1.
Boerner Botanical Gardens
MAY 1
Flower fans rejoice, it’s finally open! Watch for wildflowers, forsythias and tulips – lots and lots of tulips! – which are in peak season this month only. Check out Art in the Gardens on May 1 to shop items from local makers and peruse what’s in bloom.
2.
Lynden Sculpture Garden by Night
MAY 15
Don’t miss this opportunity to see the sculptures under the light of the full blood moon on May 15. After the guided tour, stick around for treats and a bonfire.
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3.
Milwaukee Farmers Markets
MULTIPLE DATES
It’s the big switch from indoor to outdoor markets this month. Some dates to jot down: Opening day for Brookfield and West Allis is May 7; Oak Creek kicks off May 14; the Tosa sneak peek is May 28.
4.
Bubble Run
MAY 21
This 5K is littered with “Bubble Bogs,” which are mountains of bubbles you can run through. The course is flat, making it suitable for runners of all ages and fitness levels – even stroller pushers are welcome. Run, walk or dance your way through the course, or just show up at Wisconsin State Fair Park on May 21 to watch the festivities.
5.
Maifest Germantown
MAY 21-22
Can’t wait until German Fest? Celebrate the arrival of spring in the traditional German way at this festival, which takes place May 21-22. Expect Bavarian pretzels, dancing and more.
6.
Bradford Beach Volleyball
MAY 31
It’s sand volleyball season, and Bradford Beach is where the action is. Sign up for league play with options for beginners (pick the C league) and experienced players (A or Open leagues). Create teams for doubles or sixes and pick the weekday that suits your schedule Sunday-Thursday. Team registration is open through May 24 and league play kicks off May 31.
7.
Tulip Festival
CHECK WEBSITE FOR UPDATED DATES
This unique festival is in Spring Grove, Illinois, is less than an hour’s drive from Milwaukee, and definitely worth a trip. Go for the headliner – 300,000 bulbs of 30 varieties of tulips – and stay for the food trucks and to snip your own bouquet. Dates depend on bloom season, but are typically early- to mid-May.
