Where to play in May

May is one of my favorite months around Hampton Roads. The weather is finally consistently warm (usually) and the roses begin to bloom at Norfolk Botanical Garden. The sight of     acres of fragrant blossom in every color and variety all in flower at once in one place is amazing, awe-inspiring and overwhelming in the best way. Some other things to look forward to:

May the Fourth on May the 4th! The Virginia Symphony Orchestra is performing the music from the classic movie at Chrysler Hall that evening. Tickets available here. The next day, head over to Norfolk Collegiate Upper School for a giant lightsaber fight for Revenge of the Fifth.

The new and improved Waterside District in Norfolk is having its Grand Opening at the beginning of May! Saturday and Sunday May 5 and 6, head down to Waterside for a Family Fun Day with face painters, aerialists, street performers, and more. The Atlantic Coast Kite Festival is also held at the Oceanfront this weekend, and is sure to dazzle even the tiniest kids.

The Hampton Roads Mini-Maker Faire is also being held at the Hampton Coliseum on Sunday, May 6. From their website: "Part science fair, part county fair, and part something entirely new, Maker Faire is an all-ages gathering of tech enthusiasts, crafters, educators, tinkerers, hobbyists, engineers, science clubs, authors, artists, students, and commercial exhibitors." Sounds amazing! 

Happy Jamestown Day! Celebrate the 410th Anniversary of America's first permanent English colony on May 14.

Get ready for FREE admission to some area museums on May 18, International Museum Day. The  Virginia Beach History Museums are throwing open their doors to the public those days with free admission. Norfolk Greek Fest also starts May 18.

On May 20, check out the World Arts Celebration at City Center at Oyster Point in Newport News and explore food, music, crafts and culture from around the world.

Play Me, I'm Yours, a public art project inviting people to play pianos placed around the city, is happening May 23. Get your ivory ticklers ready!

Brave the crowds and sample something sweet at the Pungo Strawberry Festival on May 27 and 28.

Join the Chrysler Museum for a Day of Glass celebration on May 31 and take in some spectacular live glass-making demonstrations.

And last but certainly not least, a ton of Memorial Day events are happening around town incuding the annual Portsmouth Parade, ceremonies at York Hall and Newport News' Victory Arch, and a concert by the TRADOC band.

NOTE: Dates and times are subject to change, so please remember to check and confirm the details for an event in advance to be sure. MCK is not to be held responsible for missed events and bummed out kids! 

What else is going on around town in May? Drop your link and info in the comments!