Are you on the hunt for the best things to do in Florida in May?
Well, you’ve come to the right place!
Florida in May is a beautiful time to go out and explore new parts of the Sunshine State and check out all the events and festivals going on.
With the highly anticipated opening of Universal Epic Universe, cultural festivities, Mother’s Day celebrations, to patriotic pride on Memorial weekend, Florida has it all.
So, get ready for a fun-filled month as I share with you the 10 best things to do in Florida in May.
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Key Takeaways
- Head to the newest theme park in Florida, Universal Epic Universe, one of the most incredible theme park you will ever visit
- Have a blast in Miami Beach with an explosion of shows every which way you look at the Hyundai Air & Sea Show
- Watch an all-star lineup of performances like Blake Shelton, Jake Owen, Ella Langley, Jelly Roll, Clint Black at the Country Thunder Festival in Tampa
- Go on an egg-citing scavenger hunt at EPCOT Flower and Garden Festival for your special Disney character egg souvenir
- Come out to Palatka Florida’s Blue Crab Festival, a free family event that has been entertaining all ages for almost 30 years
As you can see, each location provides unforgettable experiences that make Florida a top May getaway destination. Find out why below.
1. St. Johns Rivership Seafood Boil (Sanford, Florida)
All aboard the Sternwheeler Barbara-Lee for an All-You-Can-Eat Seafood Boil Cruise hosted by the St. Johns Rivership Co.
What makes it special?
Here you’ll get to:
- Dive into a seafood feast prepared by Anglers Choice Seafood
- Enjoy breathtaking sunset views along the scenic St. Johns River and Lake Monroe
- Have fun dancing to the live DJ entertainment
- Grab a drink and unwind with cocktails, wine, and beer for purchase at their full-service bar
This amazing thing to do in May in Florida takes place on select evenings throughout the month cruising from 6:30 pm to 9:00 pm.
You can reserve online at RivershipTix.com or call their office at 321-320-8466.
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2. Country Thunder Festival (Tampa, Florida)
Listen up, country fans, this one’s for you!
The hottest party hits Tampa this May when the Country Thunder Festival rolls into town.
If you want to keep the good times going all weekend long, be sure to grab your tickets and reserve your camping spot.
What makes it special?
- Catch must-see performances from an all-star lineup featuring Blake Shelton, Jake Owen, Ella Langley, Jelly Roll, Clint Black, and more
- Get into the spirit and dress up for theme day, Camo Country (Friday), Beach Bash (Saturday), Cowboy Grunge (Sunday)
- Sign up to compete in the annual Dancing with the Thunder partner and line dance competitions
- Listen to the stories and inspiration behind the hit songs of some of Nashville’s most talented songwriters in the air-conditioned Electric Thunder Tent
The festival takes place just outside of Raymond James Stadium and gates open each day at noon May 2nd to 4th.
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3. Opening of Universal Epic Universe (Orlando, Florida)
The newest theme park here in Florida, Universal Epic Universe is finally here and not only is it amazing, but it may just be one of the most incredible theme parks you will ever visit.
Be sure to snag your tickets ahead of time that way you can skip the lines when you get there and make the most of your day at the park.
What makes it special?
You’ll enjoy exciting things to do such as:
- Ride the thrilling dueling roller coaster, Stardust Racers, reaching speeds up to 62 miles per hour in Celestial Park
- Watch one of the best theme park live shows in the world in How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk
- Step into the The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic inspired by the magical Paris of the 1920s and the bustling London of the 1990s
- Explore the mysterious village of Darkmoor Dark Universe home to the iconic Universal monster legends like Dracula and Frankenstein’s Monster
- Brighten up your social media page with colorful and cool photos in Super Nintendo World
I also recommend that you try to arrive early, at least thirty minutes before it opens and getting the Epic Universe Express Pass can be a game changer.
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4. Haitian Heritage Celebration (Orlando, Florida)
If you are looking for island vibes the Haitian Heritage Celebration should be at the top of your list of things to do in Florida in May.
Celebrating Haitian heritage, culture, art food and music this island life themed event is sure to be a Carib-blast.
What makes it special?
- Enjoy the sounds and culture of Haiti through live music and traditional performanes
- Engage with local Haitian-owned businesses and entrepreneurs
- Explore and shop the colorful art exhibitions
- Treat yourself to mouthwatering dishes of authentic Haitian cuisine
This Florida festival in May kicks off at 3 pm on May 17th at Bon Appetit Grill located at 5787 Edgewater Drive Orlando, Florida.
5. EPCOT Flower and Garden Festival (Orlando, Florida)
If you’ve been following us over on ThemeParkHipster, then you already know—we’re obsessed with ALL THINGS DISNEY.
So of course, the EPCOT Flower and Garden Festival made our list of amazing things to do in May in Florida.
I love this Disney annual event because you’ll learn how to bring nature into your everyday life with food, gardening, drinks, and lots more.
There are special tours and “Kitchens” around World Showcase where you can see examples and of course the most beautiful topiaries you could ever imagine.
What makes it special?
You’ll enjoy exciting things to do such as:
- Experiencing Luminous: The Symphony of Us, the brand-new fireworks show lighting up the skies at Disney
- Taking endless photos of all incredibly beautiful topiary displays
- Drink and eat your way around the festival of the colorful and delicious cuisine at Epcot World Showcase
- Go on an Egg-stravaganza scavenger hunt doing the Epcot Egg Hunt
- Take advantage of special Flower and Garden Festival experiences, like the English Tea Garden Tour a complimentary guided tour in the tea gardens
- Listening to incredible artists as they perform classic tunes at the Gardens Rocks Concert Series
You will want to start early getting to the gates before 9 a.m. That way you can pace yourself and be able to enjoy the festival attractions in both Future World and World Showcase.
