Here are some great ideas for things to do in May in Austin, Texas.
Austin Psych Fest. May 2 - 4, 2014, east - A three-day festival of live music, psychedelic light shows, as well as food, clothing, recorded music, and art sales. On-site camping is available.
Watch the 2012 Austin Psych Fest music trailer:
Wildflower Center Gala Silent Art Auction. May 3, 2013, southwest - A dinner, garden party, and painting and sculpture sale to benefit the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center. Chuy's Hot to Trot 5K & Kid K. May 4, 2013, southwest - A 5K run/walk supporting Special Olympics Texas. Multiple courses are available for different fitness levels. Children under 12 have their own course. Chuy's Hot to Trot 5K & Kid K
Cap 2K Swim. May 4, 2013, central - A 2K swimming contest in Lady Bird Lake to support prostate cancer research, awareness, and education. Cap 2K Swim
The Rookie Triathlon. May 4, 2014, east - A shortened triathlon intended especially for first-time triathletes. The Rookie Triathlon
Lone Star Jam. May 4 - 5, 2013, central - A two-day celebration of country music with food vendors and live performances by dozens of bands. Sponsored by Young Texans Against Cancer. Lone Star Jam
West Austin Studio Tour. May 4 - 5, 2013, west - A chance to explore and appreciate the talents of West Austin artists. Tour studios, learn about artist techniques, and purchase original artwork to support the West Austin artistic community and businesses. West Austin Studio Tour
Pecan Street Festival. May 4 - 5, 2013, downtown - Food, music, shopping, kids' activities ... free admission! The Pecan Street Festival is Central Texas's largest arts and crafts festival, attracting 300,000 people. With over 60 local and national musicians, 30 food vendors, and 275 art vendors offering everything from paintings to candles to furniture, the Pecan Street Festival is a 30+ year Austin tradition. Pecan Street Festival
View some footage of the Pecan Street Festival:
Violet Crown Spring Festival. May 4, 2013, north - A free event featuring local arts and crafts vendors, family and children’s activities, live music, and food and drinks. Violet Crown Spring Festival
Cinco de Mayo Austin. May 4 - 5, 2013, central - This traditional Mexican celebration includes live music by Conjunto and Tejano bands, regional Mexican dance performances, and picnic food such as burgers, barbecue brisket, and corn on the cob, as well as a variety of Mexican and Mexican-American specialties. Cinco de Mayo Austin
Texas Peace Officer's Memorial Vigil, Ceremony, and Parade. May 6, 2013, downtown - Sponsored by the Texas Peace Officers' Foundation, which holds annual ceremonies at the Texas Peace Officers Memorial on the grounds of the state capitol. Texas Peace Officers Memorial Vigil, Ceremony, and Parade
Pachanga Latino Music Festival. May 10 - 11, 2013, east - This festival showcases Latin music, art, and food with a wide range of Latino music as well as food and drink vendors, arts, and kids' activities. Pachanga Latino Music Festival
Watch an interview with the festival organizer in 2012:
Annual Paramount and Stateside Theatre Gala. May 11, 2013, downtown - An anniversary gala for the historic Paramount and State Theatres, Austin's premier theatres for live artistic performances. Event includes music by nationally known performers, dinner, cocktails, dancing, live and silent auctions, and post-party. Annual Paramount and Stateside Theatre Gala
KLRU All-Star Benefit Celebration. May 16, 2013, downtown - A star-studded musical benefit for Austin's public broadcasting station. Featuring the Dixie Chicks, the Court Yard Hounds, Natalie Maines, Ben Harper, plus a special tribute to Lloyd Maines with performances by Joe Ely, Bruce Robison, Kelly Willis, Terry Allen, Carolyn Wonderland, Terri Hendrix, and others. KLRU All-Star Celebration
Austin Latino New Play Festival. May 16 - 18, 2013, downtown - A lively reading of three plays on stage with props and actions, each followed by an audience talk-back session. Austin Latino New Play Festival
V8 Supercars Championship. May 18, 2013, east - The world's leading touring cars championship is a series of races held in Australia, New Zealand, and Abu Dhabi, and now also Austin's Circuit of the America will host a race. V8 Supercars Championship
O. Henry Punoff World Championship. May 18, 2013, downtown - Enjoy the wordplay and verbal barbs as contestants try to outdo each other with some of the world's best and worst puns. O. Henry Punoff World Championship
View the world championship final round:
Viva Streets. May 18, 2014, downtown - For a day, part of Austin's renowned Sixth Street is converted to a vehicle-free, tobacco-free playground for everyone to walk, run, play ball, dance, or just sit and watch. Many local agencies and businesses offer free demos, classes, and giveaways. Viva Streets
View a short video about Viva Streets:
Renegade Craft Fair. May 18 - 19, 2013, central - This event brings talented artisans and craftspeople for a display and sale of handmade jewelry, furniture, lighting displays, bath and beauty products, screen-printed art, paper products, and more. There are also hands-on workshops, a photobooth, and specialty food and drinks. The event originated in Chicago in 2003 and is now held in several cities in the U.S. and Europe. Renegade Craft Fair
Texas Military Forces Museum World War II Reenactment. May 25 - 26, 2013, west - Watch authentic military vehicles and weapons in action as Camp Mabry's famed G Company volunteers reenact a battle from World War II, complete with pyrotechnics. Texas Military Forces Museum World War II Reenactment
Watch an interview with the director of the Texas Military Forces Museum:
Austin Wine & Music Festival. May 26, 2013, Driftwood - Gather in Driftwood, south of Austin, for a day of live music and wine samples from some of Central Texas's top wineries. Austin Wine & Music Festival
Full Moon Barn Dance. May 26, 2013, south - Hosted by a local musician and mother, this is a pot luck dinner and music festival. Show up, bring a donation and dish to share, and enjoy performances by local musicians and an open mic session. Held on full moon Sundays and some holiday Sundays. Full Moon Barn Dance
Capital of Texas Triathlon. May 26, 2014, central - This nationally sanctioned triathlon has become one of the most well-attended in the country, with over 3,000 participants. Capital of Texas Triathlon
Blue Star Museums. May 27 - September 2, 2013, various locations - From Memorial Day through Labor Day, participating museums and art galleries offer free admission to active, reserve, and Guard military members and their families. Attendees also have access to special exhibits and presentations. Blue Star Museums
Blues on the Green. May 29 - August 7, 2013, south - Every other Wednesday from May 29 - August 7, 2013, meet up at Zilker Park to listen to live performances by regional blues artists. Austin's largest free concert series. Blues on the Green