By the time June rolls around, it’s just too darned hot and humid outdoors in Northeast Florida to do much of anything. But the weather is just right in May for big outdoor gatherings, and there are some really good ones to choose from in the Jacksonville area — three big country concerts at the stadium, giant festivals in Fernandina Beach and Palatka and one of the city’s crown jewels, the Jacksonville Jazz Festival (which is only half outdoors), to wrap it all up.

Signature events

Isle of Eight Flags Shrimp Festival

May 3-5 in Fernandina Beach 

You can use the full name if you want (eight flags have flown over Amelia Island in its long history) but just say “shrimp festival” and everyone will know what you’re talking about. There’s more to it than just shrimp — a pageant, a parade, a 5K run, a beard contest, an ice cream-eating competition, fireworks, a pirate invasion, a shrimp-fleet blessing and, of course, the Swingin’ Medallions. Info: shrimpfestival.com

Romanza Festivale of Music & the Arts

May 3-19 at various venues around St. Augustine 

The festival includes more than 40 events, including plays, concerts, storytelling sessions, improv comedy and visiting authors. Among the performers scheduled to appear are the Count Basie Orchestra, the Florida Chamber Music Project, Linda Cole, Mama Blue, Italian violinist Luca Ciarla and the Con Brio String Quartet. Info: romanzafestivale.com

Jacksonville Jazz Piano Competition

May 23 at the Florida Theatre 

The traditional start to the Jazz Festival sees five jazz pianists, accompanied by a top-notch rhythm section, performing for prestige and a spot on the big Met Park stage on Saturday afternoon. It’s free. Info: floridatheatre.com

Jacksonville Jazz Festival

May 24-26 at Metropolitan Park and Daily’s Place 

Two dozen acts, including Joss Stone, Stanley Clarke, Robin Thicke, Keiko Matsui, Brian Culbertson and Gregory Porter, play for free. This year’s festival is in two venues, Met Park and Daily’s Place and the Daily’s stage, which is under cover, could come in handy if the weather turns bad. Info: jacksonvillejazzfest.com

Blue Crab Festival

May 24-26 in Palatka 

The St. Johns River waterfront in Palatka comes alive for a weekend of waterski shows, vendors, food trucks, kids’ games and live music by the likes of Trick Daddy, Mark Wills and 95 South. Info: palatkabluecrabfestival.com

Concerts

Luke Combs

With Cody Jinks, Charles Wesley Godwin, Hailey Whitters and the Wilder Blue, 5:45 p.m. Friday, May 3, at EverBank Stadium. $59-$329. 

With Jordan Davis, Drew Parker and Colby Acuff, 5:45 p.m. Saturday, May 4, at EverBank Stadium. $59-$329. 

Combs was a rising star in country music, then he did a cover of Tracy Chapman’s 1988 song “Fast Car” and quickly became the rising star in country music. He’s doing two shows at the stadium with a different supporting cast each night (and chances are good he plays “Fast Car” at both of them). Info: everbankstadium.com

George Strait, Chris Stapleton and Little Big Town

5:45 p.m. Saturday, May 11, at EverBank Stadium. $155-$565. 

Remember that scene in “The Blues Brothers” where Jake asks the barmaid what kind of music they play and she says they have both kinds, country and western? Strait is the absolute master of the western part and he’s bringing along some big-name openers for the third show in eight days at EverBank Stadium. Info: everbankstadium.com

JJ Grey & Mofro

With Lucero, American Aquarium and Satsang, 4 p.m. Saturday, May 25, at the St. Augustine Amphitheatre. $60.50-$96.50. 

With the Allman Betts Band, G. Love & Special Sauce and the Anders Osborne Duo, 4 p.m. Sunday, May 26, at the St. Augustine Amphitheatre. $60.50-$96.50.

