The Best Events Happening in May

Bedrock Gardens in Lee opens to the public on May 17. Photo by Morgan Karanasios

Taco Tour Manchester, May 4

The world’s largest taco tour returns to Manchester to take Elm Street by the taco. With over 60 restaurants serving tacos for $3 each, a concert in Veteran’s Park and Elm Street completely closed down to traffic, the taco will reign supreme once again in the Queen City. Attendees can vote for their favorite taco, and the winning restaurant will receive the Golden Taco Trophy and $1,000 to donate to the charity of their choice. 4 to 8 p.m. in Downtown Manchester. tacotourmanchester.com

40th Annual NH Farm, Forest & Garden Expo, Deerfield, May 5-6

This family-friendly event features a variety of engaging exhibitors, agriculture experts, educational workshops and demonstrations of interest to home-owners, hobby-farmers and industry members alike, including barnyard animals, agricultural demonstrations, children’s programs and activities, livestock and horticultural competitions and more. Demonstrations include working sawmills and heavy equipment. To celebrate 40 years, the beloved annual event will be held at the Deerfield Fairgrounds on Friday 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. (603) 851-8624; nhfarmandforestexpo.org

21st Annual Benefit by the Sea, New Castle, May 6

Support the good work being done to break the cycle of homelessness on the Seacoast by Cross Roads House while enjoying a wonderful evening with likeminded individuals. Learn more about the collective impact we all can make for the hundreds of individuals and families who come to us in need of shelter. This event will take place at the gorgeous Wentworth by the Sea as attendees enjoy a cocktail hour, formal dinner, live music and a dessert lounge. There will also be an opportunity to make a pledge of support for Cross Roads House. This gala is a vital part of securing the necessary funds to continue providing shelter and life-changing services for the homeless in the Granite State. Dress is black tie optional. (603) 436-2218; crossroadshouse.org

Paws for Compassion Brunch, Concord, May 7

This fundraiser for Pope Memorial SPCA of Concord-Merrimack County features a delicious brunch, silent auction and social time with adoptable pets at the Grappone Conference Center. (603) 856-8756; popememorialspca.org

Camienne Financial Cinco de Miles 5K, Bedford, May 7

Celebrate Mexico’s independence and bring the whole family to participate in the festivities. The first 1,500 to register will receive a free quarter-zip pullover. After you finish the race, take a break to enjoy chips and salsa and redeem your cervesa and margarita tickets. Race kicks off at 9:15 a.m. at Bedford High School. millenniumrunning.com

NHBCA 39^th Annual Arts Awards Gala, Manchester, May 8

 Save the date for the 39th annual gala event, where attendees join together in celebrating art and community. The NHBCA educates, motivates and recognizes business support of and participation in the arts. They also advocate for the value of the arts in economic, social and community development, and facilitate people and projects that enhance engagement in the arts. Event takes place at the DoubleTree by Hilton in Manchester. New Hampshire Magazine is a proud sponsor of this event. nhbca.com

Kids Con New England, Concord, May 13

At the Amherst Garden Club’s flagship event, the organization sells more than 2,000 potted perennials each year, dug by hand from gardens in and around Amherst. This year the org will be highlighting native plants, instructing why they’re so vital to the environment. Vendors will be peddling veggies, herbs, hanging pots, houseplants, garden ornaments, used garden books and magazines, container pots and more — a one-stop kickoff for your gardening season. Kids can pot a flowering plant for their special Moms, along with delicious home-baked items to eat or for gifting. Event runs from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Wilkins School. amherstgardenclub.org

NH Sheep and Wool Festival, Deerfield, May 13-14

Currently in its 45th year, the festival features programming both for producers of sheep and wool and for those of us who are just fans. Don’t miss the long list of workshops and demos on woolen clothes-making, or for a good laugh, the human-and-sheep-partnered costume contest. $10. It all goes down at the Deerfield Fairgrounds on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. nhswga.com

New Hampshire Renaissance Faire, Fremont, May 13-14, 20-21

Noble knights and fair maidens alike will find something to enjoy in this longstanding Granite State fête. Spread across two weekends and a massive fairground venue, this Best of NH award-winning event includes everything from an archery range and knight, pirate and gypsy encampments to a zoo animal area said to contain real dragons. Travel back to medieval times at Brookvale Pines Farm. (603) 679-2415; nhrenfaire.com

Howie Mandel, Portsmouth, May 14

Howie Mandel has remained a constant force in show business for more than 30 years. He can currently be seen on NBC’s flagship series ​“America’s Got Talent,” where he has served as a judge for 11 seasons. He recently finished production on his new documentary ​“Howie Mandel: But Enough About Me.” In 2019, he released his first solo special in 20 years, ​“Howie Mandel Presents: Howie Mandel at the Howie Mandel Comedy Club.” See Mandel in Portsmouth’s historic Music Hall. themusichall.org

Bedrock Gardens Opening Day, Lee, May 17

Head to this 37-acre public oasis of art, horticulture and inspiration as they celebrate their opening day of the season. The garden includes many structural elements such as paths, an espaliered fence, architecturally interesting rocks, pergolas, fountains, water features, a Japanese teahouse, whimsical garden art and two miles of woodland trails. The beds also have a range of plant varieties and unusual specimens of perennials, trees and shrubs designed to immerse you into the relaxation benefits of being in nature. Self-guided tours will be available. bedrockgardens.org

Read more about Bedrock Gardens here.

Rock ‘N Race, Concord, May 18

Join more than 5,000 runners, walkers and volunteers participating in the largest charity race north of Boston. All funds raised at this event support Concord Hospital Payson Center for Cancer Care to make a difference in the lives of cancer patients and their families. You can help by sponsoring a participant, volunteering, underwriting a service or making a donation. This year’s race kicks off at 6 p.m. giveto.concordhospital.org

Exeter Arts & Music Festival, Exeter, May 20

There’s no shortage of Seacoast-area festivals on the calendar this summer, but you can get a head start on the season with this fest from Town.Exeter.Arts.Music. There’s plenty of family programming, but this party is especially impressive with attractions like a rock climbing wall, an ecovillage and sets from hip local musicians to supplement the standard arts festival fare at Swasey Parkway. (603) 512-8396; teamexeter.com

Lakes Region Spring Craft Fair, Tilton, May 20-21

Over 100 exhibitors will be displaying their handsome soy candles, wrought iron creations, macrame chairs & swings, cedar wood furniture, pottery and more at the Tanger Outlets on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (603) 387-1510; joycescraftshows.com

Memorial Day Weekend Craft Fair, North Conway, May 27-28

Over 120 exhibitors will be displaying their fine jewelry, pottery, gourmet foods, quilts and so much more from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Schouler Park. joycescraftshows.com

Wildquack Duck Race & Music Festival, Jackson, May 28

The 33rd Wildquack Duck Race & Music Festival features an entire community, family, fun-filled day in the park with so much to do throughout the day that the events have their own brochure. This free event features food, duck races, kids activities, traveling train rides, an incredible silent auction, live music from local favorites Al Shafner and Dennis & Davey and wares by local artisans on display and for purchase. The day’s events start at 8 a.m. and the first duck race goes off at 1:45 p.m. (978) 580-0905; visitwhitemountains.com

Memorial Day Weekend Fireworks Show at Hampton Beach, Hampton, May 28

Bring a blanket and the whole family to kick off summer with this incredible fireworks display at 9:30 p.m. (603) 926-8717; hamptonbeach.org