Spring began on March 20, and ends June 21. Even though it constitutes most of the spring season, May typically marks the beginning of summer and freedom from the cold.
Here are some dates to celebrate, and places to go this month:
Memorial Day is dedicated to service men and women who gave their lives for freedom and country. The roots of Memorial Day, go back to 1865 and the end of the Civil War. Memorial Day was first called Decoration Day. It was changed to Memorial Day in 1882.
Memorial Day was traditionally held on the 30th of May. In 1971, Congress changed it to the last Monday in May, in order to afford a three-day holiday weekend. This day also marks the beginning of the gardening and summer seasons, often the opening day for public swimming pools.
May 1 – 3: 22nd annual Punta Gorda Hibiscus Festival, Punta Gorda
Specialty hibiscus and other exotic plants, trees and organics will be displayed and up for sale. Lots of other fun stuff, too: Restored antique cars, Li’l Miss Hibiscus Pageant, a farmers’ market, live music and a secret garden tour. Located in Gilchrist Park in Punta Gorda. For more information, go to thehibiscusfestival.com
May 4: Star Wars Day
Celebrated by fans of the popular sci-fi film series, Star Wars. The date for this unofficial fun holiday comes from the often-quoted phrase within the Star Wars universe, may the force be with you.
May 5: Cinco de Mayo (Spanish for “Fifth of May”)
This is a cultural celebration held on May 5th each year. While many people think it’s Mexico’s Independence Day (that’s actually September 16th), Cinco de Mayo commemorates the Mexican army’s victory over France at the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862.
May 7 – 10: Welcome to Rockville, Daytona Beach
Some of the hottest names in rock converge on the Daytona International Speedway for this epic, four-day outdoor music concert featuring more than 150 bands on five stages. The site offers surrounding campground rentals, various food and bar vendors throughout the property, amusement rides, tiki and wine bars and lots of merch tents. Located at Daytona International Speedway, Daytona Beach. For more information, go to https://welcometorockville.com/
May 9 – 10: Fort Lauderdale Air Show, Fort Lauderdale
Beachfront air show, scaled down from its heyday. This year with the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds. Gates open at 9 a.m., Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport. For more information, and advance tickets, go to fortlauderdaleairshow.com.
May 9: Key West Paddle Classic, Key West
Join paddling enthusiasts for a 12-mile race around Key West. Race includes all manner of paddling vessels.
Ready to take on the 29th Annual Key West Paddle Classic? Not quite up for the full 12-mile solo challenge? No problem — grab a couple of friends and join the RELAY RACE!
Teams of 3 can split the course, making it challenging yet fun for all. 1st leg =4.68 Miles;2nd leg = 3 Miles; 3rd leg = 4.61 Miles. Sign up and secure your spot:
https://www.webscorer.com/register?raceid=389689
https://paddleguru.com/races/KeyWestPaddleClassic2026
May 11, 1862: To prevent its capture by Union forces advancing in Virginia, the Confederate Ironclad Merrimac was destroyed by the Confederate Navy. In March, the Merrimac had fought the Union Ironclad Monitor to a draw. Naval warfare was thus changed forever, making wooden ships obsolete.
Tupelo Honey Festival, May 16: Wewahitchka
Where is Wewahitchka and what exactly is Tupelo honey? It is a seasonal delicacy because Tupelo trees only bloom from April to May, and top-quality honey comes from only the trees in the Apalachicola River Valley. It is so special that you won’t find it in stores. At this festival, farmers from the area offer honey in a variety of sizes and packages under the moss-draped oaks around Lake Alice. The small-town festival also offers food vendors, art and crafts, and live music. 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., 111 Lake Alice Park Drive, 32465. Visit tupelohoneyfestival.com.
May 21, 1881: The American Red Cross was founded by Clara Barton. The organization today provides volunteer disaster relief in the U.S. and abroad. Community services include collecting and distributing donated blood, and teaching health and safety classes.
May 26: 13th Annual National Cuban Sandwich Festival, Ybor City
Miami and Tampa have been battling over who has the best and most authentic Cuban sandwich for decades. This festival aims to settle the debate – at least until the next year – with its annual three-day competition spotlighting sandwich makers from both regions, working their magic with pork, Swiss cheese and whatever other secret ingredients the competitors slip between slices of fresh-baked Cuban bread. For more information, go to cubansandwichfestival.com
