connected to the experience from start to finish. It’s a strong addition to any trip, offering a reliable mix of entertainment and atmosphere.

Bert Kreischer Stand-Up Tour

May 22, 2026

Indio, CA

Events in California this May include Bert Kreischer’s stand-up tour, offering a bold and energetic comedy experience that stands out in the entertainment lineup. His performance style combines humor with storytelling, creating a rhythm that keeps the audience engaged throughout the show. The setting feels active without being overwhelming, allowing guests to fully connect with the performance from beginning to end. The energy builds steadily across the evening, making it easy to stay immersed in the experience. It’s a strong addition to any trip, bringing a different pace compared to concerts while still delivering a lively atmosphere.

Maná – Vivir Sin Aire Tour

May 31, 2026

Palm Desert, CA

Events in California this May feature Maná’s Vivir Sin Aire Tour, bringing a well-established and widely celebrated live music experience to the region. The performance delivers a strong mix of familiar hits and engaging stage presence, creating a steady connection with the audience throughout the show. The venue setting supports a comfortable yet lively atmosphere, making it easy to stay immersed in the experience. The energy builds naturally across the evening, offering a balanced flow between high-energy moments and more relaxed segments. It’s a reliable highlight for travelers looking to add a meaningful entertainment experience to their stay.

Events in Florida this May create a well-rounded blend of music, culture, and community-driven celebrations across the region. Destin hosts a variety of festivals and live performances that bring together art, entertainment, and seasonal traditions. The lineup includes large outdoor gatherings as well as more localized events that keep the experience diverse and engaging. The setting allows you to balance daytime exploration with evening entertainment without overloading your schedule. It’s a strong moment to plan a trip that feels active, yet still relaxed and easy to manage.

Floetry – Say Yes The Tour

May 2, 2026

Miramar, FL

Events in Florida this May include Floetry – Say Yes The Tour, offering a more relaxed and soulful live performance experience. The show blends music and spoken word, creating a format that feels both engaging and easy to follow from start to finish. The atmosphere remains intimate, allowing the audience to connect closely with the performance. The pacing stays balanced, giving space to enjoy each moment without feeling rushed. It’s a strong addition to a trip, bringing variety alongside larger festivals and outdoor events.

38th Annual Arts Quest Fine Arts Festival

May 2 – 3, 2026

Miramar Beach, FL

Events in Florida this May include the 38th Annual Arts Quest Fine Arts Festival, bringing a vibrant showcase of creativity to Miramar Beach. This juried festival features over 100 artists from across the country, offering original works across mediums like sculpture, photography, painting, and mixed media. Guests can explore curated galleries, student showcases, and hands-on creative spaces designed for all ages, creating a dynamic and engaging atmosphere throughout the day.

Billy Bowlegs Pirate Festival

May 14 – 18, 2026,

Fort Walton Beach, FL

Events in Florida this May include the Billy Bowlegs Pirate Festival, a long-running coastal celebration that transforms Fort Walton Beach into a lively, pirate-themed experience. The multi-day event features staged pirate invasions, waterfront skirmishes, and a dramatic city “takeover” led by Captain Billy and his crew, creating a unique storyline that unfolds across the weekend. Live music, fireworks, food vendors, and arts and crafts displays add depth to the festival. Signature moments like the pirate landing and torchlight parade bring strong crowd energy, making each part of the event feel immersive and engaging.

Events in Arizona this May create a strong reason to plan a trip before the peak summer rush begins. From lively cultural celebrations to major music performances and headline comedy acts, the state offers a well-rounded lineup of experiences. Cities like Phoenix and Glendale attract large crowds, making nearby stays especially valuable for convenience and comfort. The mix of daytime activities and evening entertainment keeps travel plans dynamic without feeling rushed. This is when Arizona starts to feel more active, giving you more to do during every part of your stay.

Trevor Noah Live

May 1 – 3, 2026

Chandler, AZ

Events in Arizona this May include Trevor Noah’s stand-up show, offering a more laid-back but equally memorable evening experience. His performances combine humor, cultural insight, and real-world observations, keeping audiences fully engaged throughout the night. The setting is intimate compared to large concerts, allowing for a stronger connection with the performance. Located within the Phoenix area, the venue draws a steady crowd without the scale of major festivals. It’s an easy addition to a short trip, giving your stay a well-rounded mix of entertainment.

Cinco de Mayo Festival

May 3, 2026

Phoenix, AZ

Among the standout events in Arizona this May, this large-scale festival transforms downtown Phoenix into a hub of music, culture, and entertainment. Live performances, cultural showcases, and interactive activities keep the event engaging throughout the day. Guests can enjoy a wide variety of food options, along with a mix of family-friendly experiences and high-energy stage entertainment. The setting attracts strong crowds, making nearby accommodations a convenient choice for easy access.

YUNGBLUD: Idols Tour

May 25, 2026

Phoenix, AZ

Events in Arizona this May include YUNGBLUD: IDOLS – THE WORLD TOUR, a major live performance taking over Phoenix for one night. The concert draws a strong crowd, with fans traveling in to experience its high-energy atmosphere and immersive stage presence. Located within the Phoenix metro area, the venue makes it easy to build a full evening around the event. The surrounding neighborhoods stay active with pre- and post-show energy, adding more to the overall experience. Booking an Alice Lodging stay nearby makes it easy to enjoy the night without worrying about long travel times.

Events in Washington this May create a steady mix of cultural energy and outdoor-focused experiences across the region. The mountain towns come alive with seasonal festivals, hands-on workshops, and nature-based activities that draw visitors throughout the month. These events offer a more interactive and grounded experience, keeping travel plans engaging without feeling overwhelming. The setting allows you to balance time outdoors with local entertainment and community-driven gatherings. It’s a strong moment to plan a trip that feels active, yet still easy to manage from start to finish.

Traditional Maifest Celebration

May 8 – 10

Leavenworth, WA

Events in Washington this May include the traditional Maifest celebration, transforming Leavenworth into a lively hub of culture and seasonal festivities. The event showcases parades, music, and dance performances that keep the atmosphere active throughout the day. Guests can explore a variety of local food, crafts, and interactive experiences that add depth to the celebration. The village setting makes it easy to move between activities while staying fully engaged in the event. It’s a well-rounded experience that offers both entertainment and a strong sense of place.

Spring Bird Fest

May 14 – 17, 2026

Leavenworth, WA

Events in Washington this May include the Spring Bird Fest, offering a nature-focused experience built around guided birding and outdoor discovery. The event features a variety of walks, talks, and workshops designed to keep participants engaged throughout the day. Guests can move through different scenic locations while gaining insight into the region’s wildlife and ecosystems. The pace stays relaxed, making it easy to enjoy each activity without feeling rushed. It’s a balanced way to add outdoor exploration and educational value to a stay in the area.

Northwest Alphorn Workshop & Festival

May 21 – 24, 2026

Leavenworth, WA

Events in Washington this May include the Northwest Alphorn Workshop & Festival, offering a unique mix of music, culture, and interactive experiences. The event showcases live performances alongside workshops that give visitors a closer look at the instrument and its traditions. Guests can move between performances and demonstrations, staying fully engaged throughout the day. The setting supports a relaxed yet lively atmosphere, making it easy to enjoy the experience without feeling overwhelmed. It’s a distinctive addition to the region’s event calendar, bringing something different to a spring getaway.