The South heats up with so many amazing events in May. Here are some of our top selections that are worth checking out. Whether you make a day trip or plan to spend a weekend, explore the South and its fantastic springtime events.

Through May 14, 2017: Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles Southeastern Designer Showhouse & Gardens – Atlanta, GA

The second annual Southeastern Designer Showhouse & Gardens, which showcases the region’s leading design-industry talents, will be held April 20 through May 14. Tours will be offered Thursdays through Sundays and other inspired events will occur throughout the run of the show, from book signings to speakers. The showhouse will be open Thursdays through Saturdays 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sundays 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Street parking is available with shuttle service provided. This year’s showhouse will benefit the Atlanta History Center. Tickets are $25. southeasternshowhouse.com

Through June 1, 2017: A Million Blooms — Richmond, VA

Richmond’s Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden is alive with beauty and … a million blooms through the month of May. The display, which began in March, has offered stunning displays of roses, daffodils, peonies and more. In May, specifically, visitors can expect to see peonies, iris, azaleas and pitcher plants. Learn more and plan your visit by visiting lewisginter.org.

May 3-7, 2017: North Charleston Arts Festival – Charleston, SC

The annual North Charleston Arts Fest highlights national, regional and local artists and performers in the areas of dance, theatre, music, film, media and visual and literary arts. Over the years the event has matured into one of the most comprehensive arts festivals across the South with a schedule that offers something for everyone, including: concerts, theatre presentations, children’s programs, workshop demonstrations, exhibitions, public art installations and more. For more information, schedule of events and tickets, visit: northcharlestonartsfest.co

May 5-7, 2017: Beale Street Music Festival — Memphis, TN

Kicking off the entire Memphis in May celebration is a three-day music festival featuring over 65 big-name stars and local musical acts performing on four stages and one tent in Tom Lee Park. Performers include Kings of Leon, Death Cab for Cutie, Tori Kelly and Jill Scott. You can find the full lineup of acts and purchase tickets: memphisinmay.org

May 5-7, 2017: ADAC 34th Annual Sample Sale — Atlanta, GA

If your goal in life is to find a great deal, you’ll hit the motherlode with ADAC’s annual sample sale. For three days, get awesome savings on designer brand, high-end furniture, lighting, accessories and rugs from designers like Peacock Alley, Logan Gardens, Baker and many more. This monster sale is open to the public so be ready to hustle. The sale happens Friday and Saturday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Sunday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Visit ADAC’s site for directions and details. adacatlanta.com

May 6, 2017: Kentucky Derby 143 — Louisville, KY

The first Saturday in May is sacred in Kentucky, and the Kentucky Derby is an experience like no other. Don’t miss a chance to be a part of the action, and be sure to wear your best frock and hat. Check out all the articles on our site to catch up to speed on what to wear and how to do Derby right. For tickets, click here: www.kentuckyderby.com

May 6 & 7, 2017: Asheville Bread Festival – Asheville, NC

This year marks the 13th year of the Asheville Artisan Break Bakers’ Festival. This two-day event, which draws over 1,500 attendees each year, is an opportunity for bread enthusiasts and professional bakers to break bread together, to improve their baking skills, share ideas and network within the artisan bread community. Saturday, May 6 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., over 50 local artisan bakeries will be sampling and selling their bread at the Magnolia Building on Asheville’s A-B Tech campus; hands-on workshops and lectures will also take place at the same location until 4 p.m. Saturday evening, the public part of the festival will conclude with a catered dinner with the bakers. The dinner brings together farmers, millers, bakers, and bread enthusiasts for an evening of bread talk and networking. Tickets to the dinner are $50. On May 7, a six hour “Master Class” for professional bakers will take place. Tickets are required for all workshops. Inquire about tickets for the class by emailing [email protected] ashevillebreadfestival.com

May 13, 2017: Iroquois Steeplechase — Nashville, TN

Each year on the second Saturday in May, thousands flock to Nashville’s Percy Warner Park for the Iroquois Steeplechase. This spring racing event is a favorite among locals and Music City visitors. Gather a group and purchase tickets to the tailgating area, which is as popular as watching the horse races! Dust off your hats and pray for sunshine this year. Ticket options include: box seats, tailgating, general admission, tents and skybox suites at varying price points. iroquoissteeplechase.org

