May marks the start of summertime in Miami and just about the last month before things turn sticky. So to take advantage of this beautiful month, here’s our curated list of May Must-Do events, from the very first Formula 1 Miami Gran Prix to Mother’s Day, Cinco de Mayo and Memorial Day. Before you head out, check out our list of things to do in Miami this month.

In addition to F1 racing, Jeep enthusiasts will find their very first showcase (worth turning into a tradition) in Virginia Key. There are two electrifying music festivals that take you close to the water – GroundUp Music Fest and the Best of the Best concert. Plus, there’s also a Vegandale fest to keep our foodies happy. 

Also, we’ve got a great selection of Mother’s Day events to help you spend a wonderful day honoring the Moms in our lives. Read below for the complete list of Top Things to Do in Miami this May 2022:

Things to Do in Miami - May Events at a Glance

• Special: Mother’s Day 2022 Events
• Special: Memorial Day 2022 Events

May 2022: Miami In-person Events

• Miami Attraction and Museum Months: Throughout May
• Events at the Fairchild: Throughout May
• Events at the Adrienne Arsht Center: Throughout May 
• Woofstock - Peace, Love, and Paws + Pet Adoption: May 1
• Fish Called Avalon’s ‘Support the People of Ukraine’ Dinner Fundraiser: May 2
• MayDayMiami Jeep Showcase: May 6 & 7
• GroundUP Music Festival: May 6-8
• Formula 1 Miami Grand Prix: May 6-8
• Marnino Toussaint at Vizcaya Late: May 11
• Live @ Frost - The Future of Forensic Science: May 11
• In Solidarity - Haitian Heritage Night at PAMM: May 12
• ICA’s Fire Figure Fantasy Exhibition Opening Reception: May 12
• Tamiami International Orchid Festival: May 13-15
• Volunteer Days - Invasive Plant Removal Days: May 14
• Sunday Member Sketch Club: May 15
• Making Seed Bombs at Vizcaya: May 15
• Sherlock Holmes: The Exhibition: May 16
• Vegandale Festival: May 21
• Miami short Film Festival - Focus On Local Filmmakers: May 22
• Tech Lab - Weather and Augmented Reality: May 22
• Hyundai Air & Sea Show: May 28 & 29

May 2022: Miami Virtual Events

• Zoom Workshop - Getting Started with Drawing: May 6
• Giving Voice - Original Monologues Inspired by Visual Art: May 11

Special: Mother’s Day 2022 Events in Miami

Let mom (or your mom-figure) know how special she is, as you set aside time to treat her to some great events around Miami:

• Cinco de Mama: May 5. This night out is perfect for mommies who love a Cinco De Mayo-style celebration, complete with margaritas, tequila, tacos, live music, and a free swag bag with a surprise gift card worth $25-$100.
• Prodigal Son: May 6-8. Does mother enjoy ballet? Get her to the Ziff Ballet Opera House at the Adrienne Arsht Center to witness this “funny and naive” drama featuring soaring leaps and fearless acrobatics.
• Pre-Mother's Day Yoga: May 7. Help mom find her Zen with free yoga and bottomless mimosas in Wynwood.
• Pamper & Heal Ceremony: May 7. This one’s a great pick for mothers and daughters looking to spend some quality time together. Join Allegra for some gentle yoga and a dance, followed by guided skin rituals using natural products and affirmations for a wholesome affair.
• Breakfast at Tiffany's inspired Pre-Mother's Day Tea: May 7. Head out to the Coral Gables Woman's Club for a sophisticated tea party of scones, finger sandwiches, desserts, tea, socializing, and perhaps a cocktail or two.
• Forever Lit – Candle-making Class: May 7. This fun conversation starter is great for mommy and her little ones to bond over. The intimate class features supplies, complimentary cheesecake, games, music, and more.
• Rosé Brunch at Time Out Market: May 8. Does mother relish her rosé time? Then treat her to this fine brunch, complete with a welcome glass of rosé, unlimited mimosas, La Fête Rosé tastings, and a relaxing massage afterward.
• Mother’s Day Picnic and Spring Plant Sale: May 8. Give mommy’s home garden a boost with a plant from the Fairchild. And while you’re at it, treat her to a picnic basket, mimosas, a special spa, and some great lawn games too.
• Mother’s Day Bay Cruise & Brunch: May 8. Get your own picnic basket to enjoy at the sprawling Deering Estate and enroll for a relaxing cruise of Biscayne Bay with complimentary champagne while you’re at it.
• Maxwell’s Night Tour: May 8. Is mom an R&B fan? Take her to the FTX Arena for a night of great tunes from three-time GRAMMY Award-winning artist, Maxwell’s new release.

