If you can't find something fun to do around Southern California this May, you're not trying hard enough. But we get busy schedules, so we've taken some of the work out of it with this list of can't-miss events.
Farmers markets and spring festivals are starting, and local schools have a flurry of end-of-the-year activities.
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Of course, you don't want to miss the final weekend of The Flower Fields in Carlsbad. The iconic springtime attraction features 80 million vibrant blooms, scenic walking paths, and family-friendly activities.
90th Anniversary of The Queen Mary
- When: May 27
- Where: The Queen Mary, Long Beach
- What: The free event, a centerpiece of the ship's ongoing year-long anniversary programming, invites guests to step aboard for experiences that honor the ship's legacy.
Balboa Island Artwalk
- When: May 17
- Where: South Bayfront Promenade, Newport Beach
- What: The fine art show will feature 90 artists exhibiting paintings, jewelry, blown glass, sculpture, and photography.
Catalina Wine Mixer
- When: May 29-30
- Where: Descanso Beach Club, Catalina Island
- What: Inspired by the film "Step Brothers," this 21-and-over event features wine tastings, food, live music and a screening of the movie that started it all.
Downtown Burbank Summer Arts Festival
- When: May 30-31
- Where: San Fernando Boulevard and surrounding streets, Burbank
- What: The free event will feature more than 170 handmade artisan booths.
Elmo's Springtacular
- When: Through May 17
- Where: Sesame Place San Diego, Chula Vista
- What: Springtacular activities including spring storytime, a spring scavenger hunt, chalk time and festive photo opportunities, in addition to the park's rides, live shows, dance parties and parade.
Greater Palm Springs Restaurant Week
- When: May 29-June 7
- Where: Greater Palm Springs Area
- What: The Greater Palm Springs Restaurant Week kicks off in May. The 10-day event offers prix fixe menus and special offers only available during Restaurant Week.
Laguna Hills Car Show
- When: May 16
- Where: Laguna Hills Mall, Laguna Hills
- What: The event brings together classic cars, modern muscle, hot rods, exotics and motorcycles from across Orange County and beyond.
Orchids in the Wild
- When: May 2-June 1
- Where: San Diego Botanic Garden, Encinitas
- What: The garden's annual orchid showcase is hosted in the 8,000-square-foot, glass-enclosed Dickinson Family Education Conservatory.
The Flower Fields
- When: Through May 10
- Where: The Flower Fields, Carlsbad
- What: This is the final weekend for The Flower Fields. The annual attraction features 55 acres of giant tecolote ranunculus and a full slate of springtime activities.
Viva La Música
- When: Weekends from May 1-17
- Where: SeaWorld San Diego, San Diego
- What: The festival celebrates Latin culture with live music, food and cultural performances.
Are you planning an event this spring or summer? Feature it so nearby readers see it all across Patch — including in roundups like this!