May 1-5, Panama City Beach
Thunder Beach Motorcycle Rally
Bikers from around the country enjoy scenic rides along the Emerald Coast, live entertainment, local cuisine and varied activities.
www.thunderbeachproductions.com;
888-396-1638
May 4, Century
29th annual Sawmill Day and Car Show
The Alger-Sullivan Historical Society hosts its heritage festival from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Houston Jones Park, 610 4th St. The event attracts more than 50 classic and custom vehicles, a vendor area, and all-day entertainment from local dance and singing groups. Invited exhibits include arrowhead makers, antique bottle collections, a potter, Munson’s fur trapper museum and a woodcarver’s club.
www.algersullivan.org;
850-256-3980
May 4, Key West
Key West Paddle Classic
Presented by Lazy Dog Adventures, the paddleboard challenge includes a 12-mile elite race around the island and a 4-mile open race. Other events include a kickoff registration party, paddleboard clinics and races for kids.
https://lazydog.com;
305-304-4259
May 8, Islamorada
Lecture Series
Erin Muller, program manager and science director of the Mote Marine Laboratory Elizabeth Moore International Center for Coral Reef Research and Restoration, will talk about “Coral Restoration: A Beacon of Hope to Save the Florida Reef Tract” at 6 p.m. at the Keys History & Discovery Center, MM 82. Doors open at 5 p.m. to allow guests to view exhibits. Light appetizers and a cash bar are available. The cost is $10. Reservations are recommended.
www.keysdiscovery.com;
305-922-2237
May 8-12, Key West
Key West Songwriters’ Festival
The annual showcase of musical magic features America’s foremost performing songwriters, with concerts staged in intimate, audience-friendly island settings.
www.keywestsongwritersfestival.com;
305-304-0814
May 9-25, Marathon
Making God Laugh
Marathon Community Theater presents a family comedy that takes place in four scenes, with the kids—who have grown to become a priest, an aspiring actress and a former star football player—returning home at 10-year increments. Showtimes are 8 p.m., with a 3 p.m. Sunday matinee.
www.marathontheater.org;
305-743-0994
May 10, Pensacola
Pensacola History
Famed historian John Appleyard shares his knowledge of Pensacola’s history with one of his famous storytelling sessions at 9 a.m. at the Pensacola Visitor Information Center, 1401 E. Gregory St. The event is free, but seating is limited.
www.visitpensacola.com;
850-434-1234
May 11, Panama City Beach
Ironman 70.3
Swim 1.2 miles in the Gulf of Mexico, bike 56 miles and run 13.1 miles on a flat, fast course. A rolling start begins at 6 a.m. The event is headquartered at Boardwalk Beach Hotel & Convention Center.
www.ironman.com
May 11, Pensacola
Fiesta Children’s Treasure Hunt
Enjoy field games, music, face painting and a Zaxby’s chicken lunch from noon to 2 p.m. at Bayview Park, 2001 E. Lloyd St. A treasure hunt for children ages 3 to 10 years old begins at 2 p.m.
www.fiestapensacola.org;
850-433-6512
May 11, Marathon
13th annual Mother’s Day Dolphin Tournament
This festive fishing tournament for the heaviest dolphin is for new and seasoned anglers. All registration fees are tax deductible as allowable by law and will be used directly to build four new affordable homes in Marathon through Habitat for Humanity of the Middle Keys.
www.habitatmiddlekeys.org;
305-743-9828
May 14-18, Panama City Beach
Fourth annual Jeep Beach Jam
Meet up with thousands of jeepers at Frank Brown Park for a relaxing vacation on the beach with off-road trail excursions, an obstacle course, a poker run, a scavenger hunt, a vendor village, a show and shine, an outdoor movie night and live music.
www.jeepbeachjam.com;
850-890-3447
May 15, Islamorada
Immerse Yourself!
