April showers bring May flowers, and May also brings a handful of fun, festive, local events. We encourage you to get outside and listen to live music at Musician’s Corner and the Full Moon Pickin’ Party, indulge in food and libations at Generous Helpings and Nashville Wine & Food Festival, or take part in the Nashville tradition that is Steeplechase. Here are our top picks for May events to attend!

May 3, 2017: The Big Payback

For 24 hours, The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee invites you to make online donations to participating nonprofits, all of which are located or provide services in Middle Tennessee. There are prizes, bonuses and matching funds in conjunction with The Big Payback. Give back, with any amount, to the nonprofits that make a difference in our community. thebigpayback.org

May 3, 2017: The Thistle Farms 20th Anniversary Fundraiser: Love Letters

Help Thistle Farms celebrate 20 years with Reba McEntire, Jason Isbell, Amanda Shires, Shemekia Copeland and John Prine at The Ryman. In addition to performances from this star-studded lineup, Becca Stevens and the women of Thistle Farms will share stories of hope and inspiration. Tickets are $40. thistlefarms.org

May 4-6, 2017: The Harding Art Show

This annual event showcases the work of more than 70 talented local, regional and national artists, making it a stand-out among May’s many events. A vibrant mix of fine art paintings, sculpture, woodwork, photography, jewelry and more will be available for sale, with a portion of proceeds benefitting Harding Academy, a co-education day school serving pre-kindergarten through eighth grade. For more information and a list of artists featured, click here: thehardingartshow.com

May 5 & 6, 2017: Sevier Park Fest

The Belmont/Hillsboro and 12South neighborhood communities come together to showcase local talent and businesses at Sevier Park Fest. For two days, the park is filled with live music, local artisans, food vendors and activities. Purchase tickets to the Friday night show or stop by on Saturday, free of charge, to enjoy the fun. Promote local talent and business through this community-focused event. sevierparkfest.com

May 5-7, 2017: Nashville Ballet Presents Seven Deadly Sins

Sloth, pride, wrath, gluttony, lust, greed and envy are all examined in Nashville Ballet’s performance of Seven Deadly Sins. Choreography by Christopher Stuart and music by Nashville singer/songwriter collective Ten Out of Tenn combine to uncover the flawed, imperfect side of human nature. Seven Deadly Sins will take you on a tour of the forbidden and leave you wondering, What is my vice? Tickets start at $28 and are available here.

May 5-7, 2017: Tennessee Craft Fair

Tennessee Craft brings the craft fair to Centennial Park twice a year, May and September, and gives you the chance to shop pieces handcrafted by artisans who honor the rich history and tradition of Tennessee craft during this three-day event. The juried fair has food vendors, family-friendly activities and demonstrations from artisans, in addition to the display of crafts. This event is free. tennesseecraft.org

May 6, 2017: 5th Annual McCabe Pub Crawfish Boil

Eat all the crawfish you can at this annual spring event. Hosted to raise money for LAM, a rare lung disease that McCabe Pub Co-Owner Stefanie is fighting, the event will include crawfish for all and three drink tickets. Tickets are $35 at the door. facebook.com

May 6, 2017: Rock Out East Nashville

While you are rocking out to bands, enjoy food and beer at the first Rock Out East Nashville. What they are dubbing the unofficial start of summer, this event is sure to be rockin’. The event will also benefit Operation Stand Down Tennessee. Tickets are $15 for general admission and $55 for VIP. rockouteastnashville.com

May 6, 2017: Nashville’s Downtown Derby Bed Race

This event is fighting to put cancer to bed by raising money in support of cancer research. Racers will compete in teams and each team will decorate a bed and race it up 5th Avenue. Awards will be given at the end of the race. bedracenashville.com

May 6 & 7, 2016; Nashville Taco Festival

Welcome the Nashville Taco Festival to the lineup of local events by joining them for this two-day event. The festival highlights include: competition for best taco, hot pepper eating, taco eating, chihuahua costume and margaritas contests; taco trucks and vendors; salsa dancing; mechanical bull; mariachi bands and so much more. Tickets are available for general admission, judges and VIP. nashvilletacofest.com

May 11, 2017: Generous Helpings at City Winery

Many of our favorite Nashville restaurants, including Amerigo Italian Restaurant, Christie Cookie Co., Fin & Pearl and etc., offer tastings of appetizers, entrees and desserts paired with wine and craft beer at this food and beverage tasting event. Proceeds benefit Middle Tennessee’s Table. General Admission tickets are $50. secondharvestmidtn.org

May 12, 2017: O’More College of Design Student Fashion Show

You are invited to view the fashion collection of extremely talented O’More students as they showcase their work in exhibits and on stage. This year, things are a bit different in that alumni and faculty will be showcasing their work alongside the students with the theme “The Power of Design to Transform.” Along with the other 600+ attendees, you will be mesmerized by the well-designed, well-made and beautiful collections. The event takes place at the O’More College of Design. General admission tickets are $50 each and limited-edition VIP tickets are $130. www.omorefashionshow.com

May 12-13, 19-20, 26-27, 2017: Musicians Corner

Each Friday and Saturday in May, June, September and October, Musicians Corner is held in Centennial Park. These events include free, family-friendly music, local food trucks and vendors, local artisans, activities and more. Relax in the grass with your friends, family and dogs during the festivities, which last all day. These events are free. musicianscornernashville.com

May 13, 2017: Iroquois Steeplechase

Each year, on the second Saturday in May, thousands flock to 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 18, 2017: Yoga On The Field

Yogis fill Nissan Stadium’s field during this celebration of the yoga community. You can bring your mat and partake in a twilight class alongside hundreds of other folks. After you bid your fellow yogis namaste, stick around for cocktails. Tickets are $20 and the event benefits Soles4Souls. yogaonthefield.com

May 19, 2017: Full Moon Pickin’ Party

Warner Parks invites musicians and bluegrass lovers for an evening of bluegrass, food, drink and fun. From May to October on the Friday closest to the full moon, this family-friendly event takes place at Percy Warner Park. Three headlining acts perform on the main stage and attendees can relax in the park and jam along. The season kicks off on May 19, and the fun runs from 7 to 11 p.m. warnerparks.org

May 19-21, 2017: Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets™ in Concert with the Nashville Symphony

For three nights, the Nashville Symphony will perform live alongside screenings of Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets. Enjoy this opportunity to see the movie in an unexpected and different way. There are limited tickets, so get yours today! nashvillesymphony.org

May 20, 2017: Nashville Wine & Food Festival

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 is live music and educational opportunities. We are excited to try creations by chefs from some of our favorite local restaurants, including Amerigo Italian Restaurant, etc., City Winery and 1808 Grille. General admission tickets are $85 and VIP tickets are $125. thenashvillewineandfoodfestival.com

May 20, 2017: Richland Park MarketFest

Join the Sylvan Park Neighborhood Association at the annual Richland Park MarketFest. Celebrating the opening of Richland Park Farmer’s Market, the fest will include food, farm-fresh produce, artisans, live music and performances, a beer garden, free yoga, a puppet truck, yard sale and book sale. This event is free and open to the public. Visit facebook.com for more information.

May 20, 2017: Capitol District Street Fair and Tour de Nash

Talented musicians, food vendors and locals gather for fun and celebration in Morgan Park during the Capitol District Street Fair. Surrounding neighborhoods come together for this one-day street event. In conjunction with the fair, you can participate in Tour de Nash, an urban bike ride for bicyclists of all ages and skill levels. The ride starts at Morgan Park and finishes at the Capitol District Street Fair. capitoldistrictstreetfair.com

Happy May! For more events, please visit our Happenings page or download the SB App.