The Jacksonville-based singer/songwriter, who leads a band of mostly Jacksonville musicians, has a new album, “Olustee,” and expects to sneak a few new songs into his Blackwater Sol Revue set. Info: theamp.com

Lionel Richie and Earth, Wind & Fire

7:30 p.m. Saturday, May 25, at VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena. $57.86-$242.87. 

They’re calling it the Sing a Song All Night Long Tour, in a nod to one of Richie’s hits and one of EWF’s. Expect a night in boogie wonderland, where you’ll hear songs you know by heart all night long (all night, all night...). Info: jaxevents.com

Dave Matthews Band

7:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 28, and Wednesday, May 29, at Daily's Place. $95-$115. 

Matthews and guitarist Tim Reynolds were one of the first acts to play at Daily’s Place when it opened in 2017. He’s bringing the full band this time for two shows in a venue about half the size of others on his summer tour. Info: dailysplace.com

Other concerts in May

Sawyer Brown, 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 1, at the Thrasher-Horne Center. $29-$89.

Eddie 9V, 8 p.m. Thursday, May 2, at Cafe Eleven in St. Augustine. $15-$20.

Me First and the Gimme Gimmes, 7 p.m. Friday, May 3, at the St. Augustine Amphitheatre Backyard Stage. $31.50-$37.

Big Something, 7 p.m. Friday, May 3, at Underbelly. $20.

Selwyn Birchwood, 8 p.m. Friday, May 3, at Cafe Eleven in St. Augustine. $30-$40.

Kenny G, 8 p.m. Saturday, May 4, at the Florida Theatre. $29.50-$99.50.

Liliac, 6 p.m. Sunday, May 5, at Kona Skatepark. $10.

Sandra McCracken, 7 p.m. Sunday, May 5, at the Murray Hill Theatre. $20-$25.

Andy Frasco and the UN, 7 p.m. Sunday, May 5, at Underbelly. $24-$28.

The Fixx, 7 p.m. Sunday, May 5, at the Florida Theatre. $39.50-$59.50.

Hozier, 7 p.m. Tuesday, May 7, at VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena. $46.41-$96.41.

Emo Orchestra and Escape the Fate, 7 p.m. Tuesday, May 7, at the Florida Theatre. $30-$60.

Kurt Vile and the Violators, 7 p.m. Thursday, May 9, at Intuition Ale Works. $35.

Trace Adkins, 7:30 p.m.Thursday, May 9, at the Thrasher-Horne Center. $49-$119.

Howard Hewett, 8 p.m. Saturday, May 11, at the Ritz Theatre. $60-$80.

AJR, 7:30 p.m. Sunday, May 12, at VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena. $46.41-$154.

Circles Around the Sun and Grateful Shred, 7 p.m. Friday, May 17, at Intuition Ale Works. $32.

Megan Moroney, with Logan Crosby, 7:30 p.m. Friday, May 17, at the St. Augustine Amphitheattre. $29.50-$59.50.

As If! The '90s Fest, with Deana Carter, Paula Cole and Fastball, 1 p.m. Saturday, May 18, at Francis Field, St. Augustine. $30-$200.

Authority Zero, 6 p.m. Sunday, May 19, at the Colonial Oak Music Park in St. Augustine. $25.

Melody Trucks featuring the Fitzkee Brothers, 7 p.m. Sunday, May 19, at Underbelly. $15.

Tank, with Keri Hilson and Carl Thomas, 8 p.m. Sunday, May 19, at the Moran Theater. $56.41-$126.41.

Thievery Corporation, 7 p.m. Thursday, May 23, at the St. Augustine Amphitheatre Backyard Stage. $50-$55.

Dave Eggar & Bristol Lightning, 7 p.m. Thursday, May 23, at Friday Musicale. $25-$30.

Glass Camels, 4 p.m. Friday, May 24, at Underbelly. $15-$20.

Randy Houser, 7 p.m. Saturday, May 25, at Tringali Barn in St. Augustine. $100 general admission, $1,000-$4,000 for eight-person pod.

