16 Southern Events & Happenings: May 2026
May is bursting at the seams with events and festivals scattered all across the South. Whether you're a foodie, a music lover, or a racing fan, trust us — you're gonna want to clear your calendar for these! Image: Facebook / Kentucky Derby
May in the South brings a vibrant wave of outdoor traditions, where world-class racing meets legendary music lineups, and historic squares transform into open-air galleries. These standout events across the region offer every reason to soak up the season before the summer heat officially settles in.
Through May 2, 2026: Derby Week — Louisville, KY
Spanning more than a week, Kentucky Derby festivities at Churchill Downs blend themed race days, morning workouts, and lively traditions into a citywide celebration. The lead-up peaks with Kentucky Oaks and Derby Day, delivering a high-style, high-energy finale to the “most exciting two minutes in sports.” To see the complete schedule, visit churchilldowns.com.
Through May 3, 2026: New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival — New Orleans, LA
A two-weekend celebration of sound, flavor, and culture, New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival returns with a stacked 2026 lineup that reads like a greatest-hits playlist. Think legacy icons like the Eagles, Stevie Nicks, and Rod Stewart alongside genre-spanning heavyweights including Lorde, Jon Batiste, and Nas. nojazzfest.com
Through May 10, 2026: Southeastern Designer Showhouse & Gardens — Atlanta, GA
A spring standout for design enthusiasts, the Southeastern Designer Showhouse turns a newly built Atlanta home into a room-by-room masterclass in elevated Southern style — each space more swoon-worthy than the last. General Admission is $50, and proceeds support Solidarity Sandy Springs. southeasternshowhouse.com
April 29 – May 3, 2026: North Charleston Arts Fest — Charleston, SC
A five-day, citywide celebration of creativity, the North Charleston Arts Fest transforms the area into a stage for dance, music, theater, visual art, and more, with free performances and exhibitions popping up in parks and galleries. northcharlestonartsfest.com
May 1, 2026: First Fridays — Springfield, TN
Springfield, TN’s First Fridays turn the historic square into a bustling mix of live music, food trucks, and 80+ local vendors, inviting you to shop, stroll, and stay awhile. Held monthly from May through October, the free, family-friendly series is complete with a kids’ zone, cruise-in, and plenty of reasons to linger downtown after hours. realspringfieldtn.com
May 7, 2026: Rosé in the Roses — Birmingham, AL
Set among peak bloom season in the Birmingham Botanical Gardens, Rosé in the Roses is a golden-hour fête in the Dunn Formal Rose Garden, where guests sip curated pours from Finch Fine Wines while wandering through fragrant blooms. Tickets start at $45 and support hands-on horticulture internships for students. bbgardens.org
May 9, 2026: 85th Annual Iroquois Steeplechase — Nashville, TN
Known as Nashville’s “Rite of Spring”, the 85th Iroquois Steeplechase returns to Percy Warner Park with a full day of high-stakes racing, tailgating, and Southern style — equal parts sporting event and social scene. iroquoissteeplechase.org
May 9 & 10, 2026: British Festival & Saturday Queen’s Tea — Rugby, TN
Set in the storybook setting of Historic Rugby, this festival blends British and Appalachian traditions — cricket matches, Maypole dancing, live music, and tours of the 1880s village. Timed to Mother’s Day weekend, the two-day event mixes heritage with hands-on fun. historicrugby.org
May 13 – 16, 2026: The World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest — Memphis, TN
A smoky highlight of the Memphis in May International Festival, the World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest brings together more than 150 elite teams for four days of high-stakes competition and serious flavor. It’s widely considered the most prestigious barbecue contest in the world — where pitmasters vie for top honors, and guests come to taste, tour, and soak it all in. Four-day admission is $59. memphisinmay.org
May 15 & 16, 2026: Digital Graffiti Art Festival — Alys Beach, FL
A boundary-pushing blend of art, architecture, and technology, the Digital Graffiti Art Festival transforms Alys Beach into a glowing, open-air gallery, where more than 70 digital works are projected onto the town’s iconic white walls along a nearly mile-long nighttime trail, earning its reputation as one of the country’s most inventive festivals. digitalgraffiti.com
May 15, 16, 22 – 24, 29 & 30, 2026: Musicians Corner — Nashville, TN
Live music, sunshine, and a solid excuse to linger — Musicians Corner returns to Nashville’s Centennial Park with free weekend performances from local favorites and touring acts. Come for the music, stay for the food trucks, artisan vendors, and easy, picnic-style energy that make it one of Nashville’s best ways to spend an afternoon. musicianscorner.com
May 15 – 17, 2026: 42nd Annual Main Street Fest — Grapevine, TX
A Texas-sized celebration with serious small-town charm, Main Street Fest transforms Historic Downtown Grapevine into a three-day playground of live music, craft brews, carnival rides, and artisan markets for a can’t-miss kickoff to summer. grapevinetexasusa.com
May 16, 2026: Legacy Experience Reopening — Memphis, TN
Celebrate the reopening of the National Civil Rights Museum’s newly expanded Legacy Experience! From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., the free community celebration features a ribbon-cutting ceremony, live music, storytelling, children’s activities, and more. The immersive exhibition explores civil rights history from 1968 to today, serving as the centerpiece of the museum’s 35th anniversary Legacy Year. civilrightsmuseum.org
May 17, 2026: South Carolina Food Truck & Craft Beer Festival — Columbia, SC
A feast on wheels, the South Carolina Food Truck & Craft Beer Festival brings dozens of food trucks to Columbia, serving everything from lobster rolls to gourmet donuts alongside regional brews and local vendors. Held at the South Carolina State Fairgrounds, it’s a laid-back, open-air afternoon built around good food, cold drinks, and easygoing crowds. foodtruckfestivalsofamerica.com
May 22 – June 7, 2026: Spoleto Festival — Charleston, SC
A cornerstone of the Southern arts calendar, the Spoleto Festival USA transforms Charleston into a 17-day cultural stage, with more than 100 performances spanning opera, theater, dance, and music across the city’s historic venues. It’s a dynamic blend of world-renowned artists and rising talent, delivering a citywide celebration that’s as immersive as it is high-caliber. spoletousa.org
May 30, 2026: Magic City Wine Fest — Birmingham, AL
An evening designed for sipping and socializing, the Magic City Wine Fest returns to the Hoover Met with more than 100 wine and beer samples, live music, and local bites, all woven into a lively, open-air atmosphere. Equal parts tasting experience and feel-good night out, the 21+ event pairs laid-back luxury with philanthropy, benefiting the Hoover Parks and Recreation Foundation. magiccitywinefest.com
Here’s to an amazing May!
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To see more great Southern events, check out our Happenings calendar.
Anne Marie Hanna
An Ole Miss alum residing in Nashville, Anne Marie is passionate about telling the stories shaping the South. Outside of work, you’ll likely find her on a porch with a coffee and a good book, gardening, listening to music, or enjoying time with friends and family.