Special: Memorial Day 2022 Events in Miami

• Hyundai Air & Sea Show: May 28 & 29. This awe-inspiring air and sea show honoring our armed forces and first responders is back this Memorial Day Weekend with the best of fighter jets, from F-15s to F-32s, Raptors, Stealth and B-52 bombers, choppers, Airborne divisions, historic planes and much more.

May 2022: In-Person Events in Miami

Miami Attraction and Museum Months: Throughout May

Multiple Museums and Area Attractions across Miami

Get a new perspective on Miami’s rich culture, heritage, and attractions as great deals tempt you to don your explorer’s hat. Into its second month, enjoy Miami’s top attractions and museums with two-for-one admissions, buy-one-get-one free packages, and other fabulous discounts as part of the Miami Temptations Program. Participating institutions include the HistoryMiami Museum, Vizcaya Museum and Gardens, Lowe Art Museum, Miami City Ballet, The Bass Museum, and more.

Events at the Fairchild: Throughout May

10901 Old Cutler Road, Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden, Coral Gables

With an extensive lineup of events, this is your chance to experience the Fairchild in full bloom. Here’s what the botanic garden has in store for May:

• Gardening – The Art and Science of Growing Orchids on May 3-17, Mommy and Me Macramé on May 6 & Flower Power! with Miami Seed Share on May 14
• Nature Walks – Guided Early Morning Bird Walk on May 7 & Guided Early Morning Bird Walk on May 14
• Art/Photography – Impressionist Blooms on May 12 through June 23 & iPhoneography of The Golden Hour on May 13
• Yoga – Saturday Morning Yoga and Harp on May 7 & Yoga Con El Atardecer Y La Luna Llena on May 16

Events at the Adrienne Arsht Center for Performing Arts: Throughout May

Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts, 1300 Biscayne Blvd, Arts & Entertainment District

Always offering a plethora of the best of the performing arts, both locally and nationally, here’s what the Arsht Center Center has on offer this month:

• Our Dead Drug Lord at the Arsht Center: May 5-22
  Catch ‘Our Dead Drug Lord’s’ Florida premiere and be prepared to take a 90-minute rollercoaster ride through the darker side of the modern American teenage girl. Witness four teenage girls summon the ghost of Pablo Escobar and the drama that unfolds after, in this co-production by Second Stage and WP Theater.

• Miami City Ballet’s Prodigal Son: May 6-8 
  The Ziff Ballet Opera House is the stage for this masterpiece from Balanchine telling the tale of sin and redemption of a young man’s hunger for adventure. Hailed as a “funny and naive” drama featuring soaring leaps and fearless acrobatics.

• Jesus Christ Superstar: May 31
  In celebration of its 50th anniversary, this new production of the Broadway classic, this production won the 2017 Olivier Award for Best Musical Revival. With music and lyrics by Andrew Lloyd Weber and Tim Rice. Don’t miss this production originally led by acclaimed director Timothy Sheader.

Woofstock - Peace, Love, and Paws + Pet Adoption: May 1

The Barnacle Historic State Park, 3485 Main Hwy, Coconut Grove

Treat your furry friend to a breezy day of dog-owner contests, music, pet treats, and plenty of socializing at the historic Barnacle State Park.