NF, 8 p.m. Sunday, May 26, at VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena. $36.41-$106.42.

Tye Tribbett, 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 28, at the Florida Theatre. $29.50-$69.50.

Tributes

One Night of Queen (Queen tribute), 8 p.m. Wednesday, May 8, at the Florida Theatre. $35-$55.

Ultimate Rush (Rush tribute), 7 p.m. Saturday, May 18, at Underbelly. $15-$20.

Michael Cavanaugh with the Jacksonville Symphony (Billy Joel tribute), 7:30 p.m. Friday, May 31, and Saturday, June 1, at Jacoby Symphony Hall. $30-$84.

Comedy

We Them Ones Comedy Tour

7 p.m. Sunday, May 5, at VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena. $69.50-$249.50. 

Tickets aren’t cheap, but they might just be worth every penny for an evening of laughs with Mike Epps, Lil Duval, DeRay Davis, Chico Bean, Mojo Brookzz, Moneybag Mafia and DC Young Fly. Info: jaxevents.com

Michael Blackson

7:15 and 9:45 p.m. Friday, May 10; 7 and 9:30 p.m. Saturday, May 11; 7 p.m. Sunday, May 12, at the Comedy Zone. $39-$59. 

Blackson is a regular on the big arena comedy tours, but this time out he’s in the intimate Comedy Zone. Info: comedyzone.com

Other Comedy Zone shows in May:

• Bubba Dub, May 2-4

• Gigi LeFlair, May 9

• Gary Owen, May 17-19

• Zainab Johnson, May 23-26

• Jackie Fabulous, May 30-June 1

Jim Breuer

7 p.m. Sunday, May 12, at the Florida Theatre. $35-$75. 

The former “Saturday Night Live” staffer and frequent Howard Stern guest brings his live act to the stage. Info: floridatheatre.com

Jeff Dye

8 p.m. Friday, May 17, at the Terry Theater. $22.50-$42.50. 

You might recognize Dye as one of the judges on “The Masked Singer,” on the Fox gameshow “Who the Bleep is That?” or one of the late-night talk shows. Info: jaxevents.com

Theater

Wine Down Wednesday Cabaret

May 1, 8, 15, 22 and 29 at Hardwicks Bar 

Josh Waller, founder of Jacksonville’s Five & Dime theater company, brings in guests every Wednesday evening for cabaret performances. Info: the5anddime.org

‘Disney’s Frozen’

Through May 3 at the Moran Theater. $56-$133. 

If you don’t know the tale of two sisters, a talking snowman and a moose named Sven, you clearly don’t have kids. The Disney blockbuster wraps up an 11-show run in Jacksonville. Info: fscjartistseries.org

‘Picasso at the Lapin Agile’

Through May 5 at Theatre Jacksonville 

Imagine Pablo Picasso and Albert Einstein sitting down for lunch at a Paris cafe. Now imagine that scene through the filter of Steve Martin’s mind. Info: theatrejax.com

‘Steel Magnolias’

Through May 11 at Orange Park Community Theatre 

The Southern classic about a gossipy beauty parlor comes to the stage. Info: opct.info

‘Escape to Margaritaville’

Through May 12 at Alhambra Theatre & Dining

If ever there was a songwriter whose tunes were built for a “jukebox musical,” it’s Jimmy Buffett. Info: alhambrajax.com

‘First Date’

Through May 12 at Limelight Theatre, St. Augustine 

First dates are rough enough without friends, family and social media getting involved. Info: limelight-theatre.org

‘Gilligan’s Island: The Musical’

Through May 12 at the Spotlight Center, Fleming Island 

Just sit right back and you’ll hear a tale, a tale of a fateful trip... Info: spotlighteventscenter.com

‘An Experiment with an Air Pump’

May 3-12 at the Island Theater, Fleming Island 

British playwright Shelagh Stephenson’s tale examines ethics in the medical field. Info: theislandtheater.com

