May is a wonderful month for enjoying the arts in the Southeastern United States. From Charleston's world famous Spoleto Festival to the Atlanta Jazz Festival, here are several great celebrations of the arts, including visual, performing and cultural arts events.
The events are listed chronologically. To find out about more festivals and events taking place in May, visit the
Spring Festivals and Events Guide.
April 14 - May 31, 2009 - Various Venues from Williamsburg to Virginia Beach - This annual Virginia festival features artists from around the world in classical music, dance, theater, world music, jazz, chamber music. A popular signature event of the festival is the Virginia International Tattoo.
Throughout May, 2009 - Hilton Head Island, South Carolina - Visual and performing arts events, cultural activities and special programs highlight the vibrant arts community and diverse cultural heritage of Hilton Head Island and the Lowcountry during this popular festival, which is one of Hilton Head Island's annual highlights.
Throughout May 2009 - Atlanta, Georgia - This annual 31-day schedule of events features world renowned jazz artists plus activities throughout the Metro Atlanta area and culminates during Memorial Day weekend with a two-day festival of dazzling performances.
May 1 - 3, 2009 - Spartanburg, South Carolina - Spring Fling, Spartanburg's longest running festival, is an arts, crafts, culinary and music festival that celebrates the community and downtown Spartanburg, offering something for everyone.
May 2, 2009 - Conway, South Carolina - This jazz and arts festival in downtown Conway, along the banks of the Waccamaw River, is one of the region's liveliest events.
May 16, 2009 - Blowing Rock, North Carolina - First of six shows - This series of six art and fine handcraft shows, held one day each month from May through October, features juried artisans in painting, etching, stained and blown glass, basketry, wood carving and turning, clay, photography, fiber, jewelry and more. (Other dates throughout the season are June 13, July 18, August 15, September 12 and October 3.)
May 16 - 17, 2009 - Raleigh, North Carolina - Artsplosure, one of North Carolina's most acclaimed annual outdoor art festivals, draws more than 70,000 people to the Moore Square Park area of downtown Raleigh to enjoy over than 250 visual and performing artists plus street performers and activities for children.
May 16 - 17, 2009 - Gatlinberg, Tennessee - Held in the center of Gatlinberg along River Road and on the grounds of Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies, this family-oriented festival features quality artists from around the country, music and food vendors from local restaurants.
May 16 - 17, 2009 - Reston, Virginia - Held annually at the Reston Town Center and one of the top outdoor art festivals in the United States, this popular event offers wonderful artwork for sale by more than 170 fine painters, sculptors, crafters and jewelers. A Children's Art Tent provides hands-on activities for kids and live entertainment adds to the fun.
May 23 - 24, 2009 - Decatur, Georgia - Featuring antiques, an arts and crafts festival, competitive juried artists market, Literary Arts Festival, country food and more, this annual community oriented fair offers a glimpse of farm life from days gone by.
May 22 - June 7, 2009 - Charleston, South Carolina - Firmly established as one of the world's major arts festivals, Spoleto Festival USA fills Charleston, South Carolina's historic theaters, churches and outdoor spaces each spring with over 120 performances by renowned artists, as well as emerging performers, in disciplines ranging from opera, theater, music theater, dance, and chamber, symphonic, choral, and jazz music, as well as the visual arts.
