Ahoy, mateys, it's June! The 18th annual Blackbeard Pirate Festival happens in Hampton on June 3 and June 4. Then on June 2, the much anticipated Rockin Rollin roller rink opens for the summer at MacArthur Center. June 3 is the 29th annual Clean the Bay Day, if you're looking to help make our beaches beautiful for summer. Registration is required, but there are a few walk-up locations.

Get outside for some stargazing on June 6Boardwalk Astronomy at the Oceanfront from 6:00 to 11:00 PM. If you can't make it, the Pretlow Planetarium at ODU is holding a free planetarium show and then a stargazing session the next evening, June 7. . The Virginia Beach Planetarium hosts

June 9-11: time for Harborfest, with all its fun! Visit the historic Francis Land House for a magical day of gardening and fairy-themed activities on June 10. Also on June 10: fireworks at the Portsmouth waterfront, one of the biggest pyrotechnics shows on the East Coast!

Spend an afternoons the week of June 12 at the Mt. Trashmore carnival, which runs throughout the month.

On June 17, Virginia Zoo will host a day at the Zoo for people with disabilities. Admission to the Zoo will be free for people with disabilities and a caregiver from 10 AM to 2 PM. ASL and Braille resources will be provided. That evening, you can check out a movie (Pete's Dragon!) at Portsmouth City Park. Suffolk Public Library hosts a day of free fun, including a bike parade. Virginia PrideFest is this weekend, too (We love the Pride Boat Parade.)

Get ready for the cuteness, because the Teeny Tiny Farm will be at the Great Neck Library in Virginia Beach Tuesday, June 20.

Saturday, June 24, is World Giraffe Day and the Virginia Zoo is celebrating with giraffe-themed activities. You can also see the new white rhino that is arriving this month. And why not take tea in the garden at the Hunter House Victorian Museum on Sunday the 25th?

On June 30, get ready for Family Fun at the Chrysler Museum. That evening, be thankful for Ocean View at the Thank Goodness It's Ocean View concert! There will be activities and games for kids in addition to music.

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!

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!