‘I Never Saw Another Butterfly’

May 6 at Amelia Community Theatre, Fernandina Beach 

One-night performance of Celeste Raspanyi’s harrowing tale of life in the Czech Terezin Ghetto. Info: ameliacommunitytheatre.org

‘The Odd Couple’

May 9-19 at Amelia Musical Playhouse, Fernandina Beach 

Neil Simon’s tale of a slovenly sports writer and a fussy photographer is a timeless classic. Info: ameliamusicalplayhouse.com

‘Trouble in Mind’

May 10-26 at Players by the Sea 

A thought-provoking play-within-a-play looks at the racial politics of theater. Info: playersbythesea.org

‘Airing Grandma’s Laundry and other Hush Hush Family Secrets’

May 12 at the Ritz Theatre 

Natasha O’s beloved 2011 book comes to the stage, revealing all the not-so-secret family secrets. Info: ritzjacksonville.com

‘Super Freak’

May 16 at the Moran Theatre 

Rick James’ biggest hits are used to tell the not-always-happy story of the punk funk musician’s life. Info: jaxevents.com

‘Boeing Boeing’

May 23-June 16 at Alhambra Theatre & Dining 

A swinging-’60s ladies’ man is engaged to three women at the same time and thinks he can get away with it. Info: alhambrajax.com

‘Rock of Ages’

May 30-June 20 at Orange Park Community Theatre 

The “jukebox musical” stripmines ‘80s FM radio for a tale of a has-been rocker. Info: opct.info

‘Broken Promises, Distorted Truths’

May 31-June 1 at the Ritz Theatre 

Story based on real-life events turns the spotlight on domestic violence. Info: ritzjacksonville.com

Classical, jazz and dance

Organ Chamber Music

May 4 at Jacoby Symphony Hall 

Greg Zelek fires up the giant Bryan Concert Organ for the final time this season. Info: jaxsymphony.org

Cinematic Symphony

May 4 at Lewis Auditorium, St. Augustine 

The St. Augustine Symphony performs beloved movie favorites. Info: staugustineorchestra.com

Stars of the Stage and Screen

May 4 at St. Paul’s by the Sea Episcopal Church, Jacksonville Beach 

May 5 at the Jacksonville Jewish Center 

The Civic Orchestra of Jacksonville performs music from “Wicked,” “Apollo 13,” “Star Trek” and other films and plays. Info: civicorchestrajax.org

Terence Blanchard

May 5 at Jacoby Symphony Hall 

Trumpeter Blanchard brings his band, the E-Collective, and the Turtle Island Quartet for an evening of music composed by Wayne Shorter. Info: jaxsymphony.org

First Coast Wind Symphony Family Concert

May 5 at Terry Concert Hall, Jacksonville University 

Concert features the winner of a statewide Concerto Competition. Info: fcwinds.org

JSYO Major/Minor

May 8 at Jacoby Symphony Hall 

Students from the Jacksonville Symphony Youth Orchestra program perform side-by-side with pros from the symphony. Info: jaxsymphony.org

Benny Green

May 10 at Friday Musicale

Green was playing piano in jazz clubs when he was still in high school and has released at least 20 albums on his own. Info: fridaymusicale.com

Atlanta Dance Connection

May 10-11 at Amelia Community Theatre, Fernandina Beach 

Dancers from the Amelia Island Dance Festival and the Atlanta Dance Connection team up for two performances. Info: ameliacommunitytheatre.org

Dancin’ in the Streets

May 10-11 at Jacoby Symphony Hall 

Vocal quartet Spectrum joins the Jacksonville Symphony for an evening of Motown favorites. Info: jaxsymphony.org

In Bloom: Jacksonville Dance Theatre

May 11 at the Florida Theatre

Dancers perform on stage in JDT’s 12^th annual spring showcase. Info: floridatheatre.com

