From arts festivals and concerts to the annual Atlanta Designer Showhouse, the South is heating up with exciting May events. With spring’s sunny days and mild evenings, it’s the perfect time to get out and experience the best of the region!
Through May 3, 2025: Derby Week — Louisville, KY
Churchill Downs devotes an entire week to Kentucky Derby festivities, from watching Oaks and Derby contenders during morning workouts to thrilling thoroughbred races and savoring bourbon. Events continue through Derby Day, with ticket prices varying by experience. To see the complete schedule, visit churchilldowns.com.
Through May 4, 2025: New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival — New Orleans, LA
​The 2025 New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival returns to the Fair Grounds Race Course. This two-weekend celebration features over 650 performances across 14 stages, showcasing a diverse array of music genres and artists. Headliners include Pearl Jam, Dave Matthews Band, Luke Combs, Lenny Kravitz, Kacey Musgraves, John Fogerty, and Santana. nojazzfest.com
Through May 11, 2025: Southeastern Designer Showhouse & Gardens — Atlanta, GA
Set on Blackland Road in Buckhead, the 2025 Southeastern Designer Showhouse reimagines a classic Cotswolds stone cottage with a stunning 10,000-square-foot design by Cole Construction and architect William T. Baker. With hand-carved limestone accents, a cedar shake roof, and a stately fieldstone facade, the home evokes the charm and grandeur of an English manor. General admission is $45, and event hours are Thursday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Sunday, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. southeasternshowhouse.com
April 30 – May 4, 2025: North Charleston Arts Fest — Charleston, SC
Held across various venues in Charleston, the free five-day North Charleston Arts Fest highlights local artists and performers through a vibrant celebration of art and culture. The festival features concerts, theater performances, children’s activities, and public art installations. Visit northcharlestonartsfest.com for the full schedule.
May 1, 2025: First Thursday Art Walks — Clarksville, TN
Experience local creativity during Clarksville’s First Thursday Art Walk, a free, self-guided tour of artistic displays at downtown businesses. Hosted by the Downtown Clarksville Association, the event includes free admission to the Customs House Museum & Cultural Center from 5 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., wine and appetizers at the DAC gallery, and monthly rotating exhibits featuring over 45 local artists. visitclarksvilletn.com
May 2, 2025: First Fridays — Springfield, TN
Downtown Springfield kicks off its First Fridays series this month with a free, family-friendly evening of live music, food trucks, a kids’ zone, and shopping with local farmers and makers. The event also features a specialty vehicle cruise-in and runs from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. realspringfieldtn.com.
May 3, 2025: Magic City Wine Fest — Birmingham, AL
Taking place at the Hoover Met, the 8th Annual Cahaba Dermatology & Spa Magic City Wine Fest is a journey through global wine and beer regions. Enjoy tastings, live music, and food available for purchase from local restaurants during this festive evening of international flair. The festival begins at 6 p.m., and general admission is $55. magiccitywinefest.com
May 6, 2025: Rosé in the Roses — Birmingham, AL
The Friends of Birmingham Botanical Gardens host Rosé in the Roses, a cheerful fundraiser supporting the Summer Native Plant Internship. Guests can sip curated rosé from Finch Fine Wines among the blooming roses while helping provide a hands-on horticulture experience for college students. Tickets are $35 for members and $40 for non-members, with reservations required. bbgardens.org
May 10, 2025: 84th Annual Iroquois Steeplechase — Nashville, TN
Iroquois Steeplechase, sponsored by Bank of America, returns to Nashville’s Percy Warner Park, bringing thrilling horse racing and high fashion to Music City. Known as the city’s “Rite of Spring,” this iconic event attracts over 25,000 spectators every year. To see the full event schedule and purchase tickets, visit iroquoissteeplechase.org.
May 12 – 18, 2025: PGA Championship — Charlotte, NC
Major championship golf returns to the Queen City as the PGA Championship comes to Charlotte at the renowned Quail Hollow Club. This prestigious event invites fans to witness the world’s best golfers as they compete for the coveted PGA Championship title. Ticket prices vary. pgachampionship.com
May 16 & 17, 2025: Digital Graffiti Art Festival — Alys Beach, FL
The Digital Graffiti Art & Technology Festival returns to Alys Beach, FL, turning the town’s iconic white walls into a mesmerizing open-air gallery. Featuring around 70 digital art projections from global creatives, the festival blends art, technology, and architecture for an immersive nighttime experience. To purchase tickets, visit digitalgraffiti.com.
May 16, 17, 23 – 25 & 30 – 31, 2025: Musicians Corner — Nashville, TN
Musicians Corner is a beloved annual event in Nashville, and it returns to Centennial Park this month. The spring lineup includes artists like Brittney Spencer, Sixpence None the Richer, North Mississippi Allstars, and many more. To see the complete lineup, visit musicianscornernashville.com.
May 16 – 18, 2025: 41st Annual Main Street Fest — Grapevine, TX
Main Street Fest in Historic Grapevine offers three days of free family-friendly fun with live music on multiple stages, a bustling carnival midway, and unique shopping experiences. Guests can also enjoy craft beverages, delicious food, and a dedicated KidZone, making it a festive weekend for all ages. grapevinetexasusa.com
May 17, 2025: South Carolina Food Truck & Craft Beer Festival — Columbia, SC
From noon to 5 p.m. (with early VIP entry at 11 a.m.), this festival rolls into Columbia for the ultimate food truck and craft beverage experience. Enjoy a mouthwatering lineup of local favorites — from lobster rolls and wood-fired pizza to Jamaican cuisine — paired with dozens of regional and national brews. foodtruckfestivalsofamerica.com
May 23 – June 8, 2025: Spoleto Festival — Charleston, SC
For 17 days each spring, Spoleto Festival USA transforms Charleston into a vibrant hub of opera, theater, dance, and music, featuring both world-renowned and emerging artists. As the nation’s leading performing arts festival, Spoleto blends innovation, education, and community engagement to celebrate artistic excellence and inspire a culture of belonging. spoletousa.org
May 24, 2025: Great American River Run — Memphis, TN
The 2025 Great American River Run hits Downtown Memphis over Memorial Day weekend, with scenic routes along the Mississippi River. Whether running the half marathon, 10K, or 5K, participants receive a medal, race shirt, and access to the legendary post-run party. Regular registration begins at $60. memphisinmay.org
Happy May!
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To see more great Southern events, check out our Happenings calendar!
