And Just Like That - It's May

While the days continue to get longer, temperatures grow warmer, and pollen (thankfully) decreases in May, the events and festivals remain strong throughout the South.

Digital Graffiti on Alys Beach, Florida (May 16 -17) video personal collection (2017)

The fun begins with the Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival (May 1 -3) in Foley, Alabama; Tampa (Florida) Riverfest (May 2 -3); Taste of Beaufort (South Carolina; May 2 - 3); and the Burlington (North Carolina) Carousel Festival (May 2 -3); Mayhaw Festival (May 3) in El Dorado, Arkansas; and ArtsQuest Fine Arts Festival (May 3 -4) in Miramar Beach, Florida.

From Oktoberfest in late September through October to Maifest this month, several southern destinations host their version of the German celebration of spring's arrival: Brenham, Texas (May 1 -3); Gretna, Louisiana (May 9 -10); Herman, Missouri (May 17); Knoxville, Tennessee (May 9 - 11); and Covington, Kentucky (May 16 - 18).

Blue Crab Festival in Little River, South Carolina (May 17 - 18) photo personal collection (2011)

Those who travel near or far for food festivals and related events won't be for a loss in May with St. Augustine (Florida) Food & Wine Festival (May 7 - 11); Taste of Alpharetta (Georgia; May 8; also check out our coverage of the city's culinary scene); Outer Banks (North Carolina) Soft Shell Crab Week (May 12 - 17); World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest (May 14 - 17) in Memphis, Tennessee; Bloomin' BBQ Music & Food Festival (May 16 - 17) in Sevierville, Tennessee; Texas Steak Cook-Off (May 17) in Hico, Texas; Blue Crab Festival (May 17 - 18) in Little River, South Carolina; and Gonzales (Louisiana) Jambalaya Festival (May 22 -25).

Artisphere in Greenville, South Carolina (May 9 - 11) video personal collection (2023)

Arts are also a big deal in May as there is the Laumeier Annual Art Fair (May 9 -11) in St. Louis, Missouri; Artisphere (May 9 -11) in Greenville, South Carolina; Wild About Shelbyville (Kentucky) Music and Arts Festival (May 10); North Carolina Plein Air Festival (May 11 - 18) in New Bern; Digital Graffiti (May 16 - 17) on Alys Beach, Florida; Dahlonega (Georgia) Arts & Wine Festival (May 17 -18); Bringing in the May (May 17 - 18) in Berkeley Springs, West Virginia; Spoleto Festival (May 23 - Jun. 8) in Charleston, South Carolina; and FestivalSouth (May 31 - June 21) in Hattiesburg, Mississippi.

Dont forget about Mississippi Makers Fest (May 10) in Jackson; Magnolia (Arkansas) Blossom Festival and World Championship Cook-Off (May 16 -18); Main Street Fest (May 16 - 18) in Grapevine, Texas; Iris Festival (May 17 -18) in Greeneville, Tennessee; and White Squirrel Weekend (May 23 -25) in Brevard, North Carolina.