Afternoon Tea

May 11 at St. Anastasia Catholic Church, St. Augustine 

Enjoy an afternoon of tea, pastries and classical music from the St. Augustine Orchestra. Info: staugustineorchestra.com

Festival of Choirs

May 11 at St. John’s Cathedral 

The Jacksonville Children’s Chorus and other choral groups from around the region perform in an all-day festival. Info: jaxchildrenschorus.org

Emilio Solla & Tributango

May 12 at St. Paul’s by the Sea Episcopal Church, Jacksonville Beach 

The free Beaches Fine Arts Series wraps up its season with a master of the tango. Info: beachesfinearts.org

Mother’s Day Concert

May 12 at St. John’s Cathedral 

The First Coast Wind Symphony presents solo violinist Megan McClendon Rios performing songs for moms. Info: fcwinds.org

ArtSongs

May 12 at Jacoby Symphony Hall 

Two of Jacksonville’s largest cultural institutions join forces as images of works from the Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens are projected onto a large screen over the head of the musicians of the Jacksonville Symphony. Info: jaxsymphony.org

Adelya Plays The Lark Ascending

May 17-18 at Jacoby Symphony Hall 

Vaughn Williams’ “The Lark Ascending” is a notoriously difficult piece to play. Fortunately, Jacksonville Symphony Concertmaster Adelya Nartadjieva is up to the task. Info: jaxsymphony.org

Beethoven and Beer

May 29 at Mocama Beer Co., Fernandina Beach 

The Ariel Quartet from the University of Cincinnati performs chamber music in a brewery. Info: ameliachambermusic.org

Events

BB Revue Burlesque Show

May 2 at Blue Jay Listening Room, Jacksonville Beach 

Carmen Gatten is the host for an evening of burlesque, music, dance, and contortion, for ages 21 and over. Info: 904tix.com

Halfway to Halloween

May 3-4 at 13^th Floor Haunted House 

It seems like a long way to Halloween, but not for the folks at 13^th Floor, who have cooked up a weekend of off-season frights. They’ll also have axe throwing, escape games and zombie shooting to keep you busy. Info: 13thfloorjacksonville.com

Star Wars Day

May 4 at Jack Rabbits 

“May the Fourth be with you” is a terrible pun, but a pretty good excuse to throw a Star Wars party. They’ve got Skyview, a Jacksonville-based indie band that sings songs about space, plus a “cosmic” costume contest. Info: jaxlive.com

St. Augustine Craft Brewers Festival

May 4 at the Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park, St. Augustine 

Charity festival features more than 25 brewers, plus food trucks, a photo booth and face painters. Info: beerfests.com

Duval de Mayo

May 5 under the Fuller Warren Bridge 

Cinco de Mayo is as good an excuse as any for tacos and tequila on the riverfront. The inaugural festival also includes live music, an artisan market, silent disco and food trucks. Info: duvaldemayo.com

Mary Kay Andrews

May 5 at the BookMark, Neptune Beach 

Best-selling author Andrews (“Summers at the Saint”) discusses her work with writers Kristin Harmel, Patti Callahan Henry and Kristy Woodson Harvey. Info: bookmarkbeach.com

Drake’s Raid Reenactment

May 10-11 in St. Augustine 

2,000 Englishmen raided Spanish-held St. Augustine in 1586. Re-enactors will recreate the raid on May 11 at the Orange Street Redoubt, in front of Ann O’Malley’s. They’ll also set up an era-appropriate settlement at the Oldest House Museum Complex, with drills and weapons demonstrations. Info: visitstaugustine.com

Sunflower and Tomato Festival

May 11 at Wesley Wells Farms, St. Augustine 

You-pick farm on Ada Arnold Road was the site for last year’s inaugural Tomato Fest, which has been expanded this year to include sunflowers. They’ll have a craft market, live entertainment and a salsa-tasting contest. Info: visitstaugustine.com

