April showers bring May flowers... and lots of other great things such as outdoor recreation opportunities and fun events! May means the return of some of our favorite seasonal events, such at the Morgan County Farmers Market, car shows and outdoor concerts. Here, we've compiled a list of upcoming events you'll want to have on your calendar this May, but we're always adding more, so be sure to check back to our Events Calendar for updated listings.
Wines & Vines Container Gardening Parties
Join Greedell Landscape Solutions for one of their most popular programs of the year! These fun Saturday events combine container gardening and local wine from nearby Mallow Run Winery. Classes are held May 5, 12 and 19, from 1 to 4 pm.
Free Comic Book Day & Mini Con
Join Krypton Comics in Martinsville for a mini-convention of regional comic book artists on Free Comic Book Day, May 5. Admission is free and works from several Hoosier artists will be on dsplay and available for purchase, as well as free comic books for all attendees.
Link Observatory Open Observation
On May 5, come visit this historic observatory for a public observation night! Experts will be on hand to answer all your questions about the observatory itself and the night skies. The dome will open so you can look through the powerful telescope, if weather permits.
Glenn Miller Orchestra in Concert
Morgan County Community Concerts presents the famous Glenn Miller Orchestra, still the most sought after big band in the world, on May 7 at Hoosier Harvest Church. The 18 member ensemble, including a vocalist, will wow you with original Miller arrangements and modern selections as well.
Fossil Fun
Join local amateur paleontologist Steve Bodi for a fun program a the Morgan County Public Library on Tuesday, May 8 at 7 pm. Admission is free. Hear all about Bodi's passion for fossils and learn more about "Juliet," the 28 foot long hadrosaur he helped excavate.
Mother's Day Stepping Stones Workshop
Greendell Landscape Solutions presents a two day art class where you'll create garden stepping stones that will make perfect Mother's Day gifts, using concrete and decorative glass. Class is May 8 & 10 at 5 pm.
Daytime Open Hours at Link Observatory
Join the experts at Link Observatory for a daytime visit! Explore the historic structure, see Dr. Link's doctor memorabilia from the 1930's and learn about the construction and the history of the unique observatory. Open 9 am to 3 pm.
2nd Friday Open Studios Night & Open Mic Night
The Art Sanctuary welcomes you to their monthly Open Studios Night to chat with resident artists. The former church building is home to 20+ artist studios, exhibit space and even performance space. Don't miss Open Mic Night downstairs where local musicians will share their talents.
May Bird Count & Wildflower Walk
Old Town Waverly Park will host a Big May Day Bird Count and Wildflower Walk on Saturday, May 12. Beginning at 9 am, join naturalist Joni James for the bird count, then at 11 am naturalist David Mow will lead a wildflower walk. The historic bank building will be open, and both blacksmith and tinsmith demonstrators will be on hand throughout the morning as well.
Run With the Foxes
This fun annual run takes place on the trails of Morgan-Monroe State Forest on May 12. There are four course lengths to choose from to ensure easy participation from all levels of runners. Check in begins at 7:30 am and the race begins at 9 am. Register early - participant numbers are limited.
Dirt Track Racing at Paragon Speedway
Racing season begins in May, with the season opener on Saturday, May 12, plus the Dave Peeden Memorial Race for all stock classes on May 19. All active and retired military will get in free with ID on Armed Services Night on the 19th. As always, kids are free with paid adult admission.
Mosaic Bird House Workshop
Greendell Landscape Solutions presents a two-day mosaic birdhouse workshop on May 15 and 17. You'll create a beautiful stained glass mosaic birdhouse to add color to your garden space.
Wildflower Walk
Another chance to enjoy the wildflowers - this will be the last spring wildflower walk of the season at Burkhart Creek Park on May 19. Master Naturalist David Mow will lead participants on a 90 minute walk highlighting native Indiana wildflowers along the way.
Link Observatory Program & Viewing
A multi-media presentation from the experts from Link Observatory Space Science Institute kicks off at 8 pm on May 19 at the Mooresville Public Library. Following the presentation, a shuttle is available to transport families to the Observatory itself for a public telescope viewing opportunity.
Jimmy Buffet Night
Join Ralph & Ava's Cafe as they welcome summer with a fun, Jimmy Buffet themed evening on May 19 from 7 to 10 pm. Brian Wiser and Gemini Pie will be on hand to play all your favorite summer tunes and the evening's menu will feature seasonal cuisine and drinks.
Folk Fest
The Martinsville Arts Council presents Folk Fest at the historic Depot Theatre on Saturday, May 19, beginning at 7 pm. The evening will feature music from the 1960's from local favorites the Blue Eyes & Grey Skies Band. Proceeds benefit the Depot Theatre Building Fund and Desert Rose Women's Shelter.
Morgantown Memorial Parade
This annual memorial parade celebrates 105 years in 2018! Enjoy an old fashioned parade through the streets of Morgantown featuring antique tractors and autos, animals, floats, marching groups and more. Parade begins at 1 pm on Sunday, May 20.
Resurrection & Fancy Sauce in Concert
The first of the Drink at the Creek Concert Series, at Cedar Creek Winery, Brewery and Distillery in Martinsville will feature Resurrection (a Journey tribute band) and Fancy Sauce on May 26. Music begins at 5 pm, all ages are welcome and admission is free! $10 per vehicle parking fee.
Anything on Wheels Car Show
A Memorial Day tradition, this fun car show takes place in downtown Martinsville from 9 am to 2 pm on Monday, May 28. One of the largest car shows in the area, this show is held on the courthouse square, and features 150+ awesome cars, trucks, motorcycles and well... anything on wheels! Bugles Across America provides live, echoing Taps at Noon as a tribute to those honored by the holiday.