Don’t have a pet yet? Come to find your next family member and an adorable companion in need of a new home, thanks to Paw Patrol Animal Rescue & Sanctuary.

Avalon’s ‘Support the People of Ukraine’ Fundraiser: May 2

A Fish Called Avalon, 700 Ocean Drive, South Beach

Dine-in for a cause! Reserve a spot for a prix-fixe dinner at this South Beach hotspot serving award-winning seafood and help bring some relief and supplies to the people of Ukraine.

MayDayMiami Jeep Showcase: May 6 & 7

Historic Virginia Key Beach Park, 4020 Virginia Beach Dr, Virginia Key

Love Jeeps? Then you can’t afford to miss the inaugural chapter of this grand Jeep showcase set against the tropical trappings of the Virginia Key Beach Park. The two-day event will feature some of the most iconic Jeep models, a raffle, great food, drinks, and music for a fun getaway. 

GroundUP Music Festival: May 6-8

North Beach Bandshell, 7275 Collins Ave, North Beach 

This is your chance to interact with the jazz and funk bands you love over three days of great music, masterclasses and workshops on the beach and in the Grove. With no overlapping sets, enjoy a range of music flowing from two electrifying stages at this artist-centric, three-day jam. This year’s lineup includes Snarky Puppy, Antonio Sanchez, Eric Harland, Bokante, and more.

Formula 1 Miami Grand Prix: May 6-8

Hard Rock Stadium, 347 Don Shula Dr, Miami Gardens

It’s finally here! Catch the first Formula 1 Miami Grand Prix roaring through Hard Rock Stadium this May. With a newly built circuit and the hottest international talent on the tracks, it’s THE hottest summer event in Miami. There are also plenty of satellite parties and events to enjoy around town, including the Miami Speed Week at Bayfront Park, the Racing Fan Fest in Wynwood, and the FTX Grand Prix Festival.

Marnino Toussaint at Vizcaya Late: May 11

Vizcaya Village, 3250 S Miami Ave Coconut Grove

It’s the perfect excuse to catch the sunset in these beautiful gardens and enjoy an evening of great music. This month, local musician Marnino Toussaint will be playing under the spotlight at Vizcaya. There will also be a free, 15-minute conversation with educators at the gardens discussing the various restoration projects. 

Live @ Frost - The Future of Forensic Science: May 11

Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science, 1101 Biscayne Blvd, Downtown Miami

In preparation for the upcoming Sherlock Holmes: The Exhibition opening May 16th, join local forensic experts, professors and scientists as they discuss the way to solve mysteries and crimes in the future. A great choice for the super-inquisitive, this panel discussion will focus on how much has changed in forensic science over the past century, cutting-edge innovations used today, and what the future of forensic science could look like, in a child-friendly way. 

In Solidarity - Haitian Heritage Night at PAMM: May 12

Pérez Art Museum Miami, 1103 Biscayne Blvd, Downtown Miami

Photo by Wilson Edmond

It’s an evening in honor of Haitian heritage – and you’re invited! The Pérez Art Museum Miami will be presenting Men Nan Men—an evening of Haitian solidarity via film and discussion. The moving show will be followed by a panel discussion with the filmmakers, traditional Haitian drum n’ dance, sounds by DJ Graematter, plus a happy hour on the terrace.

Fire Figure Fantasy: Selections from ICA Miami’s Collection: May 12

Institute of Contemporary Art Miami, 61 NE 41st Street, Design District

Celebrate the opening of ICA Miami’s newest exhibition, “Fire Figure Fantasy: Selections from ICA Miami’s Collection,” ICA’s first major exhibition to showcase its permanent collection, with a special cocktail reception. Admission is free with required RSVP.

