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December 09, 2023

Where Every Family Matters

The Month’s Top 10: May ’17

May is jam packed with family-friendly events ranging from festivals to crafty fun and live entertainment. Here are the best of the best to get you started with your Things To Do calendar. (Pictured above: Local kids participate in the popular stick pony race at Iroquois Steeplechase.)

POPOVICH COMEDY PET THEATER
Thursday, May 4
Franklin Theatre, Franklin
Gregory Popovich brings his talented cast of canines and kitties to the stage.

SPRING TENNESSEE CRAFT FAIR
Friday, May 5 – Sunday, May 7
Centennial Park, Nashville
The 46th annual fair boasts hundreds of artisans and crafters from across the state. The popular Kids’ Tent features lots of hands-on art-making activities for kids of all ages. Plus, a few performances for little ones.

THE ART OF DR. SEUSS
Friday, May 5 – Sunday, May 7
The Factory at Franklin
See familiar and rarely seen works of art from Dr. Seuss’ collection during this free exhibit experience.

TENNESSEE RENAISSANCE FESTIVAL
Community Appreciation Weekend (May 6 – 7)
Artisan & Crafts Weekend (May 13 – 14)
Pirate Invasion Weekend (May 20 – 21)
Celtic Weekend (May 27 – 29)
Castle Gwynn, Arrington
The medieval festivities return for another year of family fun with different themes each weekend. Enjoy jousting knights, fairies, the human chess match, man-powered rides, vendors, giant turkey legs and more.

FRANKLIN HOT AIR BALLOON FESTIVAL
Saturday, May 6
Westhaven Community, Franklin
Inflatable games and lots of children’s activities are on tap along with live music and the festive glow of hot air balloons at dusk.

46TH ANNUAL DAYS ON THE FARM
Thursday, May 11 – Friday, May 12
Sam Davis Home, Smyrna
Kids can explore 19th century farm life with animal encounters, demonstrations, games and more.

BARFIELD BEACH PARTY
Friday, May 12
Barfield Crescent Park, Murfreesboro
Sixty tons of sand beckon kids of all ages. Build castles, play beach games and more.

MIDDLE TENNESSEE STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL
Saturday, May 13
Downtown Portland
Kids love participating in the strawberry pie eating contest. There’s a parade, live entertainment, games and more. It’s a full day of free fun for everyone!

IROQUOIS STEEPLECHASE
Saturday, May 13
Warner Park Equestrian Center, Nashville
The 76th annual event benefits the Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt. Enjoy an afternoon of horse races, and kids can compete in the stock pony race for a $100 prize to Phillips Toy Mart.

FRANKLIN RODEO
Thursday, May 18 – Saturday, May 20
Williamson Ag Expo Park, Franklin
In addition to the main rodeo events, kids can get in on the action during the Mutton Bustin’ and Calf Scramble competitions.

SEE ALL MAY EVENTS!

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