Lovely May is back again, with lots of things celebrating this time right on the cusp of summer. Here's the 8 Great Things list, our top picks to make the most of May!
1. Art, Art, Everywhere
We could fill the whole list up with events from ArtWeek SouthCoast, the annual spring celebration of the arts on the South Coast. They always deliver hands-on activities, interactive workshops, and behind-the-scenes access to artists and the creative process, mostly free and low-cost. From karaoke to festivals to paint & sips and collage workshops, check out the line-up! See it here. May 8 through 18, from Fall River to Wareham.
2. Mostly Annual Chili Contest
It’s always fun, always delicious and mostly annual. Onset Bay Association's Chili Contest is finally happening! Enter your own chili into the mix or just come to try everyone else’s. There will be prizes, live entertainment and, of course, chili. $20 for attendees. May 10, 5:30 to 8:30. Stone Path Malt, 11 Kendrick Road, Wareham. More here.
3. A Magical Marsh Walk
Our walking book tour is back after its winter hiatus with a trip to the marshes of Mattapoisett, inspired by the Buzzards Bay Coalition's reprint of the 1969 environmental classic, Life & Death of the Salt Marsh. We'll read a bit from the book, discuss salt marshes and be treated to a violin performance with a great backdrop by Adam Jeffrey of the New Bedford Symphony Orchestra. May 10, from 2-4. Free but RSVP here.
4. Night Stalking
The Westport Land Conservation Trust hosts an evening walk to learn about and seek out some of the spring flowers that emerge under the cloak of night. So cool! May 12, 8-9 pm. Free but RSVP here.
5. Dust Off Your Bike
Join the Bike Summit at UMass Dartmouth where uphill cyclist Trish Karter is the keynote speaker (Karter says, "riding bicycles uphill is a metaphor for my life"). Or join the Buzzards Bay Coalition on a social (and very beautiful) ride starting at Ned's Point, along the stunning Mattapoisett Bike Trail, to the coastal forest of the Phoenix Bike Trail in Fairhaven. 7 miles roundtrip with a social stop for snacks. Both events are free. Bike Summit is May 13 at 6 pm. Find out more here. The Coalition's ride is May 10 from 10-11:30. More about that here.
5. A Little Monthly Jazz Club
We love Little Moss any night of the week but we went on the third Thursday last month to finally experience their Jazz Night. They clear out some tables and feature the Leland Baker Jazz Trio up for an intimate dinner and show for the cost of dinner and an extra tip for the musicians. It's a magical evening. From 5:00, May 22 (note: this month is the fourth Thursday). More here.
7. Sheep & Wool Festival
Visit with Coggeshall Farm's sheep while you learn about and see demonstrations of sheep shearing, wool processing, dyeing, weaving, and spinning. Maybe even catch a sheep dog in action, herding his flock. $12. May 17, Coggeshall Farm, Bristol, RI. More here.
8. Relive History
On May 31, 1778, the little town of Fall River (then still Freetown) witnessed its only military action of the American Revolution at the mouth of the Quequechan River. Commemorate the anniversary with a weekend-long living history event on the same riverbanks that witnessed the battle. May 31 - June 1. More here.
That's our list for May! Go out and enjoy it!
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We've always got more Can't-Miss events in our calendar in the print issues. Our Spring issue is on newstands now!
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