Tamiami International Orchid Festival: May 13-15

Miami Dade County Fair Expo Center, 10901 SW 24th St., Redlands 

It’s the Redland Orchid Festival revamped and renamed! Claiming to be the largest orchid show in the United States, expect to find a huge variety of exotic and rare orchids, more than 90 orchid and orchid-related product vendors, free orchid lectures, and more at this weekend-long celebration. 

Volunteer Days - Invasive Plant Removal Days: May 14

Deering Estate, 16701 SW 72nd Avenue, Palmetto Bay

Help the Deering Estate maintain and keep up its natural ecosystem by volunteering for this clean-up drive. With over 450 acres to cover, the estate could use a hand to weed out, cut, and manually remove unwanted plants. You can also ask for an acknowledgment of your volunteer hours for the record.

Sunday Member Sketch Club at PAMM: May 15

Pérez Art Museum Miami, 1103 Biscayne Blvd, Downtown Miami 

This is PAMM’s first hands-on, art-making class in a series of many. Join artist Noah Cribb to learn the frottage technique, where a rubbing from an uneven surface becomes the basis of your work of art. 

Making Seed Bombs at Vizcaya: May 15

Vizcaya Village, 3250 S Miami Avenue, Coconut Grove

Nope, they are not meant to explode! Head over with your friends and family to the Vizcaya and learn the art of making seed bombs – a mix of seeds, clay, and compost. Bomb your home garden, window box, or yard with these little seed balls and sit back to see greenery take root.

Sherlock Holmes: The Exhibition: May 16

Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science, 1101 Biscayne Blvd, Downtown Miami

Step into Victorian London and test your powers of observation as you work alongside the world’s most famous detective, at this months-long exhibition. Engaging and interactive, visitors will be transported into Sherlock Holmes’ London to solve a mystery in a world newly introduced to his groundbreaking methods.

Vegandale Festival: May 21

Historic Virginia Key Beach Park, 4020 Virginia Beach Dr, Virginia Key 

If you needed a sign to go vegan, let this be it! The biggest vegan fest is coming to Miami to help you understand the possibility of a future without exploiting animals. At this festival, The enjoy visual art, music, food, and spirits! 

Miami short Film Festival - Focus On Local Filmmakers: May 22

Deering Estate, 16701 SW 72nd Avenue, Palmetto Bay

Catch some of the most promising film shorts by local filmmakers at this weekend event. Along with a lineup of 7 engaging short films, you will also be treated to a live Q&A session for a better understanding of the process and the enjoyment of this mini-movies!

Tech Lab - Weather and Augmented Reality: May 22

Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science, 1101 Biscayne Blvd, Downtown Miami

Gather all the tech-heads you know and head to the Frost Museum for this interactive workshop. Help figure out real-world solutions using Augmented Reality and have fun immersing into the incredible world of extreme weather and amazing creatures over this weekend session.

Hyundai Air & Sea Show: May 28 & 29

Between 11th and 14th Street Ocean Drive, South Beach 

The annual air and sea show honoring the forces is back this Memorial Day Weekend. Grab yourself a seat on the sand to witness F-15s to B52 bombers, including the silent Stealth bomber, screaming (or not) through the skies. This two-day showcase will also feature the Cigarette offshore powerboat racing exhibition, extreme water sports, plus a military display village along with great food and music to honor our military and first responders.

May 2022: Virtual Events in Miami

Zoom Workshop - Getting Started with Drawing: May 6

This fun and quick prompt-based drawing workshop by HistoryMiami Museum is great for beginners and aspiring artists. Join artist Asser Saint-Val for this virtual session to help kickstart your drawing journey and/or discover your visual language. 

Giving Voice - Original Monologues Inspired by Visual Art: May 11

Tune in for a refreshing perspective! Join the sophomore students of the BFA Musical Theatre, as they perform creative monologues inspired by works of art on display at the Lowe Art Museum.

Which of these summer events are you likely to attend? Leave us a comment - we’re all ears on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and Twitter!