This Epcot Festival takes place daily from March 5, 2025, through June 2, 2025.
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6. Mother’s Day Brunch at SeaWorld Orlando (Orlando, Florida)
This Mother’s Day Brunch has you dining with the sharks!
Taking place at Sharks Underwater Grill in SeaWorld Orlando, they are famous for their floor-to-ceiling panoramic views of shark infested waters and a 70,000-gallon aquarium full of sharks and interesting fish.
What makes it special?
- Enjoy an upscale dining experience with a three-course brunch menu
- Add on the Bottomless Mimosas for a sip-erb Mother’s Day treat
- Every mother will receive a complimentary keepsake print and a beautiful rose to celebrate her special day
- Spot the unique smalltooth sawfish, nurse sharks, sand tiger and sandbar sharks, and the Atlantic blacktip shark as they swim all around you and right at your side
The Mother’s Day Brunch at Sharks Underwater Grill takes place on May 11th at SeaWorld Orlando.
There are two unique serving times, one at 9:30 am and the other at 12pm, check in starts 15 minutes prior to reservation time.
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7. Great American Beach Party (Fort Lauderdale, Florida)
I love visiting Fort Lauderdale, with its romantic canals and waterways, gorgeous beaches, cool shops and year-round vacation vibes.
If you are lucky enough to visit during Memorial Day weekend, then you are in for a treat.
May 24th brings the Great American Beach Party, an annual tradition in Fort Lauderdale with live music, classic cars, and lots of family fun.
What makes it special?
- SOCOM Para-Commandos Parachute Jump take to the skies for an incredible air show
- Family filled day with activities like face painting, a kid’s zone and crafts, water slides and a Native Village
- Take a stroll down memory lane at the Vintage Classic Car Show
- Watch the competition and sandy works of art at the Sand Sculpting Contest
This Florida family friendly event in May is free and takes place at Las Olas Oceanside Park in the City of Fort Lauderdale.
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8. The Blue Crab Festival (Palatka, Florida)
Located along the scenic waterfront and downtown Palatka, the Palatka Florida’s Blue Crab Festival is back again.
This annual tradition brings yummy food trucks, live concerts, and of course, plenty of finger licking good crabs to dig into.
What makes it special?
- Jam to the full day concert line ups across several stages that includes national headliners and regional musicians
- Eat your way through the food trucks
- Watch the Gatorland Water Ski Show Team on the waterfront
- Shop the local vendors with jewelry, arts and crafts,
- Let the young ones have a blast at the gigantic kid’s zone
- Crab Cook off
Best of all, it is a free Memorial Day weekend celebration happening on May 23rd, 24th, 25th.
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9. Formula 1 Miami Grand Prix (Miami, Florida)
Formula 1 comes to Miami for a turbo-changed weekend of nonstop adrenaline and heart pounding thrills.
There is a full weekend track schedule, practice and qualifying sessions, support races, press conferences and special events.
What makes it special?
- Watch the Formula 1 Pirelli Hot Laps
- Catch a glimpse of the celebrities meeting drivers at this star-studded event
- See the Air Display – Red Bull Parachute Jump
- Check out the Bonhams Car Auction
The grand event takes place on May 4th at the Miami International Autodrome with 57 laps that will have you on the edge of your seat.
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10. Hyundai Air & Sea Show (Miami Beach, Florida)
The biggest display of military equipment in the country arrives in Miami Beach with five city blocks of interactive military displays and action packed demonstrations.
Known as “The Greatest Show Above the Earth” this Memorial weekend event in Florida takes to the skies, sea, and land.
What makes it special?
- Enjoy the sky-high action with all 6 branches of the U.S. Military putting on an incredible air show
- Visit the action zone to see the Monster Energy Motorcross Exhibition and the Go Ruck Training course
- Have a chance to see the U.S. Customs and Border Patrol Drug Interdiction Exercises, United States Military Aerial Demonstrations, US Army Special Operations capability exercises, Military Parachute Team Demonstrations and more
- There is a kids zone with rock climbing walls, bungee jumps, bounce houses and slides
- The Veterans Florida Fireworks Extravaganza paints the sky in patriotic colors
The Hyundai Air & Sea Show is held on both May 24th and May 25thin Miami Beach and is a Florida event in May that is free and family-friendly.
Read NEXT: Florida Packing List Ultimate Guide: What to Pack for Your EPIC Trip!
My Final Thoughts
Florida in May is blooming with so many fantastic things to do for solo travelers, with friends and family, and that special someone.
With spring weather transitioning to summer, the temperatures are just right! Warm and comfortable with plenty of sunshine to brighten up your days.
Plus, with crowds on the lighter side at many of the top tourist hotspots Florida in May is a lot more fun without all the hustle and bustle.
What’s your favorite thing to do in Florida for May? Let us know in the comments section below!
Until next time, Happy Florida Travels Hipster!
About the Author
Sarah Jordan is a solo traveler enthusiast, professional travel writer, and proud mama to her rescue dog Coconut.
With a love for destinations across the globe, she made Epcot her first theme park and still treasures her EPCOT World Showcase passport to this day.
After finally following her inner wanderlust, she discovered the freedom and empowerment that solo travel brings.