May 13 & 14, 2017: ArtsQuest Fine Arts Festival – Miramar Beach, FL

ArtsQuest is a Mother’s Day Tradition that takes place in the Town Center of Grand Boulevard at Sandestin. Now in its 29th year, ArtsQuest provides an opportunity to view and purchase original art from over 200 artists from around the country while also experiencing live musical entertainment, ImagiNation (where kids rule), student exhibits and great food and beverage options. ArtsQuest awards $10,000 in cash prizes and is a rain or shine event. artweeksouthwalton.com

May 14-20, 2017: Seaside Writers Conference – Seaside, FL

Creative writers from all over the nation, featuring award-winning writers in poetry, fiction and screenwriting will gather at the Seaside Writers Conference in Seaside, Florida. These professionals will offer a full week of intensive writing workshops, one day seminars, school outreach programs and social events. This event is an opportunity for beginning, intermediate and advanced writing workshops, one day seminars and more. Celebrate writing, network with other writers and hone your craft this week in Seaside. There will also be seminars hosted by professional editors and literary agents who will offer one-on-one consultations. All participants who pay the full conference tuition fee will be able to take part in all daily activities, while those paying a la carte pricing will have the pick of which classes and workshops they would like to attend. For registration pricing and more information, visit: seasidewritersconference.com

May 19-21, 2017: Atlanta Funk Fest Presented by Pepsi — Atlanta, GA

Take a trip to Funkytown at the Atlanta Funk Fest! This three-day event features some of your favorite performing artists from back in the day and now, including Erykah Badu, En Vogue, Babyface, Brandy, Joe and many more. The fun(k) happens at Wolf Creek Ampitheater, but check the website to get the specific performance schedule for each day, ticket prices and other details. atlanta.funkfesttour.com

May 19-21, 2017: Digital Graffiti —Alys Beach, FL

Alys Beach has plenty of bare canvas in the way of white walls, and during Digital Graffiti, artists of all kinds will project their original works of art on those canvases in this not-to-be-missed three-day festival. Digital artists, photographers, filmmakers, celebrities and art lovers, among others, descend upon this beautiful beach town to take in the unusual — and stunning — sites only found at this annual event. Find a complete schedule, ticket pricing and more at their website. digitalgraffiti.com

May 19-21, 2017: Hangout Music Fest — Gulf Shores, AL

Arguably one of the best summer music festival lineups of 2017, Hangout Music Fest is back in Gulf Shores for another weekend of amazing music. Don’t forget your shades for this weekend on the beach, featuring a packed list of top-notch acts including Migos, Frank Ocean, Charli XCX and Chance the Rapper, just to name a few. Children 17 and younger must be accompanied by an adult of 21 years or older for admission. A weekend wristband costs $309 and VIP and Super VIP options are also available. lineup.hangoutmusicfest.com

May 20, 2017: Nashville Wine & Food Festival — Nashville, TN

As part of this one-day festival held in Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park, attendees celebrate wine with dish pairings from local chefs. In addition, there will be live music and educational opportunities. We are excited to try creations by chefs from some of our favorite local restaurants. General admission tickets are $85 and VIP tickets are $125. thenashvillewineandfoodfestival.com

May 25-29: Abbey Road on the River – Louisville, KY

It’s hard to believe it’s not really The Beatles performing live when you attend Abbey Road on the River every year. This is the world’s largest Beatles-inspired tribute festival, and it is held annually over Memorial Day weekend, May 25-29, 2017. The 5-day event will feature more than 50 bands, including Hermit starring Peter Noone, Peter Asher of Peter & Gordon, The Grass Roots, The Family Stone, Mark Lindsay of Paul Revere and the Raiders, Ambrosia and Jake Clemons, the saxophonist from Bruce Springsteen’s E Street Band.  www.arotr.com.

May 26-28, 2017: Decatur Arts Festival — Decatur, GA

Decatur knows how to throw a festival and this pedestrian-friendly city does it up right when it comes to May’s Arts Festival. Besides the lovely art, food and music at this free event, some other highlights include the Theater and Literary Arts Tent, the Comedy Tent and dance performances and one-hour classes at nearby Decatur Recreation Center. Check the website for the specific days and times of the various events. decaturartsfestival.com

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