Mother’s Day Brunch

May 12 at the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens 

There are a lot of mothers at the zoo, making it the perfect place to bring your mother for a traditional brunch followed by a stroll through the exhibits. Info: jacksonvillezoo.org

Jax Parks Monopoly Tournament

May 18 at Oceanway Center 

Grab your racecar or tophat and get rolling in an officially sanctioned Monopoly tournament. Games are limited to 75 minutes, which allows organizers to get in three rounds. Info: jacksonville.gov

Repticon

May 18-19 at the Jacksonville Fairgrounds 

Shop for a scaly new pet or find everything you need to keep your lizards and snakes happy and healthy. Info: repticon.com

Bold Vigilance

May 18 at the Jacksonville Naval Museum 

Enjoy cocktails, appetizers and a silent auction aboard the USS Orleck during the museum’s inaugural gala. Info: jaxnavalmuseum.org

Brick Fan Expo

May 18-19 at the Prime Osborn Center 

It’s pretty amazing what people can do with little plastic bricks. Come see Lego moon bases and castles, meet professional builders and buy hard-to-find Lego sets. Info: primefosborn.com

Emancipation Celebration

May 19 at James Weldon Johnson Park 

Celebrate the day enslaved people were officially emancipated in Florida with host Rahman Johnson and entertainment from the Katz Downstairs, Mr. Al Pete, the Nan Nkama Pan-African & Drum Ensemble, Taryn Warwood and Mal Jones. Info: jamesweldonjohnsonpark.org

An Evening with Lee Asher

May 29 at the Florida Theatre 

The star of Animal Planet’s “My Pack Life” discusses his efforts rescuing abandoned and neglected dogs. Info: floridatheatre.com

Untold Stories

May 30 at the Florida Theatre 

The storytelling series continues, with Mike Favo, Mary Strickland, Aaron Gottlieb, Alexis Alexander, Haley Tinkle and Adam Madris speaking on the topic of “spring.” Info: floridatheatre.com

TayTay Laser Party

May 31 at the Florida Theatre 

Last November’s Taylor Swift-themed laser dance party was such a hit, they’re bringing it back. Info: floridatheatre.com

Sports

Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp

May 1-5, 14-19, 28-31 at 121 Financial Ballpark

Jacksonville’s AAA baseball club has homestands against Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, Nashville and Durham. Info: milb.com/jacksonville

Jacksonville 95ers

May 2-3 vs. Raleigh Firebirds, May 5 vs. Coastal Georgia Buccaneers at Jacksonville University’s Swisher Gymnasium 

It’s the final month of The Basketball League’s season. Info: jacksonville95ers.com

Combat Night Pro Duval

May 4 at the Prime Osborn Convention Center 

Mixed martial arts competition featuring Korey Taylor, Christian Lohsen, Timothy Kline and others. Info: primefosborn.com

Jacksonville Armada

May 11, 18 and 25 at Hodges Stadium, University of North Florida 

Jacksonville has a pair of U23 soccer teams that play at UNF. The men’s team plays against Global Soccer Pathways on May 11 and Naples United FC on May 18. The women’s team has a home game against Dade County FC on May 25. Info: jacksonvillearmada.com

WWE Smackdown

May 17 at VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena 

Randy Orton, Rey Mysterio, Jade Cargill, Kevin Owens, Bianca Belair, L.A. Knight and others are on the card for the wrestling showdown. Info: jaxevents.com

Jacksonville Sharks

May 18 at VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena 

It’s Superhero Night when the sharks welcome the Sioux Falls Storm for arena football action. Info: jaxsharks.com

Jacksonville Dixie Blues

May 25 at Andrew Jackson High School 

The Jaguars aren’t the only football team in town. The Dixie Blues, members of the Women’s Football Alliance, welcome the Raleigh Express. Info: dixiebluesfootball.net

This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: Things to do in Jacksonville, Florida, in May 2024