Marlies Tumolo will speak about “Dive Into Your Sanctuary” at 7 p.m. at the History of Diving Museum, 82990 Overseas Highway.
www.divingmuseum.org;
305-664-9737
May 16, Pensacola
Movies Under the Stars
A free showing of “Bee Movie” is at From the Ground Up Community Garden, 501 North Hayne St. Gates open at 6:45 p.m. and the movie starts at 7:15 p.m. Bring a chair or blanket. Space for seating is limited. Please wear closed-toe shoes. Dogs are not allowed. Popcorn, goodies and drinks will be sold.
https://bit.ly/2YXOKI8;
850-934-3609
May 16-19, Key Largo
Key Largo’s Original Music Festival
Enjoy the food, entertainment and ambiance of five on-the-water venues featuring professional singers and songwriters and local entertainers. Admission is free.
www.keylargooriginalmusicfest.com;
305-394-3736
May 18, Pensacola
The Big Scoop
Taste an assortment of ice cream flavors, toppings and sweet snacks at the benefit that celebrates Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwest Florida 30th anniversary. There will be fun, games and activities for everyone at the pet-friendly event from 3 to 5 p.m. at Community Maritime Park, 301 W. Main St. Tickets are $10 each. Children younger than 3 get in free.
www.facebook.com/bbbsnwfl;
850-433-5437
May 18, Wewahitchka
Tupelo Honey Festival
Visit Lake Alice Park from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. to taste and take home the local rare delicacy, enjoy food, arts and crafts, rides, games and music. A blood drive is from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
www.tupelohoneyfestival.com;
850-832-4843
Fourth Annual Papio Kinetic Sculpture Parade
Key West artist Suzanne Brown won the “Wonderdog Award” at last year’s Papio Kinetic Sculpture and Art Bike Parade for her entry “Shel Silverstein’s The Giving Tree.” The procession honors late Key Largo folk artist Stanley Papio, who created whimsical sculptures out of discarded car parts, appliances and other recycled objects. Participants create entries primarily from recycled materials. All mobile sculptures must be people-powered. The parade is at noon Saturday, May 4, on Duval Street. The event is presented by the Key West Art and Historical Society.
For more information, visit www.papioskineticparade.com or call 305-295-6616.
May 20, Pensacola
At the Movies Concert
Pensacola Bay Concert Band presents music from “The Wizard of Oz,” “Mary Poppins,” “The Lion King,” “The Sound of Music,” “Star Trek” and more at the University
of West Florida Center for Fine
and Performing Arts from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. Admission is a nonperishable food item to be donated to Manna Food Pantry.
https://pcbband.org;
850-974-8335
May 24-26, Sebring
Sebring LakeFest
Kick off the summer from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Lake Jackson with family fun. The main event is a duathlon: a 2K foot race followed by a canoe race. Other highlights include food, music, raffles, a static boat display with pontoon tours on Lake Jackson, a KidZone and a vendor village. Visit with the Florida Watermelon Queen and compete in a seed-spitting contest. Admission is free. Parking is $5.
https://ddozen.com
May 25, Pensacola
Graffiti Bridge 5K
This unique 5K run/walk will start and finish at the classic local landmark, 317 N. 17th Ave. The event starts at 8 a.m. Medals will be handed out to every finisher.
www.werunwild.com;
850-435-9222
May 29, Pensacola
Emmanuel Sheppard & Condon Fiesta Days Celebration
Seville Quarter comes alive from 7 to 10 p.m. with entertainment, decorations and food saluting the area’s history under the flags of the five governments that have flown over Pensacola. Dignitaries surrender the city to DeLuna and his queen for the Fiesta season.
www.fiestapensacola.org;
850-434-6211
May 30, Pensacola
Stories Under the Stars: Grow
Individuals are invited to share original, personal stories on the theme “Grow” from 7 to 9 p.m. at From the Ground Up Community Garden, 501 North Hayne St. Stories are limited to 5 minutes, and cannot be read from any paper or device. People’s choice and judge’s award winners receive a gift card. Gates open at 6:30 p.m. Please wear closed-toe shoes. Dogs are not allowed.
https://bit.ly/2IaxKt8;
850-934-3609
May 31, Pensacola
69th annual Grand Fiesta Parade
Catch beads, hear the sounds of local high school marching bands and enjoy beautiful floats as they parade through downtown beginning at 7 p.m.
www.fiestapensacola.org;
850-433-6512
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